9 Day Tour Kazakhstan

Today you will have a day trip to Charyn Cabyons. It is one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, reminding the ancient castles, created by wind, sun and rain. It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon. Meanwhile, you will hear a lot of interesting about the history and nature of the region, about Kazakh people, their life and traditions as well as have a lunch in a local cafe. And as soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about this long way at once - so much you will be impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon. You can admire the grand panorama and then have a walk through the maze of the Castles Valley with its inaccessible walls overhanging you. In the evening is transfer to Saty village.

In the morning, you will have a trekking from the lake Kolsai-1 to the lake Kolsai-2. Lunch is on the way. Kolsai Lakes are "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan" - represent a cascade of three lakes. The largest lake is accessible for all visitors. It is the most beautiful lake, having a lack of civilization and the abundance of mushrooms. Horse lovers can order horseback tour to this place. The highest lake is small. It is located on the border of fir-wood and the alpine meadows and amazes by its harsh alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. Vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lowest lake can be reached by car. However, you should walk few kilometers along mountain trails to see the second and the third lake. In addition, around mountains you can see Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. Return to the guesthouse. Dinner. Overnight.

In the morning is transfer to Kaindy Lake. Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and is famous for its origin. It was formed in 1911 due to the powerful earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the alley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. The water of the lake is very cold, that is why the needles of the flooded trees are well preserved and clearly visible through the transparent surface of the water, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface, like the masts of the submarine squadron. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake – it is necessary to go there and see everything with own eyes. Arrival to Almaty is at 19:00. Overnight is in a hotel.

Today you will have ethno tour by visiting the ethno village. From young years, Kazakh people firmly respects customs and traditions, which came from their ancestries. The base of national character is hospitality – in Kazakh society it is sacred duty. For all time steppes made everything possible to please their guests. That is why every wayfarer knew that he would be warmly greeted in each corner of Kazakh lands. Excursion “Kazakh Village” gives possibility to all guests to see life, culture and customs of Kazakh people. During the excursion, you will participate to the ancient rite “Shashu”, which means “Shedding”. When a child is born, bride enters the house of her groom, housewarming, respectable guests arrive and other happy moments then sweets and coins are shedding. Adults and children love this tradition and collect scattered sweets with happy emotions, because believe that it is good sign and brings luck. You will see the performance and show. In the evening transfer to the railway station. Departure to Astana. Overnight is in the train.

In early morning arrival to Astana. Meeting with the guide and transfer to the city (early check-in and breakfast are not included in the cost). Today you will see the Constitution Square, and the Presidential Centre of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the museum, you will see the Golden man, well known not only in the Kazakh steppe but also in all Central Asia. In order to better understand todays’ life of the city; you will enter the largest and unique shopping center Khan Shatyr. Then you take the elevator to the top of the “Astana-Baiterek” monument, where you can admire the magnificent panorama of the Kazakhstan capital from the special observation deck. After lunch you will cross Ishym river and get to the Kazakh Eli Square. There you will visit another unique project - the Palace of Peace and Accord, and see the extraordinary beauty of Khazret Sultan mosque. Final point of the excursion will be the Palace of Independence, where you can look at the far-reaching plans of the development of Astana in the hall "Layout Astana until 2030". Transfer to the hotel.

Full day guided tour to Burabai National park (Borovoe), which occupies 85000 hectares of northeastern part of Kokshetau elevation. There are 14 lakes in the park, each having surface area of more than 1 sq.km, and a large number of small lakes. On a way to the resort area, which is in 270 km from Astana, the professional guide will introduce history of this region. On arrival, you will visit the Khan’s pass and see "Burabay" mountain. On Abylaykhan Valley, you will feast your eyes upon “Ush-kyz”, “Ok-Zhetpes”, “Zhumbaktas” rocks and “Kokshetau” mountain, each having the surprising legends reflecting history and identity of the Kazakh people. During the tour, you will have lunch in a local cafe and 30-minute free time to walk in the wood. Further you wil have an easy hiking on “Bolektau” mountain, on the top of which the tremendous view of the “Borovoe” lake and its surroundings opens. In the evening is transfer to the hotel.

It is an Akmola camp for the wives of traitors of Motherland - one of the largest camps of Soviet Union and one of the three "islands" of the "Gulag Archipelago". The exposition of the museum is located on hall perimeter that involves the visitor in a vicious circle and immerses in the historical past of Kazakhstan. At the end of excursion, you will watch 20- minute documentary film. After lunch, you will see the hunting with birds of prey is traditional for all Central Asian nomads. A rider with a golden eagle sitting on the wrist has always been a symbol of the Asian steppes. Falconry is practiced in many countries, but hunting with eagles on hares and foxes is an exceptional attraction of Kazakhstan. In Kazakhstan, hunters with eagles are called «Berkutchi». After demonstration of hunting, you will get a complete picture of the traditional hunting with eagles, which has far-historical roots. In the evening is transfer to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport.