Trekking to Kul-Say (Köl-Say) Lakes. Tour code T10. Bishkek and Almaty cities, Charyn Canyon, Burana Tower (11th c), Boom gorge, Issyk-Kul Lake, Saty village, Kul-Say Lakes, Saray-Bulak, Kol-Say (Kolsai) river, Zhalanash, Sary-Bulak pass, Chilik river, Kurmenty village

Day 1. Arrive Almaty, Kazakhstan
7 hours/287km
Today you will be met in ALMATY, the vibrant capital of Kazakhstan, and taken on a city sightseeing tour, hosted by our guide. Highlights include the ORTHODOX CHURCH, ORIENTAL BAZAAR, NATIONAL SQUARE and ARTS MUSEUM. After lunch you will be transferred to the village of Saty via CHARYN CANYON (the Central Asian version of America's Grand Canyon). Overnight camp in tents.

Day 2. 1^st Kul-Say Lake
5 hours/9km
After breakfast you will begin your trek with a hike up to the lower KUL-SAY LAKE. Your route winds along a mountain river flowing down to its confluence with the CHILIK. On arrival at the lake's northern shores we will stop for lunch and then continue trekking to the other side. Tonight we strike camp on the lake's southern shores. The lake simply bursts with fish and you can be sure that there will be plenty of hot, tasty fish dishes on the campsite menu tonight.

Day 3. 2^nd Kul-Say Lake
4 hours/8km
After fish for breakfast it will be time to pack your rucksack and continue the trek. Climbing to the second (middle) lake takes you through forest and past a babbling, hidden river. In summer the forest floor abounds with wild, edible mushrooms - another natural gourmet feast. The landscape of this region is sometimes compared to the foothills of European mountain ranges. After arriving at the second, largest lake you will be guided around it's left shores to reach your next camp-site. This lovely spot is located on the banks of a river flowing down from the upper lake high above. Evening around the campfire - a perfect opportunity to relax, chat and swap stories.

Day 4. 2^nd Kul-Say Lake
A whole day at leisure to enjoy the middle lake and its spectacular surroundings. There are many possibilities to tempt you; fishing, boating, hiking in the neighbouring valleys, climbing a nearby 3,400m peak for unrivalled panoramic views or just resting your tired feet around the fire whilst drinking tea or wine.

Day 5. 3^rd Kul-Say Lake
4 hours/5km
After breakfast we will set off towards the third, upper lake. Due to its high altitude (3,000m) the lake is too cold for fish and in winter freezes almost to the bottom. Tonight we strike camp in fir forests nearby, the branches forming a natural roof through which enormous stars can be glimpsed high above. Sunset over the surrounding gorges makes a captivating campsite cabaret, best enjoyed with refreshing bowl of hot stew and mug of tea.

Day 6. Sary-Bulak pass
5 hours/10km
This morning you will break camp and hike over SARY-BULAK PASS (3274m). From the summit, the vast, dramatic panorama of eastern ISSYK-KUL rolls away as far as the eye can see. A few gulfs of the shimmering blue lake (the second largest alpine lake in the world) lie just below, whilst on the far side of Issyk-Kul Valley the mighty TERSKEY ALA-TOO range pokes above the clouds. After an easy descent into the Issyk-Kul Valley we will pitch the tents before dinner. Here you will find plenty of dry wood to build a roaring fire for your last night of camping.

Day 7. Bishkek
7 hours/405km
This morning you must bid farewell to the Issyk-Kul region before continuing your tour with a transfer to Bishkek. The road takes you along the northern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul and through rural towns and villages of chocolate-box wooden houses. En route we will pass through BOOM GORGE with its intricate rock formations, then stop for sightseeing at 11th-century BURANA TOWER (an ancient Silk Route staging post). On arrival in Bishkek you will be taken to the Hotel Issyk-Kul - a blissful luxury after your long mountain adventure.

Day 8. Bishkek - Depart for home
2 hours/30km
After an airport transfer you will depart for home, taking with you many spectacular memories of your trek to the Kul Say Lakes.

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