Destination: Kazakhstan
Route: Almaty - Shymkent - Turkestan – Charyn Canyon- Almaty
Duration: 7 days/6 nights

Land Cost: From $2,400

2012 Small Group Tours

April 9-15, 2012

June 12-18, 2012

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: the area around Almaty is thought to be the origin of the apple.

Day 02. Almaty-Shymkent
Discover Kazakhstan. Shymkent 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 Zenkov Cathedral, built from wood in 1904 (without the use of any nails); 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-Charyn Canyon-Almaty
One-day tour of the Charyn Canyon Gorge (200 km). Enjoy the wonders of the picturesque "Valley of Castles" (Dolina Zamkov in Russian). It is sometimes called the younger brother of the USA's Grand Canyon. The walls of the Charyn Canyon are carved with deep fissures, forming caves, grottos, and shady niches of different shapes and sizes. During many centuries, the rains and winds have carved gorgeous sculptures on the Canyon's sides. At the bottom of the dry gorge, the Charyn River refreshes travelers and adds extra beauty to the place. Return to Almaty.

Day 06. Almaty
Drive to Medeo. Medeo is a picturesque valley located 15 km above Almaty. It is one of the world's largest speed skating rinks. Enjoy the beauty of the ski resort Chimbulak, situated at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level. Photo Opportunities. Visit to Big Almaty Lake and farewell dinner.

Day 07. Almaty
Departure

• Visa support
• Ground Transportation (air-condititioned coach bus)
• Train tickets
• English-speaking guide
• Hotel accommodation in double room
• Meals:Breakfast
• Entrance fees to museums, monuments and parks
• Necessary registration at local police office