• Al Farabi Kazakh National University - The journey begins through the city center, leading to the scenic Al-Farabi Avenue, showcasing the city’s most prestigious area. The route continues through the countryside, once home to an ancient caravan “highway” of the Great Silk Road during Medieval times. There will be an opportunity to discuss the history of the Semirechye region, its significance, and learn about the life, culture, and traditions of the Turkic people.
• Almaty State Nature Reserve - As the journey turns towards Essyk village, the stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains reappear. A stop will be made for photos at the expansive 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 at the Reserve’s Archaeological Museum. Visiting the museum is optional. 15-minute photo stop.
• Lake Issyk - The drive continues to the Illi-Allatu Nature Reserve, ascending the mountain serpentine to an altitude of 1,756 meters above sea level. The history of this road, which led to a luxurious Soviet-era resort in the mid-20th century, will be discussed, along with the tragedy that befell it in 1963. Spectacular views of the Issyk gorge can be enjoyed from the road, with stops at one or two viewpoints for photos.
• Lake Issyk - By this time, hunger may set in. You can either bring your own food or visit the trout farm for a unique experience of fishing for trout, which will be prepared for you!
• Lake Issyk - Upon reaching the parking area, a short, gentle walk (1.2 km) leads to the lake. The breathtaking view of the bright turquoise lake, surrounded by the Tian-Shan mountain peaks, awaits. If desired, a walk to the other side of the lake to the spot where the river Issyk flows into the lake or exploring the mudflow protection structures is possible. Time at the lake is 2 hours. Afterward, the drive back to Almaty takes about 1 hour.

• Professional guide services
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• an entrance fee in the Archeaological Museum
• Natural Park admission fee

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.