Golden Altyn Emel tour

Name of tour: Golden Altyn Emel tour 

Length: 7 days and 6 nights 

Overnight stays: Almaty, Altyn Emel, Kaindy, Kolsai Lakes

Day 1: Almaty
Today you will be met by the driver. Then you will be departing to the southern capital Almaty. You will have a fascinating city tour exploring the best sites of Almaty.  You will be told about the ancient history of the country, city and the future plans.  Today you will visit the interesting site for travelers bright Green Bazaar. Here you will not resist the opportunity to buy something interesting; you will buy beautiful Souvenirs for you and your family. You will see a truly beautiful Oriental Bazaar and enjoy the national atmosphere, where you can bargain with hospitable sellers. After that you will direct to Panfilov park that is one of the oldest parks in Almaty. Walking there you will get to the amazingly beautiful wooden building Zenkov Cathedral. The tour route will take you to Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame dedicated to those who died defending their homeland. The next spot of the tour will be Medeo Gorge. After arrival you will observe the highest mountain skating rink and dam. Then you will reach the stunning hill of Kok-tobe by the spectacular mountain road. You will fascinate the tallest TV tower in the world. You will have a chance to stroll in Kok Tobe Park, explore the amazing landscapes, buy souvenirs and enjoy the national atmosphere. You will have a chance to admire the panorama view of the city from a special observation platform. Don’t miss chance to explore souvenir shop. The tour will be completed with a riding by the amazing Almaty cableway. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
This day you will explore the place where the trade caravans of the Great Silk Road passed for many years. You will find the spectacular gorge on Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge thet is located along the Kuldja tract. During the tour you will get some interesting facts about nature and ancient history of the country and admire the cultural heritage. You will explore the burial mounds of Sakas tribe, where was explore the famous "Golden Man". This priceless artifact became the splendor the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Today you will also explore such wonderful sites as the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will be inspired by the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Sakas period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound.  You will continue the tour with exploring the beautiful mountain Lake Issyk that is located on the height of 1756 meters above sea level. The lake is located on Issyk gorge. According to geologists, it was formed about 10,000 years ago as a result of a vast mountain collapse, which created a natural 300-meter dam and dammed the valley. You will see a beautiful panorama of the emerald lake, enjoy nature, marvel at the beauty of the juniper forests that surround the lake. You will also explore the facts of the natural disaster of 1963. There you will be fascinated with the picnic and have free time. Night will be in the hotel.

Day 3: Almaty – Tamgaly Tas – Altyn Emel
Today you will explore the amazing attraction Tamgaly Tas that is located on the Ili River. Tamgaly Tas is famous for huge boulders in an astonishing order. Many of them are labeled with rock carvings that testify to the way of life, life and religious beliefs of the peoples who populated this land many centuries ago. Here you can see domestic scenes, animals and hunting, which tells about the priorities of people of the past. A special place in the series of rock paintings is occupied by rock paintings of the Buddha. Upon arrival, you will be introduced to the history, see many interesting petroglyphs and learn how life was born in this place. The tour route will take you to Baschi village. Then you will drive to amazing Altyn Emel National Park where you will have a chance to explore the fascinating the Singing Dune. Singing Dune is located on the territory of the famous Altyn-Emel nature reserve. It is important to note that this natural attraction is important in the country and is known all over the world. It is located in the desert between the peaks of the Dzungarian Alatau. The sandy valley is 150 meters long. The length of the dune itself is 3 km. For thousands of years, strong winds have blown sand from the river Ili in the same direction, eventually forming a high sand mountain. The wind slackened as it hit the mountain ranges, and the sand settled in one place and stayed there. This is how the sand dune grew, in some places its peaks reach 600 meters. At the same time, the sand here is not unstable and does not move down under the influence of weather conditions. The singing of the dune, its subtle melodies, made this place famous. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 4: Altyn Emel – Saty – Kaindy
This day you will transfer from Altyn Emel to Kolsai Lakes. You will arrive at 12:00. You will be impressed by the beauty of the lakes. Kaindy lake is a popular holiday destination. Its calmness and beauty attract tourists from all over the world. The natural wonder is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. The lake is surrounded by rocky slopes and steep cliffs. Coniferous trees and birches grow on them. The length of the reservoir is about 400 m, but the depth ranges from 17 to 25 m. Lake means "Birch Lake". Not far from the lakes is a birch grove. Pine trees that rise majestically above the transparent surface. More precisely, these are the remains of century-old trees — they are also called guardians of the lake. And under the water you can even see preserved needles. The beauty of the lake cannot be described in words, it is better to capture it for life. You will transfer to Saty tand the night will be in the guest house.

Day 5: Saty – Kolsai Lakes
This day you will start at 7 o’clock. After the breakfast you will lead to trekking from the lake Kolsai-1 to the lake Kolsai-2. During the tour you will have a lunch. It is called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. Three picturesque mountain lakes located in the Northern part of the Tien Shan are called Kolsai. The two lower lakes are surrounded not only by fir trees, but also by Alpine meadows and mountain pastures. It is possible to see the largest lake. A trip around the lake will allow you to enjoy its beauty from all sides. You can also find virgin tropics where hawthorn and wild strawberries grow. You can also have a chance to order horse riding tour to this place. Small lake is surrounded by magnificent rocky shores, overgrown with luxuriant bushes. This lake ends with a magnificent ensemble created by nature itself. The vertical difference between the three lakes is about 700 meters. You will get to the lowest by car. You will walk a little bit along the wonderful trails and observe the picturesque mountain trails to see the second and third lake. You will never forget all their splendor, silence and tranquility around. When the surface of the lake is calm, it reflects the sky, creating a charming panorama of the mountain landscape. Travelling here you will have a chance see deer, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. Then you will drive to the guest house.

Day 6: Saty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
After breakfast going back to Almaty at 09:00am. You are going to visiting Charyn Canyon on the way. This Canyon is a natural complex; the uniqueness of this place is that it is only in Kazakhstan. Charyn canyon is a mountain gorge in Kazakhstan. This is an incredibly picturesque place that everyone must visit. The valley stretches for 154 kilometers. Locals call it the younger brother of the American Grand Canyon. Attention is drawn to the fortress towers and abysses, the depth of which reaches 300 meters. The canyon was formed about 12 years ago and attracts with its beautiful views. There is also a Sogdian ash tree and a Beautiful natural attraction, the valley of castles, which attracts with its beauty. You can walk along the canyon and take photos. You will return to Almaty and arrive at 19:00.

Day 7: Flight
After breakfast you will do check – out till 12:00 and then transfer to airport.

Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04 pax – Minivan
06-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter in Almaty / Toyota Hiace in Shymkent

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 305 $
04 pax – 835 $
06 pax – 640 $
08 pax – 535 $
10 pax – 475 $
Single – 140 $

Early check-in – 30 $
Single early check-in – 45 $ 

Half board – 105 $
Full board – 170 $ 

English speaking guide – 675 $ per group

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
            Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
            Saty – Homestay
            Altyn Emel – Guesthouse
- Museum admissions
- Mineral water supply           

Service does not include:
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide