DAY 1, B/-/-

• Arrival in Almaty and meet your guide at Almaty International Airport.
• Transfer to the hotel, check-in, and leisure time to relax after your flight.

DAY 2, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• 09:00 – Panoramic tour of Almaty.

Explore the city's iconic landmarks, including Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Abay Square, and Astana Square. Continue to the Square of the Republic and the Monument of Independence, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the "Apple City" and discover its rich history!

• Visit to the Green Bazaar and Rakhat Chocolate Factory Market.

The Green Bazaar is a historic landmark in Almaty and a must-see destination for tourists. With a history spanning over a century, the market offers a wide range of goods, including food products, clothing, and furniture. Its unique energy and diverse offerings make it a fascinating "museum" of Kazakhstani trade culture.

Rakhat JSC is one of Kazakhstan's largest confectionery manufacturers, with a legacy of over 70 years. Located along Zenkov Street, the factory is known for its irresistible aroma that fills the air, drawing visitors in. The name "Rakhat," meaning "pleasure" in Kazakh, reflects its focus on creating sweet treats. With around 3,500 employees across two factories in Almaty and Shymkent, Rakhat also offers products tailored for those with dietary needs, including low-calorie candies, cookies, and chocolates for diabetics. It’s a sweet experience you won't want to miss!

• 15:00 – Excursion to Medeo & Shymbulak (by cable car).

Medeo Ice Rink, located at an altitude of 1,691.2 meters above sea level, is renowned worldwide. Built in 1972, it features an ice surface of 10,500 square meters, making it an ideal venue for speed skating, hockey, and figure skating competitions.

Shymbulak Ski Resort is nestled in the picturesque gorge of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains, 25 kilometers from Almaty's city center, at an altitude of 2,260 meters. The ski lifts reach up to 3,163 meters, offering breathtaking descents and stunning mountain views.

• 18:00 – Transfer back to the hotel.

DAY 3, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.
• 06:30 – Transfer to Charyn Canyon.
• 09:00 – Excursion to Charyn Canyon (236 km from the city, one way).

Charyn Canyon, located on the spurs of the Tian Shan mountains near the Chinese border, is a breathtaking natural monument formed from sedimentary rocks dating back approximately 12 million years. Stretching 154 kilometers along the Charyn River valley, the canyon is renowned for its most famous attraction—the "Valley of Castles." A unique grove of relict ash trees, which survived the Ice Age, is nestled within the canyon, with only one other such grove found in North America. The canyon's diverse landscapes foster a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn Canyon may be smaller in scale but is no less impressive in its natural beauty.

• 12:00 – Transfer to Kolsay Lakes.

Visit one of the most breathtaking lakes near Almaty – Kolsay Lake, often called the "Blue Necklace of the Northern Tien Shan." Its pristine beauty is truly unmatched, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and dense forests. The name "Kolsay" translates to "Lake in the Valley" in Kazakh, perfectly capturing its enchanting setting.

Optional Activities:

• Boat trip on the first Kolsay Lake – Approximately 6,000 tenge per boat, lasting around 30 minutes (subject to variation);
• Horseback riding to the second Kolsay Lake – A challenging and adventurous route; pricing to be confirmed on-site;
• Hiking tour to the second Kolsay Lake – A scenic trek through breathtaking landscapes, perfect for nature lovers;

• 17:00 – Check-in at the Kolsay Prestige Eco Hotel upon arrival, followed by an overnight stay.

DAY 4, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• 10:00 – Transfer to Kayindy Lake.
• 11:00 – Excursion to the mysterious Kayindy Lake.

Kayindy Lake ("Birch" in Kazakh) is nestled within a stunning coniferous forest at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. The lake stretches about 400 meters in length and reaches a depth of nearly 30 meters. From the rock crest, visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the Kayindy and Saty gorges, as well as the Chilik River valley. The sight of dry, submerged fir tree trunks rising above the water's surface resembles the masts of a sunken fleet. Located near the Kungei Alatau ridge, just a short distance from the Kolsay Lakes, Kayindy Lake’s unique beauty adds a special charm and an almost mystical allure to the region.

Optional Activities:

• Boat trip on the lake – Availability and cost to be checked on-site.
• Descent to the shore – A short trekking tour with the option to organize a picnic at the pavilions.
• Return descent to the parking lot on horseback – A leisurely walk, with a cost of approximately 2,500 tenge per person (subject to confirmation on-site).

• 15:00 – Transfer back to the eco hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 5, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the hotel, check-out.
• 09:00 – Transfer to Altyn Emel National Park.
• 14:00 – Excursion to Altyn Emel National Park – The first stop is the Singing Dune, a real desert dune known for its unique, "singing" sounds. Climbing to the top is challenging but rewarding, and you'll be treated to incredible photo opportunities along the way.
• 16:00 – Transfer to the Aigaykum Guest House, check-in, and overnight stay.

DAY 6, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the guest house, check-out.
• 09:00 – Transfer to the Cretaceous Mountains of Aktau.

Once you’ve set up camp, embark on an exploration of the remarkable Cretaceous Mountains of Aktau. The landscape is a stunning blend of clay-white, terracotta, brown, and olive-yellow hues—an intricate tapestry that could only be crafted by nature itself, shaped over millions of years. It is believed that the Tethys Ocean, an ancient sea from the Mesozoic era, once covered the area of the present mountains 400 million years ago, its restless waters carving out the distinctive landscape you see today.

• 15:00 – Transfer back to Almaty city.
• 19:00 – Transfer to the city hotel.

DAY 7, B/-/-

• Breakfast at the hotel, check-out by 12:00.
• Transfer to the airport (approximately 3 hours before flight time).
• Departure: Head home with cherished memories.

Cost of the itinerary for a person in group on DBL/TWN accommodation basis

Price Includes:

• Accommodation at the selected hotels, based on BB (Bed and Breakfast):
• Almaty (3 nights)
• Eco Hotel Kolsay Prestige (2 nights)
• Aigaykum (1 night)
• Entrance tickets for the following activities:
• Cable car ticket (Shymbulak)
• National Park eco fee (Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kayindy Lakes, Altyn Emel)
• Transportation services along all tours on private basis, professional English-speaking driver-guide (for 2-8 pax in the city), airport transfers, 1L of bottled water per person per day.

Additional Costs:

Visa fee (if required, to be paid at the embassy), personal expenses, additional activities, flight tickets, alcoholic beverages, all meals, and any other services not listed in the "Price Includes" section.

Children and Cancellation Policy Applies. 

NOTE: Due to possible variations in the USD exchange rate, the final price may be recalculated upon confirmation.