Travel around Kazakhstan: Tour 8

 

Travel around 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 
Welcome to see dear travelers on a tour in Kyrgyzstan. The driver will meet you at the airport and accompany to Issyk gorge. The route will pass sideways the Kuldja tract. We will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK". You will learn more about the history and culture of the Saka period, comprising a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. We will travel to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level and then see an attractive mountain lake Issyk. The lake was molded about 10,000 years ago due to gigantic tremor, caused in formation of the natural dam of 300 meters in height. On the lake you will relish the imposing beauty of its turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge. Rest is in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty - Altyn Emel
In the morning we will drive to Altyn Emel National Park and visit the Singing Dune. Singing Dune ranges a height of 120 meters and a length of about 3 km. It is situated in one of the corners of the Altyn Emel National Park. This hill contains pure sand, which starts to "sing" in windy weather. From dune you can enjoy the celestial panorama of the environs. In the south see a reedy slip of the Ili River is noticeable as well as purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty, looking out from the white peaks of the Ketmen ridge. On the west the horizon is congested by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan and the Small Kalkan - from the east. In the north - violet-blue ridge of Jungar Alatau mountains, Chulak mountain, Matai and Altyn Emel are observable. We will transfer to Altyn Emel hotel.

Day 3: Altyn Emel
Today we will visit Katutau and Aktau mountains.
Katutau Mountains or Harsh Mountains are very olden derelict mountains with well-looked-after volcanic outputs. The breed is brittle and halts down under the objective influence. Sedimentary rock of the bottom of Tethys Ocean is pickled there. Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are world-renowned paleontological field. In the layers of Paleogene lacustrine deposits well-preserved relics of primeval animals. It is about 25-30 million years old. We will see remains of giant rhinos, crocodiles, turtles. See conical mountains recap the Egyptian pyramids and are enchanted section of the variety of shapes and colors. We will return to Altyn Emel hotel. 

Day 4: Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Saty
In the morning is transfer to Ash tree Grove on the Temerlik River. In the lower scopes of the Charyn River and its branch Temirlik there is an exclusive place, where rare species of Sogdian Ash tree are rising. Botanists consider that these trees are over a thousand years old. We will transfer to Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon is an environmental complex and famous all over the world. It was created at the period of Paleogene and recaps the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America. It was created by wind and water. It is also called "Valley of Castles". Then is transfer to Saty village. Overnight is in a guest house.

Day 5: Saty - Kolsai lakes - Saty
Kolsai Lakes - "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan" characterize a form of three lakes. The largest lake is available for all sightseers. It is the most gorgeous lake, having a lack of development and the profusion of mushrooms. On arrival to Kolsay 3 Lake and got a short instruction, you will start the trekking. The route is located on the bank of the lake and continues with the path via the pine forest, alpine meadows lengthways pure mountain river rolling all the way down from Kolsai 2 Lake. The entire walking distance between two lakes is about 7 km and usually takes 3-3,5 hours one way. An altitude growth up more than 400 m, from 1818 m above sea level at the first lake to 2250 m at the second lake. There is no category of difficulty and route is available for healthy, average-trained people. In the afternoon we will walk back to Kolsai 3 Lake and back to Saty settlement. Overnight is in a guest house. 

Day 6: Saty - Kaindy Lake - Almaty
In the morning is transfer to Kaindy lake. Kaindy Lake is located amid wonderful pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. It was originated in 1911 due to the dominant earthquake that caused the landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam. The water of the lake is very cold and transparent. It is worth seeing it by own eyes. This lake will not leave anyone indifferent. We will return to Almaty. Night is in a hotel.

Day 7: Flight
Transfer to the airport and departure.

 

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