Departure to Almaty

   Arrival in Almaty early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel for the rest. Start sightseeing in Almaty, visit Panfilov Park – named after the 28 heroes, Zenkov Cathedral – the oldest building of the city, that is entirely wooden, built without any metal nails and a Memorial complex devoted to the World War Two and with eternal flame. Central Moslem mosque, Independence Square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence. Drive to the top of Kok-Tube hill, where you can enjoy unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation desk. Continue sightseeing at Green bazaar – a place where you can buy souvenirs. Dinner. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast visit local bazar. Later on 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. 

Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

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.

After breakfast drive to Kyrgyzstan Karakol city via Karkara valley. In the morning visit Kolsay Lake. Kolsay Lake 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. Continue drive to Kazakh-Kyrgyz border. Border formalities. Upon arrival to Karakol check in to the Hotel. Later on excursion in Karakol visiting Dungan mosque was built by a Chinese architect and 20 artisans between 1907 and 1910. It was built entirely of wood, without a single nail. The Dungans first arrived in Karakol from China, as refugees, in 1877 and created a small community. Later on visit Russian Orthodox Church. The Holy Trinity Cathedral is a fine example of a Russian Orthodox Church, which served as a dance hall under the Soviets, and a school during the Second World War. Dinner at the local family. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast excursion in Karakol visiting Dungan mosque was built by a Chinese architect and 20 artisans between 1907 and 1910. It was built entirely of wood, without a single nail. Later on transfer to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake, that is the second largest mountainous lake in the world on the altitude of 1607 meters above the sea level. Visit Jety Oguz Gorge. On the way visit to Jety Oguz gorge. Jety-Oguz (translated from Kyrgyz as “seven bulls”) got its name from a chain of weathered rocks of red color, reminiscent of bulls lying on the ground and being the hallmark of the gorge. Local landmark — the rock «Broken Heart», in front of which lovers are always photographed.  Drive to Barskoon valley to see the waterfall and have an easy hike. Later continue drive to Skazka valley. While walking through it, your imagination will go crazy with all the colors and shapes created by the elements. Just look at those pictures and imagine you are in a fairy tale! Hike. Dinner and overnight in Yurt camp Tamga.

Dinner and overnight at the yurt camp.

After breakfast in the yurt we will drive to the Birds of Prey Festival. Here in the Festival we will see the demonstration of hunting with a Golden Eagle; folklore show; exhibition and sale of handicrafts and souvenirs; tasting of Kyrgyz cuisine. One can see the video of this festival following the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJhYHYbtvTY

After the Festival we will drive to Kochkor. Also we will stop in Kyzyl-Tuu village where the local masters make the wooden parts of the yurts. We will see the process. Overnight at the guest house

After breakfast transfer to Song Kul Lake. We will visit the felt workshop in Kochkor. We will take participation during the making felt carpet. Accommodation in a yurta (this is the traditional home of the nomadic shepherds). Upon arrival to Song- Kul Lake. Taste kymyz (mare’s milk) and observe the shepherd’s wife preparing bread and cheese. It is possible to go for hiking or optionally horse riding. Dinner in the Yurt camp.

After breakfast transfer to Bishkek. On the way visit Balasagun city. The city was built in XX century by Karakhanid Khaganate. Islam was spread in Kyrgyzstan by Karakhanids Khaganate. Visit Burana tower. Its construction dates back to the 10th-11th centuries. The original height of the tower was not less than 40 m, but its upper part was dropped by an earthquake. To date, the height is 21, 7 meters. Continue drive to Bishkek. Upon arrival to Bishkek check in to the hotel. Later a city tour of Bishkek, visit the Central Ala Too Square, Historical Museum, Oak Park. Dinner at the local restaurant.  Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast transfer to airport. Flight