Golden Triangle tour of Almaty
Description
Central Asia: Kazakhstan
Southeast region of Kazakhstan: This region, stretching from Almaty (Kazakhstan’s former capital city) to Lake Balkhash, is known as Zhetisu/Land of Seven Rivers/. It’s one of Kazakhstan’s most varied regions: from semi-deserts to lush greenery and dense forests, from Grand Canyon-like rock formations to waterfalls and lakes fed by the glacier meltwater of the snow-peaked Tien Shan Mountain range. This part of the country is nicknamed ‘the Golden Triangle’ for its trio of major natural attractions: the Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes
| 10 Days | Max People : 26 | Jan 18 - Dec 21 | Langauge - English |
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive to Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is a former capital of Kazakhstan and continues as the major commercial and cultural center of the country, as well as its most populous and most cosmopolitan city. Meet your local team at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Do check in at your hotel and explore the city while enjoying the local kitchen.
Day 2. Altyn Emel NP and Kapshagai lake
Today after breakfast we start our adventure towards Altyn Emel NP. With a stop at Kapshagai Lake. The Altyn-Emel National Park has been awarded the international status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to preserve the unique nature, rare animals, and historical monuments.
Highlights of the day will be: Singing Dunes and Aktau Mountains at Altyn Emel NP. Overnight in Basshi village in a guesthouse. B,L,D
Day 3. Charyn canyon NP and Kolsai Lakes NP
Exploring The Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon
After breakfast, we will continue driving and arrive to Charyn canyon National Park. The Canyon has been described as the Grand Canyon's (Arizana, United States of America) little brother.
For more than 12 million years, wind, water, and sand sculpted Charyn's red sandstone to form the wonderful shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown. Charyn Canyon follows the main course of the Charyn River. The canyon reaches 370 meters in depth, and base is approximately 1,100 meters above sea level. To explore the amazing Charyn canyon we will drive, do hiking while enjoying the scenic view and seeing wild animals. It is a home to such rare animals like mountains goats and Golden eagles. 24 species of mammals, 48 species of birds, three species of amphibians, 14 species of reptiles can be found here.
By the evening, we will arrive to our destination at Kolsai Lakes NP. Overnight In Saty village at guesthouse. B,L,D
Exploring Kolsai Lakes National Park
Kolsai Lakes National Park: "Pearls of Tien Shan".
Today we will explore Kolsay Lakes National Park which is located on the north slope of the Tian Shan Mountains (10 km from the border with Kyrgyzstan). Often referred to as "Pearls of Tien Shan", the park's main feature are the Kolsay Lakes (lower, middle, and upper Kolsai lakes) and lake Kaindy. One can explore the area by car, horse or do trekking (accessible for the beginner hikers). Overnight at Saty village. B,L,D
Day 5. Drive back towards to Almaty city and arrive to Huns Ethno Village.
After breakfast and sometime spending arounding of Saty village we drive back towards Almaty and by the evening arrive to Talgar gorge area. Saturated trip will be finished with delicious outdoor dinner in a cozy yurt.
Overnight in Kazakh yurt (nomadic round tent). B,L,D
Day 6. Exploring Huns ethno-village and nomadic show followed by transfer back to Almaty
Nomadic life tour-Experiencing nomadic culture at Huns Etno-Village
Today we will drive to explore Talgar gorge which is located 70 km from Almaty city. During this tour you will get acquainted with the everyday life of the ancient Kazakhs. The hospitable atmosphere of locals and the traditional infrastructure of the village is unique.
Here in Talgar gorge you will stay at “The Huns” ethno-village. "The Huns" ethno-village is surrounded by ever green trees, mountain rivers and high peaks in the picturesque Talgar gorge. Professional horse-riding tricks show, breathtaking battle between warriors in armor, traditional customs performance, the story of yurt; archery, amateur horse riding for everyone, cooking simple national dishes and drinks (as kumis), crafts production - all of that is waiting for you in Huns ethno-village! Overnight in Almaty at hotel.
Day 7. Hiking day to Kok Zhailau
In the early morning after breakfast, our car drives us to the shores of Kok Zhailau from where we going to start hiking to the breath-taking Kok Zhailau. Picnic lunch in the nature and in the afternoon, we reach to our camping spot at Kok Zhailau where we set up our tented camping for the day and have overnight in the nature sitting in front of a bonfire enjoying the night sky and our company. B, L, D
Day 8. Hike back and drive to Almaty
Today in the afternoon after enjoying our tented camping at Kok Zhailau we hike back down and drive back to Almaty. Overnight in the city. B,L,D
Day 9. Big Almaty Lake
In the morning, we drive to Big Almaty Lake and arrive to our hotel. Do check in and then start hiking to Big Almaty Lake. A day will be spent at the lake exploring the beautiful area. Whole Almaty city gets its water supplies from this lake and that’s why the area is so protected but free for exploring. B,L,D
Day 10. Almaty city tour: Panoramic view from Shynbulak mountain resort/Transfer to Airport for the departure
Today we will explore the top sights in and around Almaty city. This will include:
- Medeu Ice Skating complex along with Shinbulak mountain resort - The Medeu is a high-altitude sports complex near Almaty, located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. It is the world's largest high-mountain skating rink.
In the afternoon after lunch drive to airport and fly back to home country!
