• Al Farabi Kazakh National University - Our journey takes us through the city center to the scenic Al-Farabi Avenue, showcasing the city’s most prestigious upper area. We will then drive through the countryside, where an ancient caravan route of the Great Silk Road once lay during Medieval times. We’ll discuss the history of the Semirechye region, the meaning of its name, and delve into the life, culture, and traditions of the Turkic people.
• Almaty State Nature Reserve - As we turn towards Essyk village, we will once again enjoy views of the Tian Shan mountains, stopping for photos at the vast field of ancient Turkic burial mounds, now part of the State National Reserve. The famous “Golden Man” was discovered in one of these mounds. Some artifacts from these excavations are housed in the Reserve’s Archaeological Museum, which is an optional visit. 15-minute photo stop.
• Lake Issyk - Next, we drive to the Illi-Allatu Nature Reserve, ascending the mountain serpentine to an altitude of 1756m above sea level. We’ll discuss the history of this road, which led to a luxurious Soviet-era resort in the mid-20th century, and learn about the tragedy that destroyed it in 1963. The road offers stunning views of the Issyk gorge, and we’ll stop at one or two viewpoints for photos.
• Lake Issyk - By this time, you might be hungry. You can either bring your own food or visit the trout farm for an amazing experience of fishing for trout, which will be prepared for you!
• Lake Issyk - Upon reaching the parking lot, we’ll take a short, gentle walk (1.2 km) to the lake. You’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the bright turquoise lake surrounded by the peaks of the Tian Shan mountains! If you wish, we can walk to the other side of the lake where the Issyk River flows into it, and/or explore the mudflow protection structures. Time at the lake: 2 hours. After visiting the lake, we will drive back to Almaty (approximately 1 hour).

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional guide services.

• Lunch
• an entrance fee in the Archeaological Museum is 4 USD , the entrance in the Natural Park is 2 USD

Our adventure takes us down the historic trade route of the illustrious Great Silk Road, with vistas of Tian Shan mountains. We’ll delve into the mystical charms of the Great Steppe. Along the journey, we’ll pause at an archaeological site to capture photos of ancient Saki burial mounds. These millennia-old sites have tales to tell of the grand nomadic civilization from bygone eras and there, we’ll recount the grim event that led the Kazakh people to their national emblem. The final leg of our journey lands us in the National park nestled in the mountains. Here, besides the awe-inspiring mountain views, we will also gaze upon the melancholic remnants of the resorts from the Soviet era. These relics bore witness to one of the most devastating natural catastrophes that struck in July 1963, claiming many lives and ravaging one of the marvels of these mountains. We’ll discuss the allure and peril of this location within an historical context.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.