Treasures of Kazakhstan

Duration of this Trip 7 Days Priced From $3,399 per person

In Kazakhstan stunning landscapes and ancient architecture conjure images of nomads and warriors, falconry and poetry, silk-robed equestrians and exotic beauty. Thrill to displays of traditional horsemanship or immerse yourself in opulent ornamentation created by skilled artisans. The city of Almaty is situated at the foot of the Zaili Alatau Mountain Range. Its gardens, parks, and remarkable promenades are perfect for daydreams and evening strolls. Turkestan features other Central Asian wonders that hearken back to the Muslim and Russian influences in the area: mosques, Russian Orthodox churches, and the architectural complex Appak-lshan.

At a Glance

Duration

7 Days

Priced From

$3,399 per person

Departures

The tour can be provided from May till November


Itinerary

Days 01-02: Almaty
Day 03: Shymkent
Day 04: Sayram - Turkistan
Day 05: Almaty
Day 06: Charyn Canyon

Itinerary

Day 01. Almaty.

Arrival at Almaty International Airport. You will be met by your guide and driver, and transferred to the hotel. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, which itself is the biggest country in Central Asia. The name Almaty comes from the Kazakh word for apple - legend has it that the apple originated here!

Day 02. Almaty

Discover Almaty Sightseeing Tour: Visit Panfilov Park, named after the 28 Panfilov guards from Almaty, who died heroically defending Moscow against the Nazi invasion in 1941; the magnificent wooden 1904 Zenkov Cathedral, (built without the use of any nails!); the Central State Museum with its rich collection of cultural and historical artifacts and the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. Enjoy Almaty's Green Bazaar. This evening, you will take a train to go to Shymkent, one of the ancient cities of Kazakhstan.

Day 03. Shymkent - Sayram - Turkistan

Arrival in Shymkent. Sightseeing tour in Shymkent and the nearby Sayram settlement. Sightseeing drive to Turkistan, one of the most famous cities in southern Kazakhstan, which today still attracts a significant number of pilgrims and travelers.

Day 04. Turkistan - Almaty

Explore ancient Turkistan: Visit the mausoleums of Hodja Ahmed Yassavi and Rabiya Sultan Begim, the granddaughter of Tamerlane, as well as a medieval bath house. Wander the Turkistan bazaar, and shop in the handicraft center. Enjoy walks through pristine natural surroundings in this unspoiled and remote area while visiting Kazakh villages, in which you will see the traditional way of local life. Overnight train to Almaty.

Day 05. Almaty

Drive to Medeo. Medeo is a picturesque valley located 15 km above Almaty. It holds one of the world's largest speed skating rinks. The area offers pristine alpine scenery including the Chimbulak ski resort and the blue waters of Big Almaty Lake reservoir. The perfect place for gorgeous photos!

Day 06. Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty

One-day tour of the picturesque Valley of Castles, Charyn Canyon Gorge in Charyn National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan. Over many centuries the rains and winds have eroded the various layers of rock on the canyon walls into gorgeous sculptures on the Canyon's sides -deep fissures, caves, grottoes and shady niches. The Charyn River winds peacefully through the bottom of the gorge. Return to Almaty. Farewell Dinner.

Day 07. Almaty

Departure

Land Tour Costs

From $3,399 for 6-10 travelers

Single Supplement

Please Call

Scheduled Departures

The tour can be provided from May till November

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the spectacular views of Charyn Canyon
  • Enjoy historical Silk Road stories, archaeological ruins, and the classical architecture of Yassaviy Mausoleum
  • Follow the ancient routes of the caravans from Shymkent to Turkistan
  • Don't forget your camera for fabulous landscapes in the Tianshan mountains

Visited Countries

Kazakhstan

Visited Cities & Places

Almaty, Shymkent,Turkestan, Charyn Canyon

Suggested Extensions

Uzbekistan Cultural Tour

Reading Lists

Paul Brummell: Kazakhstan, 2nd (Bradt Travel Guide Kazakhstan) 2012
Bradley Mayhew, Greg Bloom, Paul Clammer: Lonely Planet Central Asia (2010)
Frances Wood: "The Silk Road, Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia"

What's Included

  • Visa support
  • Ground Transportation (air-conditioned coach bus)
  • Train tickets
  • English-speaking guide
  • Hotel accommodation in double room
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Entrance fees to museums, monuments and parks
  • Enjoy classical Kazakh steppe music during live folk performances!

What's Not Included

International Flights

Visited Countries

Kazakhstan

Visited Cities & Places

Almaty, Shymkent,Turkestan, Charyn Canyon

Suggested Extentions

Uzbekistan Cultural Tour

Reading Lists

Paul Brummell: Kazakhstan, 2nd (Bradt Travel Guide Kazakhstan) 2012
Bradley Mayhew, Greg Bloom, Paul Clammer: Lonely Planet Central Asia (2010)
Frances Wood: "The Silk Road, Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia"

Thank you for your interest in Silk Road Treasure Tours. We're looking forward to providing you with the trip of a lifetime. Please take a moment to complete and submit the form below. You can also call us at 1-888-745-7670 (or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to discuss all the aspects of the tour and reserve your tour.

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Treasures of Kazakhstan Tour

A 7 day tour available as scheduled group tour or as custom private tour

Scheduled Departures

The tour can be provided from May till November

Land Tour Costs

From $3,399 for 6-10 travelers

Single Supplement

Please Call