Trekking 
Culture 
Day 1 : Almaty
Arrival to Almaty International Airport (ALA).
Transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check in at the hotel
Day 2 : City tour and SHYMBULAK MOUNTAIN RESORT (B / - / -)
10:00 Start of the city tour :
Visit to Green Bazaar – one of the oldest market places in the city, with more than 100 years of history. Green Bazaar used to be one of the important trading points since 1875. Here guests can enjoy the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar, buy fresh fruit, vegetable, souvenirs and try local delicacies as well as see ethnical diversity of Kazakhstan – many of the vendors are Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tadjik, Koreans and Russians.
Visitors can guess the origin of a vendor by the goods they sell: fresh dairy and meat are sold mostly by Kazakhs, delicious fresh and dried fruit and vegetable by Uzbek and Tadjik, spicy salads and snacks by Koreans and all kinds of pickles and herbal tea are mostly sold by Russians.
Guests will have some free time for shopping.
After visiting the green bazaar, you will go to Rakhat Chocolate Shop. Rakhat company is the largest manufacturer of confectionery products in Kazakhstan. All products are manufactured according to the Soviet recipe and Soviet GOST standards.
Visit to old part of Almaty: Park of 28 Panfilov guardsmen named after the heroes who gave their lives defending the city of Moscow. The park is a place of attraction for locals and guests of the city and has many interesting sights from that date back to the Soviet period of Kazakhstan. Guests will see Ascension Cathedral – a beautiful building that was constructed in 1907. The cathedral survived the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, even though it was built without any nails.
You will drive to the Medeo tract (1690 meters above sea level) , where you will transfer to the gondola road to climb the Shymbulak mountain resort. After a dizzying 20-minute ride in the cable car above the tops of coniferous trees, you will reach the first level of the mountain resort (2260 meters above sea level), where you will unfold a picturesque view of the mountains and the beauty around them. In the mountains you can feel the unique atmosphere of unity with nature.
At the mountain resort of Shymbulak, for an additional fee, you can take advantage of a number of entertainment: Alpine Park, GORILLA Zipline, paragliding, Horse riding, Rope Park "Shymba", quad bike tours, cargo taxi "Chimba", ice skating, skiing, snowboarding
Transfer to hotel
Day 3 : Kolsay lake and Kaindy lake (B / - / -)
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure from Almaty
Early in the morning, at about 6-7 am, the driver will pick you up from the appointed address and you will go to Lake Kaindy (300 km, about 5 hours), on the way there will be a stop at the market in the village of Bayseit where you can buy snacks and drinks.
Upon arrival, the trip will begin from the parking lot (around 1.5-2 h), it will take 3 km trekking to the lake, the observation spot and to the river where it flows into the lake, you can swim here, the water in the lake is very cold, about 6 degrees Celsius, so if you do not be afraid of cold water, then take a swimsuit with you
After Kaindy lake, you will head to the lower Kolsay Lake, the length of the trip is (15 km, approximately 25 minutes )
From the parking lot you will go for a walk around the lake, the walking time is (1.5 hours)
You can walk along the left or right bank of the lake, take a boat or catamaran ride
Return to Almaty
Overnight at the hotel Almaty
Day 4 : Issyk lake (B / - / -)
Issyk Lake, located in the picturesque valley of the Tien Shan, impresses with its crystal clear water and the majestic mountain landscape that surrounds it. Its unique beauty, fringed with snow-capped peaks, creates a peaceful picture of nature that attracts tourists and travelers. Issyk Lake is not only a gem of nature, but also a historical place with magic and majestic charm. * the lake is closed until May *
You'll also visit the Golden Man Museum :
The Golden Man Museum is a magnificent testament to a rich history and culture. Here, among the ancient exhibits and exquisite artifacts, the amazing history of mankind related to gold is revealed. This unique museum is not only a custodian of jewels, but also a bridge that connects us to ancient eras, inspiring us with respect for our roots and the richness of our cultural heritage.
Day 5 : DEPARTURE (B / - / -)
Transfer to Almaty International Airport (ALA)
End of our services
Our services include :
- Transfer Airport - Hotel – Airport
- Accommodation in hotels Almaty DBL on BB
- Transfers & sightseeing include services of an English speaking tour guide
- Welcome with national sweets
- Entrance tickets according to the program
- Eco fees
- Cable Car ticket to Shymbulak Mountain Resort
- Drive from Saty village to Lake Kaindy by UAZ vehicle
Our services do not include :
- Flights
- Early check-in / late check out
- Activities at Shymbulak Mountain Resort, City tour and etc.
- Personal insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals and hard drinks
- Any services not mentioned in the above program
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
Hotel used :
3* Standard: Renion Hotel, Alma, Grand Erbil Hotel, Astana International Hotel or similar
4* Standard: Kazakhstan, Kazzhol Almaty, Shera Inn Hotel or similar
4* Superior: Sadu, Kazzhol Park, Grand Tien Shan, Ramada By Wyndham Almaty or similar
4* Business: Mercure Almaty City Center, Novotel Almaty City Center or similar
5* Luxury: Rahat Palace, The Dostyk Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Almaty, Swissotel Wellness Resort Alatau Almaty or similar
Kazakhstan, the largest landlocked country in the world, offers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and a blend of modernity with tradition. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you explore this diverse Central Asian gem :
Before You Go :
Visa Requirements : Check the visa requirements for your nationality before planning your trip.
Travel Insurance : It's advisable to have travel insurance to cover any unforeseen events.
Currency : The currency used is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities, but it's recommended to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
Language : Kazakh and Russian are the official languages. While English is gaining popularity, especially in urban areas, it's helpful to learn some basic phrases in Russian.
Best Time to Visit :
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
Summers (July to August) can be hot, especially in the southern regions, while winters (December to February) can be extremely cold with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Getting There :
By Air : The main international airports are in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) and Almaty, with direct flights available from major cities worldwide.
By Train : The Eurasian rail network connects Kazakhstan with neighboring countries like Russia, Uzbekistan, and China.
By Road : If you're in a neighboring country, you can enter Kazakhstan by road. However, make sure to check visa and border crossing requirements.
Getting Around :
Public Transport : In major cities like Nur-Sultan and Almaty, you can rely on buses, trams, and metros for getting around.
Taxis : Taxis are widely available, but make sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Renting a Car : Renting a car is a convenient option, especially if you're planning to explore rural areas. However, be prepared for long distances between destinations.
Top Destinations :
Nur-Sultan (Astana) :
Visit the Bayterek Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a giant tent-like structure housing shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
Don't miss the Astana Opera House and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Almaty :
Take a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city.
Visit the Central State Museum to learn about Kazakhstan's history and culture.
Explore the vibrant Green Bazaar for local produce, souvenirs, and traditional Kazakh cuisine.
Charyn Canyon :
Marvel at the stunning rock formations and go hiking or camping in this miniature version of the Grand Canyon.
Don't miss the Valley of Castles, famous for its unique rock shapes.
Lake Kaindy :
Admire the surreal beauty of this submerged forest and turquoise lake, created after an earthquake in 1911.
Go snorkeling or diving to explore the sunken trees beneath the crystal-clear waters.
Altyn Emel National Park :
Discover the Singing Dunes, where the sand emits a peculiar sound when disturbed by the wind.
Spot rare wildlife such as the Przewalski's horse and the goitered gazelle.
Cultural Etiquette :
Respect local customs and traditions, especially in rural areas.
When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering mosques.
It's customary to greet people with a handshake and maintain eye contact during conversations.
Cuisine :
Sample traditional Kazakh dishes like Beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), Plov (pilaf), and Shashlik (grilled meat skewers).
Don't miss trying Kumis, a fermented mare's milk drink, and Baursak, deep-fried dough balls served as a snack or dessert.
Safety Tips :
Kazakhstan is generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in crowded areas and beware of pickpockets.
Respect local laws and regulations, especially regarding photography and alcohol consumption.
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in tourist areas and crowded markets.
Kazakhstan offers a diverse range of experiences, from modern cities to pristine natural landscapes. Whether you're exploring the futuristic architecture of Nur-Sultan, hiking in the majestic Charyn Canyon, or experiencing the nomadic way of life on the vast steppes, Kazakhstan promises an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the warmth of Kazakh hospitality and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture and history that this fascinating country has to offer.
Kazakhstan
HOLIDAYS IN ALMATY
Reference #: WTP0534
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