Tour program

Day 1. Almaty
Arrival to Almaty. Your driver will be waiting at Almaty (ALA) airport to take you directly to your hotel in Almaty – a 30-minute drive. There are no activities planned for today.

Please keep in mind that hotel check-in time is typically after 2.00pm. Early check in is not guaranteed, but if you do arrive early luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Overnight at a hotel in Almaty


Day 2. Almaty – Altyn Emel National Park, Ak Tau Mountains.
Today and after breakfast we drive to Altyn Emel National Park located in the desert area (230 km). Accommodation in the Guest House. Lunch. Transfer to Ak Tau Mountains (70 km) with its moony landscapes, watching the desert's wildlife en route. Hiking in the mountains. Dinner in the Guest House / Free time.

Overnight at the Guest House
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner


Day 3. Altyn Emel – Singing Sand Dune – Charyn River Canyon.
After breakfast, morning drive to the Singing Sand Dune – 50 km. Hiking to the top of the Dune. Drive to Charyn Canyon (240 km). Lunch in local café in Baiseit village (optional). Arriving to Charyn Canyon. There are few observation points, where you can enjoy the view of the "Valley of Castles" and then we hike along the bottom of the Canyon to the bank of the Charyn River. After walking around and taking pictures, we are heading to Saty Village (60 km), accommodation in the Guest House. Dinner / Free time.

Overnight at the Guest House
Meals: breakfast, dinner


Day 4. Charyn Canyon – Kaindy Lake – Kolsay Lake.
Breakfast. Morning drive to Kolsay Koldery National Park in Kungey Alatau Mountain Range. Visit the beautiful mountain lake Kaindy (1818 m). Hiking along the lake – 1 hour. Drive back to Saty Guest House – lunch. After lunch we drive to Kolsay Lake (20 km). Accommodation in the beautiful mountain hotel Kolsay Nomads. Evening hike in the area. Free time.

Overnight at the hotel (Kolsay Nomads)
Meals: breakfast, lunch


Day 5. Kolsay Lakes – Almaty.
Today after breakfast we have a full day hiking around Kolsay Lake and up to Kolsay Lake 2, through the breathtaking pine forest watching local flora and fauna (3 – 4 hours). Descent back and drive to Almaty. On the way lunch in Baiseit village at the local café (optional). Arriving to Almaty, hotel accommodation / free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Almaty
Meals: breakfast


Day 6. Almaty – Issyk Archaeological Complex – Kazakh Ethnic Aul "Gunny" – Almaty.
After breakfast transfer to Issyk Archaeological Complex (UNESCO World Heritage) – 50 km. Visit famous mound and museum. Transfer to Kazakh Ethnic Aul "Gunny" (15 km) for acquaintance with life of nomads and the show program. Lunch in the Aul – Kazakh traditional cuisine with master class. Transfer to Almaty (35 km). Hotel accommodation / free time.

Overnight at the hotel in Almaty
Meals: breakfast, lunch


Day 7. Almaty. Excursion to Northern Tien Shan Mountains.
After breakfast, transfer to Ile – Alatau National Park (15 km) to the high-altitude skating rink "Medeo" (1600 m a.s.l.). Take a cable car lift to Shymbulak Ski Resort and further up to Talgarsky Pass (3128 m.) Panoramic view to the Zailiskiy Alatau chain of mountains and Almaty City. Couple of hours hiking around and enjoying the views. Descent by cabin to Medeo. Drive to Almaty, souvenir shopping.

Overnight at a hotel in Almaty
Meals: breakfast


Day 8. Departure
A transfer will be provided from your hotel to ALA Airport - a 30-minute drive. We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Kazakhstan soon.

Inclusions:
All transport services according to the program in an Air-conditioned tourist transport – tourist bus / Van or 4WD car.
Double\ Twin sharing accommodation: 4* hotel in Almaty – 4 nights, guest house in Altyn Emel – 1 night, Guest House in Saty Village – 1 night, hotel in Kolsay – 1 night
English speaking guide throughout the tour
Meals according to the program
Entrance fees for the tourist sites as specified in the program (Museums, fee for the National Parks)
Mineral water for the entire itinerary

Exclusions:
International air tickets
Visa to Kazakhstan (if required)
Travel insurance
Meals that are not included above
Single supplement charge
Drinks that are not included above
Personal expenses