The pearls of Kazakh land
The name of the tour: The pearls of Kazakh land
Arrival to: Almaty
Departure from: Almaty
Visiting landmarks: Almaty, Kaindy Lake, Saty, Kolsai lakes, Charyn Canyon, Issyk
Day 1: Almaty - Kaindy Lake - Saty
Today you will arrive to Almaty. You will go by comfortable transport, where you can enjoy nature. This day you will start incredible trip to amazing to Kolsai Lakes. To immerse into national flavor you will be offered to explore local market on the way. In the second part of the tour you will change your car to one of AWD local cars, such as "UAZ" or "PAZ" (Russian car models), because such cars are able to drive off-road to high altitude lakes. You will drive to Kaindy lake. The lake is only 400 meters long. It was formed as a result of a massive earthquake in 1911. There was a huge landslide that blocked the gorge and a natural dam appeared. Gradually, the water rose and flooded this natural reservoir. What you see above the water are those 100 year old fir trees. Below, however, is a very different picture. The lake is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, and the water here is so cold that it, in fact, preserved branches and needles under water. All this beautiful work should be seen with your own eyes. You will spend the night in the guest house.
Day 2: Kolsai Lakes - Saty
After breakfast you will have a tour to Kolsai Lakes. Kolsai is a priceless decoration of the Northern Tien Shan. It is a cascade of three beautiful lakes. In Kazakh, "Kolsai" means "lake in the gorge". In the same picturesque Kolsay gorge in the Eastern part of the Kungei Alatau range, 300 kilometers from Almaty. The largest lake available to travelers. This lake is very exciting with its beautiful views and abound in mushrooms and flowers. You can move to the lowest lake by car. You will meander some kilometers, where you will have a chance to discover see the second and the third lake. While travelling you will observe the fascinating nature. After arrival to Kolsai-3 Lake you will receive instructions and start trekking. You can have a great time walking along the shore and seeing the incredibly beautiful pine forest, alpine meadows along pure mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. It will be about 7 km to walk about 7 km. and it will take about 3-3,5 hours one way. Then you will move back to Kolsai-3 Lake and transfer back to Saty settlement. Your night will be in the guest house.
Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon -Almaty
After breakfast you will have an adventure to fabulous landmark Charyn Canyon. To get to the canyon will take about 2 hours. Today you will also visit the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. Charyn was formed 12 million years ago under the influence of nature. Nature has created a unique masterpiece with a length of 154 km and a rock height of 150-300 meters. The Charyn canyon has much in common with the Grand Canyon in the United States, except for its size. On the territory of the canyon has a unique flora and fauna, which grow relict plants. Arrival to the canyon you will adore the spectacular panorama and move down Charyn Canyon. In course of the tour you will stroll 2 km through the maze of the Castles Valley with its bizarre shapes of animals and towers similar to castles. It is believed that the canyon was formed under the influence of three elements: water, sun and wind. But there is an opinion that this is a tectonic fault at the plate boundary, and water, sun and wind only gave the canyon a modern look. You will have a rest and get to the next point observation, where you will admire the magnificent panorama. Then you will transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake- Almaty
Today you will have a great journey to one of the most charming gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. Tor route offers you to visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK", where you will discover the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. After you will head on to lake Issyk is an incredibly picturesque lake located high in the mountains. The lake itself is surrounded by rocks and dense coniferous forest - a spectacular sight! The lake is 70 km away. The altitude of the lake is of 1756 meters above sea level. There you will have a chance to admire pristine nature. And watch the incredibly beautiful surface of the water, which changes depending on the weather. While travelling you will know about the natural disaster of 1963. You will rest the night in the hotel.
Day 5: Almaty
After breakfast you will have a sightseeing tour of Almaty. You will start with exploring Almaty Museum, where you will learn about the history of the previous capital of the country. Then you will contemplate at the unique architecture of Abai Opera an Ballet Theatre. The tour route will lead you to one of the significant sites of Almaty Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, with perennial oaks, maples, aspens, pines and firs located around the famous Zenkov Cathedral. During the tour you will observe the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Museum of Musical Instruments. The next destination of the tour will be the Green Bazaar, where they sell fresh food, fruits and vegetables. You can enjoy the Oriental notes in this place. After exploration the cultural center you will direct to the Medeu Gorge a picturesque place where a high-altitude ice rink with a dam is located. After you will have a rail road in Shymbulak ski resort area. You can have a great time riding the cable car, see the slopes of the mountains covered with fir trees, which refresh the air with their coniferous smell. Then you will lead to Kok-Tobe hill, where you will drive by the picturesque winding mountain road on the park eco-cars. Here is the highest TV tower which is indicated in many postcards of the country. You will end the tour with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway*. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead. You will drive to the hotel for overnight.
Day 6: Flight
Hotel breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the airport and departure.
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