Almaty, Issyk-Kul and the Karakol Valley. Tour code CH3

Day 1. Arrive Almaty, Kazakhstan - Medeo
7 hours/100km
Today you begin your unforgettable tour in ALMATY, vibrant capital of Kazakhstan. On arrival, enjoy a welcome lunch of national dishes in a local restaurant, followed by a city sightseeing tour, hosted by our guide. Highlights include the ZENKOV CHURCH, ORIENTAL BAZAAR, NATIONAL SQUARE and ARTS MUSEUM. Then your adventure continues with an excursion to MEDEO - boasting the largest skating rink in the world (open November-March) - visiting the picturesque U-shaped CHIMBULAK valley en route. Overnight accommodation at the city centre Hotel Otrar (3*).

Day 2. Almaty - Karakol
7 hours/425km
Today you will be collected and transferred to the small Kyrgyz town of KARAKOL, 400 km from Almaty. Your journey takes you via CHARYN CANYON (the smaller Central Asian version of America's Grand Canyon) and TEMIRLAN STONES, legendary burial ground of the ancient Kyrgyz-Kazakh people. On arrival you will be taken on a short city-tour then driven to your campsite in the KARAKOL valley.

Day 3-5. Karakol valley
3,3,4 hours/12,8,20km
The next three days are at leisure for enjoying the fresh mountain air, spectacular scenery and endless hiking possibilities provided by the KARAKOL valley. One possible hike would bring you up to a glacier at 3000m. A pleasant day stroll would take you to the Ski-Base in KASHKA-SUU valley, perhaps stopping for a tasty picnic in the forest en route. And of course you have enough time to undertake some short treks into to some of the area's wilder and more unusual places. Our suggestion would be a two day hike to LAKE ALA KUL, involving:

Day one: Climb to SIROTA forest at 2,900m (named 'Sirota', 'orphan' due to its location in a barren, rocky area). There you will find a little log hut built by mountaineering enthusiasts several years ago. From Sirota it is possible to see into neighbouring valleys and glimpse far-away peaks and ridges. Overnight camp on the banks of little stream running down from Lake Ala-Kul above you.

Day two: Climb to the pearl of the Karakol canyon LAKE ALA KUL. Its altitude at 3500m above sea level means that the lake cannot support fish, and but many different species of algae mean that the water constantly changes colour from violet to green throughout the day. All visitors find this this miracle of nature truly unforgettable. If you are in the first time here we are sure you will fall in love with Lake Ala-Kul.

Day 6. Karakol - Issyk-Kul Lake
2 hours/40km
Today you must bid farewell to the KARAKOL valley since you will be collected and transferred to the beaches of LAKE ISSYK-KUL, the second largest alpine lake in the world. Afternoon at leisure for swimming, boating, sunbathing and relaxation. Overnight in tents on the lake's sandy shores.

Day 7. Transfer to Almaty
7 hours/390km
Today you will be transferred to Almaty (or Bishkek if you wish) and dropped at the airport or any city centre location of your choosing. Our best wishes for a safe onward journey!

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