GRAND TOUR OF KAZAKHSTAN

On the day of your arrival, you will be met at the airport in Almaty- the biggest city in Kazakhstan. Later comfortable car will be taking you in the direction of the city on the new highway that runs through the foothills of Trans-Ili Alatau. At that moment you'll get to see the magnificent mountains the city is surrounded by. We know you've had a long flight, so the first destination of your trip is restaurant Alasha where you will try Kazakh national cuisine. Then you will be accommodated in a luxury hotel where you can relax after a flight.

The second day is devoted to exploring the so-called "southern capital" of Kazakhstan - Almaty. Our experienced tour guide will lead you to the park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen located in the central part of Almaty where you will learn about Kazakhstan and its vital role during the Soviet Union era. The park surrounds the  Zenkov Cathedral, a unique cathedral built out of wood in 1907 using special techniques. Taking a stroll around the park we will see the Monument of Glory followed by the Eternal Flame located not far from the cathedral. The large Monument depicts Panfilov soldiers standing up staunchly to guard the wall of the Kremlin against German Nazis during the Second World War. Grand Soviet architecture of the Officers House and the museum of musical instruments are also very popular among visitors of the park. The tour will continue with a brief visit to the Green Bazaar (local food market).  Guests will take a cable car ride to  Kok-tobe - the highest point of Almaty to enjoy dinner in a traditional yurt restaurant.

Day 3 continues with exploring Almaty surrounding mountains. You'll have a walk in First President's Park then depart to 3 Bears Glade where we'll visit a picturesque waterfall and have forest picnic. Next stop is the Big Almaty Lake - one of the most picturesque places located 2511 meters above the sea level in the charming Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. If you like mountains, you will surely like this gorgeous place as we drive up and make a stop at the viewpoint for some great photos. You can hike up the mountain, go down to the lake or simply enjoy the scenery and a beautiful sunset. On our way down you will have a chance to collect water from Alma-Arasan spring and visit Sunkar Falcon Farm reserve to watch an amazing show with birds of prey like steppe eagles, falcons and vultures.

In the early morning after having breakfast car will be waiting for you outside the hotel to take you to a big trip. The first destination is the Charyn National Park with stunning Charyn Canyons. Be prepared to witness nature made castles, walls and arches that have been there for over 12 million years. After canyon sightseeing, there will be barbecue down in the canyon! Having stomachs full, you'll depart to next place in the list - unique Chundzha hot springs resort located in the Uighur region of Almaty. The place is popular for its geothermally heated groundwater that is good for your health and skin. After checking in the hotel, guests will have free time to swim in hot springs and then proceed to delicious dinner. 

On day 5 trip continues with amazing lake Kaindy where dry fir trunks come out of water. Once here was a fir forest but devastating earthquake in 1911 created a natural dam, so water occupied the gorge that became Kaindy lake. Now it is a major touristic attraction of Kazakhstan. Hidden in the pine and fir forests, the lake is perfect place to rest your soul and clear your mind. After a long walk guests will have delicious open air lakeside lunch and depart back to Almaty.

After having breakfast in the hotel guests will visit Republic Square that for 80 years (during the Soviet period and Independent Kazakhstan until 1997) was the main Square of the country that had witnessed all major event happening in Kazakhstan. Then you'll continue with Medeo which is the highest skating rink in the world built half a century ago. Lying in the gorge, it is surrounded by Trans Ile Alatau mountains and long has been one of Almaty's visit cards. Then cable car ride awaits you, where you'll able to see all the beauty of the region with your own eyes. The cable car will stop in Shymbulak - Almaty's most prominent ski resort. After  Shymbulak you will be escorted back to the city where you will have a chance to indulge yourself in the warm and relaxing atmosphere. Arasan Wellness & SPA offers exclusive spa treatments in Russian & Finnish saunas, Turkish hammam and the Moroccan spa ceremony to give your body and mind a good rest.

Next trip awaits you at day 7. You'll visit the famous Tamgaly Tas petroglyph site, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is the most famous and well-studied art monument of ancient people on the territory of Kazakhstan. It was estimated that there are 5000 petroglyphs and the majority of them are dated Bronze Age but in some cases Iron Age and Medieval. After taking memorable photos with ancient drawings, you'll have a picnic lunch near petroglyphs and optional kayaking or rafting in close located Ili River.

It's time to change hotel. We check out from the hotel in the city and drive to Lesnaya Skazka resort, which is located in the picturesque place near Almaty. The place has a variety of activities, from horse riding to hiking in the mountains, from ice skating to playing paintball. Bravest ones can try 7 tracks of the trolley park "Spirit of the Tien Shan". Guests will have dinner in the resort's restaurant and spend a night in a traditional yurt, chalet or tree house depending on choice. 

Today is a big day because you will travel to the capital city of Kazakhstan - Astana. Once the breakfast is over and you are all packed the driver will take you to the airport to catch a flight to the capital city. 

Next day we will take you to Borovoe - which is another nature masterpiece of Kazakhstan, 2.5 hours drive from Astana. The place is famous for its gorgeous mountains, magnificent pine trees, crystal clear lakes, and rare in beauty and uniqueness landscapes.  Here one can enjoy breathing a clean curative air, take a walk through numerous forest trails to collect mushrooms in the woods, go hiking or climbing mountains or simply take a break from the usual urban routine and try to achieve harmony in the soul, body and mind.  You will check in hotel in Borovoe.

Have breakfast and check out the hotel we say goodbye to this wonderful place and drive back to Astana. There we will hit straight to the airport and get a flight to Southern Capital Almaty.  

This is the last day of your tour. Remaining time until your flight is free is of plans, just let us know what you would like to do. We may suggest you shopping or getting souvenirs. It is up to you. Depending on your flight time there will be breakfast, lunch or dinner. We transfer you to airport and wish you the most pleasant flight!