Kazakhstan by Wacanza for 18 - 35 year olds (8 - 14 July 2024)
 
Day-wise itinerary specially designed by Wacanza for solo travellers. Kazakhastan is the 9th largest country in the world but very sparsely populated and still remains an offbeat international destination to visit. What that means is that you are more likely to be able to get those perfect pictures without having crowds in them. There are many trekking trails and lakes to lure the nature enthusiasts. So what are you waiting for?
 
Day 1: Arrival in Kazakhstan 

We arrive at Almaty International Airport, clear immigration and transfer to the hotel for check-in. We will meet for the group dinner post which you are free to stay back at the hotel or as we recommend you can head out.
 
Day 2: Shymbulak Mountain Resort
 
After breakfast, we will visit the beautiful mountains that you must have seen before landing at Almaty airport. We will head to Medeu which is a high-altitude sports complex near Almaty, located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. We will take the ropeway and head level 1 where you can enjoy amazing views & quite a few restaurants. Activities like cliff jumping & rock climbing are also on offer (chargeable). However the best thing to do is take the chaircar to the top (2nd level - can be closed due to bad weather & is optional for whoever wants to go). On the top level you are most likely to find some snow to get some amazing pictures. Carry a jacket for today.  On the way back we will take the electric bus.  
 
Overnight at Almaty
 
Day 3: Issyk City - Issik Lake - Kaindy Lake
 
Today after an early breakfast we check out and begin our road journey to Issyk lake via Issik city. (3 hours approximately). The lake was formed 8000 years ago as a result of a powerful rock avalanche, which later created a natural 300 m-high dam, it got destroyed and was restored as a man-made lake.  The second and more beautiful of the two lakes is Kaindy lake where we visit next before we head to our guest house in Saty for local dinner & overnight stay. 
 
Day 4: Kolsai Lake 1 & Kolsai Lake 2
 
After breakfast, we begin with our full-day exploration of Kolsai lakes 1 & 2. We will go to Kolsai lake by vehicle; & trek to Kolsai lake 2. (This is indeed the best way to experience and soak in the magical nature of this region). The trek is of average difficulty , mostly easy and everyone can do it if you have an active liefestyle. There is a certain altitude change but nothing too difficult. Kolsay lakes are very deep: the deepest place in the first lake is 80 m, in the second – nearly 50 m.
 
Overnight stay in Yurts (Traditional Camps near Kolsai) 5-6 people will stay in each Yurt.
 
Do you know there is a 3rd Kol sai lake too , but to visit that you have to camp at Kok sai 2, so we are skipping it.
 
Day 5: Charyn Canyon
 
We do an early start today and visit the Charyn Canyon. The Charyn Canyon (or Sharyn Canyon) is part of the Charyn Canyon National Park and stretches 154km along the Charyn River, one of the deepest rivers of the Northern Tien Shan mountains.For more than 12 million years, wind, water and sand sculpted Charyn’s red sandstone to form the wonderful shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown. This is also called the Grand Canyon of Asia, if you have seen the "127 hours" movie this place will remind you of it. Take a 2.5 Km easy hike with so many picture spots that you will literally run out of storage space. 
 
Almaty has a thriving nightlife scene, with a variety of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular options include Bla bla bar, and Bar Code, a trendy bar and club with good music and a lively atmosphere.
 
Day 6: Almaty
 
Post breakfast, check out and leave for Almaty. We will see the following today:
 
Arbat Shopping Street
Zenkov Cathedral
Old Square
Abay Square
Palace of the Republic
 
Overnight at Almaty
 
Day 7: Early morning drop to Airport