The Wonders of Northern Tien Shan
Name of tour: The Wonders of Northern Tien Shan
Length: 6 days and 5 nights
Overnight stays: Saty, Almaty
Day 1: Almaty – Kaindy Lake – Saty
After arrival to Almaty you will start your amazing travel to Kolsai Lakes. On the way, you will visit the local market in the village. After lunch we will change to cars that are more suitable for mountain roads. It will be one of AWD cars such as “UAZ” or “PAZ” (Russian model of car). We will drive 12 km to the lake. Kaindy Lake (“Birch Lake” in Kazakh language) is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by wonderful pine forest. The lake has a very interesting history. In 1911, a colossal landslide blocked the valley by the natural dam. As a result, the water has flooded the valley. You can still see the fabulous underwater forest and the tree trunks that rise to the surface of the water. The overnight will be in a guesthouse.
Day 2: Kolsai Lakes – Saty
Breakfast will be in the guesthouse. Today you will discover the beauty of Kolsai Lakes. This cascade of three lakes is also known as “the Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan”. The largest lake is the most popular touristic destination. It is the most charming place, where you can relax from the bustle of the cities. The difference in altitude between three lakes is about 700 meters above sea level. It is possible to reach the lowest lake by car, but in order to visit the second and the third lakes you should make a short trekking trip. Upon arrival at Kolsay-3 the guide will introduce you with all instructions for trekking. We will walk through the pine forest, alpine meadows and along the mountain river flowing down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The total distance between two lakes is about 7 km. The way takes 3-3,5 hours. After that we will return to Kolsai-3 and then to Saty village. You will spend the night in the guesthouse.
Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon –Almaty
Today we will take a 2 hours way to the famous Charyn canyon. On the way you will have an opportunity to visit the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. After arrival to Charyn Canyon, you will be impressed by magnificence of nature. You can also walk around 2 km through the “Castles valley”. On the bottom of canyon, you will see the fresh oasis on the bank of cold Charyn river. Here you will relax in the eco-park with several yurts (traditional nomadic dwellings) and a small summer café. Then we will do back to the cars and drive to another observational point, where you can take pictures of spectacular view. Upon arrival to the city, you will check into the hotel.
Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake– Almaty
Today you will travel to one of the most enchanting gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau – Issyk Gorge. We will drive along the Kuldja tract, where centuries ago the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed. Also you will get acquainted with the history and culture of Saka period in the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. The list of exhibits includes a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. After that the tour will continue to the wonderful mountain lake Issyk. It is located at an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will walk around and enjoy the virgin nature of this place. In addition, your guide will tell you how the natural disaster of 1963 changed the lake. In the evening, you will be taken to the hotel.
Day 5: Almaty
Today will be dedicated to the guided tour in Almaty city. First, you will learn about the history of the southern capital of Kazakhstan in Almaty Museum. The next destination will be Abai Opera and ballet Theatre, which is famous for interesting history and amazing architecture. After that the guide will accompany you to the oldest park of the city – Panfilov park. The highlights of this place are the memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and the wonderful wooden building of Zenkov Cathedral. You will also see the unique architecture of the Museum of Musical Instruments. Another interesting site of Almaty is the Green Bazaar. It is a popular market place where people are selling and buying a big variety of goods. After lunch, we will start driving to Medeo Gorge, which is situated at an altitude of 1690 meters above sea level. It is famous for the world’s highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, that protects the city from a mudflow. We will reach Shymbulak ski resort area (2260m a.s.l.) by a cable car. The way will take about 20-25 minutes. On the first level of ski resort, there are many restaurants, ski & snowboarding school and modern hotel. We will return by cable car. Then you will have a chance to see the highest (above sea level) TV tower in the world. It is located at the top of Kok-Tobe hill. We will drive along the beautiful winding mountain road on the park eco-cars. After an excursion we will return to the city center by the famous Almaty cableway. It is not available on Tuesdays, but we can use a park eco-cars instead. Today you will spend the night in a hotel.
Day 6: Flight
After breakfast in a hotel you will be taken to the airport.
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