Departure to Almaty

Arrival to Almaty. Transfer to Hotel. Rest. Later on city tour: Visit to Republic Square and Monument of Independence. Walk via old city center (today: Square Astana) to the 28 Panfilovtsev Park. Along the Avenue of memory obelisks with names of 28 fighters of the 1075th regiment of the 316th shooting division, accepted unequal battle with German tanks in the winter of 1941 are established during fight for Moscow), Zenkov Cathedral (monument of cult architecture of Christians in Kazakhstan). Also we will visit the Museum of Musical Instruments, Abai Theater.  Transfer to the Eagle farm, to see the performance of eagle hunting, meet with the hunters. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel. 

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After breakfast leave Almaty and head towards Basshi in Altyn-Emel National Park. Altyn-Emel is a national natural park located in the Ili river valley in the Kazakhstan territory. The Park was founded on 10 April 1996 with the purpose to preserve a unique natural complex, archeological, historical and cultural monuments, rare and endangered species of animals and plants. In the Park territory of total area of 520,000ha, one can find various landscapes: mountain, sand-desert, rank and deserted ones. Upon arrival to Bashi drive to the “Singing Dunes”, i.e. the state landscape monument. 150 meters high sand dune situated in between two rocky mountain ranges is a truly spectacular. There are only few of these lonely standing sand dunes in the world. People say when the air is dry enough; wind going through the sand grains emits a noise that resembles organ music. There is a superstition; a dream of the person, who succeeds to climb the top of the dune, will come true; but if the traveler loses his way, he is a greater sinner.

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After breakfast we will drive to the Aktau Mountains. These colorful chalky hills, formed from bluish-gray sandstone and red clay, interspersed with yellow and pink cornelian, jasper and white quartz, reminiscent of a layer cake. The traces of extinct subtropical plants and petrified bones of ancient animals were found here in the clefts. Hike in the mountains. Dinner and overnight stay in the family-run guesthouse in Bashi.

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Breakfast in the guesthouse. Transfer to Charyn Canyon. It is an amazing creation of nature that has existed for millions of years, picturesque and very diverse in geomorphologic aspects. The height of steep mountainsides reaches 150-300 meters. Numerous ravines and gullies make dense rambling net. Wind and water created stunning «Red Castles Valley». All along the valley you are surrounded by towers of fantastical forms, built of sedimentary. Throughout time nature has created these architectural wonders, without haste, it has built majestic castles. A walk there.  Later on drive to Saty village. Dinner and overnight in Saty village.

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Drive from Saty to Kaindy Lake by the ground road that follows up Kaindy gorge. The lake was formed in 1911 after a huge earthquake that resulted in a big landslide from the eastern slope. Thus, the lake Kaindy is known as one of the best places for divers in North Tien Shan. Hiking in the gorge. Lunch. Afternoon drive to Kolsay Lake. Kolsay is a name for a cascade of three lakes in Kungey Alatau ridge. The lakes are dark blue in color and filled with pure glacial water. Overnight in Saty guest house.

For additional payment rent a horse in Kolsay Lakes.

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 After breakfast transfer to Almaty. On the way visit Issyk Museum. The reserve-museum where the loudest archeological find of Kazakhstan was found is the tomb of the Golden Man. The burial complex provides invaluable information about the culture of the ancient nomads of Kazakhstan. Visit Kok-Tobe tower one of the most beautiful and amazing places in the city is Mount Kok-Tobe, located at an altitude of 1100 meters above sea level. You can go up to Kok-Tobe by cable car in an air tram, on foot or on a special minibus. From the top opens a wonderful panorama of the mountains and the city. It is especially beautiful at night, when the city is illuminated with colored lights. Dinner at the local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.

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After breakfast visit local market Green Bazar. One of the oldest bazars in Almaty Here, everyone is always fervently traded, sellers vying to praise their goods and strive to treat customers; buyers, in turn, choose, communicate, in general, life is in full swing. Afternoon transfer to Medeo Ice ring. Alpine sports complex located in the Alpine tract Medeu at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. Optional take a cable car from Medeo to Shymbulak ski base to altitude 3200m a.s.l. Walking there. Back to the city. Dinner. Transfer to airport. Take a flight home. 

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