Almaty Kazakhstan Tourism │ Grand Tour of Almaty Region's Highlights │

Grand Tour of Almaty Region's Highlights

In this tour, we will explore the key attractions of Almaty city, acquaint ourselves with urban life, visit the Big Almaty Lake, Turgensky Gorge, Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, as well as the Charyn Canyon. Additionally, we'll immerse ourselves in the renowned ethnic village of Gunny, be spectators of a captivating show program, and conclude our journey with a visit to the high-altitude ski resort area in the Alatau Mountains. Join us on this Almaty Kazakhstan tourism tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Almaty City Tour

▸Breakfast
▸Visit Kok-Tobe, the highest point on the mountain with an excellent view of the entire city and plenty of entertainment options.
▸Explore Zeleny Bazaar, the oldest market in the city, known for its vibrant atmosphere and interesting sights.
▸Visit the oldest church in Central Asia (Zenkov’s Cathedral)
▸Take a stroll along Zhibek Zholy Arbat, a pedestrian street with various shops and attractions.
▸We can visit a nightclub and experience the nightlife of the city
▸In the evening, I will take you to the hotel

Day 2: Visiting Big Almaty Lake and Turgen Gorge

▸Breakfast
▸I will take you to Big Almaty Lake (30 km, ~1 hour).
▸Sightseeing in the surrounding area.
▸Free time for photography.
▸Optionally, I can take you to the Tian Shan Observatory, the Space Station, or the Lunar Meadow.
▸Afterward, we will head towards the Turgen Gorge (114 km, 2.5 hours).
▸Scenic drive through the gorge.
▸Walk along the gorge, near the river, and visit the Trout Farm.
▸We will hike towards the waterfall, 1 km on foot.
▸In the evening, we will return to the city.
▸I will take you back to your hotel.

Day 3: Visiting Altyn Emel Park (305km, about 4 hours)

▸Breakfast
▸In the morning, I will pick you up from the designated address and you will go to the Singing Dune (305 km, about 4 hours)
▸Upon arrival, you will have a fascinating tour of the sand dune (approximately 1.5 hours)
▸After the Singing Dune tour, you will go to the Aktau mountains (130 km, about 2.5 hours), here you will find trekking along the chalk mountains of Aktau (3 km, 2 hours) and lunch
▸After the Aktau Mountains tour, you will go to the Katutau Mountains (30 km, about 40 minutes), here you will find a small sightseeing tour (30 minutes)
▸After the tour of the Katutau mountains, you will go back to the city (310 km, about 4 hours), upon arrival the driver will leave you anywhere in the city

Day 4: Head to Lake Kolsai (300 km, 4 hours)

▸Breakfast
▸Depart towards Lake Kolsai.
▸Drive to the village of Saty and have lunch.
▸Get closer to Lake Kolsai and park the car.
▸Explore and walk around the lake.
▸Optionally, enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
▸Try the national drink, Kumys.
▸Go for a horseback ride.
▸In the evening, proceed to the guesthouse.
▸Dinner
▸Overnight stay in Guest House

Day 5: Visit Lake Kaindy and Charyn Canyon

▸Breakfast
▸Head towards Lake Kaindy.
▸Leave the car near the river, then continue on foot for 2 km or on horseback.
▸Explore the lake, take a walk, and enjoy a photo session.
▸Return and have lunch in the village of Saty.
▸Continue towards Charyn Canyon (100 km, 2 hours).
▸Walk through Charyn Canyon, visit the viewing platforms, and optionally, hire a car to descend into the canyon and return.
▸Head back to Almaty.
▸In the evening, I will take you to your hotel.

Day 6: Visit the Ethno-village Hunnu

▸The program starts at 11 AM and will last until 4 PM.
▸During the program, you will be introduced to the main traditions of the Kazakh people.
▸You will see how traditional Kazakh dishes are prepared.
▸Traditional dances.
▸You will hear a traditional song.
▸You will witness traditional Kazakh games and more.
▸After the program ends, I will take you to a restaurant with traditional dishes.
▸Afterwards, I will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7: Visit Shymbulak Ski Resort

▸Breakfast
▸Take a cable car ride to the mountain summit (30 minutes).
▸Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the mountain’s peak.
▸If there is snow, you can go skiing and hire an instructor for lessons (for a fee).
▸There are three peaks you can explore, and we will have a great time on the mountain.
▸If there is time in the evening, we can also take a stroll around the city and get to know its life.
▸Afterwards, I will drive you back to your hotel.