WELCOME TO ALMATY – THE LAND OF KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country and former Soviet republic, extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai Mountains at its eastern border with China and Russia. Its largest metropolis, Almaty, is a long-standing trading hub whose landmarks include Ascension Cathedral, a tsarist-era Russian Orthodox church, and the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, displaying thousands of Kazakh artifacts.
ALMATY
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis is set in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. It served as the country’s capital until 1997 and remains Kazakhstan’s trading and cultural hub. Landmarks include the Central State Museum, displaying thousands of historic Kazakh artifacts. In the center is Panfilov Park, home to the bright-yellow towers of Zenkov Cathedral, a tsarist-era Russian Orthodox Church.
Weather: Maximum 30 Degrees || Minimum: 18 Degrees
Major Languages – Kazakh & Russian
Population – 19,625,946 as on 02 Aug 2023
Local Currency – Tenge (1 USD = 440 KZT)
ITINERARY
Day 01 :
DELHI – ALMATY - Departure from Delhi – Arrival in Almaty
- Arrival in Almaty @ 0105 Hrs
- Pickup from Airport and drop at Hotel
- Check-in to the Hotel @ 0230 Hrs
- Get Rest
Day 02 :
FULL DAY ALMATY CITY TOUR FOLLOWED BY VISIT TO ZILYONI BAZAAR
- Breakfast 0700-1000 Hrs
- 1100 Hrs Almaty city Tour with English speaking guide
- You will know more about history and development of the southern capital of Kazakhstan and see its major attractions: Palace of President, Republic Square and Monument of Independence, and Astana Square, Panfilov Park, Abai Square and Palace of Republic, Presidential Park.
- Proceed for Lunch at Indian Restaurant
- Post Lunch Continue Almaty City Tour, Rakhat Chocolate Factory shop and Local Market Zilyoni -Bazaar.
- You can buy Chocolates from Rakhat Chocolate Factory shop; can buy Dry Fruits at cheap rates and some souvenirs from Zilyoni Bazaar.
- Transfer to the hotel
- Time to Relax a bit after long walk.
- 1900 Hrs Proceed for Dinner at Indian Restaurant
- Transfer Back to Hotel at 2230 Hrs
- Free time – can explore night activities at you own
- Overnight in hotel
Day 03 :
ALMATY – CHARYN CANYON TOUR FOLLOWED BY KOLSAI LAKE TOUR
- Breakfast 0700-0730Hrs
- 0800 Hrs Proceed for Charyn Canyon tour
- The canyon formation is along the banks of the fast flowing Charyn River in a northern flow stretch of about 80 kilometres, which is a tributary of the Ile River; the river has a total length of 393 kilometres. The river rises from the Tian Shan Mountains that is spread over the arid semi-desert to the east of Almaty. In parts, it attains a depth of 150 to 300 metres. The geological formation of the canyon is of sedimentary red sandstone which has been subject to the "atmogenic process" of water and wind erosion resulting in "weird and colourful formations" in the form of sculptures.
- Packed Lunch will be provided (Veg / Non-Veg Biryani with Curd)
- The Kolsai Lake is renowned for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, surrounded by dense coniferous forests, meadows, and snow-capped peaks. The area is rich in biodiversity, with various plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. The lakes and their surroundings offer excellent opportunities for hiking, trekking, camping, and photography.
- To visit Kolsai Lake, you typically need to travel from Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours by road, covering a distance of around 330 kilometres (205 miles). It is advisable to arrange transportation beforehand, either by hiring a private vehicle or joining a guided tour.
- It's important to note that due to the pristine nature of the Kolsai lake and the national park, there are regulations in place to preserve the environment. Visitors are expected to follow guidelines, such as not littering, not camping in prohibited areas, and respecting the flora and fauna.
- Overall, Kolsai Lakes offer a breathtaking natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, providing an opportunity to experience the beauty of Kazakhstan's alpine landscapes.
- Transfer for Dinner at Indian Restaurant @ 1900 Hrs
- Drop back to Hotel.
- Free time – can explore night activities at you own
- Overnight in hotel
Day 04 :
ALMATY- MEADOWS &SHYMBULAK TOUR
- Breakfast 0700-1000 Hrs
- Transfer to excursion at 1030 Hrs
- This tour provides you the best opportunity to see the beautiful mountain surroundings of Almaty city. The first stop of the tour awaits you in the Meadow Gorge, where in the wonderful mountains of Trans-Ili Ala-Tau the largest high mountain skating rink in the world is located as well as the huge dam, protecting the city from destructive mudflows formed on the tops of the western Tien Shan. Next destination is Shymbulak ski resort (Cable Car Fee Included), located at an altitude of 2230 meters above sea level. It is very popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and snow through the winter and remarkable scenery of mountain ranges.
- Proceed for Lunch at Indian Restaurant
- Drop at the Hotel
- 1900 Hrs Transfer for Gala Dinner (with 2+2 Snacks, Local Vodka & Beer, Soft drinks, Mixtures, Belly Dance Performance & Music) at Indian Restaurant
- Transfer to Hotel
- Free time – can explore night activities at you own
- Overnight in hotel
Day 05 :
ALMATY – VISIT TO GORKY PARK (ENTRY ONLY) FOLLOWED BY KOK-TOBE TOUR
- Breakfast 0700-1000Hrs
- Proceed to Gorky Park (Gorky Central Park is a public park located in the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1856 and has since become one of the most popular recreational areas in the city. The park covers an area of over 100 hectares and is named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky.
- Gorky Park features a variety of attractions and amenities including walking paths, playgrounds, sports fields, cafes, restaurants, and a small lake. Visitors can rent bicycles or rollerblades to explore the park or simply relax on the grassy lawns. In the winter months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland with ice skating rinks and other seasonal activities.
- Throughout the year, the park hosts various cultural and entertainment events including music concerts, art exhibitions, and outdoor movie screenings. Gorky Park is a great place for families, friends, and couples to spend a leisurely day in a beautiful and peaceful setting.)
- 1400 Hrs Proceed for Lunch at Indian Restaurant
- Proceed towards the tour of Kok-Tobe. It is a mountain which is the highest point of Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. There is a popular recreation area on top of the mountain. The mountain's height is 1100 meters above sea level. Kok-tobe is one of the main landmarks in the city, and it is popular among visitors and tourists to Almaty.
- The Kok-Tobe recreational area has a variety of amusement park type attractions and restaurants. The City Terminal is located near Hotel Kazakhstan. Also, there is a 372 meters tall TV Tower at the foot of the mountain. The tower can be seen from most parts of the city.
- 1900 Hrs Proceed for Dinner at Indian Restaurant
- Free time – can explore night Life activities at you own.
- Overnight at Hotel.
