7-Day Winter Kazakhstan Tour

Your guide will pick you up at International Airport and accompany you to Almaty City. Today we will have a city tour. You will get acquainted with Almaty’s history and see the Ascension Cathedral – the second highest wooden building in the world. Then you will visit the Square of 28 Panfilov Heroes. Also, we will visit the main Square of the city. Almaty was the capital of independent Kazakhstan from 1991 to 1997. In 1997, the capital moved to Astana; since then, Almaty has been referred to as the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Almaty remains the major commercial center of Kazakhstan. Almaty is the largest, most developed, and most ethnically and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan. Night is at the hotel.

Today you will trip to Charyn Canyons. 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. 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. Transfer to Saty. Night is at the guesthouse

Today you will have a drive to Kolsai Lake. Kolsai Lakes – “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. Other 2 lakes we will not have time as needed long hiking. After you will drive to Kaindy Lake (birch lake). It is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 m 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 valley 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. Return to Saty. Night is at the guesthouse.

After an unforgettable stay in the picturesque Saty Village, we will embark on our journey back to Almaty. The road is long but filled with stunning landscapes, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Kazakhstan one last time before returning to the vibrant city. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (if to count from the sea level) and where you will get by the picturesque winding mountain road. 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 and visit the shop of national souvenirs. Night is at the hotel.

This tour provides you the best opportunity to see the beautiful mountain surroundings of Almaty city. The first stop of the tour awaits you in the Medeo Gorge, where in the wonderful mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau the largest high mountain skating rink in the world is located as well as the huge dam, protecting the city from destructive mudflows formed on the tops of the western Tien Shan. Next destination is Shymbulak ski resort, located at an altitude of 2230 meters above sea level. It is very popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and snow through the winter and remarkable scenery of mountain ranges. Then you will visit History Museum. Night is at the hotel.

On the northern spur of the Trans–Ili Alatau at an altitude of 1780 m there is one of the most picturesque gorges in the vicinity of Almaty – Alma-Arasan. The river flows here. A passageway, which is why the gorge is sometimes called a Passageway. The gorge ends at the Almaty pass. Here, at an altitude of 1872 m. there is a wellness area with wooden pools filled with hot and cold thermal water (“arasan” from kaz.yaz. translates as “warm spring”). Its location is simply incredible – on the one hand, steep mountain slopes overgrown with century–old fir trees, and on the other – a stormy river stream. A 5-minute walk from this place there is a small beautiful waterfall “Maiden’s tears”. Afterwards you will enjoy shopping. Night is at the hotel.

In the morning, transfer to the airport