Explore the highlights of Almaty and Turkestan on a 7-day tour from Almaty. Visit the Charyn Canyon, Essyk Lake, and the Falcon Show at Sunkar Falcon Farm. Explore the cities of Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana.
Day 1: Almaty City Tour
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel and start your tour of the city. Visit the Vosnesensky Orthodox Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments, and the Green Bazaar. See Independence Square and ride the Almaty metro.
Day 2: Almaty - Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Explore the Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the “little brother” of the American Grand Canyon. Visit the Valley of Castles and walk along the Charyn River. Return to Almaty for the night.
Day 3: Essyk Lake + Falcon Show + Koktobe Hill – Train Station
Transfer to Essyk Lake, a picturesque alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and flower fields. In the afternoon, return to the city to visit the Falcon Show at Sunkar Falcon Farm. In the evening, visit Koktobe Hill. Transfer to the train station for your night train to Shymkent.
Day 4: Shymkent - Otrar - Turkestan
Arrive in Shymkent and take a city tour. Depart to Turkestan via Otrar Old City. Explore the settlement on the former location of Otyrar, which dates back to the 1st century AD. Continue to Turkestan and check into your hotel.
Day 5: Turkestan City Tour – Shymkent Airport – Astana City
Explore Turkestan and visit the Mausoleum of H.A. Yassavi. Visit the medieval east bathhouses, the underground mosque, and the history museum. Walk around the Karavan Sarai area. Return to Shymkent and transfer to the airport for your flight to Astana.
Day 6: Astana City
Start your city tour by walking in the old part of the capital. Visit Independence Square, the National Museum, and the Water-Green Boulevard. See the Astana-Baiterek Monument and the Khan Shatyr Mall. Return to your hotel.
Day 7: Airport Transfer
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
