7 Days of Unforgettable Adventures in the Heart of Tien Shan

Today you will have a trip to the Charyn Canyon — one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and impresses with its sheer cliffs, reminiscent of ancient castles created under the influence of wind, sun and rain. The canyon is about a 3-hour drive away. Along the way, you will learn a lot about the nature and history of the region, as well as about the culture and traditions of the Kazakh people. As soon as you see the canyon, you will forget about the long journey — you will be amazed by its grandeur and beauty. Then you will pass through the Maze of the Valley of Castles with its inaccessible steep walls. After the tour, transfer to Saty village. Overnight in a guest house.

Today you will go to Lake Kolsai. The Kolsai Lakes – "pearls of the Northern Tien Shan" - are a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to all visitors. This is a very picturesque place, where there is no civilization and a lot of mushrooms. You won't be able to reach the other two lakes — a long hike is required. After lunch, drive to Kaindy Lake (birch lake). It is located in the midst of a magnificent coniferous forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is known for its origin. The lake was formed in 1911 as a result of a powerful earthquake and a landslide that blocked the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, thanks to which the needles of submerged trees are well preserved, which are clearly visible through the clear water, and the dry trunks of fir trees protrude from the water like the masts of an underwater squadron. Return to Saty. Overnight in a guest house.

In the morning transfer from Saty village to Almaty. After lunch, drive to Kok-Tobe Mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. In Kok-Tobe Park, you can walk along the winding paths, admire the magnificent panorama of Almaty from the observation deck, throw a coin into the Yabloko fountain and visit the national souvenir shop. The tour ends with a short cable car ride from the top of the mountain to the city center. Transfer to the hotel.

Today you will continue exploring the amazing city of Almaty from its sports center, where the Central Stadium and the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace are located. Further along the route you will see the Kazakh Drama Theater named after Mukhtar Auezov and the Kazakh State Circus. Then you will drive to the Medeu Gorge (1,690 m above sea level), famous for the highest ice rink in the world and the dam that protects the city from mudflows. A short walk in the surrounding area with the opportunity to take mountain photos and enjoy the fresh air of the coniferous forest. After the walk, take the cable car up to the Shymbulak Ski resort. Return downhill also by cable car. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning, drive to Lake Issyk. On the way, you will visit the Issyk State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, where expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saks are presented, including a copy of the Golden Man and gold products, ancient ceramics, weapons and elements of horse harness. Then the route will take you to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level to the high-altitude lake Issyk, which was formed about 10 thousand years ago as a result of a mountain collapse. After that, drive to the Turgen Gorge, where you will see the Medvezhy waterfall. The road to the waterfall is about 30 minutes (1 km in one direction). Return to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.

In the morning-transfer to the airport.