Travel in Kazakhstan: Tour 3

 

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


Day 1: Almaty - Shymkent
We are glad to see you in Kazakhstan. On arrival at the airport, you will travel to Shymkent. You will have city tour for 4 hours. The town is located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road. You will get acquainted with ancient cities of the Middle Ages as Otar, Turkestan, Syganak, Sauran and others as well as get impressing by modern Shymkent city and walk along wide business streets. Travelers will 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, Arboretum as well as the regional historical museum of local lore. Transfer to a hotel.

Day 2: Shymkent - Turkestan - Shymkent
In the morning we will travel to Turkestan. This ancient city was established around 500 AD at the crossroads of caravan routes from Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to northern Kazakhstan. The city is well-known for the spiritual and political center of the Turkic-speaking people in the XVI-XVIII centuries and was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. Turkestan achieved the worldwide reputation due to proselytization activity of the famous Sufi Sheikh and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. He was buried in a small mausoleum here in 1166. The mausoleum was founded after 233 years after his death by the order of a residual military leader Emir Tamerlane. Today it is deliberated to be the masterpiece of medieval architecture as well as of worship for Muslims. According to legend, it was overwhelmed by the big storm and some people think that it was a green bull who came and ruined everything. Another source said that, Tamerlan saw a dream where saint appeared and said to construct a mausoleum over the grave of Arystan Bab (educator and divine mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi), and then over the tomb of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. There are a lot of travelers visit the mausoleum of Arystan Bab, and then Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi as a small Hajj to Mecca. Then you can visit "Azret Sultan" historical and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan ancient settlement, Necropolis, Hammam, Hilvet underground mosque. Overnight is in a hotel.

Day 3: Shymkent - Almaty
In the morning is tranafer from the airport to Almaty. Today you will have a city tour for 5-6 hours. We will visit the central part of Almaty and learn more about the Southern capital of Kazakhstan. We would like you to visit the Green Bazaar. It is the eminent bazaar famous for its numerous goods and sweets. This tour will be continued visiting Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral. The next destination is the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame which is devoted to the memory of the troops who perished for freedom of the country. In the afternoon we will travel to visit the Medeo Gorge. You will be astonished by the highest mountain skating rink and enjoy your holidays! We will drive to Kok Tobe hill and see the tallest TV tower in the world. In the end of day, you will see the whole center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Night is in a hotel.
Day 4: Almaty - Issyk
We will see outstanding gorges of Trans Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge (7 hours). It is located along the Kuldja tract. On a tour in Kazakhstan, travelers will find the burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found, and today it is a state symbol of Kazakhstan. We will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum Reserve "ISSYK". Here 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. This tour will be continued driving to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level in order to see outstanding mountain lake Issyk formed 10,000 years ago because of landslide of 300 meters in height. Then is transfer to a hotel.

Day 5: Almaty - Charyn - Almaty
The last day of our amazing tour will start by travelling to Charyn Canyon on a comfortable car or minivan. You will get bottled water. In addition, you can take some snacks, tea or coffee in a container with a lid on it. The road will take 4 hours. We will visit the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. When we arrive to Charyn Canyon, you will be astonished by great panorama and go down stairs to the bottom of the canyon, then walk around 2 km through the labyrinth of the Castles Valley. The fresh air and cold Charyn River will inspire everyone! See eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open air café which works only in summer time. In the end of day is transfer to a hotel for sleep.

Day 6: Flight
Transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight!


Transport:
02 pax - Mitsubishi Delica
04-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter


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