Travel around Kazakhstan: Tour 3

 

Travel around Kazakhstan: Tour 3
Destination: Kazakhstan
Duration: 6 days
Places to visit: Almaty - Shymkent - Turkestan - Issyk - Charyn - Almaty

Day 1: Almaty - Shymkent
You will be met and transferred from the airport and then drive to Shymkent. We will have a city tour for 4 hours. The city is placed at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road. There are the most ancient cities of the Middle Ages as Otar, Turkestan, Syganak, Sauran and so on. You will be awe-struck by modern Shymkent city and stroll along wide business streets. Then visit Memory Alley in Park named after Sh. Kaldayakov, Monument "Jer An", Ordabasy Square, Park "20th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Museum of political repression victims, Obelisk of Glory, Walk of Fame, Eternal Fire to the fallen in the Second World War. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 2: Shymkent - Turkestan - Shymkent
We will travel to Turkestan. This ancient city was founded in the 500 AD at the crossroads of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to northern Kazakhstan. The city is well-known for the unworldly and political center of the Turkic-speaking people in the XVI-XVIII centuries. In past times it was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Turkestan got the international reputation because of proselytization activity of Sufi sheikh and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. He was buried in a small mausoleum there in 1166. The mausoleum was placed after 233 years after his death by the order of an outstanding military leader Emir Tamerlane. Today it is deliberated to be the masterpiece of medieval architecture as well as of worship for Muslims. It was said that Tamerlan saw a dream where saint came to him and said to erect a mausoleum over the grave of Arystan Bab and then over the tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. There are a lot of pilgrims visit the mausoleum of Arystan Bab, and then Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi as a small Hajj to Mecca. Visit "Azret Sultan" historical and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan ancient settlement, Necropolis, Hammam, Hilvet underground mosque. Afterwards is transfer to a hotel.

Day 3: Shymkent - Almaty
You will be transferred from the airport to Almaty. On arrival you will have a city tour for 5-6 hours. Travelers will learn more about the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. We will visit the Green Bazaar. It is the famous bazaar famous for its fresh goods and sweets. Then we will visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. Then we will drive to Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which is devoted to the memory of the fighters who deceased for freedom and independence of Kazakhstan. We will visit the Medeo Gorge and see the highest mountain skating rink. Afterwards you will have an idea to visit the famous Kok Tobe hill and see the tallest TV tower in the world. Have the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in a hotel.

Day 4: Almaty - Issyk
We will travel to the most beautiful gorges of Trans Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge (7 hours). It is located along the Kuldja tract. See the burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found which is state symbol of Kazakhstan. Visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK" where you can see a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. We will drive to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level and the attractive mountain lake Issyk. The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago because of landslide of 300 meters in height. Night is in a hotel. 

Day 5: Almaty - Charyn - Almaty
In the morning we will travel to Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. Travelers will get provided with bottled water. We will reach canyon in 4 hours. On the way you will be told about facts, the history, and nature of the region, Kazakh people, style of life as well as traditions. Then you can see a local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. On arrival to Charyn Canyon, you will be astounded by wonderful panorama and go down stairs to the bottom of the canyon, then walk around 2 km via the labyrinth of the Castles Valley. See eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open-air café which works only in summer. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 6: Flight
Transfer to the airport

 

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

Price per person:
02 pax - 880 $
04 pax - 590 $
06 pax - 450 $
08 pax - 395 $
10 pax - 355 $
Single - 75 $

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

Half board - 105 $
Full board - 185 $ 

English speaking guide - 340 $ per group

 

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