ALMATY SIGHTSEEING. 
Strap on your walking shoes – we have a full day of sightseeing in Almaty ahead of us today. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top five oil-producing nations and you’ll sure notice the development and wealth that comes from it as you wander the glittering streets today. You’ll visit Central Square and the colorful Zenkov Cathedral in historic Panfilov Park, dedicated to the 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow against Nazi tanks in WWII. Then, check out the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments and the State Historical Museum, which features a great collection of ancient relics. And finally, summit Kok Tobe Hill to take in the breathtaking views over the city before returning to the hotel to relax after an action-packed day


Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Almaty

After the early breakfast transfer to Altyn-Emel National Park, where we stop for a lunch and rest break.
It is time to take a driving journey through the remote barren Kazakh steppes to experience the first miracle of our trip – Singing Dunes. On the way, extra beady eyes may catch sight of the gracious black-tailed gazelle or Asian wild ass moving for the Ili river’s drinking place. Arriving at the Singing Dunes learn how it is possible that dunes appeared in a vast steppe area and, despite a wind, never moved from their place for hundreds of years! Here we will have a lot of time for hiking, taking magnificent photos, and enjoying an amazing panoramic view of the valley around Ili – the main river of the region! Coming back to the hotel, dinner, night at the hotel. 

P.S. If you are taking a trip to Altyn-Emel in August, don’t miss the opportunity to see numerous falling stars – it is far enough from any big city to enjoy the best dark sky in the region.
 

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Altyn-Emel Guest house (shared facilities)

Breakfast at the hotel at Bashi village.
Short stop at the picturesque Tiger hills, the place looks completely out of our world, you can easily imagine yourself as an explorer of another planet. 
We will drive to the small town Zharkent, located very close to the Khorgos, main automobile entrance to China. Most of the population of this town are people of Uighur ethnicity, so you will try one of the most famous Uighur dishes – lagman! It is fresh handmade noodles served with meat and vegetables, probably this dish introduced Marco polo to pasta!
We will visit an old mysterious mosque (currently – museum) built by a Chinese architect Hong Pik in the XIXth century by the order of wealthy local merchant Valiakhun Yuldashev. The building, resembling a Chinese pagoda, turned out so beautiful that the architect was executed after returning back home for giving away Chinese architectural secrets. 
Driving to Chundzha town, a place with mineral radon hot springs. We will stay in a hotel with a waterpool, so it’s a great idea to take a swimming suit. Night in a hotel near Chundzha town.

 Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Near Chunzha village

Today we will drive away from the desserts, towards the snow-capped mountains of Tian Shan. South-east Kazakhstan is famous for that sharp difference when in one day you can experience the intensive summer heat and fresh spring chilly time by just moving a bit closer to the mountains! 
We will stop for lunch at the Saty village, the closest village to the Kolsay & Kaindy lakes.
After lunch we will visit Kaindy lake.
Unusual and mysterious Kaindy Lake (Birch Lake) is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. Kaindy lake was formed as the result of a huge landslide after the powerful earthquake in 1911. The landslide blocked the river and the water flooded the valley. That is how the lake appeared with Tien Shan fir trees in the middle. 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, and dry stems of fir trees overlook the water surface. It is impossible to describe in words all this mystical splendor of the lake – it is necessary to go there and see everything with your own eyes. The road to the lake is not so good, so we will change our comfortable bus for the old Soviet UAZ cars during the trip to the lake. It will take around two hours of driving both ways and two more hours to hike a bit around the lake.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Saty village

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Charyn Canyon. Trekking along the Valley of Castles – majestic monument, erected by nature. Lunch at the café along Charyn River. Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Although it’s much smaller, it’s equally impressive. The canyon is located 200 kilometers (124 mi) away from the city of Almaty. The landscape of the area is constantly changing due to weathering and erosion. Many animals live here, including some endangered species. The most picturesque places of the canyon are the Valley of Castles, the Ash and Turang Groves, and the Charyn River. Head to Karakol City. One stop more on the way to see the stones of Tamerlan. Arrival to Karakol town

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Karakol

Discover Karakol city this morning, with its rich history and vibrant culture. Begin with a visit the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and learn about its significance to the local community, then head to Dungan Mosque that combines Chinese and Muslim influences. Continue to Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the renowned 19th century Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky. Get insight into his adventures and view his personal belongings. Excursion to local bazaar and tonight, you are welcomed to the home of a local Dungan family for dinner and cultural exchange

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Karakol

After breakfast we will drive to Djeti-Oguz by the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. This is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan.The gorge finally becomes a wide Kok-Djayik valley which is totally covered by fir forests up to the very top of the ridge.

After that we will drive to the Ak Say canyons. The small mountains in the Ak Sai area are intertwined with countless dry riverbeds that wind through the arid terrain – it’s not for nothing that it’s referred to often as the Canyon of Forgetten Rivers, we drive 12 km from the main road and we will arrive at the lake shore. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp. (1 yurt for 2 person)

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight:  Ak Say Canyon (Skazka canyon)

In the morning after breakfast an easy walking to Panorama place which gives a beautiful view of the lake, rock formations and mountains opposite. Transfert back to Ak Sai canyons, you have some time to swim and relax at the wonderful lake shore.
Drive after lunch to Chong Kemin valley. Upon arrival walking in typical Kyrgyz village.
Overnight and dinner at the guest house.
Optionally: Easy walking to panorama:
5 km on foot / approx 1 hour!
Height difference: + 150 m, - 150 m

 
Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight:  Chong Kemin valley

Transfer to Bishkek. En route excursion to archeological and historical complex Burana.
On the place of the Burana Tower there existed a Balasagun settlement until the XIV-XV centuries. At that time, it had already lost its former meaning.
You will be able to stroll through the settlement, where there are also tombstones, balbals, ancient millstones and other objects of household culture, climb the tower and take stunning photos. It is especially beautiful here in spring, when everything starts to burn from poppy blossoming. It incredibly contrasts with the whiteness of the snow-capped Kyrgyz Ridge. Upon arrival to Bishkek you will have a city tour with visiting main Ala-Too square with changing of the guards, victory square, old square with the statue of Lenin, Manas complex
Drive to Bishkek, overnight in Bishkek.

Transfer to the airport.