Grand Canyon & Mysterious Lakes (July 18) | Weekend in Kazakhstan

Welcome to Kazakhstan! 9th largest world country is filled with diverse nature, steppes and mountains, which makes it difficult for us to choose its best locations. The most representative to the whole region are Tien Shan Mountains, massive mountain range that runs all throughout stans, all the way to China. What is remarkable here is the gorgeous Alpine landscape with forest, valleys and snowy peaks.

We will travel North to Kolsay Lakes to experience its tranquility and stretch our knees over some wonderful trails nearby, before we hit the Gorge called Grand Canyon, known for its stunning similarity to its bigger brother. Check this out!

DAY 1 / Thursday
Meeting at Dubai Terminal 2 in the evening for a direct flight to Almaty.

DAY 2 / Friday
Arrival to Almaty. Customs & immigration procedures. Transfer to the Kolsay lakes.

Kolsay Lakes area is one of the most beautiful examples of Kazakhstan nature, known as the pearl of Northern Tien Shan. The lakes are located 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. Kolsay is a perfect place for camps, trekking and mountain biking. The lower and the middle lakes are filled with playing trout at sunsets. The Upper Kolsay is located 4 km further and 600 meters higher than the second lake, while Kyrgyzstan border is 6 kilometres away from the lake.

There is a great view here of the Kyrgyz Lake Issyk-Kul from the Sary-Bulak pass (3278 masl). If you visit the place, you will never forget its beauty, quietness and tranquillity surrounding it. When the water is perfectly calm, it reflects the sky and the fascinating mountainous scenery.

We will do 2 treks today: along Kolsay (1hr) and Kayindy (2hrs) lakes, enjoying crystal clear, natural beauty at its best.

After lunch, we move further on to Kaindy. You can optionally do horse riding at the village.

Lake Kaiyndy is a mysterious place in a piedmont area 1800 meters above sea level, surrounded by a spruce forest and mountain peaks. Kaiyndy in Kazakh means "birch". The paradox is that the Kaiyndy Lake is surrounded by a magnificent pine forests. The explanation is simple: the biggest birch grove on the entire Tien Shan is in the gorge below the lake, which gave its name to the gorge, river and lake.

The reservoir was created after tectonic collapse as a result of the catastrophic earthquake in early twentieth century.

Day 3 / Saturday

Charyn Canyon is an astonishing natural monument comprising of rock, sediments, pillars and towers from around 12 million years ago. It is one of the unique natural objects, where the erosion process played the artist and sculpted the fragile sedimentary rocks in the artwork. The canyon is often compared to the North American Grand Canyon. Gorge is located in the Charyn national park created to preserve its natural and geological objects, a home to a large number of rare and endangered species of animals.

We will have a chance to trek inside the Canyon to see it from various angles. We will reach locations called: Napoleon, Austrian viewpoint, Lunar Canyon, Stone Shelf and Panoramic view of Valley of Castles. Further on we will go back to Almaty, enjoy dinner in local restaurant and take well deserved rest before flight back home.

Day 4 / Sunday
Early morning flight back to Sharjah, arrival 08.10am.

Level of difficulty: easy to moderate (5hrs trek) depending on your fitness level.

Activities: trekking, sightseeing, optional horse riding, optional fishing.

Cost approx. 2650 AED all including flights.

Accomm. & meals: included - accommodation in local house and hotel, local meals.

Specifically excluded: Any costs related to visas, insurance, optional horse riding.

Visa: most of nationalities can get visa on arrival. Details available for confirmed RSVPs.

Requirement: daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, trekking shoes, camera, sleeping bag liner, warm clothes.

See yah in Kazakhstan !! xx
Piotr