Day 1
Arrive in Almaty
- Arrival: Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA)
- Transfer: Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
- Leisure Time: Spend the rest of the day at leisure to recover from your flight or explore the local area around your hotel.
- Overnight: Stay in Almaty
Day 2
Almaty City Tour
- Morning: Start the day with breakfast at the hotel.
- Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral): Visit this iconic Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park, renowned for its wooden construction without the use of nails.
- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen: Explore this park dedicated to the 28 soldiers who defended Moscow during World War II.
- Central State Museum: Visit one of the largest museums in Central Asia to learn about Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture.
- Kazakhstan Museum of Musical Instruments: Discover a unique collection of traditional Kazakh musical instruments.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill, offering panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. Visit the Kok-Tobe Park, enjoy local entertainment, and see the famous Beatles monument.
- Evening: Stroll along Zhibek Zholy pedestrian street and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
- Overnight: Stay in Almaty
Day 3
Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Big Almaty Lake: Depart for a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning natural alpine reservoir surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
- Alma-Arasan Recreation Area: Stop at the Alma-Arasan area to enjoy the serene atmosphere and views.
- Activities: Enjoy optional activities like horse riding along the river or visiting the Boraldai Saka Burial Mounds, historical Iron Age monuments.
- Picnic: Have a picnic lunch by the lakeside and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
- Afternoon: Free time for relaxation and taking photos of the breathtaking landscape.
- Overnight: Stay in Almaty
Day 4
Almaty to Charyn Canyon
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
- Transfer to Charyn Canyon: Depart for a 4-hour drive to Charyn Canyon.
- Charyn Canyon Tour: Explore the “Valley of Castles,” a unique formation within the canyon with stunning red sandstone formations. Enjoy hiking, photography, and exploring this natural wonder.
- Activities: Optional activities include rafting, jeep tours, and bird watching.
- Camping Night: Experience a memorable night under the stars with a camping experience at Charyn Canyon (optional hotel stay nearby).
- Overnight: Camp at Charyn Canyon or stay at a nearby hotel.
Day 5
Kolsai Lakes National Park and Kaindy Lake
- Morning: Breakfast at the campsite or hotel.
- Kolsai Lakes: Visit the Kolsai Lakes, a series of three stunning alpine lakes surrounded by pine forests. Ideal for hiking, swimming, and photography.
- Kaindy Lake: Explore the mystical Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest and crystal-clear waters.
- Activities: Enjoy hiking, horse riding, or a peaceful picnic by the lakes.
- Accommodation Options: Camp near Kaindy Lake or stay in a traditional yurt or guesthouse in Saty Village.
- Overnight: Stay near Kaindy Lake or in Saty Village.
Day 6
Altyn-Emel National Park & Singing Sand Dunes
- Morning: Breakfast at the yurt camp or guesthouse.
- Transfer to Altyn-Emel National Park: Drive to Altyn-Emel National Park, home to diverse wildlife and unique geological formations.
- Singing Sand Dunes: Visit the famous Singing Sand Dunes, known for producing a musical sound when the wind blows across the sands. Enjoy hiking on the dunes and experience the natural wonder.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring the park’s other attractions, such as Aktau and Katutau mountains, with their vibrant rock formations.
- Overnight: Stay near Altyn-Emel National Park.
Day 7
Departure from Almaty
- Morning: Breakfast at the hotel or guesthouse.
- Transfer: Check out and transfer to Almaty International Airport (ALA) for your departure flight.
- Departure: End of the 7-day Kazakhstan adventure. Safe travels!