A Journey Through the Natural and Historical Treasures of Kazakhstan

Price: 1,260$

Duration:8

Complexity:

Route

Description

This tour offers an incredible mix of stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, taking travelers through some of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking destinations. Starting in Almaty, the journey explores the serene beauty of Issyk Lake and the rugged landscapes of Turgen Gorge before returning to the city. The adventure continues with a visit to the majestic Charyn Canyons and the pristine Kolsai Lakes, followed by the surreal Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged forest.

From Almaty, travelers embark on an overnight train to Shymkent, a historic city that serves as a gateway to the cultural wonders of southern Kazakhstan. The journey continues to Turkestan, home to the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring the ancient city of Otrar. The tour concludes with a transfer back to Shymkent and a flight to Aktau, offering a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes and historical legacies.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a unique blend of nature, history, and adventure, covering some of Kazakhstan’s most iconic sites in a single, unforgettable journey.

Tour program

Open All Day

day 1

Almaty

Arrival in Almaty. Meet at the airport and further transfer to the hotel for accommodation and rest.
After breakfast, the sightseeing tour. Visit Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers; the Ascension Cathedral – Russian Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in XX century; Museum of musical instruments. Further visit of another tourist site of Almaty – Green Bazaar (food tasting including). After lunch continuation of the city tour: visit Ili Alatau mountains and the local National Park – main attraction of this place is Medeo skating rink, located at the height of 1,690 meters. Another attraction of the same place is Shymbulak – a popular mountain resort with high-level equipment and infrastructure. The last point of Almaty city tour will be Kok Tobe park, located at the height of 1100 meters on the green hill. From here it will be possible to take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes admire the magnificent panoramic view of the city. Further transfer to the hotel in Almaty. Rest, dinner and overnight.

day 2

Almaty – Issyk lake - Turgen gorge – Almaty, 220 km)

Breakfast. Drive to Issyk Lake, a picturesque, alpine lake surrounded by thick forests and wide fields covered in flowers. Visit the Issyk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve and discover burial mounds from the Saka period. The remains of a Saka warrior, dressed in armour and golden clothing, were found here in 1969. This famous “Golden Man” is now the symbol of Kazakhstan. In the museum, see the exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of the Golden Man, as well as other golden items, ancient ceramics, weapons, horse-riding equipment, and a model of a Saka burial mound. Continue to the Turgen Gorge, which is located in the Ili-Alatau National Park and is famous for its forests, alpine meadows, lakes and springs, and medicinal herbs and berries. See the Golden Man and snow leopard statues, before taking an easy walk to the waterfall. Enjoy a short break surrounded by beautiful scenery, then return to Almaty. 
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
day 3

Almaty– Charyn canyons – Kolsai lakes 320 km

After breakfast at 08:00, continue to Ash-tree Grove on the Temerlik River. Here you will explore the surrounding and have picnic. If you travel down Charyn and Temirlik River, you will be able to see the rare kind of Sogdian Ash-tree is growing, which is famous in Kazakhstan. According to specialists, it is a thousand years old tree. Drive further to famous Charyn Canyon. It is an otherworldly monument. The most popular part is called “Valley of Castles”. The history of the canyons goes to Paleogene period. It is also similar to the Grand Canyon in North America, probably that’s why Charyn is called as a little brother of it. The height of Charyn Canyon reaches to 150-300 meters. The erosion of the natural forces depicted giant castles, magical creatures and figures millions of years ago during the tour. It will take hours to explore the stunning beauty of this pure museum of the nature. After surprising beauty, drive to Saty settlement. Night in a hotel.

day 4

Kolsai lakes – Kayindy lake – Almaty 285 km Almaty – Shymkent night train

After breakfast, check out from guesthouse and travel up to the Kaindy Gorge for a tour. The lake Kaindy located on the top of the gorge among the evergreen fir trees at the altitude of 2000m. The history of the lake goes back to the earthquake in 1911. Due to cascading during the earthquake, the natural dam blocked mountain water flowing down and make turquoise lake on the port of the forest. Even in the hot summer days, the water of the lake is extremely cold, making needles of flooded trees well preserved in Kazakhstan. The dried-out trunks of the trees rise above the surface of the water, looking like the masts of sunken ships. This charming scenery cannot be fully described by words; you will see on your own and remember it in your heart. After enjoying the surrounding, return to Almaty train station, night train TALGO to Shymkent 025T Almaty 2 – Shymkent 22:04 – 08:57 (schedule is subject to change for 2025) daily (2pax in wagon).

day 5

Shymkent – Turkestan 160 km

Upon arrival in Shymkent breakfast at local restaurant with coffee. Transfer by road to Turkestan, Upon arrival explore the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, including the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Then visit the Turkestan Necropolis, the Hilvet Semi underground mosque, and a hammam, as well as seeing a fragment of the fortress wall and the gates of the old citadel. Continue to Otrar. In addition to exploring the archaeological site of this ancient oasis settlement, visit the local history museum and the Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab (Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s teacher and spiritual mentor). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Turkestan.

day 6

Turkestan

After breakfast, take a guided city tour of Turkestan and visit the Turkestan Historical and Cultural Centre.

Explore the local bazaars and handicraft shops. In continuation of the tour, a tour of the largest tourist complex in Central Asia – «Karavansaray». From the moment you plunge into the enchanting atmosphere of the complex «Karavansaray», you will find yourself in a fascinating fairy tale glorifying the great history, culture and eternal romance of Kazakhstan. Visit the only 8D cinema in Kazakhstan «Altyn Samruk», or go boating. Transfer to the hotel. Check in and overnight.

day 7

Turkestan - Otrar - Shymkent (road transfer, 180 km)

Today we make a trip to Shymkent via Otrar ancient city. Being a part of the ancient Silk Road, this place attracts many history-lovers from different parts of the world. En route to Shymkent visit Museum in the Shaulder village and Mausoleum of Arystan-bab of XII century – one of Muslim shrines in Central Asia that is also famous as pilgrimage place for Muslims. Upon arrival in Shymkent drive to visit the cave of Akmeshitjkjhllkh – its length is of 25 meters and the ancient legend says, that it used to be a shelter for up to 10 thousand warriors. Return to Shymkent, accommodation at the hotel and overnight.

day 8

Shymkent – Aktau

Transfer in the morning to airport.

Tour conditions

What's included

  • Accommodation on Twin/DBL base
  • Meals – half board (B-8, L-0, D-7)
  • All transfers and tour on comfortable transport; For 10-25+1 coach with A/C
  • Entrance tickets to museums and sightseeing specified in the program
  • English speaking escort guide
  • Water 1 bottle,1L per day
  • night train ticket Almaty – Shymkent (Talgo) VIP, 2 places in 1 wagon)
  • Special car to Kayindy lake
  • Domestic air ticket Shymkent – Aktau (SCAT air company)
  • Bed taxes

What's excluded

  • any add-ins to itinerary
  • extra charges in airport (extra weight)
  • personal expenses
  • camera and video charges
  • tips ($ per day)
  • personal insurance
  • porter service
  • all lunches
  • international air tickets

Route

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Tour Dates:

Seasonality:
Summer

Group:

12 pax

Complexity:

2 out of 5

DN 25-17_ KZ

Price from: 1,260$

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