The shining diamonds of Kazakhstan

Tour title: The shining diamonds of Kazakhstan

Places to visit: Almaty, Kaindy Lake, Saty, Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Issyk Lake

Day 1: Almaty - Kaindy Lake - Saty
This day you will arrive to Almaty. You are going to have a comfortable and have an amazing trip to Kolsai Lakes. Along the way you will break for immersion to the national flovor in local Bazaar. In the second part of the day you will change the car to a comfortable one for a more suitable model that will be easy to drive on an unpaved mountain road, such as: "UAZ" or "PAZ" (Russian car models), (12 km) to Kaindy Lake. Kaindy lake is located 280 km from Almaty, in the Kungei Alatau gorge, at an altitude of 1667 m. People call this place "sunken forest" for its surreal appearance: from the turquoise surface of the lake, like the masts of sunken ships, the trunks of giant fir trees rise. And "Kaindy" in Kazakh means "birch abundance", because about five kilometers from the lake, among the dense spruce forest, there is a charming birch grove. You will spend the night in the guest house.

Day 2: Kolsai Lakes - Saty
After the breakfast you will transfer to Kolsai Lakes that people call as "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan". These are three mountain lakes that lie within the Kungei Alatau mountain range. It is possible to visit the largest lake, because it is available for travelers. Kolsay-2 (height above sea level 2,252). The maximum depth of the lake is about 50 m, the length is more than 1 km and the width is up to 900 m. 5 km above the second lake is Kolsay-3 (2,900 m above sea level). The lake is oval, with banks overgrown with juniper. These lakes are really beautiful with incredible nature and the abundance of mushrooms. It is possible to get to the lowest lake by car. You will stroll a little bit along the mountain trails to fascinate the second and the third lake. After arrival you will learn some rules and start trekking. The tour route will take you along the bank of the lake and you will walk with the path through the pine forest, you will mesmerize alpine meadows along pure mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. It will about about 7 km and usually takes 3-3,5 hours one way. Then you will return and transfer back to Saty settlement. The night will be in the guest house.

Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon -Almaty     
This day you will departure to fascinating place Charyn Canyon. You are going to transfer about 2 hours. You will observe the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts on the way. This is a picturesque natural area that impresses with its unearthly landscapes. The canyon is 200 m deep. The height of the steep mountains of the canyon reaches 150-300 m. The canyon itself is a natural monument made up of sedimentary rocks that are up to 12 million years old. The scenery here is truly amazing. After arrival you will be amazed by the panorama of the Canyon and go down to reach another amazing natural attraction the Castles Valley. The valley of castles is a rock Deposit resembling the shape of a tower, which was created as if by unknown giants. The valley of castles is more than 2 km long, and the width in different places reaches from 20 to 80 m.  After the excursion you will come back the same way as you had before and departure to another fascinating views. To complete the tour you will drive to the city and have a night in the hotel.

Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake- Almaty
You will lead today to spectacular gorge Issyk that runs along the legendary Kuldja tract. On the way tour route will take to the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK". There are located 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 lead to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, where you will be admired by gorgeous lake Issyk. the lake was formed 8 thousand years ago as a result of a powerful avalanche, which later created a natural dam 300 meters high. However, in 1963, everything changed in a matter of hours. From the glacial zone in the upper reaches of the Issyk river, a powerful mudflow burst out, whose huge waves destroyed the natural dam and the lake was emptied in a few moments. You will spend the night in the hotel.

Day 5: Almaty
You will have today a sightseeing tour. This day you will fascinate not only the historical attractions but also the modern ones. You will start from Almaty Museum, you are going to get acquainted closer with the Kazakh history, and know more information about city Almaty. Then you will direct to masterpiece of architecture Abai Opera an Ballet Theatre, you will learn a little history about this place. The tour route will take you after to Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where is located the outstanding building, the pride of Almaty and Kazakhstan Zenkov Cathedral. Along the way you will see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, and you will be impressed by the grander of the Museum of Musical Instruments. After exploration the cultural attraction you will get to interesting point the Green Bazaar, there you will enjoy the shopping and buy some gifts for your relatives. You will start the second part of the tour with the Medeu Gorge this place is known for the world's largest Alpine complex for winter sports. The next point will be riding on a cable car to Shymbulak ski resort area. You are going to admire the landscapes, observe the slopes covered with magnificent fur-trees up and take interesting photos. You will continue tour with another unique landmark Kok-Tobe hill, there is located the highest TV tower in Almaty. You will see the amazing views from the top and admire the great landscapes of the city. In the end of the tour you will have a ride by the cableway to the center of the city*. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead. Then you will transfer 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