Excursión por la naturaleza en los alrededores de Almaty

Arrive at Almaty airport, where your guide meets you and takes you into the city for a sightseeing tour. Start at the Almaty Museum to learn about the history of the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Then visit one of the oldest parks in Almaty, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, home to the Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world. In the park you also see the Memorial of Glory with its Eternal Flame and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments while your guide tells you the stories behind them. The leisurely walk under the park trees takes about 40 minutes. Next comes the Green Bazaar, a market loved by locals where it is hard not to go shopping. Transfer to the hotel for the night.

Almaty, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Almaty Green Bazaar

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Lunch, Dinner

Drive to Charyn Canyon, one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan (about 3 hours). On the way, your guide tells you about the history and nature of the region and about the Kazakh people, their life and traditions. The canyon is about 12 million years old, and its vertical cliffs, shaped by wind, sun and rain, look like ancient castles. Once you see it, the long drive is quickly forgotten. Admire the grand panorama from above, then walk through the labyrinth of the Valley of Castles with its walls towering over you. Continue to Saty village for the night in a homestay.

Cañón de Charyn, Saty

• Almaty → Cañón de Charyn (200 km)
• Cañón de Charyn → Saty (100 km)

Durante la noche: Saty (Homestay)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

Today you can walk from the first to the second of the Kolsai Lakes, known as the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan”. The three lakes form a cascade with a height difference of about 700 m. The lowest lake can be reached by car; the largest, accessible to everyone, is considered the most beautiful. The highest lake is small and lies on the edge of the fir forest and the alpine meadows, impressing with its harsh alpine beauty and rich flora and fauna. The mountain path to the second lake takes 3–4 hours each way. If you prefer not to hike, you can simply walk along the first lake and have a picnic. Return to Saty for a second night in a homestay.

Lagos de Kolsai, Saty

• Saty → Lagos de Kolsai (15 km)
• Lagos de Kolsai → Saty (15 km)

Durante la noche: Saty (Homestay)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, drive from Saty back to Almaty. In the afternoon, go up the Kok-Tobe hill for a panorama of the city. In Kok-Tobe Park, stroll along the winding paths, admire the magnificent view of Almaty from the observation deck, throw a coin into the “apple” fountain and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The day ends with a short ride on the famous Almaty cable car from the top of the hill down to the city centre, followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Almaty, Montaña Kok Tobe

• Saty → Almaty (300 km)
• Almaty → Montaña Kok Tobe (7 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

Continue exploring Almaty from its sports centre with the Central Stadium and the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, passing the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh Drama Theatre and the Kazakh State Circus. Then drive up to the Medeu Gorge (1,690 m), known for the highest mountain skating rink in the world and for the dam that protects the city from dangerous mudflows. Take a short walk to photograph the mountains and breathe the fresh pine air, then ride the cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort and come back down by cable car. Night in Almaty.

Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak

• Almaty → Medeu (15 km)
• Medeu → Almaty (15 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, head east towards Lake Issyk. On the way, visit the Issyk State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, with exhibitions on the history and culture of the Saka period: a copy of the Golden Man and other gold items, ancient ceramics, weapons and pieces of horse equipment. The road then climbs to the beautiful high-mountain Lake Issyk at 1,756 m. The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when a huge mountain slope collapsed. Continue to the Turgen Gorge to see the Bear waterfall; the walk to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes (1 km) each way. Return to Almaty for the night.

Issyk Museum-Reserve (Golden Man), Lago Issyk, Garganta de Turgen

• Almaty → Lago Issyk (70 km)
• Lago Issyk → Garganta de Turgen (55 km)
• Garganta de Turgen → Almaty (90 km)

Durante la noche: Almaty (Hotel)

Comidas: Desayuno, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, transfer to Almaty airport for your flight home.

Comidas: Desayuno