Travel around Kazakhstan: Tour 2

 

Travel around Kazakhstan: Tour 2
Destination: Kazakhstan
Duration: 5 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Shymkent - Turkestan - Issyk Lake - Almaty

Day 1: Almaty - Shymkent
Kazakhstan tour awaits you here. Upon arrival you will have a city tour in Shymkent. The road from Almaty to Shymkent will take 4 hours. Shymkent is located on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road with the most ancient cities of the Middle Ages as Otar, Turkestan, Syganak, Sauran and others. It is an ancient and ethnic center in the south of Kazakhstan. It has trade infrastructure and a lot of interesting places for tourism. We will visit memorable places as the Alley of memory in the park named after Kaldayakov, the monument "Jer An", Ordabasy Square "20 Years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan Park", Museum of Victims of Political Repressions, Obelisk of Glory, Walk of Fame, Eternal Flame for the Fallen in World War II, Arboretum. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 2: Shymkent - Turkestan - Shymkent
In the morning is a day trip to Turkestan. It was built around 500 AD in the crossroad of caravans from Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to northern Kazakhstan. It was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Because of the famous Sufi sheikh and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, this city has got imposing reputation; there is small mausoleum here for them of the 1166. This mausoleum was built by the order of Emir Temirlan, now it is an excellent masterwork of medieval architecture and one of the main places of adoration for Muslims. As legend says, Tamerlan had a dream about holy one and said to build a mausoleum over the grave of Arystan Bab, and only then - over the tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, what Tamerlane did. You will have a visit to the mausoleum of Arystan Bab, and then Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Pilgrims say that three trips to Turkestan equivalent small Hajj to Mecca. In Turkestan you will visit "Azret Sultan" ancient and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan ancient settlement, Necropolis, a part of the fortress wall, Citadel with gates, Hammam, Hilvet dissident mosque. Night is in a hotel

Day 3: Shymkent - Almaty
Today is transfer to Almaty where you can learn more about history and development of the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. First to all we will visit Green Bazaar. This place is the best place to bargain-basement and see a lot of the colorful goods. Afterwards we will visit Panfilov Park where you can see Zenkov Cathedral that is measured to be one of the most splendid wooden buildings. Visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, in memory of the fighters who died for independence and individuality of the country. In the morning we will drive to the Medeo gorge and see the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam, defending the city from hazardous mudflows. Then we will drive to the tallest TV tower in the world is located - Kok Tobe hill. You can walk the winding road of the park, relish the scenic view of the city from the observation deck and visit the shop of national souvenirs. Then you can see a city center by using famous Almaty cableway. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 4: Almaty - Issyk Lake - Almaty
Your road will go via the one of most remaining gorges Trans Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. It goes along the Kuldja tract.  On the way you will learn more about wildlife and history of this area as well as see the burial mounds of Sakas period. There was found well-known "Golden Man". That became a state symbol of Kazakhstan. Also, you will have trip in the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK" and see the explanations enthusiastic to the history and culture of the Sakas period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Sakas burial mound. Then we will continue our drive to Issyk Lake. It is alpine lake that is located on the altitude of 1 756 meters above sea level. Due to landslide 10 000 years ago this lake was shaped, besides the dam of 300 meters in height appeared. Night is in a hotel.

Day 5: Flight
Transfer to the airport. Flight for the next destination.

 

Transport:
02 pax - Sedan economy
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Minibus

 

Price per person:
02 pax - 760 $
04 pax - 515 $
06 pax - 385 $
08 pax - 335 $
10 pax - 300 $
Single - 55 $

Early check-in - 20 $
Single early check-in - 30 $  

Half board - 80 $
Full board - 145 $ 

English speaking guide - 235 $ per group

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
Shymkent - "Shymkent" Hotel 3*
Almaty - "Kazakhstan" 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