Winter Wonderland
5 days in Almaty

Almaty is located at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains and surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including snow-capped peaks and forests. It has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The city has a rich history, having been founded in the 19th century as a trading post on the Silk Road. Over the years, it has been known by various names, including Verny, Alma-Ata, and its current name, Almaty.
Today, Almaty is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a number of cultural attractions. These include the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, and the Almaty Zoo. The city also has a thriving gastronomy scene, with a wide selection of traditional Kazakh and international restaurants.

The Charyn Canyon is a beautiful natural landmark located in Kazakhstan. It is part of the Charyn National Park and is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Central Asia due to its fascinating history and stunning landscape. The canyon stretches for over 80 kilometers along the Charyn River, reaching a depth of 300 meters at its deepest point. The rock formations in the canyon are incredibly diverse, with a variety of colors and shapes, formed by erosion over millions of years. The most famous of these formations is the Valley of Castles, a series of towers and spires reminiscent of a medieval castle.

Lake Kaiyndy is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level. This area is often called the "sunken forest." The cold water helps preserve the tree trunks, which are overgrown with algae and various other aquatic plants. The lake is unique in that after a natural dam was built to close the gorge, the water filling the dam formed the lake and did not destroy the spruce trees growing along the river. The upper parts of the trees protruding from the water have lost their side branches and bark, and the wood has turned white. Looking at this panorama, you get the feeling of looking at a sunken squadron: the bare tree trunks resemble the masts of sunken ships.

Lake Kolsay is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters and surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains. It is fed by glacial meltwater and has a vibrant turquoise color that is truly breathtaking.
In addition to the beautiful lake itself, the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes, and wild boars, as well as a wide variety of bird species. This natural wonder is a must-see for anyone traveling to the region. It offers stunning scenery, outdoor adventures, and the opportunity to experience the beauty of Kazakhstan's wildlife.

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the mountains near Almaty, Kazakhstan. The lake is a deep blue in winter and a light blue in summer. The lake is a protected area, and visitors must obtain a permit to enter. There are several hiking trails in the area leading to the lake, including a popular 5-kilometer trail that starts at the Big Almaty Lake Observatory and takes approximately 2-3 hours. In addition to its natural beauty, Big Almaty Lake is also an important source of drinking water for the city of Almaty. The lake's waters are carefully monitored and protected to ensure the purity of the water supply.

Snowmobiles are a wonderful way to enjoy the snowy landscapes of the Almaty region. The trip gives you the opportunity to admire picturesque natural places, breathe fresh air and simply relax.

Ethno tour. You will visit the amazing village of "Hunny." The village is located in the Talgar district, 40 km from Almaty. This base is considered the first ethnographic village in Kazakhstan—here you can fully immerse yourself in the history of the Kazakh people, sample saumal, dine in a colorful yurt, and enjoy horseback riding.