Gems of Kazakhstan

Name of the tour: Gems of Kazakhstan 

The best attractions: Almaty, Kaindy Lake, Charyn Canyon, Issyk 

Length of the tour: 9 days 

Day 1: Almaty 
This day you will arrive to Almaty. After arrival you will drive to the city. This day is dedicated to a city tour where you will have a great chance to explore the fabulous attractions. During the tour, you will have a great chance to immerse yourself in the history, learn about the culture and also see all the most beautiful sights of the city. First of all you will explore the interesting Green Bazaar, here you can walk through the rows, haggle with vendors and also enjoy souvenirs and fresh food. You will have a chance to take colorful photos and explore the bright rows! After that you direct to the interesting place with the old history Panfilov Park. You will have an opportunity to find here the interesting building Zenkov Cathedral. Along the way you will observe the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. During the tour you will also discover the enchanting Medeo Gorge where you will have a chance to discover the highest skating rink. After that you will experience the Kok-Tobe hill. Here is located the tallest TV tower in the world. In kok-Tobe Park, you will have a great chance to see beautiful sights, enjoy a walk and explore the panorama of the city, and you can also buy souvenirs in the shops. The park itself will surprise you with beautiful views.  This day you will have chance to make fascinating photos. You will complete the tour with the ride from the wonderful cableway of Almaty. The overnight is in the hotel. 

Day 2: Almaty – Shymkent
After breakfast you will have a trip to amazing and ancient city Shymkent by flight. After that you will be met by local guide. This day you will have a chance to see the ancient and prominent attractions as 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 (30 minutes), Obelisk of Glory, Eternal Flame to the fallen in The great Patriotic War, Walk of Fame, Arboretum, Regional Museum and others. You will rest the ninght in the hotel. 

Day 3: Shymkent – Turkestan – Shymkent
In the morning you will transfer from Shymkent to Otrar region, Shaulder Settlement. Yiou will have a chance to discover today the Local History Museum "Otyrar", Arystan-Bab Mausoleum, archaeological site of the ancient settlement of Otrar. Otrar is one of the largest cities in Central Asia, now a settlement in the Otrar district of South Kazakhstan region. It is located in the lower reaches of the Arys River at its confluence with the Syr Darya, 10 km west of the Timur railway station, near the modern village of Talapty. Otrar proper, aka Farab and Tarband, was first mentioned in the 9th century as the birthplace of Abu Nasr Muhammad al-Farabi, the great Arab philosopher.  Then you will transfer to the next destination Turkestan. Today, Turkestan is quite a famous city among the religious population not only of the republic, but of the entire Muslim world. It was even given the status of the second Mecca-the holy city of the adherents of Islam, as it is home to one of the most important Muslim shrines – the mausoleum of Yassavi. During the tour you will have a chance to discover "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. This night you will rest in the hotel.

Day 4: Shymkent – Almaty
You will drive to the airport. But before you will have a delicious breakfast and check out till 12:00. Then you will transfer Almaty. Upon arrival you will have a highlight tour in the city and discover the amazing attractions. Today you will Panfilov’s alley and Arbat, President Park. Here you can take a walk, enjoy the beautiful sights and also marvel at the works of art by local artists. You can find out that this is one of the most frequently visited places. Here you can explore the works and local landscapes of Kazakhstan. On the road during the tour you will be able to visit Cum- the Department store. This is a large shopping center. You will have a chance to buy here the souvenirs and gifts. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful views of the park, and explore the mountain background, and find out that it is located on the south side of the city. You can find out that there is always a music festival “Almaty – my first love”. You have a chance to enjoy a concert in front of a curved track like in the pictures. There is also an amphitheater that has fountains and objects in the back of the building. This day you will have a chance to enjoy fascinating trees and flowers.

Day 5: Almaty – Issyk Lake – Almaty
After breakfast you will travel to amazing gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau − Issyk Gorge. The gorge is located on the Kuldja tract. You will be able to explore that the caravans of the Great Silk Road used to pass here. During the tour you will have a chance to immerse into the culture and history and explore the burial mounds of Saka period. Along the way you will see the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK. After that you will head to the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. Here you will fascinate the amazing lake Issyk. According to geologists, it was formed about 10,000 years ago as a result of an extensive mountain collapse, which created a natural 300-meter dam and dammed the valley. The lake was restored after the disaster of 1963, when a giant mudslide destroyed it. Here you have the chance to explore the beautiful scenery, enjoy the views of nature and explore the territory. Don’t miss chance to take amazing photos.  The overnight is in the hotel.

Day 6: Almaty – Kaindy – Saty
After breakfast you will travel from Almaty at 07:00 to Kolsai Lakes. This is a system of three lakes in the northern Tien Shan, in the Kolsai gorge, in the bridge connecting the Kungei-Alatau and Trans-Ili Alatau ridges. The crystal clear emerald water of the lakes is fresh and hard, with a content of sodium sulfate. The bottom is flat in places, without rocky protrusions. In translation, the lake means Birch Lake. You will see that the lake is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level and it was formed in 1911 due to a huge earthquake. Don’t miss a chance to explore the picturesque scenery and explore the fabulous views. Here you will also have a chance to enjoy the abundance of flora and fauna. Today you will have a lot of fabulous photos of this place. You will end the tour with transferring to Saty settlement. The night will be in the guesthouse.

Day 7: Saty – Kolsai
In the morning at 07:00 you will have hearty breakfast. This day you will travel from the lake Kolsai-1 to the lake Kolsai-2. This day you will have a great chance to discover "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan"- Kolsai Lakes. Kolsai lakes are very deep, in some places the depth reaches 80 meters. They are a cascade of three mountain lakes located at an altitude of 1000, 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. Anyone who sees these natural treasures at least once in their life will never forget their splendor! You can find out that the lake is most often visited by the largest. The lake is painted green. There is also a rich flora and fauna and an abundance of mushrooms. You will have a great chance to enjoy a horse ride. Here you can explore the Alpine meadows and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You will also be struck by the height difference between the three lakes, which is about 700 meters. Tourists will go on a trip by car and enjoy the beautiful sights. Then you can wander to reach the low lake on the mountain trails, where you can be enchanted by the second and third lakes. You will also have a chance to fish here. This is the home for Marals, mountain goats, wolves and even bears. After that you will travel to the guest house. Overnight.

Day 8: Kolsai – Charyn – Almaty
After the breakfast you will drive to Almaty at 09:00am. Today you will drive to Charyn Canyon where you will discover the Natural Park. You will be amazed by the beauty of the natural park. You will be able to explore the history of the formation of the canyon, which occurred 12 million years ago. Nature was able to form a canyon with the help of the sun, wind and rain. The canyon itself is located 154 km from Almaty. And the height of the rocks is 1500-300 meters. You can also find out that it is called the little brother of the Grand Canyon in America. You have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich fauna and flora here and also see the relic ash tree. Guests of the country on tours in Kazakhstan will be able to enjoy a walk along the "Valley of Castles", which stretches for 2 km and attracts the attention of tourists with its fabulous castles and banshees. You have a chance to take photos and see many landscapes. You will be able to remember this tour for a long time. After that you will finish the tour with driving to Almaty. The night will be in the hotel.

Day 9: Flight
Breakfast. Check – out till 12:00. Transfer to the airport.

Price per person 3*:
02 pax – 1 685 $
04 pax – 1 200 $
06 pax – 905 $
08 pax – 755 $
10 pax – 695 $
Single – 175 $ 

Early check-in – 25 $
Single early check-in – 45 $ 

Price per person 4*:
02 pax – 1 760 $
04 pax – 1 285 $
06 pax – 990 $
08 pax – 835 $
10 pax – 770 $
Single – 220 $ 

Early check-in – 40 $
Single early check-in – 70 $  

Half board – 125 $ (7 dinners, 2 dinners are included to the accommodation price)
Full board – 200 $ (7 dinners + 7 lunches, 2 dinners and 2 lunches are included to the accommodation price)

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Almaty – “Kazakhstan” Hotel 3* / “Kazzhol” Hotel 4*
      Shymkent – “Megapolis” Hotel 3*/ “Aidana Plaza” Hotel 4*
      Saty – Homestays
- English speaking guide
- 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