Golden Tour

Tour 2: Golden Tour
Duration: 7 days
In short: Nur-Sultan – Borovoe – Nur-Sultan – Almaty– Issyk – Almaty – Altyn Emel – Kaindy – Saty – Kolsai Lakes – Charyn Canyon – Almaty

Day 1: Nur-Sultan
Driver will meet and accompany you to This Nur-Sultan, where you will have a whole day of city tour. You will visit not only historical center of the city but also its modern part. At first we are going to visit Constitution Square. Here the president of Kazakhstan N.A.Nazarbayev announced the decision of transferring the capital of the country from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). Here you can also plunge to the past and visit one of the most wonderful buildings of the city's architecture such as Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan* with the Golden man. This site is very famous among all Central Asia. To understand this modern city you will go to the largest and exceptional mall Khan Shatyr. After it you will have a ride on elevator to reach the top of the Astana-Baiterek monument. There you can observe panoramic view of Nur – Sulatan.  After having lunch you will cross Ishym river and get to the Kazakh Eli Square. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is the exceptional project and here you will be able to see incomparable beauty of Khazret Sultan mosque. tHe major part of this tour is visit to the National Museum of History of Kazakhstan*. Here you can learn about far-reaching plans of the development of Nur-Sultan and its historical background. After observing the past and the modern day you will have deep understating of this unique city - the pride of modern Kazakhstan.  Night is in the hotel. 

*Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and National Musem of History of Kazakhstan is not accessible on Mondays. These objects can be replaced with other attractions on request. 

Day 2: Nur-Sultan – Borovoe – Nur-Sultan
Today your destination is Burabai National park or Borovoe. The area occupied by the parks is 85,000 hectares of the north-eastern part of the Kokshetau altitude. Here you can find 14 lakes, each surface of these lakes are more than 1 sq.km, and a large number of small lakes. Instead of having material heritage this place is created the exceptional natural fancy landscapes along with magnificent mountain scenery, blue lakes, coniferous and deciduous groves. While transferring to the resort area you will learn about history of this region. There you will be able to go to the Khan’s pass and see Burabay and Zheke-Batyr mountains. In the Abylaykhan valley, you will admire the cliffs of Ush-kyz, Ok- Zhetpes and Mount Kokshetau, each of which has amazing legends that reflect the history and identity of the Kazakh people. After havinnng lunch you will have 30 minutes to explore forest. After it easy hike to the Bolektau Mountain will wait you. On the top of this mountain you can enjoy startling view of the lake and its surroundings and Zhumbaktas rock. A visit to Borovoye helps to relieve both physical and psychological fatigue, as well as enjoy wonderful views of an unusual oasis in the midst of the Kazakh steppe. Century-old pine forests hide many secrets and mysteries, attracting with beauty and grandeur. 

Day 3: Nur-Sultan – morning flight Almaty
After having breakfast you will have morning flight to Almaty.  After your arrival you will visit main attractions of this city. At first you will visit Green Bazaar, famous among local people. Here you won’t top yourself from haggling. This place is the best to comprehend the lifestyle of eastern market, its colors, smells and crowds. Then you will go to the one of the oldest parks in Almaty - Panfilov Park. Here is situated Zenkov Cathedral, one of the most splendor buildings in the world. Then you will visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, made for memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. After exploring all part of the city you will be transferred to the Medeo Gorge, well known due to the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, protecting the city from dangerous mudflows. Next place is situated the tallest TV tower in the world – Kok Tobe hill. To get there you need to drive through scenery winding mountain road. In Kok-Tobe Park you can stroll along the winding paths of the park, admire the splendor panorama of the city from the observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. The tour will end by having short ride on the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in the hotel.

Day 4: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty
Today your route goes through Issyk Gorge that lies along the Kuldja tract, and considered to be one of the most beautiful gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau. Here many years ago passed trade caravans. During your drive you will learn more about nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sakas period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found, and has become the state taken of the Republic of Kazakhstan.  You will have opportunity to visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”. Here you will see the exhibition of the history and culture of the Sakas period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the example of Sakas burial mound.  Continue your drive to visit the alpine lake Issyk that is on 1756 meters high, and locates in the valley with the same name.  This lake appeared about 10,000 years ago because of the landslide. Due to it was made natural dam of 300 meters in height. On the lake you will be amazed by the mysterious view from the surface of the lake as well as Issyk gorge. In addition you will learn more about natural disaster of 1963. You will have a picnic and free time for soaking in this atmosphere. Overnight is in hotel.

Day 5: Almaty – Tamgaly Tas – Altyn Emel
Your day will start with your drive to the Tamgaly Tas. This site is situated on the Ili River. This place is popular due to images of Buddha’s and texts in Tibetan, Kalmyk and other languages and having a prayer meaning that are carved on the old rocks. Scientists don’t know about its origin but trying to solve the mystery for over 150 years. Here in Tamgaly Tas, you will be informed about this wonderful place. After it you will be able to walk around and enjoy the picturesque views.   On the other side of the river you will be able to see the set in the style of medieval Kazakhstan, which were built for the filming “The Nomad” film. Then you will be transferred to the village of Baschi. After it you will drive to the Singing Dune. This place is located in one of the corners of the Altyn-Emel National Park, which a few kilometers from the Ili river between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. Its size is 120 meters in height and about 3 km in length.  Due to the pure sand, on the windy weather this place start to “sing” and the sounds of it reminds the organ music. But on the sandy storm the dune sounds like a drum.  On the top of it you can enjoy magnificent panorama view. In addition you will be able to see - thin strip of the Ili River, purple mountains of Sogety and Boguty of the Ketmen ridge in the south.  On the west there is horizon obstructed by the steep slope of the Big Kalkan, and the Small Kalkan – from the east. In the north - violet-blue ridge of Djungarian Alatau mountains, Chulak Mountain, Matai and Altyn-Emel are visible.  If you lucky enough you can enjoy song of the dune that can be heard as far as several kilometers. Returning back. Night is in the hotel.        

Day 6: Altyn Emel – Saty – Kaindy
Your next destination is Saty. On the way you will visit Kolsai Lakes where at 12 you will have a lunch. Then you will be transferred to Kaindy Lake that is well known as a birch lake. This place is in the midst of the pine forest on the altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. It is very popular place due to its origin. The reason of appearance of the lake is the earthquake that triggered the landslide blocked the alley by the natural dam, and the water has flooded the valley. Since the water is cold, the needles of flooded trees are visible through the transparent surface of the water, and the dry stems of the fir trees come to the surface of the water, like the masts of an underwater squadron. You need to be here to see this place with your own eyes this mysterious beauty. Transfer to Saty settlement. Night is in the guest house. 

Day 7: Saty – Kolsai Lakes
In the morning you will have a trekking from Kolsai- 1 to Kolsai- 2 lakes. Lunvh you will have on the way. Kolsai is a cascade of three lakes, which are called "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan". This place is famous for the lack of civilization and a large number of mushrooms. Those who can ride can order horseback tour to this place. The lake that is the highest among them is situated on the border of spruce and alpine meadows and impresses with its harsh alpine beauty, as well as rich wildlife. The vertical difference between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lowest you can reach be car. But you still have to walk several kilometers along the mountain trails to see the second and third lake. On the way you can find a lot of berries, mushrooms and fishing. Due to the cold and clean water in the lakes that is became home for the rainbow trout - a fish that lives only in the running or spring water. In the around mountains you can see Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. Overnight is in the guest house. 

Day 8: Saty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Today you will drive back to Almaty. But on the way will be a stop at Charyn Canyon. Such canyon is exceptional not only in Kazakhstan but in the world too. It was made at Paleogene time and brings to mind the Grand Canyon of Colorado River in North America, although inferior to it in size. The height of the slopes is up to 150-300 meters. It strikes an extraordinary incision of the terrain: numerous gorges form a dense chaotic network. Due to the wind and water the beautiful "Valley of Castles" appeared. Here you are among fancy towers composed of sedimentary rocks. The length of the valley is more than 2 km, width - 20-80 meters. The nature during a of centuries made such amazing architecture of great castles, carefully and slowly. You can spend hours walking among the strange towers and columns, being surprised by the wild imagination of the nature. Continue drive to Almaty. Overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 7: Flight
Breakfast, check – out till 12:00, transfer to airport, departure.
 

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 645 $
04 pax – 1 050 $
06 pax – 810 $
08 pax – 680 $
10 pax – 610 $
Single – 170 $

Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 65 $ 

Half board – 160 $
Full board – 255 $ 

English speaking guide – 905 $ per group 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
     Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
     Nur-Sultan – “Come Inn” Hotel 3*
     Saty – Homestay
     Altyn Emel – Guesthouse
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour            

Service does not include:
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide

If you want to find out more about places included in this tour – please read below.
For more details – click on the NAME of the place. 

Nur -Sultan is a capital city of Kazakhstan, in the north of a country.
Khan Shatyr is a large shopping and entertainment center in Nur-Sultan.
Astana Baiterek is a famous monument and observation tower in Nur-Sultan. 
Kazakh Eli Square is the main square in Nur-Sultan founded in 2004.
Palace of Peace and Accord is a fascinating pyramid in Nur- Sultan with a height of 62 meters.
Khazret Sultan mosque is the largets mosque in Central Asia, located in Nur-Sultan.
Borovoye is a natural and health complex located in the north of Kazakhstan.
Almaty is a city located at the foothill of Zailiy Ala Tau that gives a splendid view to it.
Green Bazaar has abundance and variety of goods starting from fruits and ending with meat.
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is one of the popular places in a city that has a few sites inside.
Zenkov Cathedral is one of the world’s top highest buildings made of wood.
Medeo Gorge has one the largest alpine ice skating rinks in the world.
Kok Tobe hill allows observing a great city panorama and offers lots of entertainments.
Issyk Lake is small lake with dramatic history of avalanches.
Tamgaly is petroglyphs, UNESCO World Heritage site in 170 km north-west from Almaty.
Altyn Emel is one of the largest national parks of Kazakhstan.
Kolsai Lakes are the most beautiful emerald green lakes with coniferous forests.
Kaindy is a lake in 291 km distance from Almaty with extraordinary beauty and charm.
Charyn canyons are unique geological rock formations resembling the Grand canyons.