Discover Kazakhstan Tour 2

Discover Kazakhstan: Tour 2
Destination: Kazakhstan 
Duration: 7 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk - Tamgaly Tas - Altyn Emel - Saty - Kaindy - Kolsai Lakes - Charyn Canyon - Almaty

Day 1: Almaty
Welcome to Kazakhstan. On arrival you will learn more about history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. First to all visit the Green Bazaar and bargain! Then we will visit Panfilov park one of the oldest parks in Almaty as well as Zenkov Cathedral. See the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame built in honor of the heroes who died for freedom and independence of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon we will travel to Medeo Gorge and see the highest mountain skating rink and dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflows. We will drive to Kok - Tobe hill and see the tallest TV tower. Being there you will enjoy walking along the winding paths of the park, enjoy good-looking panorama view of the city from a special observation platform and visit the national souvenir shop. The day will end from the top of the hill to the city center along the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Issyk - Almaty
Today we will travel to Trans Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge that is located along the Kuldja tract. On the tour there you will find out about nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sakas tribe, where the famous "Golden Man" was found and later on became the state symbol of Kazakhstan. Then you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK" dedicated to the history and culture of the Sakas period, counting a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. The tour will be continued seeing the beautiful mountain Lake Issyk with the altitude 1756 meters above sea level, that lays in the valley with the same name. The lake originated at about 10,000 years ago due to landslide. Night is in a hotel.

Day 3: Almaty - Tamgaly Tas - Altyn Emel
Today we will travel to Tamgaly Tas that lays on the Ili River. In Tamgaly Tas you will see images of Buddha's and texts in Tibetan, Kalmyk and other languages which are mostly prayers that are carved on old rocks. Upon arrival in Tamgaly Tas, your guide will tell you many interesting things about this astonishing place. On the opposite side of the river, you will see the set in the style of medieval Kazakhstan that was built for the filming "The Nomad" film. On the end of the tour, driver will take you to the Baschi village. In the afternoon you will drive to a hotel. Driver will take you to Altyn Emel National Park to the Singing Dune. Singing Dune has height of 120 meters and a length of about 3 km. It is located between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. This place calls so because sandy hill contains of pure sand that begin "sing" in windy weather and it sounds like the organ music. But until sandy storm the dune sounds like a drum. From the top it you can view the attractiveness of the grand panorama. In the south, a thin strip of the Ili River is visible, as well as the purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, developing from the white peaks of the Ketmensky ridge. In the west, the horizon is congested by the steep slope of Big Kalcan, and Small Kalcan is blocked from the east. To the north is the purple-blue ridge of Jungar Alatau, the Chulak Mountains, Matai and Altyn Emel. If the weather is dry and windy, the sand dune will "sing" your song to you, which can be heard even from kilometers. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 4: Altyn Emel - Saty - Kaindy
Today we will drive from Altyn Emel arriving to Kolsai Lakes at 12:00. Then is transfer to Kaindy Lake. Kaindy Lake or so called birch lake is situated in pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is well known for its sources. It appeared in 1911 because of the powerful earthquake that caused the landslide blocked the alley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water in the lake is very cold. We are sure you will be impressed by magnificence of the lake on your tour. Rest.

Day 5: Saty - Kolsai Lakes
In the morning we will go to trekking from the lake Kolsai 1 to the lake Kolsai 2. Kolsai Lakes are called the "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan" is a flow of three lakes. The largest lake of them is accessible for all visitors. It is the most impressive and wonderful lake that has not a development but has a lot of mushrooms. On the way you will have horse riding tour to this place. Small lake here is the highest and situated on the border of spruce and alpine meadows it astonishes with its harsh alpine beauty, as well as rich flora and fauna. The vertical difference between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lowest lake can be reached by car. Travelers will have an opportunity to go a few kilometers lengthways the mountain trails to see the second and third lake. It is one of the best places for fishing and picnics. Here you will see deer, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. Overnight is in a guesthouse.

Day 6: Saty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Today we will drive to Almaty at 09:00am. You will visit Charyn Canyon on the way. This Canyon is a natural complex and famous not only in Kazakhstan. It was appeared during the Paleogene and look like the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in North America due to size. The height of the steep slopes of the canyon reaches 150-300 meters. The unusual opening of the area is outstanding: numerous gorges form a thick chaotic network. Wind and water have created a wonderful "Valley of Castles" where you are always enclosed by peculiar towers made up of sedimentary rocks. The valley's length is more than 2 km; width is 20-80 meters. On this tour you will have an opportunity to walk for hours among strange towers and columns, astonished by nature 's wild imagination. The time of arrival to Almaty is 19:00. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Flight
Have a safe flight!

 
Transport:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus

Price per person:
02 pax - 1 305 $
04 pax - 835 $
06 pax - 640 $
08 pax - 535 $
10 pax - 475 $
Single - 140 $

Early check-in - 30 $
Single early check-in - 45 $ 

Half board - 105 $
Full board - 170 $

English speaking guide - 675 $ per group
 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Saty - Homestay
Altyn Emel - Guesthouse
- Museum admissions
- Mineral water supply

Service does not include:
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide