Best of South Kazakhstan

8-Days Package

OVerview Itinerary Price Tour Details

Overview:

Welcome to Kazakhstan. The Almaty Expeditions team offers you a well-planned 8-day package tour of southern Kazakhstan, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of stunning natural landscapes such as canyons, alpine meadows, snow-capped Tien Shan mountains, endless steppes, historical heritage, ancient mausoleums, meet local people and learn about their traditions and culture. During the expedition, you will be accompanied by an experienced local team consisting of an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable and friendly, and an experienced driver who will take you from one attraction to the next in comfort.

Kazakhstan is a large country and rich in beautiful places and must-see attractions. This tour is designed to see and explore the main highlights located in the southern part of Kazakhstan, starting from Almaty and covering southern regions such as Shymkent and Turkistan. The expedition starts and ends in the city of Almaty and on day 0 we will meet you upon your arrival in the city. This is a day to rest and prepare for the trip. There will be some long drives which will take about 3-4 hours.

The best activities included in the tour are hiking, horse riding, visiting museums and archaeological sites, meeting the locals, experiencing the cultures, enjoying the hospitality and tasting the traditional food and drinks.

Please Come & Enjoy our best-planned South Kazakhstan Highlights tour!

Itinerary:

Welcome to Almaty. Our team will meet you upon arrival at Almaty airport or bus station. If you’re already in town, great, we invite you to a welcome dinner and get prepared for our trip

Here we go! Our guide will pick you up from your location and take you to the Charyn Canyons National Park. Here you can enjoy magnificent scenic landscapes and enjoy hiking. In the evening we go to the small village of Saty. Overnight at a local guest house.

Today you have the opportunity to make a wonderful hike from the Lower Kolsai Lake to the Middle Kolsai Lake. The average duration of the hike is 6 hours. Upon arrival at Kolsai Lake, you will be able to enjoy a clear mountain lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain forest. Return to Saty village.

Lake Kaindy is famous for its mysterious appearance. The lake was formed as a result of the 1911 earthquake, the magnitude of which reached 8.3. Enjoy a great hike. In the evening we return to Almaty and you will be taken to a 4-star hotel

Take a domestic flight to the city of Shymkent. This is the third largest city and cultural centre of Kazakhstan. On arrival at the airport you will be met by our local guide and taken on a city tour. Enjoy the best highlights of Shymkent and enjoy the most delicious kebabs at Ken Baba Family Park and visit the ancient citadel of Shymkent. Walk in Denropark. Overnight at local hotel.

Ak Meshit Cave is one of the mysterious wonders of nature, where you can enjoy 200 square metres of cave and explore its local legends. The next attraction is the beautiful Aksu Gorge. It is located in the famous Aksu – Zhabagly Nature Reserve. Enjoy a walk and the surrounding nature. Back to Shymkent

Turkistan, also known as the “Land of the Turks”, is rich in historical heritage. Our first attraction is the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, who was a teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and the locals believe that one must first visit Arystan Bab and then visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. We kindly ask you to dress appropriately as we are visiting a holy place and please do not hurt the feelings of the locals.

The most interesting archaeological monuments of these places date back to the heyday of the medieval town of Otrar. After many years of archaeological excavations, these sites have been included in the Otrar Oasis Historical and Cultural Reserve. Fly back to Almaty in the evening

Today we take you on an amazing Almaty Day Tour that includes visiting the main highlights of Almaty. Enjoy the stunning views from the Shymbulak Ski Resort at the foot of the Ile-Alatau Mountains. In the evening we will take you to Kok Tobe Hill where you will have a great view over the city of Almaty. Farewell dinner at the restaurant. Drop off at your hotel. End of the tour. Thank you for coming!

Best of South Kazakhstan

Duration: 8-Days
Availability: Four seasons
Best time: April-November
Begin and end: Almaty
Tour type: Sightseeing
Price from: 1950 USD p.p

Our highlights

Kolsai Lakes National Park
Charyn Canyon, Valley of Castle
Shymbulak, Medeu, Kok Tobe
Shymkent, Turkistan
Aisha Bibi, Arystan Bad, Koja Ahmed Yasawi
Otrar city

BOOK NOW

Tour Price Includes

Fly ticket Almaty-Shymkent-Almaty
Land Transportation
English speaking guide
Local Driver
Accommodation
Eat & Drink
Fees & Permits
Activities

Tour price excludes

Personal needs
Alcoholic beverages
Gratitude

Tour details:

Please pack all necessary things that you think might be needed. Here are some tips: day pack, sunglasses, anti-mosquito, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, hand sanitizer, toiletries, power bank, camera, headlamp, hat, hiking shoes, warm jacket, sandals, and personal medicine. And please have some cash in case you want to go shopping or buy souvenirs.

This is a city tour, not a wilderness tour. There are plenty of places to go to the toilet. But please let your guide know in advance. Sometimes in traffic it can be difficult to find and stop for the toilet, so please make sure you go to the toilet before you get in the car. Thank you very much.

Here is our cancellation policy that we recommend our clients follow.

Cancelling the tour within more than 2 months, 50% of your deposit payment will be rebussed (300 USD)

Cancellation within less than 1 month, the deposit will not be refunded (600 USD)

We are responsible for visiting the places and seeing the attractions that we have mentioned in our itinerary. We are responsible for guiding you with pleasure and giving you a great expediton.

We are not responsible for any unplanned inconvenience during the tour. We are not responsible for the traffic in the city and finally we are not responsible for the bad weather conditions that you have to be prepared for in advance.

Please do not hurt the feelings of the locals and respect their traditions. When visiting the mausoleum, mosque and other local sacred sites, please dress promptly. Please get ready for the trip at the scheduled time. And if there is any inconvenience, please inform your guide first. Generally, there are not many inconveniences on this trip, but let’s remember that we are travelling and try to enjoy the moment! The group atmosphere is important and as an experienced team we try to make the tour as enjoyable as possible and ask you to help us.

This tour is available all year round. The best time is from the end of March to November. During this period the weather is warm and in the middle of summer it gets very hot. However, in some mountainous areas you may feel cold due to the altitude and we ask you to pack a warm jacket in this case. Please check the weather forecast before you travel.

To confirm your trip we ask you to pay 600 USD DEPOSIT and the balance can be paid 2 months before the tour start date. We ask you to make your payment by bank transfer (SWIFT CODE)

All accommodation is based on local standards and during the expedition you will stay in a variety of types of accommodation, ranging from a 4-star hotel in the centre of the capital to local guest houses.

During the trip, we will have meals at the best local restaurants. Also, you have an opportunity to try the traditional meals and drinks

You will be supported by the locals consisting English-speaking guide and driver.