Highlights of Almaty region

Your English speaking tour guide will meet and greet you at Arrivals and escort you to your private vehicle waiting outside. You will then set off for your hotel in the city. The drive will take approximately 45 mins. Check in to your hotel and some time to freshen up before dinner. Then guests will be taken to Alasha, a traditional Central Asian restaurant set in a caravanserai. This used to be the place where traders and merchants came for a night's Alasha Restaurant rest during their trip across the ancient Silk Road, Be prepared for a night of dancing, performances by local talent and great food!

Your guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and escort you to your vehicle waiting outside. You will then set off for Panfilov Park. The drive will take approximately 15 mins. Take a nice stroll during your walking tour in Panfilov Park. The park is located in Central-East Almaty in the area surrounding Zenkov Cathedral. Next stop is Green Bazaar - Almaty's largest farmers market, is situated in the heart of the city. Guests will have the opportunity to taste and purchase local produce such as honey, fruits, and spices. Almaty is known as the city there apples had first originated! Its former name "Alma-Ata" literally means "the grandfather of apples", so be sure to taste the variety of apples available on display. Guests will have approximately 1 hour to explore the market. After the Green Bazaar, you will visit the Rakhat Chocolate Shop where you will be able to - Lunch will be at guests own expense - Bird's eye view of the Main Square purchase some locally produced chocolate and sweets directly from the manufacturer. The factory is not open for tours as the recipe is kept in secret with only a couple of individuals having access to it! Depart for Main Square and Kok Tobe. Kok-Tobe is the highest point of Almaty City where the viewpoint is well worth a visit with panoramic views of the city in all directions. It is a recreational area filled with activities for children and adults alike. Guests will congregate at 1900 hours for dinner at Abay, a modern Kazakh restaurant with western and Chinese influences. Watch the sunset over the city as you enjoy your meal. 

On day 3 a trip to The Charyn Canyon awaits you. The Canyon is often called the younger brother to its counterpart the Grand Canyon in Arizona, is one of the most unique objects of nature. Your tour guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and escort you to your vehicle waiting outside. The journey will take approximately 2 hrs 45 mins to arrive at the magnificent Charyn Canyon. Take some time to explore the Canyon Ground as we take a short walk into the Canyon, where you will be walking on what once used to be the river bed. You will then make your way to a traditional house for lunch and to enjoy the breathtaking natural wonder while feasting. Having stomachs full we will head back to Almaty straight to your hotel. Take your time to relax after the road and freshen up before dinner. You will have dinner in a local fine-dining restaurant.

Your tour guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and escort you to your vehicle waiting outside. You will then set off to the President's Park located only 15 mins away. Once arriving at the President's Park, you will be allowed approximately 1 hour to explore the 60-hectare park for some photos and a leisure stroll. Return to your vehicle and set off for lunch up the mountain at a restaurant called Tau Dastarkhan located 20 minutes away from the Park You are invited for a feast with local barbequed meats and salads while sitting in a chalet style home with taxidermy of all sorts of animals ranging from mountain squirrels to bears and wolves. After your stomach has been satisfied with the scrumptious meal, we set off for Big Almaty Lake. The drive will take approximately 30 mins, where we will have one scenic stop for a photo opportunity. Upon arriving at Big Almaty Lake, guests are invited to take a short hike down to the lake or explore the surrounding area for photos. Hop back onto the bus as we depart for Sunkar to watch the unique birds show. The drive will take approximately 20 mins from the Lake. Finished with the bird show we will head back hotel to freshen up before dinner. Guests will be taken to a Georgian Restaurant for dinner. Georgian cuisine is famous in the region for its richness of flavors.

Your guide will greet you at the lobby of your hotel and escort you to your vehicle waiting outside. You will then set off for Medeu, where the World's Highest Ice Skating Rink is located. The drive will take approximately 25 minutes. Guests will have the opportunity to take some photos of Medeu before getting on the gondola to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Shymbulak Ski Resort is the top Ski Resort in Central Asia with beautiful views of the mountains. Depart Shymbulak for the city. Guests will be taken to the largest mall in Central Asia for a free & easy afternoon (Optional). We suggest: taking the time during the afternoon to scout out places in the city for a mini photoshoot. You will be taken to a traditional Kazakh Restaurant for a farewell dinner. We will take you to the airport and wish you the most pleasant flight.