Flicker Carat

Program’s name: Flicker Carat

Quantity of days: 6 days

Day 1: Almaty – Kaindy Lake – Saty
The amazing tour “Flicker carat” starts right now! You will transfer on a comfortable minivan to begin your fetching journey to to Kolsai Lakes. In course of the tour you will have some stops, take a picture and enjoy hospitality of the country. You are going to change your car to one of AWD local cars, such as "UAZ" or "PAZ" (Russian car models), as they are suitable for riding  on mountain road (12 km) to Kaindy Lake. Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is located in the southern part of Kazakhstan near the border with Kyrgyzstan in one of the gorges of the Kungei Alatau mountains. Kaindy lake was formed naturally in 1911, when the gorge was blocked by a landslide during an earthquake. Gradually the space formed was filled with water and immersed in your depths of the pine forest that grew in the valley. Despite the low water temperature, divers do not miss the opportunity to walk along the paths of the sunken forest. The water in the lake has the property of changing its color, sometimes becoming surprisingly blue. This is due to the presence of lime and minerals in the reservoir. Overnight in the local guest house.

Day 2: Kolsai Lakes – Saty
After breakfast at the guest house you will explore  Kolsai Lakes. Kolsay is a unique place in Kazakhstan, where everyone, without exception, both local residents and guests of the country, strive to get to. Kolsay lakes are located on the territory of a national Park, where even representatives of wild nature live. Mountain lakes are hidden in the mountains between the Trans-Ili Alatau and Kungei Alatau. The natural monument consists of 3 lakes: Saty, Mynzhylgy and Upper Kolsay. You can enjoy the picturesque mountain landscape and breathe fresh air. The lowest lake you can go by car. You should hike few kilometers along mountain path to overlook the second and the third lake. After coming to Kolsay-3 Lake and got a brief instruction, you will start the trekking. On route you will have a chance to adore the beauty of the pine forest, alpine meadows along pure mountain river flowing all the way down from Kolsai-2 Lake. The walk will take about 7 km and usually spend 3-3,5 hours one way.  In the afternoon you will go back to Kolsai-3 Lake and transfer to Saty settlement. Arrival to the settlement. Night will be in the cozy guest house.

Day 3: Saty - Charyn Canyon –Almaty   
Today you will begin your adventure to Charyn Canyon. Charyn canyon is a deep picturesque gorge, one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. To reach the Canyon will take about 2 hours. In course off the tour you will have a chance to explore the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. In Charyn Canyon you will adore the mesmerizing grand panorama. After you will climb down to the lower layers of the canyon and have a hike around 2 km through the maze of the Castles Valley rocks that have a variety of shapes, most of them look like castles, but there are also those that resemble human faces and figures. The bottom of the Canyon has gentle lowering to the end of the hike. Then you can enjoy the fresh breath of clean air, get to the fabulous oasis on the bank of icy cold Charyn river. There are situated eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open air café, working in the summer time. After having a rest and admiring the nature, you will walk back the same trail to the stairs. You will  move to one of the view spot for another picturesque landscape. In the evening you will drive to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Almaty - Issyk lake– Almaty
Today you will direct to one of the most breathtaking gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge lies along the Kuldja tract, that played important role hundreds years ago. The tour route you will experience the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will see the expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. Only on the territory of Kazakhstan untouched burial of a Sakas leader, with a fully-preserved ceremonial Golden robes. Then the tour route will take you to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, to the beautiful mountain lake Issyk, high-altitude lake Issyk is located in the Issyk gorge in the mountains of the Trans-Ili Alatau, surrounded by dense forest and flower fields. The location of the lake has an excellent ecology. In these places grow the species of flora listed in the Red book: the Adonis Golden and juniper Cossack. Drive to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Almaty
The tour route starts with observing sightseeing in Almaty. Almaty is located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau-the northernmost mountain range of the Tien Shan. First you will embark into the history in Almaty Museum, where you will learn the headway of the city and country. Then you get to know some facts about architecture and history of Abai Opera an Ballet Theatre. It is one of the leading Opera houses in Kazakhstan and one of the country's most famous attractions. After you are going to direct to one of the oldest of Almaty parks - Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. There is located Zenkov Cathedral the unique monument of the beginning of the XX century is considered one of the best examples of cult architecture in Kazakhstan. In the park you will also see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Further you will experience the Green Bazaar the Central market, which has more than a century of history, is also popular for tourists. In the afternoon you will begin second half of the day with a ride to the Medeo Gorge popular place thanks to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflow. The highlands and the purest mountain water for ice filling contribute to achieving high results in speed skating; over 200 world records have been set here for all distances among men and women. Further you will ride in cable railroad to Shymbulak ski resort area. A modern cable car allows skiers to easily climb to the highest point of cimbulak from the Medeo stadium. At the lower point of the route, which leads to the first section of the lift, you can rent snowboards, skis and equipment, as well as eateries and restaurants. Then you will go down the back way by cable car. After you will admire the natural beauty of Kok-Tobe hill. Kok Tobe and the nearby foothills primarily attract those who prefer to be mobile, like to spend time in the" old center " of Almaty, but appreciate the fresh mountain air of the Trans-Ili Alatau. You will get there by the outstanding winding mountain road on the park eco-cars. I the end of the tour you will ride by the famous Almaty cableway*. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead. After the tour – return to the hotel and overnight.

Day 6: Flight
Hotel breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the airport and departure.