Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - WELCOME TO ALMATY
On arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, which is situated at the foot of the northern of Tien Shan ridge, meet your guide and transfer to your city hotel. After you have checked in, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. Highlights include Panflilov Park, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Zenkov Russian Cathedral which is constructed entirely from wood and the bustling Zelyony (Green) Bazzar, before ending a fascinating day by taking the mountain road to Kok Tibe Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Almaty city.
DAY 2 - SIGHTSEEING AROUND ALMATY
Spend today exploring the spectacular mountains around Almaty. Visit the famous Medeo ice stadium and Big Almaty Lake, a pristine alpine lake surrounded on all sides by huge mountain peaks. You will also visit the Sunkar Falcon Centre to learn about Kazakhstan’s falconry heritage and the nomadic way of life which was once prevalent throughout the region. Return to Almaty and in time for dinner and stay overnight.
DAY 3 - FLY SOUTH TO SHYMKENT
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Shymkent, located in the south of Kazakhstan near the Uzbek border and on the crossroad of the Great Silk Road – a route along which for centuries precious goods and enlightened ideas were transported by caravans. Go with your guide on a city tour of the main historical and cultural monuments: visit Memory Alley in Shanshi park, the History Museum which is full of interesting facts about the local history of southern Kazakhstan and the Ethnography Museum.
DAY 4 - DRIVE TO AKSU ZHABAGLY NATURE RESERVE
Today travel to Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, stopping en route at Sairam, an ancient city famous for its countless mausoleums of Muslim saints and famous figures of Islam which was on the Great Silk Road. Once at Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve visit Aksu Canyon, one of the largest and deepest canyons in Central Asia, and look around a local village to see the traditional way of life. Stay overnight nearby in a small guesthouse and enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner with a local family.
DAY 5 - VISIT ASKU ZHABAGLY NATURE RESERVE
Established in 1926, the Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest in central Asia and protects part of the Talasky Alatau range of the western Tian Shan Mountains. This lovely area is famous for its wild tulips in spring and is popular with birdwatchers. It is also possible to see bear, marmot or wild mountain sheep. Head deep into the reserve exploring the area on foot and visit Kishi Kayindy gorge.
DAY 6 - VISIT A SILK ROAD CITY & TRANSFER ALMATY
Depart early for Taraz, another Silk Road staging post which was a favourite resting place for ambassadorial caravans. Visit the history museum and Aisha-Bibi and Badaji-Khatun mausoleums. Continue driving through the Kazakh Steppe with great views of the Tien Shan mountains toAlmaty where you will stay overnight in your city hotel.
DAY 7 - DRIVE TO CHARYN CANYON & KOLSAI & KAINDY LAKES
After breakfast drive to Kolsai lake via Charyn Canyon. This imposing valley with its collection of towering rock structures that is known locally as the Valley of Castles is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA. 80km long and between 200 and 300 metres in depth, erosion and weathering have left bizarre shapes like fantastic sculptures and exposed the many colourful strata of the earth. Heading into the foothills of the Tien Shan range, drive to Kolsai lakes. Surrounded by fir trees and alpine meadows they are the perfect setting for a hike and you can either go with your guide on a moderate 3 hour walk or enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Lower Kolsai Lake. This evening you will stay in a guesthouse in Saty village.
DAY 8 - WALKS IN KAINDY LAKES
Spend the day exploring Kaindy lake. Lying at an altitude of 1667 metres, this beautiful lake appeared after an earthquake in 1911 and is famous for its forest of submerged spruce trees which rise out of the lake’s sapphire waters and still have foliage – an incredible sight! Walk around the lake and through the forests with your guide eating a picnic lunch with stunning mountain views before returning to your guesthouse in Saty for the night.
DAY 9 - DRIVE TO ALMATY & FLY TO NUR SULTAN
Leaving Saty village, make your way back to Almaty where you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Nur Sultan. Previously known as Astana, Nur Sultan has been the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997. Located on the Ishim River, Nur-Sultan is a fascinating, ultra-modern city with futuristic-style buildings.
DAY 10 - GUIDED TOUR OF NUR SULTAN
Spend the day with your guide on a city tour and visit Nur-Astana – Central Asia’s largest mosque, the National Museum to see the “Golden Man”, panoramic views from top of Baiterek Tower that opened in 2002, as well as other highlights including Constitution Square and Kazakh Eli Square. Also, explore the older quarter where streets are lined with 19th century buildings and feel the atmosphere of the old town.
DAY 11 - VISIT THE SIGHTS AROUND NUR SULTAN
Today, visit Sofievka to get a glimpse into the nomadic life of traditional Kazakhs. Look around a yurt and sample local delicacies, hear Kazakh music, witness an eagle hunting demonstration, learn how to make Kazakh cheese and gain an insight into a variety of Kazakh traditions. Later, drive to ALZHIR Museum-Memorial Complex. The cryptic acronym ALZHIR stands for the Russian for “Akmolinskiy Internment Camp for the Wives of the Betrayers of the Homeland” and was a Stalinist gulag for families of political prisoners who were deemed traitors. The wives were simply considered as guilty as their husbands by association. On the way back to Nur Sultan, visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation that opened in 2006 and is built in the form of a regular tetrahedron.
DAY 12 - DEPART NUR SULTAN
This morning we will ensure you are taken to the airport in good time for your onward flight.
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DETAILS:
This itinerary costs from £2870 per person B&B based on 2 sharing and including all private transfers but not international flights.
You can get flights from as little as £570 per person return and do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.
What's included?
INCLUDED:
- Prices start from £2870 per person
- 11 nights accommodation on B&B basis
- Accompanied by an English speaking guide throughout.
- Private vehicle and transfers
- Internal flights (two)
- All entrance fees for excursions
- Lunch on Days 5 & 8
- Dinner on Day 4, 5, 7 & 8
- Local taxes
- Meals for guides and drivers
- All trips are ATOL protected or ABTT bonded to ensure you are financially protected
