Golden Circle Of Almaty express 3 day tour with local guide. Best destinations!

Golden circle of Almaty one of the most popular and interesting tour. You will see completely different areas. Desert, Canyons, Alpine forest, Steppe and Mountain lakes.

Itinerary

Day 1: Almaty-Bashi-Aktau

Stop At: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Departure from Almaty at 08:00. While driving over an hour on a highway (120 km), you will pass by artificial Kapshagai water reservoir, the biggest in Almaty region, with the casinos of "Kazakh Las-Vegas" on its bank.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Kapchagay, Kapchagay, Almaty Region
9-30 While driving over an hour on a highway (120 km), we will pass by artificial Kapshagai water reservoir, the biggest in Almaty region, with the casinos of "Kazakh Las-Vegas" on its bank.

Stop At: Saryozek, Kazakhstan
10-30 Brief stop at a gas station

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Kalinino, Kazakhstan
12-00 Arriving to Basshi village which is located at the territory of Altyn Emel National Park. Lunch in the village and excursion to the Aktau mountains (85 km off-road).

Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Altyn-Emel National Park, in the Valley of the Ili River Kazakhstan
14-00 arriving to Aktau and Katutau mountains.
Aktau Mountains (White Mountains) are world-renowned paleontological field.
Katutau Mountains (Frozen rocks) are very ancient ruined mountains with preserved volcanic outputs.
18-00 Return to Basshi village
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kalinino, Kazakhstan
19-00 Arriving back to the village Bashi. Diner, overnight at the local guesthouse.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Bashi village local guesthouse

Day 2: Bashi-Altyn emel national park

Stop At: Kalinino, Kazakhstan
After breakfast at 07:30, you will depart at 09:00 to the Aktau mountains (63 km).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Altyn-Emel National Park, in the Valley of the Ili River Kazakhstan
9-00 Singing dune. Walking, hiking to the top.
Singing Dune, reaching a height of 120 meters and a length of about 3 km, located in one of the corners of the Altyn-Emel National Park, a few kilometers from the Ili river between the mountains of Big and Small Kalkan. This sandy hill consists of very fine pure sand, which starts to "sing" in windy weather and its sound reminds the organ music
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Kalinino, Kazakhstan
12-00 Return to Basshi village for lunch. Then, transfer to Craryn canyon 3 hours

Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Shonzhy, Shonzhy, Almaty Region
14-00 Brief stop at the gas station in Shonzhy village

Stop At: Charyn Canyon, Charyn National Park, Charyn River Kazakhstan
15-00 arriving to the Charyn canyon. Upon arrival, you will admire the grand panorama and go down to the bottom of the canyon to walk around 2 km through the maze of the Castles Valley.
18-00 Departure from the canyon
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Saty, Saty, Almaty Region
19-00 arriving to Saty village, diner and overnight at the local guesthouse
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at local guesthouse in Saty village

Day 3: Saty-Kaindy-Kolsai-Almaty

Stop At: Saty, Saty, Almaty Region
This day starts with breakfast and departure to Kaindy Lake at 08:30
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lake Kaindy, Saty Kazakhstan
9-30 Arriving to the Kaindy lake (sunken forest)
Kaindy Lake (birch lake) is situated among magnificent pine forest at an altitude of 2000 meters 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 alley 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
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Saty, Saty, Almaty Region
12-30 Lunch at the guesthouse in Saty village
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kolsai Lake, Saty Kazakhstan
14-00 Arriving 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. Horse lovers can order horseback tour to this place. The highest lake is small. It is located on the border of fir-wood and the alpine meadows and amazes by its harsh alpine beauty, as well as the rich flora and fauna. Vertical drop between the three lakes is about 700 meters. The lowest lake can be reached by car. But you should walk few kilometers along mountain trails to see the second and the third lake. Without doubts the tourists are expected to have a wonderful vacation in these places - berries, mushrooms and fishing. The water in the lakes is cold and clean and is 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.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Almaty, Almaty
16-00 Departure back to the city
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.