Essential Kazakhstan

Arrive in Almaty and transfer to the hotel for an early check-in.

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Experience a comprehensive full-day sightseeing tour of Almaty, starting with visits to the Green Bazar and Museum of Musical Instruments (closed on Mondays). Explore Panfilov Park, home to the iconic Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Wander along Arbat and Panfilov streets, vibrant areas showcasing local artists and their works, providing a glimpse into Kazakhstan's beauty. Discover the pristine Almaty underground metro, noted for its cleanliness and adorned with marble floors and artwork. Conclude the day with a visit to Kok Tobe Hill, featuring the towering TV Tower and a viewing deck offering panoramic vistas of Almaty, alongside souvenir shops and a bronze monument dedicated to the Beatles. (B)

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After breakfast, transfer to Charyn Canyon. Charyn Canyon is a natural complex, unique not only in Kazakhstan but also worldwide. The steep slopes of the canyon reach heights of 150-300 meters, with a remarkable dissection of the terrain forming a dense, chaotic network of ravines. Wind and water have sculpted the striking "Valley of Castles," where sedimentary rock formations resemble fanciful towers. The valley stretches over 2 km, offering hours of exploration among the canyons. Descend to the bottom of the canyon, where a refreshing oasis awaits on the bank of the icy Charyn River. After a brief rest, return to Almaty, stopping at one of the observation points for another breathtaking panoramic view before enjoying lunch at a local café. (B,L)

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Free day at leisure. (B)

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Following breakfast, head to Medeo gorge, where you'll make a brief stop at the substantial Medeo dam. This dam serves to safeguard the city from potentially devastating mudflows originating from the western Tien Shan mountains. From there, embark on the Medeo-Shymbulak cable car for the ascent to the mountain ski resort of Shymbulak. Revel in the stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks and the majestic Tien-Shan Mountains. Situated within the picturesque Zailiyskiy Alatau valley at an elevation of 2260 meters above sea level, Shymbulak offers a scenic retreat just 25 kilometres from the heart of Almaty. Following your visit, transfer to the railway station for an overnight train journey to Astana. (B)

Upon arrival in Astana meet with a local guide and proceed to the city centre. Following an independent breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of Astana. Highlights include a visit to the Palace of Peace and Accord. Often dubbed the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this pyramid-shaped building boasts impressive proportions, with faces of the base measuring 62 metres in length and height. Continue to the Khazret Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, which took three years to construct. Named in honour of Sufi sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, a prominent figure in Central Asian history, this grand mosque resembles an oriental palace and stands as a symbol of religious and cultural significance. Conclude the tour with a leisurely walk through Independence Square to the National Museum of Kazakhstan, excluding Mondays.

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Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before meeting your guide and driver at 09:00 for a transfer to the ALZHIR memorial complex (closed on Mondays). ALZHIR stands for the Russian acronym "Akmolinskiy internment camp for the wives of the betrayers of the homeland." This Stalinist gulag operated from the 1930s to the early 1950s, primarily detaining wives and children of political prisoners deemed traitors. Notorious in central Kazakhstan, it housed high-profile prisoners, including artists and actresses. Afterwards, return to Nur-Sultan for a sightseeing tour, including visits to Khan Shatyr mall and the New Mosque. Stroll along Water-green Boulevard to admire the city's modern architecture before visiting Bayterek tower, a symbol of hope in Kazakh folklore. This monumental structure, inaugurated in 2002, represents the eternal struggle between good and evil, marking a significant landmark in the capital's history. (B)

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Free day at leisure. (B)

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