Different sides of Kazakhstan

Name of tour: Different sides of Kazakhstan 

Length:  6 days and 5 nights 

Overnight stays: Nur-Sultan, Almaty

Day 1: Nur Sultan city  
Today you will explore historical and modern sites of the capital city of Kazakhstan- Nur Sultan. The guided tour will start from the visiting Constitution Square, where the president N.A.Nazarbaev announced the decision of transferring the capital of the country from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). Nearby there is a Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the Golden Man. This building surprises with its beautiful architecture. Then you will be able to observe the local lifestyle in the largest and unique shopping center Khan Shatyr. On the top of famous Astana-Baiterek monument there is a special observational desk. Here you will be able to take pictures of the majestic panorama of the modern capital city of Kazakhstan. After that you will cross Ishym river and walk around the Kazakh Eli Square. There the magnificent Palace pf peace and Reconciliation and the amazing Khazret Sultan mosque are located. You will be impressed by the unique architecture of these buildings. The last destination of the city tour will be National Museum of History of Kazakhstan*, where the guide will tell you about the historical background and plans for future development of Nur-Sultan. At the end of the day you will check into the hotel.

Day 2: Nur Sultan – Borovoe – Nur Sultan
Today will be dedicated to the guided tour to Burabai National park (Borovoe). It has territory of 85000 hectares of northeastern part of Kokshetau elevation. There are 14 lakes in the park with surface area of more than 1 sq.km, and numerous small lakes. Here you will not visit any historical or architectural sites, but you will admire the incredible beauty of nature. This area includes different landscapes: high mountains, turquoise lakes, coniferous and deciduous groves. Upon arrival you will see the Khan’s pass, Burabay and Zheke-Batyr mountains. On Abylaykhan Valley you will enjoy the spectacular view of Ush-kyz, Ok-Zhetpes rocks and Kokshetau mountain. Each one has its own legend that tells more about the history and culture of the Kazakh people. Then you will have a short hiking tour to Bolektau mountain. On the top you will see the amazing Borovoe lake and Zhumbaktas rock. After an excursion you will return to the hotel in Nur-Sultan city.

Day 3: Nur Sultan – Almaty
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Nur-Sultan International Airport for a local flight to Almaty. After arrival, you will have a sightseeing tour in the southern capital of Kazakhstan. First, you will visit the Green Bazaar. It is a very popular place for shopping. Then you will walk around the oldest parks in the city – Panfilov Park. Here you will be amazed by the unique architecture of wooden Zenkov Cathedral. Another highlight will be the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, which was built in memory of fighters who died for freedom of their Motherland in the Great Patriotic War. After a city tour you will head to Medeo Gorge. This place is famous for the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam that protects Almaty from big mudflows. Next attraction will be Kok-Tobe hill, where the highest (above sea level) TV tower is situated. We will drive along the scenic mountain road. Upon arrival, you will have some free time to relax and enjoy the wonderful nature. Then we will return to the city by famous Almaty cableway. Today you will spend the night in the hotel. 

Day 4: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty 
Today the tour will continue to one of the most picturesque gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau - Issyk Gorge. The road goes along the Kuldja tract, where several centuries ago the traders of the Great Silk Road passed. On the way you will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK” where you will get acquainted with the nature and history of that region. There many exhibits of Saka period such as a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment and the model of Saka burial mound. The “Golden Man” even became the state symbol of Kazakh Republic. After that we will rise to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level to the fabulous mountain lake Issyk. The lake appeared about 10000 years ago after a powerful landslide, that caused the creation of 300 meters natural dam. Upon arrival you will admire the incredible beauty of the lake and its surroundings. Also you will listen to the stories of guide about the natural disaster of 1963 and its consequences. You will have a lunch in nature and then you will have free time to explore the area. The overnight stay will be organized in the hotel in Almaty.

Day 5: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty  
Today you will discover the majestic beauty of Charyn Canyon. The road will take about 3 hours. On the way, you will visit the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. Then you will have a lunch in local café and you will taste the Kazakh cuisine. After arrival to Charyn Canyon you will enjoy the tremendous panorama view. If you want you can go can go down to the bottom of the canyon and ten walk around 2 km through the “Castles of Valley”. It is a fabulous place with rocks of different shapes. On the bottom of the canyon, there is a nice oasis on the bank of Charyn river. Here you will relax near an eco-park with several yurts (traditional dwellings) and a small open-air cafe. After an excursion and some rest, we will return to the cars. Then you will have a chance take pictures of spectacular panoramic view from the another observational point. The overnight stay will be in a hotel.

Day 6: Flight
After breakfast, you will leave the hotel. The transfer will take you to the airport.

Transport:
02 pax – Sedan
04 pax – Minivan
06-10 pax – Mercedes Sprinter

Price per person:
02 pax – 790 $
04 pax – 600 $
06 pax – 480 $
08 pax – 415 $
10 pax – 385 $
Single – 105 $

Early check-in – 40 $ per person 
Single early check-in – 55 $ per person 

Half board – 130 $
Full board – 230 $ 

English speaking guide – 675 $ per group

Flight Nur Sultan – Almaty – from 50 $ per person

Service includes:
- Transport
- Accommodation:
      Nur Sultan – “Ibis” Hotel 3*
      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
- Flight Nur Sultan – Almaty