Nature tour around Almaty
6 days Nature tour around Almaty
Tour Details
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Period
All year round -
Tour length and Participants
6 Days / 2 - 10 pax -
Price from
$1,060 / person in a group of 10
Tour plan
The alpine lakes near Almaty will offer you a fantastic experiences. You will visit Almaty, the “southern capital” of Kazakhstan and enjoy the beautiful mountain nature surrounding it. The highlights of the tour among others are the beautiful lakes Kolsay and lake Issyk together with the gorgeous Turgen gorge. During the tour you will also get acquainted with the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of the Golden Man and other golden items, ancient ceramics, weapons and elements of horse equipment.
Nature Tour Details
Arrival to airport in Almaty. Meeting and transfer to the city for sightseeing tour.
The first place you will go to today is Almaty Museum, where you can get to know the history of the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Then you will visit one of the oldest of Almaty parks, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where one of the most beautiful wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral is located. In the park you will also see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, listen to the stories of the guide and admire the beauty of the Museum of Musical Instruments.
A leisurely walk under the crowns of park trees will take about 40 minutes. Next point of interest is a popular place for townspeople – the Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Today you will have a trip to the Charyn Canyon. This is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and amazes with its vertical cliffs, reminiscent of ancient castles, created under the influence of wind, sun and rain. It will take you about 3 hours to reach the canyon.
Meanwhile, you will be told a lot of interesting things about the history and nature of this region, the Kazakh people as well as their life and traditions. As soon as you see the Charyn Canyon, you will immediately forget about the long distance you traveled and amazed by the beauty and magnificence of the canyon. You can admire the grandiose panorama and then walk through the labyrinth of the Valley of Castles with its inaccessible walls hanging over you. Then transfer to the village of Saty. Night is at home stays.
Today you will have the opportunity to walk from Kolsai Lake 1 to Kolsai Lake 2. Kolsai lakes are called the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan”. They are a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible to everyone. This lake is considered the most beautiful.
The highest lake is small in size. It is located on the border of a fir forest and alpine meadows and impresses with its harsh alpine beauty, which is rich in flora and fauna. The vertical distance between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lake, which is located at the very bottom, can be reached by car. To see the second lake, you have to walk 3-4 hours along the mountain path and then the same amount back.
After the walk is transfer to Saty. If you do not like hiking you can just walk near the first lake, have a picnic. Night is at home stays
In the morning we will transfer from the village of Saty to Almaty. In the afternoon we will go to Kok-Tobe mountains to look at the panorama of the city.
In Kok-Tobe Park you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck, throw a coin in the “apple” fountain and visit the shop of national souvenirs.
The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to the hotel.
Today you will continue acquaintance with the wonderful city of Almaty from its sports center, where the Central Stadium and Baluan Sholak Sports Palace is located. Further along the route you will see the Mukhtar Auezov Kazakh Drama Theater and the Kazakh State Circus.
Then the tour continues with a ride to the Medeu Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflow. Brief walk around with a chance to take your mountain-view pictures and breath the fresh pine-tree air, then you will take a cable car to Shymbulak ski resort area. Then you will go down the back way by cable car. Night is in a hotel.
In the morning we will go to Lake Issyk. On the way, you will visit The Issyk State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, where you can get acquainted with expositions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of the Golden Man and gold items, ancient ceramics, weapons, elements of horse equipment.
Then the route will lead to a height of 1756 meters above sea level to see the beautiful high-altitude – Lake Issyk. The lake was formed about 10 thousand years ago as a result of a huge mountain collapse. Then we will go to the Turgen gorge where you can see the Bear waterfall. The road over there takes about 30 minutes (1 km) one way. We will return to Almaty. Overnight is at the hotel.
In the morning is transfer to airport.
Tour Information
INCLUDED
- Transport
- Full board
- Accommodation:
– Almaty – “Kazakhstan” superior rooms, Hotel 3* / “KazZhol – Park” Hotel 4*
– Saty village – Home stays - English speaking guide
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour
NOT INCLUDED
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets
PRICE PER PERSON 2024
| Group | Hotels 3* | Hotels 4* |
| 2 pax | $2,220 | $2,255 |
| 4 pax | $1,450 | $1,600 |
| 6 pax | $1,265 | $1,300 |
| 8 pax | $1,160 | $1,187 |
| 10 pax | $1,060 | $1,087 |
| Single supplement | $210 | $270 |
Check visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kazakhstan.
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If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by us or our cooperatives.
Kazakhstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (KZT), and the country boasts the most advanced banking system in the region. ATMs are widely distributed across major cities, including banks, hotels, and shopping centers; however, it’s important to note that most ATMs dispense cash only in the local currency. Exchange facilities are readily available in every city, offering services for various currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, Russian ruble, British pound, Chinese yuan, and Kyrgyz som. Exchanging US dollars or Euros for Tenge is a straightforward process in banks and exchange offices.
In addition, international credit cards find acceptance in the majority of hotels, restaurants, and large supermarkets. It’s worth noting that smaller merchants usually do not accept cards and often operate with limited cash reserves which can cause problems in providing the proper change from payments.
Safety
Safety
The current security situation is presently stable but bears the potential for deterioration. Recommendations encompass the following:
- Always carry an original form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, as law enforcement patrolling the streets may request verification.
- Steer clear of any demonstrations and political assemblies. In the event of becoming aware of nearby violence or unrest, it is advised to promptly vacate the premises.
- Incidents of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag thefts, and vehicle break-ins, are prevalent. Safeguard valuables discreetly and exercise vigilance, particularly during nighttime. When approached by a police officer, driver, or official, insist on the presentation of identification.
- Avoid solitary strolls and arrange transportation in advance. Refrain from utilizing unofficial taxi services.
- While on trains, ensure the security of personal belongings, including passports and travel documents, and utilize locks for compartments, especially on night trains.
- Exercise caution against online scams.
- Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is proscribed in proximity to schools, playgrounds, medical facilities, and public spaces (such as museums, public transportation, airports, train stations, and subterranean passages), as well as within vehicles carrying children.
- The possession or usage of illegal substances may result in protracted incarceration.
- Photography is restricted in the vicinity of military installations, border areas, airports, and specific official buildings. The sharing or publication of images that may be deemed disrespectful to religion, culture, or national symbols is discouraged.
- Same-sex relationships are not unlawful but may encounter varying degrees of tolerance, particularly outside major urban centers nationwide.
- Exercise caution by never leaving consumables unattended or entrusted to the care of unfamiliar individuals.
- Road conditions exhibit disparities across the country, with well-maintained infrastructure in major cities and their environs, while rural areas may experience neglect in road upkeep.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kazakhstan implements diverse visa regulations tailored to passport holders from various countries. Comprehensive information regarding visas in Kazakhstan and whether they are requisite for your visit can find here.
Upon entry into the country, there may be a requirement for registration. For those entering visa-free, it is essential that their passport remains valid only for the duration of their stay. However, if you are utilizing a visa, it is imperative that your passport remains valid for the standard six months beyond the conclusion of your intended stay. To secure a tourist visa from the Embassy of Kazakhstan or to obtain an electronic visa, the initial step is procuring a Letter of Invitation (LOI).
Best time to go
Best time to go
Kazakhstan is characterized by severe weather conditions, especially during the winter months. The country experiences extreme climates in both summer and winter, with the most intense heat and cold being felt in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. Temperatures can soar above 40°C in June-August and plummet to -20°C in December-February. Optimal times for visiting Kazakhstan are during the spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) to steer clear of scorching summers and snowy winters.
Health
Health
Prior to embarking on your journey, verify that your destination has the capability to offer the required medical assistance you may need. Ensure you possess suitable travel insurance that covers on-the-spot treatment or unforeseen medical evacuation. It’s noteworthy that medical staff often lack proficiency in English.
Non-prescription medications are easily obtainable. If you require prescription medications, a valid prescription from a local physician or a foreign prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian will be necessary.
Other tours in Kazakhstan
Tour updated 27.1.2024
