Name of trip: The Wonders of Kazakhstan
Tour’s destinations: Saty, Almaty
Arrival to: Almaty
Departure from: Almaty
Day 1: Almaty – Kaindy Lake – Saty
Upon arrival to Almaty you will start your amazing travel to Kolsai Lakes. Along the way you will discover the local market in the village. In the afternoon you will change to cars that are more suitable for mountain roads. It will be one of AWD cars such as “UAZ” or “PAZ” (Russian model of car). This day you will travel about 12 km to the lake. During the tour you will discover Kaindy Lake (“Birch Lake” in Kazakh language) that is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Kaindy Lake is different from others with its history and youth. By geological standards. In 1911, the city of Verny and its surroundings were shaken by a strong earthquake, and a tectonic collapse occurred in the Kaindy gorge. The lake was formed as a result of an earthquake in January 1911. The rocks that collapsed as a result of the tremors blocked the path of the rapid mountain river, forming a natural dam in its bed. This part of the gorge gradually filled with water, and a lake appeared. The lake has clear water, the color of which varies depending on the time of year from beautiful turquoise to dark blue. The bare tops of the fir trees rise straight out of the water. It is these fir trees that are the main attraction of the lake. The hundred-year-old trees were preserved and did not rot, because at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, the water temperature is very low. The lake is famous for its amazing natural beauty and charming ecosystem. You will have a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and see all the views. Tis night will be in the guesthouse.
Day 2: Kolsai Lakes – Saty
After breakfast you will start the tour with exploring Kolsai Lakes. Among the snow-white mountain peaks, where the Zailiysky Alatau and Kungey-Alatau ridges connect, in a small bridge of the Kolsay gorge, the real diamonds of nature of picturesque Kazakhstan are hidden Kolsay lakes. Surrounded by majestic centuries-old fir trees, the three lakes shine in the light of the bright mountain sun, justifying their title of "the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan". The water in the lakes constantly changes color, depending on how the sun's rays fall on it. During the tour you will discover the amazing three lakes is about 700 meters above sea level. This day you will explore the lowest lake by car, but in order to visit the second and the third lakes you should make a short trekking trip. You will have a chance to walk through the pine forest, alpine meadows and along the mountain river flowing down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The way takes 3-3,5 hours. After that we will return to Kolsai-3 and then to Saty village. This night you will rest in the guesthouse.
Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon –Almaty
This day you will have 2 hours way to the fabulous Charyn canyon. Along the way you will have a chance to discover the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. Then you will continue the tour with transferring to Charyn Canyon. After arrival you will be amazed by the fabulous you will be impressed by magnificence of nature. Charyn canyon is a beautiful natural monument, composed of sedimentary rocks, the age of which is about 12 million years. It stretches for 154 km along the Charyn River in Kazakhstan. The height of the steep mountains of the canyon reaches 150-300 meters. It is often compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA. To be honest, we have long wanted to see this natural monument with our own eyes. You will also have a great chance to enjoy exploring the beautiful scenery, explore the beauty of the sheer cliffs. You can walk through the Valley of Castles for about 2 km and see beautiful and charming towers and quaint shapes along the way. After that you will transfer to the hotel.
Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake– Almaty
This day you will have a chance to discover one of the most charming gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau – Issyk Gorge. This day you will transfer along the Kuldja tract, where centuries ago the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed. Today you will experience the history and culture of Saka period in the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. There are located exhibits includes a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. In the tour you will also discover the wonderful mountain lake Issyk. You will find the lake at an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will walk around and enjoy the virgin nature of this place. This day you will also discover the information about the natural disaster of 1963 changed the lake. This tour you will finish with transferring to the hotel.
Day 5: Almaty
In the morning you will have a chance to have guided tour in Almaty city. This day you will discover the history of the southern capital of Kazakhstan in Almaty Museum. Today you will have a chance to explore Abai Opera and ballet Theatre, which is famous for interesting history and fabulous architecture. Then you will travel to the oldest park of the city – Panfilov park. This day you will discover the highlights of this place - the memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and the charming wooden building of Zenkov Cathedral. Then you will continue the tour with visiting the gorgeous architecture of the Museum of Musical Instruments. Then you will direct to amazing site of Almaty is the Green Bazaar. There you will have a chance to discover place where people are selling and buying a big variety of goods. In the second part of the tour you will travel to Medeo Gorge that is located at an altitude of 1690 meters above sea level.During the tour you will discover that here is situated the world’s highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. This day you will also get to Shymbulak ski resort area (2260m a.s.l.) by a cable car. You will return by cable car. After that you will have a chance to discover the highest (above sea level) TV tower in the world. It is located at the top of Kok-Tobe hill. This day you will departure along the beautiful winding mountain road on the park eco-cars. Today you will also return to the city center by the famous Almaty cableway. It is not available on Tuesdays, but we can use a park eco-cars instead. Night you will spend in the hotel.
Day 6: Flight
After breakfast in a hotel you will be taken to the airport.
Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04 pax – Minivan
06-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter
Price per person:
02 pax – 980 $
04 pax – 715 $
06 pax – 530 $
08 pax – 445 $
10 pax – 410 $
Single – 130 $
Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 65 $
Half board – 130 $
Full board – 230 $
English speaking guide – 675 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Saty village – Home stays
Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
Service does not include:
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide