Name of the tour: Kazakhstan explored

Duration: 7 days

Starts in: Almaty

Ends in:  Almaty

Day 1: Almaty
Today you will arrive to the south capital Almaty. In course of the tour you will explore Almaty Museum, where you will observe the expositions and discover the history of the city. Then you will discover the cultural attraction of Almaty Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre. You will walk in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, and find one of the most significant constructions of the city Zenkov Cathedral. In addition you will observe there the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, you will get the information from the guide and overlook the interesting Museum of Musical Instruments. After that you will explore the bustling life of the city and observe the colorful place - the Green Bazaar, you will have a chance there to enjoy the fascinating goods and souvenirs. Then you will be transferred by the fabulous road to Medeu Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) where you will see the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam. The tour route will lead by the cable car to Shymbulak ski resort area. You will observe the amazing nature, fascinate the fir trees and breathe fresh air. After that you will move down the back way by cable car. You will continue tour with travelling to the amazing Kok-Tobe hill, you will have a chance there the tallest TV tower in the world (if to count from the sea level). You will complete the tour with short riding by the cable way to Almaty, while riding you will see the fantastic views and admire the panorama*. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead. 

Day 2: Almaty – Shymkent
In the morning you will have a breakfast and then you will travel to Almaty International airport and you will catch the flight to Shymkent (ab.1h 40 min one way). After arrival you will meet and have Shymkent sightseeing tour. Along the way you will explore such outstanding sites as: Walk of fame (park named after Sh.Kaldayakov), “Zher Ana” monument, Ordabasy square, Park “20 years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan”, Museum of Victims of Political Repression, Obelisk of Glory, Eternal Flame to the fallen in the great Patriotic War, Walk of Fame, Arboretum, Regional Museum. In the end of the excursion you will transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Shymkent – Turkestan – Shymkent
You will transfer today from Shymkent to Otrar region, Shaulder Settlement. You will have a tour there exploring Local History Museum "Otyrar", Arystan-Bab Mausoleum, archaeological site of the ancient settlement of Otrar. This settlement is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The city is called Farab in Arabic sources. The first settlements on the site of the city appeared in the VIII century. The city began to develop rapidly, as it was located on one of the main branches of the Silk Road. By the 12th century, it was already a large trade center for crafts and arts, where there were palaces, caravanserais and city blocks. Then you will continue tour with driving to Turkestan that was built in the five hundredth year BC, at the intersection of the important caravan routes of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. After arrival to Turkestan you will explore "Azret-Sultan" historical and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan ancient settlement, Necropolis, a fragment of the fortress wall, Citadel with gates, Hammam, Hilvet underground mosque. You will end the tour with driving to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Shymkent – Sairam – Kazygurt – Shymkent
After breakfast you will transfer to Sairam Settlement (20 km). You will observe Local History Museum "Sairam", Mar-Tobe, Ibrahim-Ata Mausoleum, Karashash-Ana Mausoleum, medieval minaret. Sairam the largest, central city on the Great Silk Road. It was first mentioned in Xuan Jian's itinerary of 629 as "the city on the White river". The etymology of Ispijab in the meaning of "white water" is proposed by researchers based on the Sogd language. Sfter that you will have a tour to the foot of Kazygurt mountains to Kamekalgan natural sacred stones. During the tour you will see: sanctifying rocks "Adam and Eve", stone statues of animals, "Noah's Ark", the magic stone "Dastarkhan". Mount Kazygurt has a sacramental significance for the peoples of Central Asia. This is a mountain range located between Shymkent and Tashkent. It never ceases to attract attention, and with each new scientific discovery. After that you will transfer back to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Shymkent – Aksu Jabagly – Shymkent – Almaty
This day you will travel to Aksu Jabagly natural reserve. Visit to Aksu canyon.  Aksu Jabagly is the richest Treasury of rare, endangered and endemic species of animals and plants. There are argali and mountain goats, marals and roe deer, lynxes and snow leopards, wolves and foxes, bears and porcupines, stone martens and stoats. The Menzbir marmot lives in the immediate vicinity of the reserve. The world of birds is rich. Bearded vultures, white-headed vultures and Golden eagles soar high in the sky. Picturesque and quaint landscapes of the reserve. Peculiar terraces of meadows and steppes turn into high rocky mountains, cut through by narrow gorges with overhanging stone eaves. After that you will drive to city. You will drive to the railway station and travel to Almaty by evening train. 

Day 6: Almaty– Issyk – Almaty
After arrival you will meet at the railway station and departure to amazing lake Issyk. In course of the tour you will drive to one of the most charming located at Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. Along the way you will explore the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, you will have a chance to see there exhibits devoted to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. It has the Kazakh name of the lake-Zhasyl-Kol, that is, "emerald lake". The height of the lake above sea level is 1756 meters. According to geologists, the lake was born about 8-10 thousand years ago as a result of a powerful mountain collapse, which created a natural dam about 300 meters high. Initially, the Issyk was 1850 m long, 500 m wide, and 50-79 m deep. You will rest the night in the hotel.

Day 7: Flight
Hotel breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the airport and departure.

Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04 pax – Minivan
06-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter in Almaty / Toyota Hiace in Shymkent

Price per person:
02 pax – 1 360 $
04 pax – 990 $
06 pax – 765 $
08 pax – 760 $
10 pax – 670 $
Single – 100 $

Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 60 $ 

Half board – 155 $
Full board – 275 $

English speaking guide – 840 $ per group

Flight Almaty – Shymkent – from 85 $ per person

Train Shymkent – Almaty – from 50 $ per person

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
          Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3*
          Shymkent – “Shymkent” Hotel 3*
- Entrances to all museums
- Mineral water during the tour         

Service does not include:
- Full board
- Single rooms
- Early check-in
- Travel insurance
- Visa and visa support
- English speaking guide
- Train Shymkent – Almaty
- Flight Almaty – Shymkent