Tour program

Day 1. Almaty.
Arrival to Almaty. Your driver will be waiting at Almaty (ALA) airport to take you directly to your hotel in Almaty – a 30-minute drive. There are no activities planned for today.

Please keep in mind that hotel check-in time is typically after 2.00pm. Early check in is not guaranteed, but if you do arrive early luggage storage is available at the hotel.

Overnight at a hotel in Almaty


Day 2. Almaty – Shymkent – Kemekalgan – Sairam – Ak Mosque
Breakfast in the Hotel. Transfer to the airport to take domestic flight to Shymkent city (1 hr. 10 min flight). Arrival to Shymkent, hotel check in.

Transfer to Kemekalgan village (45 km).

Places to visit: Adam & Eve Rock, legend says that if you will be able to go through the tiny pass of the Rock, then all your sins are forgiven.

Then we heading to Sairam village (45 km). The village of Sairam, on the site of which in the Middle Ages (IX-XII centuries) was located one of the largest centers of the Great Silk Road - Ispidzhab - the center of the eponymous district, which was part of Maverannahr. It's district also included Shymkent. The first mention of Ispidzhab appears in the geographical work of the Chinese author Xuan-Jian in 629. Since the 13th century, the city has been known as Sairam. However, the village of Sairam is also famous as the birthplace of the great enlightener of the 12th century - Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Places to visit:
· Ibragim Ata Mausoelum (the Father of Khoja Ahmed yasawi)
· Karashash Ana Mausoleum (the Mother of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi)
· Minaret Khyzyr (12-19 century)

Lunch in the local café in Sairam village. Transfer to Shayan village (80 km)

Places to visit:
· The unique natural Ak Mosque Cave. It is also unique that there is not a single tree at the top within a radius of many kilometers. And inside the cave there is a real oasis. The sacred place with incredibly powerful energy that fills a person with clean and kind energy.
· Domalak Ana Mausoleum – her name was Nurila, she was the third wife of Batyr Baidibek Karashauly, one of the greatest commanders of ancient Asia. This tourist site is revered as a symbol of motherhood.

Departure to Shymkent. Dinner / Free time
Overnight at a hotel in Shymkent
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 3. Turkestan
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Departure towards Otyrar area (220 km). Visit to the ruins of the Otrar settlement is widely known as the capital of the oasis of the same name and as the birthplace of the great medieval philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi. In 1405 Temirlan died in one of the palaces of Otrar. Life in the city of Otrar continues until the 18th century.

Places to visit:
· Ruins of the Otrar Settlement
· Arystan Baba Mausoleum – teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

Transfer to Turkestan (70 km). Lunch at the local café. Excursion to the historical and architectural complex Azret Sultan of the 14th century.

Places to visit:
· Architectural complex – Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi (14^th century)
· Underground Mosque – Hilvet (12^th-15^th century)
· Hammam (16^th century)
· Juma Mosque (18^th century)
· Chilli Khana (14^th century)
· Esim Khan Mausoleum (16^th century)
· Rabiga Sultan Begim Mausoleum (15^th century)
· Archeological excavations of ancient Kultobe settlement (14^th century)

New sights to visit:

· Uly Dala Eli Museum
· Memorial Complex of Kazakh Khanate
· Presidential alley
· Multifunctional complex Karavan Saray with show program.

After excursion we are heading back to Shymkent city (170 km). Dinner / Free time
Overnight at a hotel in Shymkent
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner


Day 4. Almaty. Excursion to Northern Tien Shan Mountains.
Morning check out from the hotel, transfer to airport to take flight to Almaty city (1 hr. 10 min flight). Arrival to Almaty.

This day you have 2 options (depending on a time of arrival to Almaty)

Option 1. Almaty City Tour (includes visit to the National Central Museum, Green Oriental Market, Panfilov Park with Russian Orthodox Cathedral). After City Tour your driver will drop you at the hotel. Free time.

Option 2. Excursion to Northern Tien Shan Mountains.
Transfer to Ile – Alatau National Park (15 km) to the high-altitude skating rink "Medeo" (1600 m a.s.l.). Take a cable car lift to Shymbulak Ski Resort and further up to Talgarsky Pass (3128 m.) Panoramic view to the Zailiskiy Alatau chain of mountains and Almaty City. Couple of hours hiking around and enjoying the views. Descent by cabin to Medeo. Drive to Almaty. Free time.

Overnight at a hotel in Almaty.
Meals: breakfast


Day 5. Departure.
A transfer will be provided from your hotel to ALA Airport - a 30-minute drive. We wish you a safe homeward journey and hope to see you again in Kazakhstan soon.

Inclusions:
All transport services according to the program in an Air-conditioned tourist transport – tourist bus / Van or 4WD car.
Double\ Twin sharing accommodation: 4* hotel in Almaty – 2 nights, 4* hotel in Shymkent – 2 nights
English speaking guide throughout the tour
Meals according to the program
Entrance fees for the tourist sites as specified in the program (Museums, fee for the National Parks)
Mineral water for the entire itinerary

Exclusions:
International / domestic air tickets
Visa to Kazakhstan (if required)
Travel insurance
Meals that are not included above
Single supplement charge
Drinks that are not included above
Personal expenses