Travel in Kazakhstan: Tour 8

 

Travel in Kazakhstan: Tour 8
Destination: Kazakhstan
Duration: 7 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Issyk Lake - Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Saty - Kolsai lakes - Kaindy Lake - Almaty


Day 1: Almaty - Issyk Lake - Almaty
Happy to see you in Kazakhstan. On arrival, the driver will meet you and accompany to Issyk gorge. The tour way lies along the Kuldja tract. In addition, you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK". There are descriptions 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, the model of Saka burial mound. Afterwards we will travel to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, where we can see outstanding Issyk Lake. It was appeared about 10,000 years ago due to landslide and has 300 meters in height. Here you will enjoy by seeing beauty of its turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge. Night is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Altyn Emel
In the morning we will travel to Altyn Emel National Park and see the Singing Dune. Singing Dune has height of 120 meters and a length of about 3 km. It is located in one of the corners of the Altyn Emel National Park. It has a very pure sand and starts to "sing" in windy weather. It sounds like the organ music and in storm the dune sounds like a drum. On a tour, travelers will admire magnificent panorama view of area. In the south, there is a thin strip of the Ili River is evident as well as purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty with the white peaks of the Ketmen ridge. On the west the horizon is clogged by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan and the Small Kalkan - from the east. In the north is violet-blue ridge of Jungar Alatau mountains, Chulak mountain, Matai and Altyn Emel are visible. Transfer to Altyn Emel hotel. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Altyn Emel
Today you will have a guided tour to Katutau and Aktau mountains. Katutau Mountains or Harsh Mountain are ruined mountains with well-looked-after volcanic outputs. The breed is very delicate and demolish under the physical influence. It was created by water, time and wind. Sedimentary rock of the bottom of the old Tethys Ocean is well-maintained there. Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are famous paleontological field. In the layers of Paleogene lacustrine deposits traces of antique animals of 25-30 million years old. There are the remains the giant rhinos, crocodiles, turtles. Huge conical mountains remind the Egyptian pyramids and are a dreamlike scene of the diversity of shapes and colors. Night is in a hotel.

Day 4: Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Saty
We will drive to Ash-tree Grove on the Temerlik River. In the lower reaches of the Charyn River and its branch Temirlik. On the way you will see rare species of Sogdian Ash-tree. Botanists claims that these trees are over a thousand years old. We will transfer to Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon is very famous not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. It was formed at the period of Paleogene and reminds the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America for its size. Wind and water have shaped the beautiful "Valley of Castles", where you are always enclosed by the celestial towers of sedimentary rocks. In the evening is departure to Saty village. Overnight is in a guest house.

Day 5: Saty - Kolsai lakes - Saty
Kolsai Lakes or so called "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan" show three lakes. The largest lake is available for all travelers. It is the most attractive lake with abundance of mushrooms. On arrival to Kolsay 3 Lake you will start the trekking. The way lies on the bank of the lake with the path through the pine forest, alpine meadows, mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai 2 Lake. The walk between two lakes will take about 7 km and usually takes 3-3,5 hours one way. If you hike to an altitude rises up more than 400 m, from 1818 m above sea level at the first lake to 2250 m at the second lake. It is good for healthy, average-trained people. In the afternoon we will walk back to Kolsai 3 Lake and return to Saty settlement. Rest is in the guest house.

Day 5: Saty - Kaindy Lake - Almaty
In the morning is transfer to Kaindy lake. Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is located amongst superb pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and formed in 1911 due to the strong earthquake that is blocked the valley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold and has transparent surface. This is one of the best places for hiking. We are sure you will love it! We will return to Almaty. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Flight
Transfer to the airport and departure. Have a safe flight!


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


Price per person:
02 pax - 1 120 $
04 pax - 785 $
06 pax - 680 $
08 pax - 565 $
10 pax - 515 $
Single - 150 $

Early check-in - 30 $
Single early check-in - 50 $

Half board - 150 $
Full board - 270 $

English speaking guide - 720 $ per group


Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" Hotel 3*
Altyn Emel - "Aigaikum" Guesthouse
Saty village - Home stay
- 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