Kazakhstan

9 days/8 nights

Day 1. Astana

Arrival to Nur-Sultan (former Astana). You will be met by English Speaking guide, who will accompany you during whole tour in Kazakhstan. Transfer to the hotel, check-in.

Day 2. Astana

Morning is free for relax and breakfast. Meeting with your English-Speaking guide at the hotel lobby at 11:00. Depart for full day touring.

Capital of Kazakhstan only since 1997, Astana has undergone a massive transformation from sparsely populated steppe to an ultramodern metropolis dotted with shimmering gold towers, technicolor lights, and iconic white-and-blue high-rises. This focused pre-tour surveys a selection of Astana’s best-known highlights and spectacular structures, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s ever-changing political and economic future. Admire monuments such as Baiterek Tower, commemorating a Kazakh folk tale; the soaring steel-and-glass Pyramid of Peace, designed by renowned British architect Norman Foster; and the impressive Khan Shatyr Complex, dubbed the “World’s Biggest Tent.”

Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Dinner at local café “Eternal sky” or similar

Day 3. Astana

Meeting with your English-Speaking guide at hotel lobby at 09:00. Depart for full day touring. Head for one of the city’s most iconic monuments. Representing a tree with a golden egg laid by a magic bird from Kazakh folk tales, the 344-foot Baiterek Tower has a viewing platform with a plate imprinted with President Nazarbaev’s hand. Touch the hand and a song written by Nazarbaev plays.

Map of Kazakhstan Atameken. Is it possible to explore the country in an hour? It is quite realistic if you visit the unique ethno-memorial complex “Atameken”. The complex was built by order of the president of the country, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and opened in Astana on September 8, 2001. Map of Kazakhstan “Atameken” covers an area of 1.7 hectares, this is comparable with the area of two football fields. There is a markup of 14 regions of the republic, the location of the two main cities – Astana and Almaty is noted.

Day 4. Astana

After breakfast drive to Arystan Bab Mausoleum. It’s 60km far from Turkestan and takes around 1 hour to drive there. The Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab is a burial place of the teacher of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi. According to the legend, when Prophet Mohammed was dying, he gave his own rosary to Arystan-Bab, and Arystan-Bab, in his turn, presented it to 11-year-old boy – future Khoja Ahmed Yassawi.

Next, we will visit Otrar ruins. Otrar is one of the most ancient cities in Kazakhstan. It is the native land of the world-famous philosopher and mathematician Abu-Nasr Al-Farabi, whose works had a great influence on the philosophy of Europe and the Middle East.

Return to Turkestan and enjoy lunch at one of a local café.

Day 5. Astana – Almaty

In the morning transfer to the airport and flight to Almaty. Upon arrival to Almaty transfer to the Dostyk hotel. Couple hours are for check-in and after flight relax and then you will enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant. Return to a hotel. Evening is free.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at local café/restaurant.

Day 6. Almaty

Meet our guide and continue city-sightseeing.

We will visit Kok-Tobe, a 1130m foot hill on the outskirts of Almaty with an aerial tramway leading to a recreation area at the top.

Meals: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch at local café/restaurant, dinner at local cafés.

Day 7. Almaty – Charyn Canyon

After breakfast drive to Altyn-Emel National park (340km, 5 hours).

It is home to a number of unique landscapes, from relic forests to otherworldly mountains. There is history as well, with ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs to seek out. Most importantly, a number of rare hoofed mammals live here.

Check-in to Aygaykum guest-house, lunch. After lunch drive to Singing Dune (50km, 1,5 hr).

Walking there. Return back to guest-house, dinner, overnight.

Day 8. Charyn Canyon – Almaty

After breakfast at the guest-house we will drive to Charyn National park (210km, 3hrs) Charyn Canyon, which compared to the beauty of the Grand Canyon in Colorado, located east of Almaty. Unique forms of erosion and weathering of the relief will take you to the fantastic, surreal world of whimsical sculptures of sandstone “Castle Valley,” “Witches Gulch,” and others. The height of the steep slopes, columns and arches up to 150- 300 meters. Then drive to Almaty (210km and other 3-4hrs depend on traffic. Accommodation at the Dostyk hotel.

Meals: Breakfast at the guest-house, lunch at local café, Farewell dinner at local restaurant.

Day 9. Almaty

Day free for rest and independent exploration. Late evening transfer to the Almaty airport and take flight home.

Any package purchased from MICCO Travel will be subject to the below terms and conditions accepted by the buyer.

Booking Procedure:

In order to proceed with any booking, a copy of your passport is needed along with 30% down payment and the visa cost if required. Future payments will be agreed as per package rules.

Package Cancellation:

45 – 75 days prior to departure date: 30% of the total cost of the package

45 – 30 days prior to departure date: 50% of the total cost of the package

30 days until departure date: 100% of the total cost of the package

Important:

Above cancellation policy does not apply in case of non-refundable bookings. Full payment must be submitted in this case upon booking.

In case of visa rejection, visa fees and above cancellation rules still applies, however we will do our best to minimize and waive the charges, but it cannot be guaranteed.

As for Airline cancellation, each airline has its own changes and cancellations fees depending on the carrier, class booked, routing and travelling date. These conditions will be communicated to you upon confirming the package and will be applied as per above criteria.

MICCO Travel do not take responsibility for any changes arising due to pandemic advised by destination  government or health authorities

Please note that all prices are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until booking has been made.