Authentic life
Itinerary name: Authentic life
Day-by-day program:
Day 1: Almaty – Kaindy Lake – Saty
After arrival to Almaty, drive to lovely lakes of Kolsai on the comfortable minivans to start your “Authentic life” tour. Long but enjoyable drive will be full in interesting stops like local market at the on rural village. After arrival to base settlement Saty, have another car to drive to Kaindy Lake. It will be Russian cars like “UAZ” or “PAZ”, it is convenient for driving on the mountain way. Kaindy in translation means ‘birch’, it is located among the amazing mountain forest at the altitude of 2000 meters above the sea level. The origin of the lake goes to 1911, when the earthquake has happened. In the result, the landslide cascaded and made natural dam blocking the water going down. Now it turned into the magnificent mountain lake. The water of the lake is very clean and cold, taking its beginnings from the glaciers. After having enjoyed incredible beauty, you will return to guesthouse in Saty.
Day 2: Kolsai Lakes – Saty
After breakfast, continue your tour to Kolsai Lakes. There three lakes located in these area, one beautiful from another. Today you can have an opportunity to reach second lake by hiking. The first Kolsai lake can be easily accessible by car, that’s why it is very popular destination in summer time. Here you can find any kind of activity, starting from gathering mushrooms and berries to fishing special kind of mountain trout. Altitude drop of three lakes differs about 700meters and walking distance between them are two-three kilometers. All lakes are surrounded with high spruce and lush meadow. If you want to hike to other lakes it will take about 3-3,5 hours to each and approximately 7 km. Drive back to Saty village and overnight will be in a guesthouse.
Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon –Almaty
Today you will go on your adventure to Charyn Canyon. The way will take about 2 hours. En route stop at local museum, where you will get information about applied art of Kazakh people. Arrive to grandiose Charyn Canyons, it is the unique monument of nature. The erosion of eternal forces like the sun and water created Charyn Canyon millions of years ago. You can enjoy the panorama view on the top or take 2 km path among canyons to Charyn river. The most beautiful popular and easy available part is Valley of Castles; massive silhouette feels like huge castles. If you will go down and follow the path, you will find yourself in a magic land of fantastic towers, sky bridges, fossilized dinosaurs and other interesting creatures. Near the banks of the river, there is a nice camp with yurts and café. After entertaining experience in the canyons, we will drive back to Almaty. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake– Almaty
Today’s day trip will be to the most charming gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau. Issyk Gorge is located on the Kuldja tract. Centuries ago, the place were full of caravans from East and West, travelling on the Silk Road. En route we will be able to visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, here you can see the large permanent exhibition dedicated to the history of the Saka-Scythian tribe. Moreover, there is a copy of the famous Golden Man and many other artefacts like ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of the burial mound belongs to Saka tribe. Further, you will go along the gorge to the Issyk lake, which is located at the altitude of 1756 m. Here you will relax at the brilliantly blue colored lake and enjoy birds singing around. You guide will tell you about natural events happened in 1963. After relaxing nature leisure, you will drive back to the city. Overnight will be in a hotel.
Day 5: Almaty
Your guided tour will open all the best sites of Almaty and its surrounding. Almaty in the major city in southern Kazakhstan and has an important role in the life of Kazakhstan. You will start your city tour from the excursion in the Almaty museum, where there are significant exhibitions to tell about the history of the Almaty. Then go on to Abai Opera and Ballet Theater, have a good idea of city architecture and history. The city’s famous park- Panfilov Park, which hosts beautiful wooden Cathedral of Zenkov, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and the building of Museum of Musical Instruments. You will listen to detailed information of your guide. Enjoy a short walk, immersing the life of the city. It will take you to blooming Green Bazaar. Here you will see kind sellers with juicy fruits. After exploring the city and having delicious lunch at the local restaurant, take a tour to the Medeo Gorge, where the highest mountain outdoor skating rink is located. Then take a cable car to a ski resort Shymbulak, popular for city residents during the wintertime. On the cabin, you will see admirable beauty of nature and fir trees growing up to 2260 meters above sea level. After coming back to the city take eco-cars to Kok-Tobe hill, where you will have the panoramic view to the whole city. TV tower on the top of the hill considered to be the highest in the world (if to count from the sea level). You can find nice national souvenirs in the small boutiques or have a walk. On the way to the city, take a cableway (except Tuesdays). Tour starting at 10:00 cable way is not available. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 6: Flight
In the morning, drive to airport according to your flight schedule.