Day 1: Almaty
The tour will begin with a car rental drive to Kazakhstan’s Medeu Gorge (1690 m), which is known for having the world’s highest mountain skating rink, followed by a cable car ride to the Shymbulak ski resort region. Your mountain adventure continues at the foot of Kok-Tobe hill, where park eco-cars will drive you through a beautiful curving mountain track. The first stage of the tour culminates with a brief ride from the top of the hill to the city center on the famed Almaty cableway*. The city half of the tour continues after lunch, with the first destination being Almaty Museum, where you may learn about the history of Kazakhstan’s southern capital. Following the museum, the tour will continue with a brief stop to learn about the architecture and history of the Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre. Then you’ll go to one of Almaty’s oldest parks, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, where you’ll see Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s most beautiful wooden structures. The next item of interest is the Green Bazaar, a popular hangout for locals where it’s impossible not to shop. *Attention: Tour is not available on Mondays. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Transfer to the hotel, check-in. Overnight.
Day 2: Almaty – Ethno village – Almaty
After meeting with the guide in the hotel, transfer to the ethno-aul. The tourists on a tour are greeted by two warriors dressed in Saka Period armor, and the hostess greets them with a national rite known as “Shashu.” It comprises showering sweets on visitors, just like Kazakhs do at weddings. Sweets must be collected and maintained for good luck after that. These sweets, according to the Kazakhs, will bring them good fortune in the future. An understanding of the construction of a Kazakh yurt and what it means to a nomad. Traditional Kazakh housekeeping skills (whisking wool, spinning yarn on a spindle, grinding flour by hand, lulling babies in a Besik (cradle), and so on). Performances from the National Horse Games and the traditional Kazakh dance “Kara Zhorga.” After lunch, there will be a national archery master lesson and free time. Transfer to the hotel on a car rent. Overnight.
Day 3: Almaty – Big Almaty Lake – Sunkar – Almaty
The tour begins with a visit to Kazakhstan’s Central State Museum, where you can discover more about the country’s history. After that, you’ll visit the Botanical Garden. After lunch, the tour continues with a drive to the Big Almaty gorge, where the Big Almaty lake, at an elevation of 2,510 meters above sea level, is one of the most gorgeous lakes in the Trans-Ili Alatau. On the way back to town, you’ll stop at the Falcon Farm to see a beautiful show with specially trained hawks – hunting with them is one of the most unique aspects of Kazakh culture. The show occurs outdoors and lasts about 30-40 minutes. If you are easily influenced or easily offended, keep in mind that real (dead) chicks are utilized to feed the birds during the training and display. After visiting the Falcon Farm you will have your ride back to your accommodation with cars for rent. Overnight in the hotel. *Attention: Tour is not available on Mondays.
Day 4: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty
Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon is yet another natural beauty. The 12 million-year-old canyon is known for its towering cliffs that resemble ancient castles chiseled by wind, sun, and rain. It will take roughly 3 hours to get to the canyon in a rental car on a tour. While eating lunch in a local cafe, you’ll learn about the region’s history and geography, as well as Kazakh people, their lives, and traditions. You’ll forget about the tour once you arrive at Charyn Canyon, as the canyon’s majesty and grandeur will steal your breath away. You may take in the spectacular scenery before taking a stroll through the Castles Valley maze, with its impassable walls looming over you. Anyone who visits the Charyn Canyon falls in love with it for the rest of their lives! Overnight in the hotel.
Day 5: Flight
The hotel offers a variety of breakfast alternatives. By 12 p.m., check-out must be completed. Transfer to airport.
Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04 pax – Minivan
06-10 pax – Sprinter
Price per person:
02 pax – 665 $
04 pax – 515 $
06 pax – 425 $
08 pax – 370 $
10 pax – 335 $
Single – 50 $
Early check-in – 30 $ per person
Single early check-in – 40 $
All dinners – 100 $ (4 dinners)
All lunches and dinners – 160 $ (4 lunches, 4 dinners)
English speaking guide – 340 $ per group
Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
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