
Silk Road Serenity: From Almaty to the Lakes
This package offers a 6-day tour covering Almaty’s top attractions, including Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Shymbulak, Issyk Lake, and city highlights like Kok Tobe.
Upon landing at Almaty International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative. From there, you'll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure—take it easy, explore nearby spots, or just relax after your flight.
Start your day with an early breakfast and prepare for a scenic adventure. At 8:00 AM, depart from your hotel for a full-day trip. First stop is Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the “Valley of Castles.” It's one of the largest canyons in the world and takes approximately 3 hours to reach, including short stops at a fuel station and the Black Canyons.
Once there, enjoy a relaxing hike through the canyon (30–40 minutes on relatively easy terrain). Be sure to carry water and essentials in a backpack. Return to the parking area via an eco-friendly safari vehicle.
Afterward, continue to the breathtaking Kolsay Lake, also known as the "jewel of the mountains" (approx. 2-hour drive). Spend the evening soaking in the natural beauty of the lake—walk along the icy shores and capture unforgettable photos. Return to Almaty by around 9:00 PM.
Your city tour begins at 9:00 AM after breakfast. Start with a visit to 28 Panfilov Park, home to the magnificent Zenkov Cathedral, the tallest wooden structure built without nails. Explore the Eternal Flame Memorial, dedicated to WWII heroes.
Next, head to the Green Bazaar, a vibrant local market where you can taste and buy traditional Kazakh treats like kurt, kumys, and kazy. (Note: Bazaar is closed on Mondays.)
Stroll down Arbat Street, a buzzing pedestrian area with shops, cafes, and local performers. Wrap up your day with a ride to Kok Tobe Hill, offering sweeping views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
After breakfast, head out by 9:00 AM for a trip to the Shymbulak Ski Resort, located 3,200 meters above sea level. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to the summit and marvel at the panoramic vistas. The resort also features cozy cafes, rope parks, and more for you to explore.
Later, visit the nearby Medeu Ice Rink, the world’s highest-altitude skating rink. The day concludes with some free time to explore local shopping centers before heading back to the hotel by 7:30 PM.
Fuel up with breakfast, then depart at 9:00 AM for a visit to Lake Issyk, nestled in the Ile Alatau National Park, about an hour’s drive away.
Continue to Turgen Gorge, where you’ll hike approximately 1.5 kilometers to reach the scenic Bear Waterfall, hidden deep in lush forest surroundings. After soaking in the sights, return to Almaty and enjoy some last-minute shopping or leisure time.
After breakfast and check-out, you’ll be transferred to Almaty International Airport for your onward journey. We hope you leave with beautiful memories and stunning photos!