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Exploring Kazakhstan

 Exploring Kazakhstan

Exploring Kazakhstan

Day 1: Almaty
On arrival at the airport you are going to drive to the city to have a wonderful sightseeing tour. The first destination will be Almaty Museum, then you direct to one of the oldest of Almaty parks - Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. In the centre of this wonderful park there is a famous wooden church - Zenkov Cathedral it is a bright historical landmark of Almaty. Further you will move to popular place - the Green Bazaar attracts travelers with its Eastern exoticism of the market, the opportunity to buy various edibles and not only souvenirs, communicate with good-natured friendly sellers and get better acquainted with the simple everyday life of the Kazakhs. The next point will be the remarkable place Medeu Gorge (1,690 m), In 1970, it was decided to build a sports complex with artificial ice in this place. The complex hosts a lot of sports events and competitions. In this territory there is famous skating rink and dam. After you can walk around, enjoy the picturesque view, and take fresh air. Afterwards you are going to take funicular to Shymbulak ski resort area, take a pleasure of riding and observing the gorgeous view of magnificent pine trees. The next highlight will be the top of Kok-Tobe hill located directly in the center of Almaty city.  Height - 1130 m. above the sea level. The mountain is crowned by the tallest building in the city and one of its symbols - the TV tower. The territory of the Park is well-maintained and has a modern infrastructure. Here you can walk along the picturesque terraces and alleys, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views of the city, as well as visit the amusement Park with a Ferris wheel. You will conclude the tour with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by ropeway. Night you will spend in the night train Almaty - Taraz.  Train #379T 20:16 - 08:11(This is subject to change.)

Day 2: Almaty - Taraz - Sairam - Shymkent
You will arrive to Taraz by morning train from Almaty. Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. First mentioned in the writings of the Greeks in the sixth century. You are going to be met at the railway station and you will directly head on to Taraz. In the city you wii observe the remarkable highlights of the city. You will visit following objects: History Museum, Karakhan and Dautbek Mausoleum, Tekturmas Historical Complex, Akyrtas antient palace complex of the VIII-IX centuries, located in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan, 45 km from the city of Taraz. Ancient Taraz was the largest administrative center and occupied one of the Central positions on the Great Silk Road. Its growth and prosperity are closely linked to the history of the famous trade route. Then you will drive to Sairam district of Shymkent (160 km). There you will have an opportunity to observe the main attractions Ibrahim-Ata Mausoleum, Karashash-Ana Mausoleum, and medieval minaret. The village of Sairam is one of the oldest settlements on the territory of southern Kazakhstan. It is located on the Sairam-su river 15 kilometers East of the city of Shymkent in the Sairam district of the Turkestan region. In the early middle ages (IX - XII centuries), the city of Ispijab was located on the site of Sairam - the center of the district of the same name, which was part of Transoxiana. It is also the birthplace of the great enlightener of XII century - Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Here are situated mausoleums of his father and mother, Ibrahim-Ata and Karashash-Ana. Then you will head on to Shymkent. Night will be in the hotel in Shymkent.

Day 3: Shymkent - Otrar Settlement - Turkestan - Shymkent
Today you will transfer to Otrar Settlement (220 km). Otrar is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. In Arabic sources, the city is called Farab. The first settlements on the site of the city appeared in the VIII century. You will have a chance to visit Arystan-Bab Mausoleum (teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi) architectural monument of the XII-XIV centuries. After that you will drive to Turkestan (70 km). The first mention of Turkestan as a city dates back to the XV century. In  this city you will explore the sites "Azret-Sultan" historical and architectural complex, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Necropolis, Hammam, Hilvet underground mosque). This city with a 1500-year history is now one of the most important centers of Muslim pilgrimage in Central Asia. You will drive to Shymkent in the end of the tour(170 km). Night will be in Shymkent.

Day 4: Shymkent - Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve - Shymkent
In the morning you will continue your adventure with Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve (125 km). You will explore Aksu canyon. Aksu-Jabagly nature reserve is one of the first and largest in Central Asia. Visiting it, you can meet some unique representatives of flora and fauna, which are nowhere else in the world. It was created in 1926, its area has been increasing all the time, and now it is 132.6 thousand hectares. There are a lot of amazing plants in the reserve, but the most famous of them are Greig's tulips (Tulipa greigii) and Kaufman's (T. kaufmanniana). They became the originators of 75 % of the world's wealth of Tulip varieties. The fauna of the reserve includes 267 species of birds, of which 130 species have been recorded nesting. 30 species are listed in the red book of Kazakhstan. Among them-Golden Eagle-a symbol of Kazakhstan's statehood, magnificent predators-bearded Lammergeyer, Steppe Eagle , Egyptian Vulture, Saker Falcon and others. In the conclusion of the tour you will drive to Shymkent. Overnight will be in the hotel.

Day 5: Shymkent
One of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan - Shymkent. The population of which will reach one million people in the coming decades. This southern city of Republican significance is now one of the fastest growing in the former Soviet Union. Shymkent is most likely translated as "green city", "blooming city", "garden city". You will have a chance to have a city tour and observe the most remarkable places:  Walk of Fame (Park named after Sh. Kaldayakov), Monument "Jer Ana", Ordabasy Square, Park "20th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan", Obelisk of Glory, Eternal Fire to the Fallen in WWII, Dendropark - optionally, you will observe the regional historical - museum, explore the ruins of the citadel of ancient Shymkent, wandering on pedestrian street "Arbat". To conclude the tour you will be transferred to hotel.

Day 6: Chernyaevka
Breakfast is at the hotel. Transfer from Shymkent to Zhibek Zholy (Chernyaevka) border.

 

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


Price per person:
02 pax - 1 070 $
04 pax - 770 $
06 pax - 590 $
08 pax - 600 $
10 pax - 525 $
Single - 60 $

Half board - 125 $ per person
Full board - 225 $ per person 

English speaking guide - 665 $ per group 

Train Almaty - Taraz (4 berths per compartment) - from 40 $ per person

Accommodation in Almaty ( if required):

Standard Double/Twin room - 30 $ per person

Standard Single room - 50 $

 

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:   
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
- Accommodation in Almaty
- Domestic train ticket: Almaty - Taraz