Almaty to Karakol sightseeing SUV-tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Saty village
1 stop
1
Charyn Canyon National Park
08:00 early breakfast at the hotel and departure 11:00 arrival to Charyn canyon. Canyon has been described as the Grand canyon’s little brother and is considered to be the floor of the ancient ocean Tethys. The erosion made by the river Charyn below and the elements created a dramatic and impressive landscape. The Charyn canyon itself is approximately 150 km and in some places up to 300 m deep. Free time. 13:00 lunch (outdoor picnic). Free time. Hiking on the top of canyon. 17:00 departure to Saty village. 18:00 arrival and check in at the guesthouse
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Kolsai Kolderi national park
1 stop
2
Lower Kolsai Lake
Kolsay lakes is the system of 3 picturesque lakes located in the eastern part of the beautiful Kungey Alatau gorge on the altitude of 1800, 2250 and 2700 respectively. Kolsay lakes are at the top of the must-see in Kazakhstan. The two lower lakes are surrounded by fir trees, alpine meadows and mountain pastures. After driving to the first lake and enjoying its beauty, we will start the walk to the second lake (8 km one way). It’s also possible to take a horse ride to Lake Kolsai 2 (about 1 hour one way). The dark blue color of the water and the calmness of the area are the unique features of Kolsay. Breakfast at the guesthouse. 10:00 transfer to Kolsai lake1. Kolsai Lakes – one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. These lakes are located at heights 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. They are distinguished by the unique mountain watershed consisting of three natural zones and amazing variety of rare plants and animals. 13:00 lunch (outdoor picnic). Hiking from Kolsai lake 1 to Kolsai lake 2. Hike back. 18:00 dinner. Night stay at the guesthouse.
5 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 3
Kaindy lake – Karakol
1 stop
3
Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is located in a fir forest at 2000m above sea level in the Kungei Alatau mountain range. The gorge and lake itself was named after a big birch-trees forest which you will pass on the way there. Kaindy means a birch in Kazakh language. The lake was formed as a result of a landslide triggered by the earthquake in 1911. It formed a dam and the gorge was flooded with mountain river water. Today, the spruce trees are dead, their roots drowned beneath the surface of the lake, but their dried tops rise over the turquoise water. This is one of the most unique and mysterious places in Kazakhstan. 08:00 Breakfast at the guesthouse. Transfer to Kaindy lake (11 km off road). 09:00 arrival. Kayndy lake was formed in 1911 after a huge earthquake that resulted in a big landslide from the eastern slope. The rockslide “place of origin” can still be seen today, because it has not been overgrown yet. The uniqueness of the lake is that after the rise of natural dam that blocked the gorge, water that filled a basin has formed a lake but has not destroyed the spruce that had been growing in this place along the river. Hiking around the lake. Free time 12:00 Return to Saty. Lunch. 14:00 departure to the border, border crossing formalities. Meeting with your driver (local, Russian speaking) and driving to Karakol (2 hours) 18:30 arrival to Karakol, transfer to the hotel. End of services
2 hours • Admission ticket included

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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