ALMATY CITY TOUR

 

Duration 3 hours

The tour starts with sightseeing in the central part of Almaty. You will know more about history and development of the southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions: Panfilov Park, where you will know more about the history of the city and see one of the highest wooden building in the world - Zenkov Cathedral. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to the memory of the fighters who died for freedom and independence of the country. Central State Museum, Palace of President, Republic Square and Monument of Independence, Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre, Astana Square, Almaty Railway Station, Central Mosque, Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Abai Square and Palace of Republic.

After exploration of the sport, cultural and business areas of the city (Sport Palace, Central Stadium, Kazakh Circus, Wedding Palace, Auezov Drama Theatre, Financial Center, Kok-Tobe Hill)

 

MEDEO AND KOK TOBE

Duration 3 hours

Medeo Gorge, where you will have the stop on the huge Medeo dam, which protects the city from destructive mudflows formed on the tops of the western Tien Shan. On top of the dam, at the altitude of 1733 meters above sea level, you will enjoy an amazing panorama of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world – Medeo, surrounded by wonderful mountains of Zailiskiyi Alatau.

After Medeo the tour will continue at the Kok-Tobe hill where the tallest TV tower in the world is located (it to count from the sea level) and where you will go by the picturesque winding mountain road. At the top of the hill you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the special observation deck, stroll along the winding paths of the Kok-Tobe park, visit the shop of national souvenirs, see the monument devoted to "The Beatles" (the only one in CIS countries) as well as many other interesting things...

The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.

 

TAMGALY TAS ON ILI RIVER

Duration 6-7 hours

 

Feel the breath of history and take the tour to Tamgaly Tas - the  place on the right bank of the Ili River, where images of Buddha  and other deities look at the sky from a huge stone for many centuries already, where mysterious black rocks keep a great  amount of petroglyphs and late Buddhist inscriptions... tamgaly tas

You have a great opportunity not only enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes of Almaty region, but also see the one of the unique monuments of the past - Tamgaly Tas, where fragments of the rocks keep images of Buddha. It is still unknown when and under what circumstances these images have appeared, and who is the author - the scientists have been unraveling a mystery of these enigmatic drawings for more than 150 years already.

On the way you are expected the brief stop at Kapchagai reservoir - the "artificial sea" which is the favorite and the most visited recreation area for Almaty citizens in the region. Upon arrival to Tamgaly Tas Gorge the guide will tell you a lot of interesting things about this amazing place. On the opposite bank of the Ili River you can observe the scenery of medieval Kazakhstan which has been specially constructed for the movie "The Nomad".

You also will have a picnic on the bank of the Ili River and free time for rest at nature.  

 

THE ISSYK LAKE

Duration 6-7 hours

Issyk Gorge - one of the most picturesque and   interesting places of Zailiyskiy Alatau.

On the way you will learn a lot about nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Sak period, where the famous "Golden Man" was found, which has become the state symbol of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Then the tour route will take you to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, to the beautiful mountain lake Issyk, located in the valley with the same name.

The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago due to colossal landslide, resulted in formation of the natural dam of 300 meters in height.

On the lake you will enjoy the majestic beauty of its turquoise water surface and the Issyk Gorge, as well as listen to the details of the natural disaster of 1963. Also at the lake you will have a picnic and free time for recreation at nature.

 

THE TURGEN GORGE  

 Duration 6-7 hours

  Turgen Gorge located in the Ile-Alatau Natural Park, 90 km from Almaty. In ancient times the trade caravans were travelling there eastward to China and India. The gorge is famous for its waterfalls. And the most picturesque one is 30-meter Bear waterfall, surrounded by overhanging cliffs and green spruces...

Turgen Gorge is rich in coniferous and mixed forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, lakes and springs, as well as picturesque waterfalls. And you will have an easy trekking to the beautiful Bear waterfall, surrounded by rocks that are keeping imprints of plants of glacial period.

And, finally, you will visit the Trout farm, where this noble fish is breeding. You will have an opportunity to relax at nature as well as go for fishing. The trout, caught by you, will be cooked for your lunch.

 

THE CHARYN CANYON

 Duration 10 hours

Unforgettable journey to one of the unique natural monuments   of Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon. Located in 190 km from Almaty the canyon leaves a lasting impression with its grand splendor and beauty. The canyon is about 12 million years old and surprises with its vertical cliffs, reminding the ancient castles, created by wind, sun and rain. THE CHARYN CANYON

It will take about 3 hours to reach the canyon. Meanwhile, you will hear a lot of interesting about the history and nature of the region and know more about Kazakh people, their life and traditions.

And as soon as you see Charyn Canyon you will forget about this long way at once, because you will be impressed with the beauty and splendor of the canyon.

 

 

Kasachstanreisen -2016

1day   

Almaty- Altyn-Emel

 0900 Almaty-Altyn Emel  National Park, 250 km. Overnight in the village Basshy in hotel «Altyn-Emel». Lunch.    Excursion to Singing Dunes, 150 meters high, 180 meters broad, more than 3km long in the middle of the steppe.   Overnight in the village Basshy in hotel «Altyn-Emel».   Dinner.

 

2day  

Breakfast. Excursion to Aktau and Kakatau mountains, hiking.

The final stage of our journey are the Katutau and Aktau Mountains. Active volcanoes used to create chaos in the Katutau Mountains long ago and the remains of lava flows subjected to the sun, frost, rains and wind appear to be wonderful images carved on rock. The Aktau are splendid cretaceous mountains. It is a breathtaking land which wins the hearts of travelers with its grandeur and stillness.                              

Overnight in the village Basshy in hotel «Altyn-Emel».   Lunch. Dinner.

 

3day

Breakfast. Altyn-Emel -  Kaindy Lake is a 400 meter long lake in Kazakhstan’s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains located 129 km from the city of Almaty. The lake was created after an earthquake in 1911 that triggered a large landslide blocking the gorge and forming a natural dam. Subsequently, rainwater filled the valley and created the lake.The lake is famous for its scenic beauty particularly the submerged forest and the imposing trunks of spruce trees that rises out of the lake water.

Above water, the sunken trees appear as large masts from lost ghost ships, or perhaps the spears of a mysterious army hiding and waiting for the right time to emerge.

The water is so cold (even in summer the temperature does not exceed 6 degrees) that the great pines still remain on the trees, even 100 years later. Because of the clear mountain water, you can see deep into the depths of the lake. In winter, the surface of the lake freezes over and during this time, Lake Kaindy becomes a great spot for trout fishing and ice diving. Lunch. Dinner.  Accommodation in Saty.

 

 4day

Breakfast.  Kolsay - blue necklace of Northern Tien Shan

Kolsay Lakes is one of the most beautiful places of Kazakh nature. They are also called a blue necklace of Northern Tien Shan. And it is quite understandable – such beauty cannot be found anywhere! In the Kazakh language   “Kolsay” means “a lake in the valley”, indeed, all three lakes are situated in the eastern part of the picturesque Kungei Tau gorge, 300 km from Almaty.

The lakes are located at 1,800m, 2,250m and 2,700m above sea level. The Kolsay River originates from glaciers, located in the Kungei Alatau mountain ridges, and falls, in turn, to each of the three lakes: Verkhneye, Mynzholki and Nizhneye. The water in the lakes is fresh. Kolsay Lakes are very deep. For example, the deepest place of the first lake is 80 m, while in the second – about 50 m. The bottom in some places is shallow without crags. Lunch. Dinner. Accommodation in Saty guesthouseBreakfast.

 

5day    Kolsai – Charyn - Almaty . (200 km )

After breakfasts - drive to Canyon Charyn. (The canyon extends 154 km along the Charyn River, one of the deepest rivers of the northern Tien-Shan (200 km east of Almaty).The Charyn Canyon is a long narrow gorge featuring steep sheer rocks with a rushing river flowing between them. Under the influence of wind and water the sandstone rocks have assumed fanciful shapes reminiscent of exotic figures and fairy-tale characters.  Lunch.    1730-1800  Return to Almaty.

 

Kazakhstan:

                     Astana-Kyzylorda-Aralsk-Baikonur-Turkestan-Almaty                                                                                                

                 9days / 8nights

1 Day

Arrival in Astana, transfer to the hotel. City tour of Astana which is the new capital of Kazakhstan since 1998. Astana from today is quite a modern town in the steppe with own beauties and some places of interest. Above all there are still many old houses on the right side of the river, but most places of interest are from the modern time. (B).

 

2 Day

Flight Astana-Kyzyolrda. Upon arrival transfer to the railway station where from you go to Aralsk. Overnight stay in the guest house.(B)

 

3 Day

Excursion to the Lake Aral. The Original area of surface of the Lake Aral was about 68,000 km ² earlier. It was the fourth largest inland lake of the earth. Here the climate is continental with half desert weather conditions. Visit of the local museum. Transfer to the railway station and go by train to Baikonur. (B)

 

4 Day

After coming to Baikonur, you are accommodated at the hotel of "Studencheskaja". An excursion starts from the starting place N2. You visit the museum of the Kosmodroms, start place N1 of Gagarin, the start complex "Buran" and many other interesting places. Transfer back to town for visiting the museum describing the history of Baikonur. (B)

 

5 Day

Morning transfer to the railway station to take train to Turkestan. After coming Turkestan transfer to the hotel of "Turkestan". (B.D)

 

6 Day

Excursion to the grave mosque Hodscha Ahmed Jassawi, one of the best known Islamic Sufism holy leader. The complex of buildings which was built in 14 century and devoted to a name of Hodscha Jassawi today is known as one of the nicest and most important buildings of the Timur period. In 35 rooms and chambers you discover historical valuables.  Also you will see a Friday mosque and a bath house of the Middle Ages.

In the evening transfer to the railway station and go to Almaty. After coming Almaty transfer to the hotel  "Kazzhol" . (B)

 

7 Day

Today you discover Almaty, former name Alma Ata and the capital of the country till 1998. City tour. Visit the Republic Square, the monument of Independence, Central Museum, the Park of Panfilov warriors, in the middle of the park there is the orthodox Christian cathedral, also visiting green bazaar.

 

8 Day

Excursion to the world highest skating rink Medeo, 4000 metres above sea degree. Many world skating competitions were held there, for example the last Asian Olimpic Games. More than 190 world records were set up to now in the ice quick run.

 

9 Day

After breakfast transfer to airport. Departure.

This tour can be changed according to you.