Turquoise lakes of Kazakhstan

Program’s name: Turquoise lakes of Kazakhstan

Quantity of days: 6

Day 1: Almaty
Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to Almaty. Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan. Furthermore, it is the largest city. City tour will start from Green Bazaar, where you can find different kind of things from fresh fruits to national souvenirs. Later you will explore central park-Panfilov, named for the honor of the soviet commander during World War II. There are many monuments, however in the middle of the park, there the most wonderful building-the Zenkov Cathedral. It is the world’s most charming and tallest wooden construction. Following the cultural, sport and business part if the city, we will drive to Medeo gorge, where the highest alpine outdoor skating rink in the world is located. In this gorge there is also popular ski resort Shymbulak. When you come back to the city, you will go up to Kok-Tobe hill, where there is a panoramic view of whole city and observation deck. There is a TV tower that considered to be highest in the world, if we count from the sea level. On the way back to the city, you can take a cableway. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 2: Almaty – Kolsai Lakes
In the morning, you start you journey to the nature of Kazakhstan. Kolsai lakes are the most wonderful lakes of Northern Tien Shan. They include three beautiful lakes. It is possible to drive to the first Kolsai Lake.  It is a place of completely calmness and rich in variety of plants and animals. You like riding; you can order a horseback trek to this lake. The last lake is the highest; located in the lush meadow terrain and its mesmerizing beauty will charm every visitor. While the altitude difference between lakes is about 700 m, the distance on track is about 2-3 km. From the first lake there are path going to second and third lake. This place is popular among travelers; here you can find different nature activities starting from berries ending with fishing during your tour. There is a special kind of trout-“rainbow trout” in the river. Furthermore, you can just find your spot and look for Marals, Mountains goats and bears grazing on the top of mountain. Stay in Saty village, in a guesthouse.

Day 3: Kolsai Lakes – Kaindy Lake
After breakfast, drive to Kaindy Gorge, hike to the Kaindy lake will take the way among the mildly spruce forest in Kazakhstan. It translation from local language Kaindy Lake means Birch lake. The story of the lake goes back to the century ago; in the result of the huge earthquake, mountain water was blocked by cascading slide land.  The water of the lake is freezing cold in summers and when the sun is out snow-capped mountains and evergreen fir trees are mirrored in the water. The dried-out trunks of the trees rise above the surface of the water, looking like the masts of sunken ships. This charming scenery cannot be fully described by words; you will see on your own and remember it in your heart. Then enjoy the picnic with the view of the lake. Come back to the Saty settlement and take a walk to see the village life. Possible to ride a horse upon request ( for extra charge).  Overnight in a guesthouse. 

Day 4: Kolsai Lakes – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
In the morning, travel to Charyn Canyons, which known as a little brother of Great Canyons which is good for a day tour. The way fron Saty will take about three hours, during these time you will listen to the story the historical and cultural history of the nomadic Kazakh people in this area and stop at the local restaurant for a lunch. These magnificent creatures in Charyn were formed 12 million years ago by the eternal forces of the nature- rain, wind and the sun. The most beautiful site is Valley of Castles, massive silhouette feels like grandiose castle, some of the formations similar to giant warriors. If you go down and follow the maze track to the river, you can imagine and see fantastic towers, sky bridges, fossilized dinosaurs and other interesting creatures. You can also enjoy the great panoramic view without going down, where it seems endless. Night in a hotel in Almaty.

Day 5: Almaty – Nur Sultan
Arrive to International airport of Nur Sultan. You will start you city tour from Constitution Square. It is the place where N.A.Nazarbayev, president of Kazakhstan declared the move of the capital from Almaty to Astana. The Presidential Centre of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan has a large collection of exhibits. You will have an opportunity to see the unique Golden Man, the most valuable archeological heritage of Central Asia. Next stop will be at the Khan Shatyr shopping center. It is an extraordinary architectural work and largest shopping mall. Here you will understand the city’s life better. Further will be entertaining part of the day, you take a lift to the top of monumental tower “Astana-Baiterek”. This building provides the greatest view to the city. After lunch at local restaurant, you will visit Kazakh Eli Square. It is on the other side of Ishym River. Nur Sultan proud of many modern architectural monuments, one of them is the Palace of Peace and Accord. Later it is worth to see the glorious beauty of the Khazret Sultan mosque. Palace of Independence will complete the sightseeing. There is an exhibition of long-term plans of Nur Sultan called "Layout Astana until 2030". Night in a hotel.

Day 6: Nur Sultan – Airport
After having breakfast, your driver will pick up you to the airport.