7-day The Wonders of Kazakhstan

We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to Almaty city. Standard check-in at hotel after 15:00.

We go towards Medeo gorge where the highest mountain sports complex at an altitude of 1691 meters is located. Medeo is often a favorite place for the residents of Almaty on weekends. Some hoking or walking in the area (optionally cable car).

Then we return to Almaty, where we visit Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful, magnificent architectural monuments in the city.

After we go to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city. It is famous for its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the Kok Tobe hill, we take a cable car ride. Once you reach the Kok Tobe hill, you will see the famous 372-meter-high TV Tower, which is visible from afar and offers great views of the mountains and the city, plus a few attractions at the top.

Dinner in the restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: not included

Accommodation: Hotel 4* 

Optionally: cable car to Shymbulak-1. Possible to pay on spot.

Note: it is highly recommended to book an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Almaty arrive late at night or early in the morning.

After breakfast, we go to Altyn Emel National Park.

We arrive at Altyn Emel National Park. Here we begin our visit to the “singing” dune located between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. This sandy hill is made up of very fine sand, which begins to “sing” when it is windy, and the sound coming out is very reminiscent of an organ.

Then we drive to Basshi village, located near Altyn Emel (ca. 50 km), to have dinner and rest in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Note: guesthouses in this area are simple and mostly with shared bathroom and WC.

After breakfast, we will visit the Aktau Mountains, located in the southeast of the Altyn-Emel National Park, south of the Dzungarian Alatau ridge, 72 km from the village of Basshi. The length of the Aktau mountains from east to west is 30 km, from north to south, up to 2 km. The total area is about 50 km2. The remains of ancient animals (crocodiles, turtles, giant rhinos, primitive predators) have been preserved here, the age of which is estimated at 25-30 million years. Walking along the canyons of the Aktau mountains.

Then transfer to the Katutau mountains – about 25 km from the Aktau mountains. Walking in the area.

In the evening, we return to the village of Basshi.

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Note: guesthouses in this area are simple and mostly with shared bathroom and WC.

After breakfast, we drive to Charyn Canyon.

Charyn canyon is located in the national park. It is considered the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States. The erosion made by the Charyn River has created dramatic and impressive landscapes.

When you arrive, you will admire the great panorama, and you will walk down to the bottom of the canyon to walk about 2 km in the labyrinth of the Valley of the Castles.

Then we drive towards Saty village (2,5h drive).  You can take a shower, have dinner, and rest in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse 

After breakfast, you board the Russian 4*4s, as they are perfectly capable of going through a mountain road (15 km) to Lake Kaindy, located 2,000 meters above sea level. It was formed in 1911 due to the earthquake, which caused a landslide that blocked the valley by a natural dam, and the waters flooded the valley.

Then we will visit the famous Kolsay Lake-1. Kolsay lakes are one of the most beautiful places in Kazakh nature. They are located at 1800, 2250, and 2700 meters above sea level. They are distinguished by a unique watershed mountain landscape, consisting of three natural zones, and a variety of rare plants and animals.

You can walk around Lake Kolsay-1. Optionally, you can hike to Lake Kolsay-2 (16 km, 6-7 hours).

After you will return to Saty village. Dinner and rest in the guesthouse.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, transfer to Almaty.

Upon arrival is free time.

Dinner in the restaurant. Overnight in the hotel.

Meals included: breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel 4* 

Transfer to the airport. Departure.