Exploring South Kazakhstan Tour Package

Route: Almaty - Shymkent (Kazakhstan)

Season: March - November

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Almaty, Arrival

Arrival in Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Meeting and greeting at Almaty International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel. Almaty Grand Tour (6 hours): The tour starts with sightseeing in the central part of Almaty. You will learn more about the history and development of the southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions.

You will visit a popular place for townspeople – the Green Bazaar, where it is impossible to refrain from shopping. It is a great chance to experience the atmosphere of a real Central Asian market, its colors, smells, and crowds. Here you can buy famous Asian sweets, but don’t forget to bargain.

Then the tour will continue to one of the oldest parks in Almaty – Panfilov Park, where you will see one of the unique wooden buildings in the world – Zenkov Cathedral. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, dedicated to those who died for the freedom and independence of the country.

After the park, you will continue exploring the sports, cultural, and business areas of the city. You will visit the Medeo Gorge, where the highest mountain skating rink in the world is located, as well as the dam protecting the city from dangerous mudflows.

The next destination is Kok-Tobe Hill, where the tallest TV tower in the world (if measured from sea level) is located. You will reach it via a picturesque winding mountain road. In a national restaurant at Kok-Tobe Park, you will have the opportunity to try traditional Kazakh cuisine while sitting inside a real Kazakh yurt.

After lunch, you can stroll along the winding paths of Kok-Tobe Park, admire the magnificent panorama of the city from the observation deck, and visit souvenir shops.

The tour ends with a short ride from the top of the hill to the city center by the famous Almaty cableway. Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Almaty Region

Breakfast at the hotel. The Big Almaty Lake Tour (6 hours, at 13:00) or the Issyk Lake Tour (7 hours, at 11:00), depending on the season.

The Big Almaty Lake Tour (7 hours): The tour begins with a drive to the Big Almaty Gorge, where Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of 2,510 meters above sea level. It is one of the most picturesque lakes in the Trans-Ili Alatau. The lake is especially beautiful when its calm blue surface reflects the sky and surrounding mountains.

The lake was formed as a result of the movement of an ancient glacier. Due to its high-altitude location, the water remains cold year-round – even in July, the temperature does not exceed 10°C. The lake is also a source of potable water for Almaty, which is why access is restricted.

The route continues higher to an altitude of 3,300 meters above sea level, where scientific facilities for astronomical and space research are located. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains and the lake, surrounded by Tian Shan fir trees, aspen, and juniper.

On the way back to the city, you will visit a Falcon Farm, where you will enjoy a spectacular show with trained hunting birds – a unique aspect of Kazakh culture.

The Issyk Lake Tour (7 hours): The route leads to Issyk Gorge along the historic Kuldja tract, once used by trade caravans. Along the way, you will learn about the region’s history and see burial mounds from the Saka period, where the famous “Golden Man” was discovered.

You will visit the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “Issyk,” featuring exhibits related to the Saka culture, including a replica of the Golden Man, ancient artifacts, ceramics, weapons, and burial reconstructions.

The tour continues to Issyk Lake, located at an altitude of 1,756 meters. The lake was formed around 10,000 years ago due to a massive landslide that created a natural dam.

Here you will enjoy the beauty of the turquoise water and the surrounding gorge, as well as learn about the natural disaster of 1963. You will also have free time for relaxation and a picnic.

Return to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Almaty Region - Taraz

Breakfast at the hotel. The Charyn Canyon Tour (9 hours) at 09:00.

Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s unique natural monuments, approximately 12 million years old. It amazes visitors with its vertical cliffs resembling ancient castles shaped by wind, sun, and rain.

The journey to the canyon takes about 3 hours. Along the way, you will learn about the region’s history, nature, and traditions, and enjoy lunch at a local café.

Upon arrival, you will admire the grand panorama and walk through the famous Valley of Castles with its towering rock formations.

Return to Almaty and transfer to the railway station. Departure to Taraz by evening train. Overnight on the train.

Day 5: Taraz - Shymkent

Arrival in Taraz by morning train. Meeting at the railway station and transfer to the city. Sightseeing includes the Karakhan Mausoleum and the Tekturmas Historical Complex.

Taraz is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, with a history of over 2,000 years. It was an important center on the Silk Road during the 7th–8th centuries.

There are more than 70 historical and architectural monuments in the region. One of the most remarkable is the Aisha Bibi Mausoleum (11th–12th centuries), uniquely decorated with terracotta and recognized as one of Central Asia’s most valuable monuments.

Transfer to Shymkent. En route, visit the Aisha Bibi Mausoleum and Babaja Khatun Mausoleum. Arrival in Shymkent. Accommodation at the hotel. Overnight in Shymkent.

Day 6: Shymkent - Shaulder - Turkestan - Almaty

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Departure to the Otrar Region, Shaulder settlement. Visit the Arystan-Bab Mausoleum and the archaeological site of the ancient Otrar settlement.

Otrar is the birthplace of the philosopher Al-Farabi and dates back to the 4th century BC. It was once a major center of trade and culture.

Transfer to Turkestan. Visit the “Azret-Sultan” historical and architectural complex, including the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the ancient settlement, necropolis, citadel, and underground mosque.

Turkestan was founded around 500 AD and became a spiritual center of the Turkic world. The mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, built by order of Emir Tamerlane, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a major pilgrimage site.

Transfer to Shymkent railway station. Departure to Almaty by evening train. Overnight on the train.

Day 7: Almaty

Arrival in Almaty in the morning. Transfer to the hotel. Breakfast and accommodation. Free time.

You may visit shopping malls, including the historic Zangar Department Store, known for handicrafts and traditional Kazakh jewelry.

You can also walk along Zhibek Zholy Street (Almaty Arbat), a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, cafés, and local artists. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Almaty, Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at 12:00 noon. Transfer to the airport. Departure.