Altyn Emel National Park, Kaindy & Kolsay lakes

Altyn Emel National Park, Kaindy & Kolsay lakes

Days

2

From / per pax

US$ 253 US$

Start and end in Almaty

Unique individual tour for travellers who have short time in Almaty region and wants to see all “Must visit” places of Kazakhstan.

During this tour you will see beautiful lakes, canyons, mountains, steppes and you will try Kazakh traditional food and enjoy with nomadic atmosphere!.

Places You’ll See

Altyn Emel

Altyn-Emel National Park, located in Almaty Province, is one of the largest national parks in Kazakhstan. It is known for spectacular scenery that includes mountains, sand deserts, sandstone formations, and steppes. The highlights of the park are the Singing Dune and the Aktau Mountains.

Singing Dune, Altyn-Emel NP

Located in Altyn-Emel National Park, Singing dune is one of the most unique phenomena of nature. The area is referred to as the Singing Dunes on account of the rumbling sound emitted from the sand.

A light breeze gives a barely audible squeak, while strong gusts produce a more intense sound, similar to an organ.

The cause of this phenomenon is still a mystery, but scientists theorize that in hot dry weather the sand gets electrified due to friction and creates a certain sonic vibration.

In the Middle Ages, people who heard the singing of a dune, believed that it was the howling devil.

Aktau Mountains, Altyn-Emel NP

Limestone mountains Aktau is a geological museum under the sky. This is one of the most interesting and spectacular objects of tourism in the State National Natural Park “Altyn-Emel”. In Kazakh it means the White Mountains.

Mountains seem white only from afar. In the canyons of the mountains one can find naked multi-colored dome rocks, towers composed of colored layers alternate with dry canyons, filled with calcite crystals. Landscapes change constantly – bastions, towers, small towns, inaccessible castles and canyons, there is no end to them.

Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake – a truly amazing example of the creation of nature. It is located among a huge coniferous forest at an altitude of more than 2000 thousand meters above sea level. It was formed by a landslide of a huge accumulation of limestone, as well as subsidence of the soil. The lake contains trunks of submerged Picea schrenkiana trees that rise above the surface of the lake. The area is often referred to as a "sunken forest". The cold water helps preserve the tree trunks, which are overgrown with algae and various other water plants.

Lower Kolsay Lake

The Kolsay Lakes is a popular tourist destination. They are located in the Northern Tien Shan. The word “kolsay” means “lake in the gorge” and there are three of them: Upper, Middle and Lower. They are all quite deep, cool and scenic.

There is also the village of Saty, where you can stay in comfortable and authentic guest houses, try national cuisine, and see the everyday life of the Kazakh people.

The lower lake is located at 1818 meters above sea level and 80 meters in depth. It is accessible by road and has guest-houses, campsites, boats and horse riding.

Itinerary

Day 1

05:00 meeting at the hotel

08:00 arrive at Altyn Emel National park, meet the sunrise at Singing dunes

09:30 departure to Aktau mountains

11:40 arrival, exploring the mountains

13:00 lunch (lunchbox)

13:40 departure to the Saty village

18:00 arrive at guest house or hotel, dinner

Day 2

08:00 breakfast

08:30 departure to Kaindy lake

10:00 arrival, walking around the lake

13:00 lunch at Saty village

14:00 departure to Lower Kolsay lakes

14:30 arrive at the lake. Walking around, we can also rent a boad or ride a horse

15:30 departure to Almaty

20:00 arrive at the hotel

All-inclusive

1 person - 935 US$

2 persons - 1,018 US$

3 persons - 1,100 US$

4 persons - 1,183 US$

5 persons - 1,266 US$

What's Included
  • Transport
  • English-speaking guide / driver
  • Accommodation at guest house
  • Meals according to the program
  • Entrance tickets to national parks
  • Water
What's Excluded
  • International flights
  • Accommodation at hotel
  • Dinner at hotel restaurant
  • Alcoholic drinks

Taxi

Price for an SUV with a driver (regardless of the number of people, up to 5 people)

US$ 846 US$

What's Included
  • Transport
  • English-speaking driver

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