Day 1: Almaty

Your tour will begin with the best car rental to Almaty Museum*, one of Kazakhstan’s most complex and fascinating museums, after meeting your guide at the airport. The tour continues to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, one of Almaty’s oldest parks, where you’ll view Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world’s most beautiful wooden monuments. You can also visit the Memorial Glory and Eternal Flame, listen to the stories told by the park’s guide, and admire the magnificence of the Museum of Musical Instruments. The Green Bazaar* is the next point of interest, a popular hangout for residents. It’s a terrific chance to immerse oneself in the atmosphere of a true eastern market, replete with colors, smells, and crowds. Famous oriental delicacies, dried fruits, local products, and souvenirs are all available, but remember to haggle. Bring some cash in tenge (local currency) with you to the market, or there is an exchange facility nearby. Transfer to the hotel, check-in. Overnight in the hotel. *Attention: Tour is not available on Mondays.

Day 2: Almaty

You will go on a tour with a ride to the Medeu Gorge (1690 m), which is known for having the world’s highest mountain skating rink, today with a car rental. Then it’s a cable car ride to the Shymbulak ski resort. Then you’ll drive to the city, taking the cable car along the same route as before. Your mountain adventure continues at the foot of Kok-Tobe hill, where park eco-cars will drive you through a beautiful curving mountain track. After a quick tour, you will arrive at Republic Square. A leisurely stroll down one of Kazakhstan’s main streets will reveal the President’s Palace, Republic Square, and the Monument of Independence. Then you’ll head to the city’s commercial district for a stroll down Zhibek Zholy, the city’s major pedestrian boulevard, also known as “Almaty Arbat,” which is dotted with comfortable benches, fountains, and shops and cafes. This is where both professional and amateur artists sell their work. The tour concludes at TSUM (Central Department Store), the best and most convenient place to acquire Kazakh handicrafts and antique jewelry. The top level of this retail business is a treasure trove of various national souvenirs. Overnight in the hotel. *Attention: On Tuesdays, in the tour departing at 10:00, cableway is not available. Park eco-cars are used instead.

Day 3: Almaty – Issyk Lake – Almaty

The tour route to Issyk Gorge, one of the most picturesque gorges in the Trans-Ili Alatau, runs over the Kuldja tract, where trade caravans traveled hundreds of years ago. On the route, stop by the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK,” in Kazakhstan where you may explore exhibits dedicated to the Saka period’s history and culture, including a replica of the Golden Man and golden objects, antique ceramics, weapons, horse equipment, and a model of a Saka burial mound. The tour will next take you to a height of 1756 meters above sea level, to the lovely mountain lake Issyk, which is located in the same-named valley. The lake was constructed 10,000 years ago by a massive landslide, which led in the development of a 300-meter-high natural dam. You can admire the breathtaking grandeur of the lake’s turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge while listening to the history of the 1963 natural calamity. You will also have a lunch and free time to enjoy nature at the lake. Return to the city by a car rent. It’s time to go shopping in the best malls and bazaars in the city. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 4: Almaty – Charyn – Almaty

Kazakhstan’s Charyn Canyon is a one-of-a-kind natural beauty. The canyon is around 12 million years old and is known for its towering cliffs that resemble ancient castles that were shaped by wind, sun, and rain. It will take around 3 hours to go to the canyon in a rental car on a tour. In the meantime, you’ll learn about the region’s history and geography, as well as Kazakh people, their lives, and traditions, and eat lunch in a local cafe. And once you enter Charyn Canyon, you’ll forget everything about the tour since the canyon’s magnificence and splendor will steal your breath away. Take in the breathtaking scenery before exploring the Castles Valley maze, which has insurmountable walls towering over you. Anyone who visits the Charyn Canyon falls in love with it and wants to live there forever! Overnight in the hotel.

Day 5: Flight

Breakfast is available at the hotel. 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 – 610 $ 
04 pax – 460 $
06 pax – 365 $
08 pax – 310 $
10 pax – 280 $
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