Colorful Kazakhstan tour

Tour title: Colorful Kazakhstan tour

Places to visit: Almaty, Shymkent, Turkestan, Sairam, Kazygurt, Aksu Jabagly, Issyk

Day 1: Almaty
Arrive to the south capital of Kazakhstan Almaty. You are going to have a sightseeing tour today. You will visit the first Almaty Museum, there you will get acquainted with the interesting history of Almaty. Further you will get to the next destination Abai Opera an Ballet Theatre, you will admire the grander of architecture and know history of this building. The tour route will take you to the old point Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, you will have a chance there visit the wonderful wooden building in the world - Zenkov Cathedral. Along the way you will see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, you will know about the history of this place and Kazakh people. Then you will reach splendid sight the Museum of Musical Instruments. After you will go to the Green Bazaar, where you can't resist shopping, you can buy memorable gifts home. Then you will continue tour with the Medeu Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) where is located the significant sight high mountain skating rink in the world. You will also have a rail road to observe the beautiful  Shymbulak ski resort area. Then you will back by the railroad. You will get to the next interesting point Kok-Tobe hill, there is located the popular attraction of Kazakhstan TV tower. You will finish the journey picturesque ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway*. On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead. 

Day 2: Almaty - Shimkent
This day you will departure to the Almaty International airport and transfer to Shymkent by local flight (ab.1h 40 min one way). After arrival you will meet and then start your interesting city tour. You will observe today: Walk of fame (park namedafter Sh.Kaldayakov), "Zher Ana" monument, Ordabasy squar, Park "20 years of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Museum of Victims of Political Repression, Obelisk of Glory, Eternal Flame to the fallen in The great Patriotic War, Walk of Fame, Arboretum, Regional Museum. To complete the tour you will drive to the hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Shymkent - Turkestan - Shymkent
In the morning you will start the tour with driving from Shymkent to Otrar region, Shaulder Settlement. You are going to observe Local History Museum "Otyrar", Arystan-Bab Mausoleum, archaeological site of the ancient settlement of Otrar. Travelers described Otrar as a large shopping center, at the intersection of caravan routes, with huge palaces, mosques and other outstanding architecture. One of the most famous and outstanding philosophers of the East, Abu - Nasr al-Farabi, was born and raised in Otrar. You are going to drive to another fascinating city Turkestan, the city of Turkestan is located in the South Kazakhstan region and is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan: it was founded more than 1500 years ago. One of the main attractions of the city is the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmet Yasawi, built in the late XIV - early XV centuries. Currently, the city is a center of pilgrimage for Muslims in Kazakhstan, Central Asia and other countries. According to the pilgrims themselves, three trips to the Yasawi mausoleum in Turkestan are equal to a small Hajj to Mecca. After arrival to Turkestan you will visit "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. You will complete the tour with driving to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Shymkent - Sairam - Kazygurt - Shymkent
Today you will drive to Sairam Settlement (20 km). In course of the tour you will observe Local History Museum "Sairam", Mar-Tobe, Ibrahim-Ata Mausoleum, Karashash-Ana Mausoleum, medieval minaret. The ancient city of Sairam (Ispijab) in the IX-X centuries was built as a military fortification. It was one of the most beautiful cities of the East, called the White city, which was literally wiped out by the warriors of Khorezmshah Muhammad. You will departure to the foot of Kazygurt mountains to Kamekalgan natural sacred stones. You are going to observe: sanctifying rocks "Adam and Eve", stone statues of animals, "Noah's Ark", the magic stone "Dastarkhan". Kazygurt is it has a sacramental significance for the peoples of Central Asia. After you will lead to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Shymkent - Aksu Jabagly - Shymkent - Almaty
In the morning you will drive to amazingly beautiful Aksu-Jabagly natural reserve and explore Aksu canyon.  Aksu-Zhabagly an incredibly picturesque place that attracts tourists from all over the world. Here you can see all the richness of the "Heavenly mountains": snow-covered peaks and grandiose rocks, narrow river valleys with stormy Alpine streams, breathtaking waterfalls and deep gorges with their wild inhabitants. The reserve is not only home to many species of rare plants and animals, but also preserves the heritage of past eras - fossils of Jurassic flora and fauna, as well as ancient petroglyphs. It is home to rare fauna such as: argali and ibex, deer and roe deer, lynx and snow leopards, wolves, foxes, bears, porcupines and ermines. After you will transfer to the hotel for overnight. You will drive to   to the railway station and transfer to Almaty by evening train. 

Day 6: Almaty- Issyk - Almaty
This day you will be met at the railway station and drive to Issyk Lake. You will lead to one of the most charming gorges of Kazakhstan Issyk Gorge that lies along the Kuldja tract, which connects the history with the Great Silk Road. Then you will explore the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve "ISSYK", you are going to fascinate the expositions which dedicates to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. After you will move to the fabulous lake Issyk which is located at the altitude of 1756 meters above sea level. You are going to admire the charm of the amazing beauty of the lake and see the amazing surface of the water. This night will be in the hotel.

Day 7: Flight
Hotel breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the airport and departure.
 

Transport:
02 pax - Sedan
04 pax - Minivan
06-10 pax - Mercedes Sprinter in Almaty / Toyota Hiace in Shymkent

Price per person:
02 pax - 1 360 $
04 pax - 990 $
06 pax - 765 $
08 pax - 760 $
10 pax - 670 $
Single - 100 $

Early check-in - 40 $
Single early check-in - 60 $ 

Half board - 155 $
Full board - 275 $

English speaking guide - 840 $ per group

Flight Almaty - Shymkent - from 85 $ per person

Train Shymkent - Almaty - from 50 $ per person

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
- Train Shymkent - Almaty
- Flight Almaty - Shymkent