Almaty Kazakhstan Wonders

Day 1 City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel.

You will visit Green Bazaar, a historic marketplace dating back to 1875. Guests can experience the vibrant atmosphere, shop for fresh produce, souvenirs, and local delicacies, and observe Kazakhstan’s rich ethnic diversity through its vendors—Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Tajiks, Koreans, and Russians.

Afterward, you will head to the Rakhat Chocolate Shop, Kazakhstan’s largest confectionery producer, known for its Soviet-era recipes and traditional flavors.

Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, honoring heroes of Moscow’s defense. A key highlight is the Ascension Cathedral, a wooden masterpiece from 1907 that survived the 1911 earthquake despite being built without nails.

Meals B/-/-

Day 2  Shymbulak by cable car to 3^rd level Excursion

Breakfast at the hotel.

At 10:00, you will drive to the Medeo Gorge (1,690 meters above sea level), where you will transfer to ascend to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort. After a breathtaking 20-minute cable car ride over the tops of coniferous trees, you will reach the first level of the resort (2,260 meters above sea level), where you will be greeted by stunning views of the surrounding mountains and natural beauty.

At the Shymbulak Mountain Resort, for an additional fee, you can enjoy a variety of activities, including Alpine Park, GORILLA Zipline, paragliding, horseback riding, the “Shymba” Rope Park, quad bike tours, the “Chimba” cargo taxi, as well as ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.

Day 3  Alma-Arasan gorge + Kok-Tobe Park

Breakfast at the hotel.

11:00 Transfer to Alma–Arasan.

Alma-Arasan is a picturesque gorge located in the picturesque Alatau Mountains. Here, in the embrace of nature, the Ayusay Visitor Center is spread out, which has become a real oasis for travelers. The heart of nature beats here in the rhythm of crystal clear waterfalls, green meadows and fresh mountain air. Ayusay is not just a visit center, it is a gateway to the magical world of Alma-Arasan, where every visitor finds peace, inspiration and an opportunity to immerse in the amazing natural beauty.

15:00 Kok Tobe Park is a true haven of crystal-clear air, warmth, and boundless beauty. Perched atop Kok Tobe Mountain at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level, this iconic destination is one of Almaty’s most beloved landmarks, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. Just a short 5-minute drive from the bustling city center, the park is a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience both nature and culture in harmony. With its lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and a variety of attractions, Kok Tobe is a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. This mountain peak is not only a symbol of Almaty but also represents the welcoming spirit and endless charm of Kazakhstan, inviting all who visit to bask in its natural splendor and enjoy the tranquility it offers.

For an additional fee, you can visit attractions in the park for both adults and children, a zoo, a Ferris wheel, restaurants, an exotarium.

Meals B/-/-

Day 4  Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy in 2 days

– Breakfast at the hotel.

– Check-out from hotel. Departure from Almaty (in the morning), to the Charyn Canyon (220 km, driving for 3 hours)
– Arrival to Charyn Canyon, trekking part (3-5 km, 2.5 hours)
– Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (100 km, approximately 1.5 hours), lunch (not included)
– Departure to Lake Kaindy (15 km, about 40 minutes), trekking part 2-4 km (3 hours)

– Departure to the Kolsay Nomads (15 km, about 40 minutes)

Overnight at the hotel                                                                          View from the room

Meals: B/-/-

Day 5  Lake Kolsay – Saty village – the Black canyon – Return to Almaty

– Breakfast at the Kolsay Nomads. Check-out from Kolsay Nomads
– Departure to Kolsay lake (15 km about 20 minutes)
– Arrival to Kolsay lake, trekking part (2-6 km, 3 hours)

– Departure to the village of Saty (guest house) (15 km, about 20 minutes), lunch (not included)
– Departure to the Black Canyon observation spot (60 km, approximately 50 minutes)
– Departure to Almaty (220 km approximately 3 hours), the driver will leave you at the appointed address.

– Check-in at the hotel

Meals: B/-/-

Day 6  Free Day

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day

Meals: B/-/-

Day 7  Hunns Ethno Village

09:00-10:00: Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00: Transfer to Huns Ethno Village.

– The Huns Ethno Village is an ideal place for those looking to experience the nomadic past of ethnic Kazakhs. Located about 35 kilometers from Almaty in the Talgar district, it’s also a great escape to the mountains for fresh air, horseback riding, and adventure.

11:00: Arrival at Huns Ethno Village.

– Guests will be welcomed with traditional snacks (baursak and samsa) and non-alcoholic drinks (kompot made from dried fruit) and tea.

11:40: Demonstration of Kazakh traditional horse-riding games:

– Atpen Audaryspaq – A wrestling game where two men wrestle while sitting on horseback.

– Kazakh traditional trick riding.

– Interactive flash mob where guests will learn to dance the traditional “Qara Zhorga” dance.

– Free time for guests to enjoy horseback riding.

13:00-14:00: Lunch at Huns Ethno Village.

14:20: Bow-shooting master class.

16:00: Transfer back to the hotel.

Meals B/L/-

Day 8  Issyk Lake

Breakfast at the hotel.

10:00 Transfer to Issyk Lake

Issyk Lake, formed about 8,000 years ago, is located in the Issyk Gorge of Zailiisky Alatau, about 70 km from the city of Almaty. The lake is surrounded by mountains and has a very beautiful, turquoise color. Lake Issyk, like Big Almaty Lake, can change color several times a day, which attracts tourists to visit this mysterious place!

On the way to the lake, you will visit the Museum of the Golden Man

Not far from Almaty, was once found a grandiose complex of “Sak barrows” – 45 earthen pyramids stretching for three kilometers and reminiscent of the great ones in Egypt’s Giza. Here, in 1969, under one of the mounds, the Issyk, Kazakh archaeologists discovered the remains of a Sak warrior dressed in gold, whose appearance is familiar to everyone – the Golden Man, Altyn adam.

Meals: B/-/-

Day 9  City Tour + Hunting Birds Show

Breakfast at the hotel.

Begin your journey with a walk along Arbat Street, a lively and vibrant area known for its street artists, cafes, and local crafts. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the local culture and pick up unique souvenirs. Continue your walk to Gorly Park, a serene green space ideal for relaxation. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through the park, taking in the natural beauty and perhaps mingling with locals. Next, head to Abay Street, one of Almaty’s main thoroughfares. This street is rich in history and lined with important landmarks. As you walk, you’ll experience the blend of modern and traditional architecture that characterizes the city.

Conclude your walking tour with a visit to Old & New Square. These squares represent the historical and contemporary heart of Almaty, where you can observe the contrast between the city’s Soviet-era architecture and its modern developments.

This walking tour offers a comprehensive experience of Almaty’s cultural, historical, and natural highlights, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the city’s unique character.

16:00 – 17:00 Hunting Birds Show

Falconry was a highly developed art among the ancient Kazakhs, deeply intertwined with their way of life. Hunting was not merely a form of entertainment; it played a crucial role in food production and survival. In times of war, a single Berkutchi (eagle hunter) could provide enough food to sustain an entire village.

During this captivating show, guests will not only learn about the rich tradition of Kazakh hunting with birds of prey but will also witness seven different species of hunting birds in action, showcasing their incredible skills and the deep bond between the hunters and their majestic birds.

Meals B/-/-

Day 10  Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

 Oi- Qaragai’s activities are spread over more than 105 hectares. The flora and fauna of the gorge are preserved in their original form. The unique infrastructure of “Oi-Qaragai” is represented by accommodation, food and leisure facilities, which have no analogues in Central Asia, and some even in the world. A village in the trees, the largest yurt in the world, a unique trolley park, a climbing wall on a natural mountainous terrain, an ethno-SPA “Umai” located in traditional Kazakh yurts and much more makes “Oi-Qaragai” the only place where there is everything for a guest could connect with nature and return to his origins.

There are many different entertainments in the forest fairy tale: SPA, horseback riding, rope park, trolleybus park, mountain karting, climbing wall, GRASS-SKI  and much more. These activities will be interesting not only for adults, but also for children (additional cost).

Transfer back to the hotel.

Meals B/-/-

Day 11  DEPARTURE

Transfer to Almaty International Airport (ALA)

Meals: B/-/-