Memorable tours & travels in Kazakhstan

Almaty city overview + Kok Tobe + Medeo & Shymbulak day tour

Almaty is a perfect city for tourism. And we are glad to invite you to Almaty city tour.

Almaty is rich for the different city attractions like historical and cultural objects, museums and parks. When starting your trip to Almaty, it is very important to learn the history of the city and visit significant places that are the hallmark of the city. In this regard, we specially developed for you the Almaty city overview tour, in which we put together the city sights that are most remarkable and important for Almaty and people. The tour starts from the Almaty History Museum, lasts through business and old city center, and ends at the largest mountain skating rink in the world, located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level.

You will climb the cable car to Kok-Tobe Park, which is located right on top of the mountain of the same name, at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level. Then you will have a trip to the ski resort Shymbulak, located in the picturesque gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level. Further, the ascent along the gondola road to Talgar pass, where a magnificent panorama of the mountains of Zailiysky Alatau opens. The excursion moves down to the Medeo boundary, where you will visit a dam that protects the city from mudflows, and go down it to the stairs, which consist of 842 steps, known to city residents and tourists.

Welcome to Almaty and have an exciting tour!

Watch a short video about the city of Almaty: click here

ITINERARY:

09:30 Hotel pick-up

10:00 – 14:00 Almaty city overview:

• Excursion at the Almaty History Museum
• Ride through the business and old center of the city
• Excursions at the Republic Square, the Monument to Abay, Kazakhstan Hotel, the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Old Square, 28 Panfilov’s Guardsmen park, The Ascension Cathedral, The Memorial of Glory, the Green Bazaar, Chocolate factory brand shop
• Lunch

14:00 – 16:00 Сable car lift from Medeo to Shymbulak ski resort and back, walking, photo shooting 

16:30 – 17:30 Cable car lift to Kok Tobe park, walking

18:00 Hotel drop-off

⚠️ You can book this tour by submitting a request below or by contacting Tour Manager via online chat!

Almaty city tour + Big Almaty Lake day tour

Almaty is a perfect city for tourism. And we are glad to invite you to Almaty city tour.

Almaty is rich for the different city attractions like historical and cultural objects, museums and parks. When starting your trip to Almaty, it is very important to learn the history of the city and visit significant places that are the hallmark of the city. In this regard, we specially developed for you the Almaty city overview tour, in which we put together the city sights that are most remarkable and important for Almaty and people. The tour starts from the Almaty History Museum, lasts through business and old city center, and ends at the natural attraction - Big Almaty Lake.

The turquoise surface of the Big Almaty Lake shines among the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains at an altitude of 2500 m above sea level. As a result of the earthquake, the mountains formed a gorgeous lake, the beauty of which will forever remain in your heart and which has long been one of the symbols of Almaty. On the way to the Big Almaty Lake, you will discover the picturesque landscapes of the great mountains and the ancient spruces of Tian Shan, so please prepare your cameras in advance.

Watch a short video about the city of Almaty: click here  

Extras:

• We are glad to invite you to the Falcon Farm (except Mondays), where you will enjoy an exciting Birds of Prey show and will have a lunch of national Kazakh dishes - $15 per person

ITINERARY:

• 09:30 Hotel pick-up

• 10:00 – 13:00 Almaty city overview:

  • Excursion at the Almaty History Museum
  • Ride through the business and old city center
  • Excursions at the Republic Square, the Monument to Abay, Kazakhstan Hotel, the State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Old Square, 28 Panfilov’s Guardsmen park, The Ascension Cathedral, The Memorial of Glory, the Green Bazaar, Chocolate factory brand shop
• 13:00 - 17:00 Ride to Big Almaty Lake
• Lunch-break
• Visiting of the upper viewing spot
• Walking and photo shooting at Big Almaty Lake
• 17:00 [Option] Visiting of the Birds of Prey show at Falcon Farm
• 18:00 Hotel drop-off

⚠️ You can book PRIVATE or GROUP tour by submitting a request below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

Book GROUP TOUR to Big Almaty Lake + Almaty city overview now! Hurry up! Limited availability!

✔️ Small groups of up to 9 people

✔️ Best for couples, solo and budget travelers

✔️ The best way to save money and share costs by joining others

✔️ Interaction and joint fun

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2019:

• May: 14, 27
• June: 10, 25
• July: 09, 26
• August: 06, 20
• September: 07, 17
• October: 01, 15

Click here to see GROUP TOUR CALENDAR 2019.

Ethnographic village (nomadic Kazakh life and traditions show)

You will find an informative theatrical show program, which is an acquaintance with the customs and traditions of the Kazakh people in a specially created ethnographic village, located in a picturesque place at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
In the program, the guests will be acquainted with the structure of the yurt, philosophy and sacred meaning of the yurt for the nomad. The guests will also get acquainted with the life of the Kazakhs: cleaning and whipping wool, making yarn with a spindle, getting flour and talkan in dermen, the rite of laying the child in Besik, the rite of Tusau kesu and Atka Otyrgyzu.
Then you will have a delicious lunch of the national Kazakh dishes.
At the end of the program, you will be given a master class on cooking Baursaks - a traditional flour product of the people of Central Asia.

Watch the video about Kazakh aul: 

Kara Zhorga cheerful dance with tourists from Poland

Review about ethnographic aul in French

Itinerary:

• 10:00 Hotel pick-up
• 11:00 Arrival of guests to the ethno-aul
  Meeting guests with two warriors in battle armor and the Shashu ritual, treating all guests with baursaks
• 12:30 Demonstration of the performance of the group “SARBAZ” (various programs presented in the form of theatrical performances - legends and national equestrian games)
• 13:00 Lunch of the national Kazakh dishes
• 14:00 Masterclass
• 15:00 Free time (Horseback riding, photo session in national costumes, riding on the swing "Altybakan", communication with animals of the contact zoo)
• 17:00 Hotel drop-off

Book GROUP TOUR to Ethnographic Kazakh village now! 

✔️ Small groups of up to 9 people

✔️ Best for couples, solo and budget travelers

✔️ The best way to save money and share costs by joining others

✔️ Interaction and joint fun

Group tour SCHEDULE 2019:

• May: 30
• June: 14, 28
• July: 12, 27
• August: 09, 24
• September: 03, 20
• October: 05

Click here to see GROUP TOUR CALENDAR 2019.

⚠️ You can book this tour by submitting a request below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

Hurry up! Limited availability!

Canyons of Charyn river day tour

Give yourself an unforgettable experience of visiting the mysterious Charyn canyon. The canyon is composed of sedimentary rocks that are more than 12 million years old. The length of the canyon is 154 km along the Charyn River, and the height of the steep mountains reaches 300 meters. And for everyone who has come here at least once, it is breathtaking from the magnificence of the natural monument.

The most known and popular object is the “Valley of Castles”, one of the side canyons of Charyn river. This is completed the ensemble of “palace”, “towers” and ”minarets” formed by Pliocene deposits with complicated forms of airing in a view of cornices, columns, niches. The present view of the canyon reached approximately half a million years ago.  The canyon has a length of about 2.5 kilometers and a depth of 150 meters.

Then you will go to the Moon canyon (also known as Uzynbulak or Yellow canyon),

Moon Valley is less known and therefore less attendance than the Castle Valley, but it is a remarkable natural masterpiece. The slopes of the canyon are composed of sedimentary rocks of yellow, and so it is also called yellow canyon. A large number of gullies and ravines form a thick and chaotic network of small independent gorges.

About five million years ago, the water, flown down from the high mountains, carried eroded rocks in a huge pond, which was located at their base. Time passed by, the lake dried up, mountains collapsed, new mountains grew. Wind and water erosion has created amazing architectural forms from sedimentary rocks. Looking at the slopes, you can read the entire multimillion history of the area. You can find the last millennium, according to the age of the annual rings of trees in layers, visible on the slopes of the canyon. One of the smaller ridges resembles a yurt set in a row. 

The prehistoric man and stone tools were found here. 

Watch the amazing videos about Charyn and Moon Canyons: 

Trip to winter Charyn Canyon

Uzynbulak (Moon) Canyon in Almaty region, Kazakhstan

Review of our tourists from Hungary about Charyn and Moon Canyons

ITINERARY:

• 09:00 Hotel pick-up
• Ride to Charyn Canyon
• Viewing spot at the top of the canyon
• Walking through the bottom of the canyon, stop at Charyn River
• Lunch at Charyn river bank
• Return back to the top of the canyon
• Ride to Moon Canyon
• Hiking to the top of the canyon or viewing spot
• Ride to Black Canyon
• Viewing spot of Black Canyon
• Way back to Almaty
• 20:00 Hotel drop-off

 ⚠️ You can book this tour by submitting a request below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

PACKAGES & PRICES:

Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes + Charyn Canyon

2-day tour

We invite you to a two-day exciting journey through the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan - the picturesque lakes of Kolsay and Kaindy.
On the first day of the tour, an exciting journey awaits you to the most popular destination among all tourists in Kazakhstan - Valley of Castles of Charyn Canyon. This is completed the ensemble of “palace”, “towers” and ”minarets” formed by Pliocene deposits with complicated forms of airing in a view of cornices, columns, niches. On the way to Kaindy Lake we will visit the breathtaking Black Canyon. Kaindy Lake in Kazakh language means “abundant in birch trees”. The name of the lake comes from the nearby large birch grove. The lake was formed by the earthquake. An incredible sight that you see above the water are the trunks of centenary spruces. And under the surface of the water, branches and needles of spruce trees were preserved in their original form due to the low temperature of the lake water. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the amazing beauty of these places.

On the second day, you will visit the Kolsay lakes - a system of three lakes in northern Tien Shan, in the Kolsay gorge. The lakes are located 330 km southeast of Almaty at an altitude of 1818 m, 2252 m, 2900 m above sea level.
The lakes are called “the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”. They are surrounded by a coniferous forest of Tien Shan spruce. The depth of the lakes reaches 50 m. The water in the lakes is cold and clean. There is a rainbow trout - fish that live only in clean running water, as well as 4 more fish kinds, 2 amphibia, 197 bird and 29 mammal kinds, including deer, mountain goats, wolves, lynxes, bears and snow leopards.
As part of our tour, you can visit the Lower Kolsay lake and experience unforgettable 8-hours hiking to Middle Kolsay lake.
Those who are lucky enough to visit these places at least once will never forget their magnificence, peace and energetics.

Watch amazing videos about:

Kolsay Lakes National Park

Charyn National Park

ITINERARIES OPTIONS

1st itinerary:

Day 1

• 09:00 Departure from the hotel in Almaty
• Arrival at Charyn Canyon, walking inside the canyon, photo shooting, lunch
• Yellow Canyon, short hiking or walking on the viewing spot
• Black Canyon, viewing spot, photo shooting
• 19:00 Arrival in Saty village (Kolsay Lakes National Park); accommodation in hotel or homestay, dinner

Day 2

• 08:00 Breakfast
• Ride to Lower Kolsay Lake
• Lower Kolsay Lake, walking, photo shooting
• Off-road ride to Kaindy Lake, walking or horse riding, photo shooting
• Lunch
• Way back to Almaty
• 21:00 Hotel drop-off

2nd itinerary (⚠️ for people in good physical condition and high endurance):

Day 1

• 09:00 Departure from the hotel in Almaty
• Arrival at Charyn Canyon, walking inside the canyon, photo shooting, lunch
• Black Canyon, viewing spot, photo shooting
• Off-road ride to Kaindy Lake, walking/horse riding & photo shooting
• 19:00 Arrival in Saty village (Kolsay Lakes National Park); accommodation in hotel or homestay, dinner

Day 2

• 08:00 Breakfast
• Lower Kolsay Lake
• Long hiking to Middle Kolsay Lake (~4 hours)
• Middle Kolsay Lake, walking & photo shooting, lunch
• Return back to Lower Kolsay Lake (~4 hours)
• Way back to Almaty
• 22:00 Hotel drop-off

⚠️ You can book PRIVATE or GROUP tour by submitting a request below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

Book GROUP TOUR to Kolsay & Kaindy Lakes + Charyn Canyon now! 

✔️ Small groups of up to 9 people

✔️ Best for couples, solo and budget travelers

✔️ The best way to save money and share costs by joining others

✔️ Interaction and joint fun

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE:

• May: 28-29
• June: 26-27
• July: 10-11, 24-25
• August: 07-08
• September: 18-19
• October: 16-17

Click here to see GROUP TOUR CALENDAR 2019

PACKAGES & PRICES:

Altyn Emel National Park + Charyn Canyon

2-day tour

We are glad to invite you to the 2-day trip to the National Nature Park "Altyn Emel", which is located in Almaty region at the valley of Ili River.
On the 1st day of the tour you will head towards the Singing Dune - a sandy mountain 3 km long and 150 m high, located 182 km from Almaty. The phenomenon of nature, famous for the fact that in dry weather the sands of the dune emit a sound from a faint squeak to organ melody and even a roar. An enormous sandy mountain grew here as a result of blowing sand from the shores of Ili river. The Singing Dune does not move across the plain, despite the fluctuation of sand and strong winds, but has remained in place for several millennia. During the tour, you will hear interesting legends that are enveloped in the mysterious Singing Dune. And from its top, you will see an amazing panorama of the picturesque local landscape.

On the 2nd day of the tour, you will admire the unearthly beauty of the Cretaceous mountains of Aktau and the volcanic Katutau mountains. Enjoy the incredible beauty of the bizarre forms and learn the history of the formation of these amazing mountains.
Also within the tour, you will see the 700-year-old majestic willow, stone steles of the XI century as well.

After lunch, you will go to the most popular destination among all tourists in Kazakhstan - Valley of Castles of Charyn Canyon. This is completed the ensemble of “palace”, “towers” and ”minarets” formed by Pliocene deposits with complicated forms of airing in a view of cornices, columns, niches.

Watch the short video about Altyn Emel National Park:

Altyn Emel National Park of Kazakhstan

Charyn National Park 

ITINERARY:

Day 1

• 09:00 Departure from the hotel in Almaty
• Arrival at Basshy village, registration at the National Park office
• Off-road ride around the Altyn Emel National Nature Park 
• 700-year-old willow tree
• Katutau mountains, walking
• Aktau mountains, walking or hiking
• 19:00 Arrival in Basshy village, accommodation, dinner

Day 2

• 08:00 Breakfast, checking-out
• Off-road ride to the Singing Dune with visiting of Stone steles Oshaktas
• Climb to the top, photo shooting
• Lunch
• Leaving Altyn Emel and ride to Charyn National Park
• Walking inside the Charyn canyon, photo shooting
• 20:30 Arrival in Almaty. Hotel drop-off

⚠️ You can book this tour by submitting a request below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

PACKAGES & PRICES:

Altyn Emel + Charyn Canyon + Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes

3-day tour

We are glad to invite you to the 3-days tour to the National Nature Parks of Almaty region: Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon and Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes.

On the 1st day, we will head towards the unearthly beauty of the Cretaceous mountains of Aktau and the volcanic Katutau mountains. Enjoy the incredible beauty of the bizarre forms and learn the history of the formation of these amazing mountains.
On the way, you will visit the 700-year-old majestic willow as well.

In the morning of the 2nd day, you will go to Singing Dune - a sand mountain 3 km long and 150 m high, located 182 km from Almaty. The phenomenon of nature, famous for the fact that in dry weather the sands of the dune emit a sound from a faint squeak to organ melody and even a roar. An enormous sandy mountain grew here as a result of blowing sand from the shores of Ili river. The Singing Dune does not move across the plain, despite the fluctuation of sand and strong winds, but has remained in place for several millennia. During the tour, you will hear interesting legends that are enveloped in the mysterious Singing Dune. And from its top, you will see an amazing panorama of the picturesque local landscape.
On the way, you will visit the stone steles of the XI century and the spring named after Valikhanov as well.

Afternoon, the tour will lead you to the most popular place among tourists visiting Kazakhstan. It's a Charyn Canyon. You will visit the Valley of the Castles, the orange-red cliffs of which resemble fabulous buildings, towers and castles. For the night we will arrive in the village of Saty in the evening, where we will have dinner in a warm and cozy home of hospitable villagers.

Waking up and having a hearty breakfast in the morning we will go to the picturesque Lower Kolsay Lake. Kolsay lakes - a system of three lakes in northern Tien Shan, in the Kolsay gorge. The lakes are located 330 km southeast of Almaty at an altitude of 1818 m, 2252 m, 2900 m above sea level.
The lakes are called “the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”. They are surrounded by a coniferous forest of Tien Shan spruce. The depth of the lakes reaches 50 m. The water in the lakes is cold and clean. There is rainbow trout - fish that live only in clean running water, as well as 4 more fish kinds, 2 amphibia, 197 bird and 29 mammal kinds, including deer, mountain goats, wolves, lynxes, bears and snow leopards.
As part of our tour, you will visit the Lower Kolsay lake only.

Then after lunch, we will move to amazing Kaindy Lake, which is in Kazakh language means “abundant in birch trees”. The name of the lake comes from the nearby large birch grove. The lake was formed by the earthquake. An incredible sight that you see above the water are the trunks of centenary spruces. And under the surface of the water, branches and needles of spruce trees were preserved in their original form due to the low temperature of the lake water. Tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy the unbelievable beauty of this place.

Those who are lucky enough to visit these places at least once will never forget their magnificence, peace and energetics.

Watch amazing videos about National Parks of Almaty region:

Altyn Emel National Park

Charyn National Park

Kolsay Lakes National Park

ITINERARY:

Day 1

• 09:00 Departure from the hotel in Almaty
• Arrival at Basshy village, registration at the National Park office
• Off-road ride around the Altyn Emel National Nature Park 
• 700-year-old willow tree
• Katutau mountains, walking
• Aktau mountains, walking or hiking
• 19:00 Arrival in Basshy village, accommodation, dinner

Day 2

• 08:00 Breakfast, checking-out
• Off-road ride to the Singing Dune with visiting of Stone steles Oshaktas
• Climb to the top, photo shooting
• Lunch
• Leaving Altyn Emel and ride to Charyn National Park
• Walking inside the Charyn canyon, photo shooting
• 19:00 Arrival in Saty village (Kolsay Lakes National Park), accommodation, dinner

Day 3

• 08:00 Breakfast
• Ride to Lower Kolsay Lake
• Lower Kolsay Lake, walking, photo shooting
• Off-road ride to Kaindy Lake, walking or horse riding, photo shooting
• Lunch
• Black Canyon, viewing spot
• Way back to Almaty
• 21:00 Hotel drop-off

⚠️ You can book a PRIVATE or GROUP tour by submitting an application below or by contacting our Tour Manager via online chat!

Book GROUP TOUR to Altyn Emel + Charyn Canyon + Kaindy & Kolsay Lakes! 

✔️ Small groups of up to 9 people

✔️ Best for couples, solo and budget travelers

✔️ The best way to save money and share costs by joining others

✔️ Interaction and joint fun

GROUP TOUR SCHEDULE 2019:

• May: 15-17
• June: 11-13
• July: not available due to very hot weather
• August: 21-23
• September: 04-06
• October: 02-04

Click here to see GROUP TOUR CALENDAR 2019.

PACKAGES & PRICES:

Ancient Petroglyphs of Tamgaly

Do you know that the most ancient petroglyphs are located in Kazakhstan?
We invite you to a fascinating tour in the footsteps of ancient civilizations.
The petroglyphs of the archaeological landscape of Tamgaly is one of the most ancient and vivid monuments of the rock art of Seven-Lakes valley. Since 2004 it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here in the late 1950s, a sanctuary was discovered with multiple rock paintings of an unknown civilization.
The mysterious civilization disappeared, not having survived till our days, but left more than 4,000 drawings in which displayed their life and worldview. The pictures depict both individual animals and people, as well as whole scenes from life - ritual ceremonies, hunting scenes. In Tamgaly there are drawings of animals that already disappeared in these parts. Also curious are the images of mythical heroes and gods in the form of sun-headed creatures.
Most of the petroglyphs belong to the Bronze Age. But there are also rock carvings from the Middle Ages.
In addition to petroglyphs, a ceremonial altar for sacrifices and a large number of ancient graves of people were found in Tanbaly: stone boxes-cysts of the middle and late bronze age, mounds of earth and stones from the early Iron Age to the present.

Itinerary:

• 09:00 Hotel pick-up
• Ride to Tamgaly tract
• Excursion of Tamgaly, sightseeing, walking, photo shooting
• Return back to the city
• 17:00 Hotel drop-off

Butakovka gorge hiking tour

Dear tourists, we are glad to welcome you to our wonderful city of Almaty. Almaty is located at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. This location is perfect for people who fond of hiking/trekking, healthy lifestyle and who love our beautiful nature. There are a lot of hiking routes with different levels of difficulty in the mountains of Almaty. And we invite you to a day hiking tour to the picturesque Butakovka gorge.

Butakovsky gorge is a picturesque mountain gorge in Kazakhstan, located in the mountains of Ili Alatau on the territory of the city of Almaty. Located at an altitude of 1700-2900 m above sea level. In the gorge there are: Tien Shan spruce, aspen, mountain ash, barberry, and apple orchards.
One of the most beautiful places of the Butakovsky gorge is the waterfall of the same name. The waterfall has a height of 10-12 meters. Depending on the flow of water in the stream, you will see either streams of water over the rocks or a small film of water on them. Very interesting waterfall in December, early January. The cliffs are overgrown with beautiful blue ice shell. In January-March, a visit to the waterfall is not recommended, because at this time avalanches come down from the surrounding slopes, which is a mortal danger for tourists.

Level of difficulty: Middle (you must be in average physical shape)

Walking distance: ~10 km

Required clothing:

1. Weather-appropriate outerwear (t-shirt, jacket, pants for outdoor activities) and trekking boots/sport shoes
2. Cap and sunglasses

Kok Zhailau tract hiking tour

Dear tourists, we are glad to welcome you to our wonderful city of Almaty. Almaty is located at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. This location is perfect for people who fond of hiking/trekking, healthy lifestyle and who love our beautiful nature. There are a lot of hiking routes with different levels of difficulty in the mountains of Almaty. And we invite you to a day hiking tour to Kok Zhailau tract.

Kok Zhailau is a natural boundary on the territory of the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park, located from east to west between the Small and Large Almaty Gorges 10 km from the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The absolute height of the tract is 1450–1740 m above sea level.

The Kok-Zhailau tract, due to its location, is one of the most accessible and favorite recreation places of Almaty residents, who are fond of hiking, cycling, skiing and horseback riding.

Level of difficulty: Middle (you must be in average physical shape)

Walking distance: ~10 km

Required clothing:

1. Weather-appropriate outerwear (t-shirt, jacket, pants for outdoor activities) and trekking boots/sport shoes
2. Cap and sunglasses

Ancient cities of Southern Kazakhstan

(2 days)

In this tour, we suggest you follow in the footsteps of the Great Silk Road in the south of Kazakhstan. The Great Silk Road is a caravan trading road linking East Asia with the Mediterranean in ancient times and in the Middle Ages. The Great Silk Road served as a conductor for the spread of trade, technology, religion and art from east to west across the territory of present-day Central Asia.

You will visit several ancient settlements that ran along the route of the Great Silk Road. The very first in the tour is the city of Shymkent, where your journey will begin with the local history museum located in the modern ethnohistorical complex. Nowhere else will you learn so many interesting and impressive facts from the history of the southern region of Kazakhstan, as in this museum.

Then you will go to the Otrar hillfort, known for its tragic history. Here you will visit the archaeological museum-reserve.
Finally, you will arrive in the ancient city of Turkestan, formerly known as Yassy - which was a fortress city in the Middle Ages. You will see with your own eyes the most beautiful architectural monument of Kazakhstan - the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture with several domes and a grand entrance portal. Persian architects were involved in the construction of the mausoleum, innovative solutions were used, as in the construction of Samarkand (the capital of Timurids - in the time of Tamerlane). You will also visit the mausoleum Arystan Baba - a teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

The next city you go to is the ancient city of Taraz. Here you will visit the historical and cultural museum-reserve, see firsthand the archaeological excavations of ancient Taraz, and, of course, visit the Aisha-Bibi and Karakhan mausoleums and learn the tragic story of their love. Aisha-Bibi Mausoleum is a unique and beautiful monument of medieval architecture of the XII century, which has no analogs in the architectural and construction culture of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The mausoleum is decorated with a magnificently beautiful solid veneer of terracotta tiles, decorated with ornaments of 60 formes.

Do not miss the opportunity to go on an exciting tour of the Great Silk Road, to be even closer to the culture of the people of Central Asia, learn their history, culture, touch the ancient monuments of architecture and get real pleasure from what you see.

Watch the short promo video about Turkestan region of Kazakhstan:

Welcome to Turkestan

Itinerary:

Day 1

• 21:00 Departure from Almaty to Shymkent on a comfortable train
• 07:20 Arrival at Shymkent railway station
• Breakfast at the Cafe
• Visiting of the Museum in the ethnohistorical complex “Kazyna”
• Ride to the Otrar hillfort (150 km)
• Excursion around the Otrar hillfort
• Visiting of the Arystanbab mausoleum
• Way to Turkestan
• Lunch at the restaurant
• Visiting of the Azret-Sultan Museum-Reserve and the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum
• 20:00 Way back to Shymkent, hotel accommodation

Day 2

• 09:00 Departure from Shymkent to Taraz by minibus (200 km)
• Visiting of the Aisha-Bibi and Babaja-Khatun Mausoleums
• Visiting of the Mausoleums of Karakhan and Dautbek
• Lunch at a local cafe
• Visiting of the archaeological park "Ancient Taraz"
• Completion of the excursion and departure to the railway station
• 16:00 Departure from Taraz to Almaty on a train
• 22:50 Arrival at Almaty and transfer to the hotel

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmet Yassaui tour

(1 day)

In this tour, we suggest you follow in the footsteps of the Great Silk Road in the south of Kazakhstan. The Great Silk Road is a caravan trading road linking East Asia with the Mediterranean in ancient times and in the Middle Ages. The Great Silk Road served as a conductor for the spread of trade, technology, religion and art from east to west across the territory of present-day Central Asia.

You will visit several ancient settlements that ran along the route of the Great Silk Road. The very first in the tour is the city of Shymkent, where your journey will begin with the local history museum located in the modern ethnohistorical complex. Nowhere else will you learn so many interesting and impressive facts from the history of the southern region of Kazakhstan, as in this museum.

Then you will head to the Otrar hillfort, known for its tragic history. Here you will visit the archaeological museum-reserve.
Finally, you will arrive in the ancient city of Turkestan, formerly known as Yassy - which was a fortress city in the Middle Ages. You will see with your own eyes the most beautiful architectural monument of Kazakhstan - the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture with several domes and a grand entrance portal. Persian architects were involved in the construction of the mausoleum, innovative solutions were used, as in the construction of Samarkand (the capital of Timurids - in the time of Tamerlane). You will also visit the mausoleum Arystan Baba - a teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

Do not miss the opportunity to go on an exciting tour of the Great Silk Road, to be even closer to the culture of the people of Central Asia, learn their history, culture, touch the ancient monuments of architecture and get real pleasure from what you see.

Watch the short promo video about Turkestan region of Kazakhstan:

Welcome to Turkestan

Itinerary:

• 21:00 Departure from Almaty to Shymkent by a comfortable train
• 07:20 Arrival at Shymkent railway station
• Breakfast at the cafe
• Visiting of the Museum in the ethnohistorical complex “Kazyna”
• Ride to the Otrar hillfort (150 km)
• Excursion around the Otrar hillfort
• Visiting of the Arystanbab mausoleum
• Way to Turkestan
• Lunch at the restaurant
• Visiting of the Azret-Sultan Museum-Reserve and the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum
• Way back to Shymkent
• Dinner and departure to the railway station
• 21:00 Departure from Shymkent
• 08:10 Arrival at Almaty and transfer to the hotel

Mysterious cave, Otrar hillfort, and Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmet Yassaui tour

(2 days)

The very first in the tour is the city of Shymkent, where your journey will begin with the local history museum located in the modern ethnohistorical complex. Nowhere else will you learn so many interesting and impressive facts from the history of the southern region of Kazakhstan, as in this museum. Also, you will have a fascinating excursion in the Center of folk customs and traditions of the Kazakhs.

After lunch in a traditional Kazakh restaurant, you will go to one of the most mysterious places of South Kazakhstan - Akmeshit cave. This is a huge underground cave 254 meters long, 25 meters high and 65 meters wide. A unique natural object not only in terms of size but also due to the fact that at the top there are no trees within a radius of many kilometers and a real oasis is located in the cave.

On the second day of the tour, you will go to the Otrar hillfort, known for its tragic history. Here you will visit the archaeological museum-reserve.
Finally, you will arrive in the ancient city of Turkestan, formerly known as Yassi - which was a fortress city in the Middle Ages. You will see with your own eyes the most beautiful architectural monument of Kazakhstan - the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture with several domes and a grand entrance portal. Persian architects were involved in the construction of the mausoleum, innovative solutions were used, as in the construction of Samarkand (the capital of Timurids - in the time of Tamerlane). You will also visit the mausoleum Arystan Baba - a teacher and spiritual mentor Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

Watch the short promo video about Turkestan region of Kazakhstan:

Welcome to Turkestan

Itinerary:

Day 1

• 21:00 Departure from Almaty to Shymkent on a comfortable train
• 07:20 Arrival at Shymkent railway station
• Breakfast at the cafe
• Visiting of the Museum in the ethnohistorical complex “Kazyna”
• Visiting the Center of folk customs and traditions
• Walking around the Kazyna ethnohistorical complex, Baidibek bi monument, city-view point
• Lunch in a traditional Kazakh restaurant
• Way to Akmeshit
• Walk through the cave Akmeshit, photo session
• Visiting of the Domalak Ana Mausoleum
• Return to the city
• 19:00 Hotel accommodation

Day 2

• 09:00 Departure from the hotel to Otrar hillfort
• Excursion around the Otrar hillfort
• Visiting of the Arystanbab mausoleum
• Way to Turkestan
• Lunch at the restaurant
• Visiting of the Azret-Sultan Museum-Reserve and the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum
• Way back to Shymkent
• Dinner and departure to the railway station
• 21:00 Departure from Shymkent
• 08:10 Arrival at Almaty and transfer to the hotel

Tours around Mangystau peninsula (Western Kazakhstan)

Western Kazakhstan is quickly becoming known all over the world for its unique unearthly landscapes, incredible historical monuments of the Middle Ages and amazing mysteries of nature. During this tour, you will visit the following places:

1. Blue bay of the Caspian Sea
   

   Blue Bay is rightfully the pearl of the Caspian Sea. In sunny weather, the sea changes color from blue to turquoise and azure. In combination with yellow sand, the spectacle is amazing. And besides, the sea is the greatest healer.

2. Tamshaly Canyon
   

   About 80 km from the city of Aktau is the Tamshaly Canyon, known for its small waterfall and freshwater lake in the depths of the canyon.

   On one side there are cliffs, on the other - a huge valley stretching into the Caspian Sea. Water trickles down from a three-meter-high rocky ledge. Falling drops create noise as if it is raining. Hence the name of the area - Tamshaly, which means spring dripper (eavesdrop) from the Kazakh language.

   In summer, locals and tourists love to relax here, hiding under the shade of spreading trees, watching the clouds and birds. In winter, water streams become overgrown with ice and continue their rapid fall to the ground. And here, amazing things happen: water creates a natural organ, through which water jets and drops flow down and emit various hypnotizing shades of sounds.

3. Zhygylgan
   

   "Zhygylgan", translated from Kazakh means "fallen down". It looks as if the earth has fallen in this place. At the entrance, an almost flat and seemingly endless steppe suddenly ends with a steep precipice of more than 3 km. The height of the sheer wall in places reaches a height of 50 m. At the base of this wall, there is unimaginable stone chaos.

   In the stone gorges were found deep caves, where various tribes hid from enemies in ancient times. Here was found several ruins of fortresses and a lot of rock paintings.

   Zhygylgan remains a place far from being known and mysterious. They say that spirits live here. It's hard to convey all the power and beauty of Zhygylgan in the photos, you need to see it with your own eyes.

4. Sultan Epe Mosque
   

   Underground mosque of the protector of sailors holy Sultan Epe - a monument of religious architecture.

   The mosque was built around the IX-XII centuries. The mosque consists of 11 rooms. It is so narrow here that in some places you have to crawl to get from one room to another. According to the architecture, the ventilation system and lighting, the building was erected according to the advanced model of its time.

5. Kapamsai Canyon
   

   Kapamsai is a narrow chalky canyon that strikes with its steep and even walls, reaching a height of 70 meters. Weathered canyon niches are secluded refuges for eagle nests, whose owners often hover over the canyon abyss. In quiet calm weather in the canyon, "echoes" strayed in the steep walls. You can get into the canyon only from the mouth. But the top view of the canyon is very impressive. In the depths of the canyon lurks another rare sight for these places - a huge grotto, in the heart of which rainwater washed the hole. The water accumulating under the arch feeds a small grove of mulberry and hawthorn trees. Even on hot days, there is always shade and coolness.

   According to archaeologists, a narrow and deep river flowed at the foot of the chalk cliffs of the canyon. In addition, there were workshops for the production of silicon tools. Today, the Kapamsay canyon is admired by travelers from different parts of the world.

6. Shakpak Ata Mosque
   

   The underground mosque Shakpak-Ata, which, according to archaeologists, dates from the 9th and 10th centuries - a unique place worthy of world attention, one of the most impressive monuments of Mangystau. Nature herself created this temple and the stonecutters who came here only adapted it for their own purposes, giving a complete look. There are no shapes honed to full symmetry and geometric perfection. Everything is done simply and naturally. This is the special enchanting beauty of the Shakpak Ata Mosque.

7. Torysh Valley (Rocky Ball valley)
   

   The plain stretches for many kilometers, and then suddenly - stone balls, some up to three meters in diameter, like peas, scattered along the valley. Where did they fall from or who rolled these stone balls to Mangystau peninsula?

   The valley of balls in the tract Torysh is a unique and one of the most mysterious sights of Mangystau, attracting tourists from all over the world. For 250 years, scientists have been puzzling over the solution of balls of different sizes and colors, consisting of sedimentary rocks - sand and clay, but they have not come to common opinion how they were formed.

8. Akmysh

   The oasis of the desert Mangystau - as they call the tract Akmysh which is 170 km away from the city of Aktau nearby the Shetpe settlement is extremely diverse in its beautiful natural surroundings, and the same can be said for its historical background. Against the groves and murmuring streams are rocky formations of the most surprising forms. An inquisitive traveler may also distinguish traces of the historical events which have taken place here from as far back as the Middle Ages. Not far from the Akmysh oasis, 300 km away, there is an ancient settlement with a century-long history of Kyzyl Kala which was standing on the caravan track between East and West since time immemorial. Once, perhaps, trade caravans stopped here, watered the animals, and kept going on their way.

9. Sherkala mountain
   

   The huge mysterious mountain Sherkala is a lonely standing mountain of unusual shape, located about 170 kilometers from the city of Aktau, not far from the village of Shetpe. This is large sediment of unusual shapes that arose during the formation of the mountainous Kara-Tau valleys as the result of raising the land from the sea depths.

   If you look at it from one side, the mountain resembles a huge white yurt, but on the other - Sherkala resembles a sleeping lion, who laid his huge head on his paws. Therefore, they called the mountain - Sherkala, which in Turkmen means “Lion's Mountain”.

10. Samal Gorge

    One hundred and fifty kilometers from Aktau on the western slopes of the Karatau mountain range is located the most beautiful place of Mangystau with a picturesque cascade waterfall and small lakes - Samal gorge.

    A freshwater stream flows along the bottom of the gorge. Many medicinal herbs grow in the gorge, there are large thickets of hawthorn, as well as rare trees listed in the Red Book. The stream flows in multistage cascades, along the banks are located reed thickets. A unique oasis in the very center of the rocky desert is a favorite resting place of local citizens and guests of Aktau.

11. Airakty - Shomanai Mountains
    

    The Airakty-Shomanai Mountains also called the Valley of Castles, is a fantastic creation of nature. In the ancient ocean of Tethys above Ustyurt, fantastic mollusks once lived. Of their remains were formed amazingly beautiful mountains. A tectonic movement formed the landscape. When the water was gone, the wind, like a jeweler, for thousands of years, carved out incredible works of art from rocks and spurs. For those who love to travel, there is something to see. In the Valley of Castles, you will find many towers, fortresses and other amazing forms. You will not get tired to enjoy these species even all day.

    In the spring, in the valley among the Airakty-Shomanai mountains grow Sogdian tulips. If you are lucky, you can see in the Valley of Castles a couple of cautious mouflons - mountain sheep. But you will surely meet camels. They often graze peacefully nearby, completely paying no attention to visitors.

    Climbing to the top of the mountains, you can admire not only the amazing panorama of the Mangystau landscape and the neighboring mountains but also the works of modern artists. Not so long ago, the Mangystau archaeologist Andrei Astafyev created his gallery of geoglyphs in this mountain valley. Giant geoglyphs unwittingly rivet attention and amaze with their greatness. They became the decoration of the Valley of castles, giving it a unique Turkic feature.

Watch an amazing video about Western Kazakhstan: 

Unbelievable landscape and underground mosques | Between the Seas in Kazakhstan

Itineraries options

1-day tour Itinerary:

• 08:00 Hotel pick-up
• Torysh stone balls valley
• Akmysh oasis
• Airakty-Shomanai mountains
• Sherkala mountain
• 19:00 Hotel drop-off

2-day tour Itinerary:

Day 1

• 08:00 Hotel pick-up
• Zhygylgan
• Sultan Epe Mosque
• Kapamsai Canyon
• Shakpak Ata Underground Mosque
• Torysh stone balls valley
• Lunch
• Airakty-Shomanai mountains
• Sherkala mountain
• Dinner, overnight

Day 2

• 08:00 Waking up, breakfast
• Drive to Tuzbair salt-marsh (Ustyurt plateau)
• Visiting several viewing spots
• Lunch
• Way back to Aktau
• 19:00 Hotel drop-off

Ustyurt plateau (Western Kazakhstan)

(3-days tour)

Western Kazakhstan is quickly becoming known all over the world for its unique unearthly landscapes, incredible historical monuments of the Middle Ages and amazing mysteries of nature. During this tour, you will visit the following places:

1. Tuzbair salt-marsh
   

   Tuzbair - the majestic creation of nature. In this place, the chink of the Ustyurt Plateau abruptly ends with a cascade of clay-limestone and chalk stages, at the base of which lies an extensive salt marsh, called "sor" by the locals. The plummets of the chalk cliffs are carved with numerous scour and deep channels, forming endless rows of the most bizarre columns. At the very base of the chink, there is a huge natural semi-arch created by wind erosion. During periods of snowmelt and heavy rain, the lowland is filled with water, forming a huge salt mirror in which the sky and chalk colonnades are reflected.

   This is a place of indescribable beauty that combines 3 colors: white - the salt, limestone; blue - the sky; yellow-brown - the color of the soil, emphasizing white of the salt.

2. Beket Ata underground mosque
   

   Mangystau region is very rich in historical monuments, one of the most prominent of which is the underground mosque Beket Ata - the most revered saint in Western Kazakhstan.

   Two centuries have passed since this legendary man settled in the lap of virgin nature, led educational activities, was engaged in healing, possessing supernatural abilities. But the memory of him is alive to this day and with time becomes even stronger in the minds of his descendants. Therefore, thousands of pilgrims strive to where the air itself is imbued with mystery and holiness, where the sacred spirit rules over worldly bustle.

3. Boszhyra tract
   

   Boszhyra is a picturesque place of the Ustyurt plateau, decorated with the chalk mountains of residual outcrop origin. It is amazing with its unearthly landscapes and numerous boulders which come different shapes and sizes. These are dazzling white rock pillars whose limestone peaks reach for the sky, resembling the shape of fangs. Surrounded by dazzling white fantastic landscapes, somewhat similar to the landscapes of Monument Valley in the USA, you can fully experience the greatness of nature.

4. Karynzharyk valley
   

   The picturesque valley Karynzharyk divides the Ustyurt Plateau and the Mangyshlak Peninsula. The depth of the valley is 75 meters below sea level, and the height of chinks can reach 300 meters. At the bottom of the Karynzharyk depression, there is a legendary Kenderli sor.

   Sor is a salt-marsh, which in hot weather turns into a cracked salt slab, and during rains, it prevents water from entering the ground and collects mirror pools on its surface. On such days, the slopes of Karynzharyk are reflected throughout the Kenderli valley. Their curving contours intertwine with the lines of dawn-lit clouds and honeycombs, cells filled with water, and then the valley fills with a soft, almost mystical glow.

   Almost the entire territory of the valley belongs to the Ustyurt reserve - the habitat of the Ustyurt argali or mouflon. Broken by hooves, the bottom of the salt marsh long keeps traces of the presence of their herd.

Watch an amazing video about Western Kazakhstan: 

Unbelievable landscape and underground mosques | Between the Seas in Kazakhstan

Itinerary:

Day 1

• 08:30 Hotel pick-up
• Ride to Karynzharyk valley
• Visiting several viewing spots of Karynzharyk valley
• Dinner
• Overnight in tents

Day 2

• 08:00 Waking-up, breakfast
• Ride to Boszhira tract
• Visiting several viewing spots of Boszhira tract
• Visiting of Beket ata underground mosque
• Overnight at hostel of Beket ata or in tents

Day 3

• 08:00 Waking-up, breakfast
• Ride to Tuzbair
• Visiting several viewing spots of Tuzbair salt-marsh
• Way back to Aktau city with bonus stops
• 20:00 Hotel drop-off