Amazing Almaty

Almaty, formerly known as Alma-Ata, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau, has always been among the more appealing Russian creations in Central Asia. It is a lovely, leafy city that looks more at home in Central Europe than in Central Asia, with museums, cafes, and nightlife. Kazakhstan's second city (and former capital) serves as an excellent entry point into Kazakhstan. Almaty, with its spectacular architecture, thriving food scene, and odd idiosyncrasies, is an excellent introduction to Kazakhstan. The highlight of this journey, however, is not the city itself, but rather the natural beauty that surround it. 

The breathtaking surroundings will grab your imagination. The diverse terrain provides some wonderfully different vistas. It has snow-covered mountains, alpine lakes, scorching deserts, dense coniferous woods, beautifully painted canyons, and boundless steppes. The majesty and magnificence of Kazakhstan's natural, untamed settings will astonish you on this one-week exploration. Join us and explore Almaty, like a local!

• Day 1 |  Arrive in Almaty 

• Arrival at the Almaty Airport and transfer to our hotel in Almaty, a beautiful city encircled by the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains. 
• Visit the Central Mosque and the Republic Square. 
• Take a cable car to reach the Kok Tobe Hill and take in the stunning views while savoring the local delicacies at cafes and restaurants.

Day 2 | Shymbulak + Almaty City Tour

•  Explore Medeu Ice Skating Rink, the world's largest alpine skating rink
• Take a cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort located in the picturesque Trans-Ili Alatau mountains
• Do a plenty of activities like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, quad bike ride and other activities.
• Visit the Panfilov Park to see Zenkov Cathedral, which is the most well-known landmark in Almaty.  
• Visit the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial 

Day 3 | Ethnic Village 

• Visit the ethnic village, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in and learn about ethnic Kazakhs' nomadic past. 
• Experience the national rituals
• Professional horse-riding tricks show, breathtaking battle between warriors in armor, traditional customs performance, yurt story, archery, amateur horse riding for everyone, cooking simple national dishes and drinks (as kumis), crafts production.
• Visit the Green Bazaar, one of the biggest and most vibrant markets in the city, where you can buy anything from clothes and trinkets to spices and nuts. 
• If time permits, we’ll take a Metro Train Tour, the most beautiful and deepest in the world. 

Day 4 | Charyn Canyon

• Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tamgaly Petroglyphs, which is home to hundreds of Bronze Age rock carvings.
• Visit Charyn Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty. 
• Hike by the gorge to see the Valley of Castles, the most stunning location in the canyon, will allow us to see the fascinating red sandstone cliffs that time and the wind, two eternal elements of nature, have carved out of the earth. 
• Today is all about exploring the Kolsai Lakes, nicknamed the Blue Necklace of the Northern Tien Shan Mountains
• Even amateurs can use the relatively straightforward walking routes that lead to and from the lakes. 
• Relish a traditional Kazakh dinner and spend the night in one of the authentic guesthouses in Saty village.

Day 5 | Kaindy Lake - Almaty

• Visit the mysterious Kaindy Lake, formed as the result of a huge landslide after a powerful earthquake in 1911. 
• Return to Almaty and explore Arbat Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping street in Almaty

Day 6 | Bid Adieu!

• Today we check-out of the hotel after breakfast & transfer to the airport. It’s time to bid goodbye to your co-travelers. Take the return flight with a bagful of sweet memories!!!  

 BONUS: We also take you to hidden gems known only to the locals, which we have intentionally kept off our itinerary to preserve their charm and authenticity. 

To ensure you get the most out of your trip, why not come with us to Uzbekistan? ASK FOR DETAILS 

Start Date: October 8, 2024 (Tuesday)

End Date: October 13, 2024 (Sunday)   

• Pick-up/Drop-off at Almaty International Airport  (IATA: ALA, ICAO: UAAA)
• Arrive no later than 11 A.M. on Day 1. 
• It is recommended that you arrive a day ahead of time. 
• We will notify you of the airport pick-up/drop-off times later.

INR 58000 per person (for a single traveler)

INR 57000 per person (for two or more traveling together)

INR 57000 per person (for those travelled with us before)

• Pay 20,000 to book your seat now! (Non-refundable)
• Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. i.e., on or before 21 February 2024. You can pay in full or in parts before this date.
• Rates applicable for Indian Nationals only.
• Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you book your air ticket.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis in boutique hotels/aparthotels). Simple homestay/ guest house stay in Saty village. If you're a single, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender. 
• 5 Breakfast, 2 Lunch (Day 3, 5), 1 Dinner (Day 4) (set menu). 
• All transfers and sightseeing by mini-van/car/bus 
• Entry Fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
• Cable car tickets to Kok Tobe and Shymbulak
• Tons of local experiences
• English Speaking Local Guide, wherever required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip captain who acts as a facilitator and a storyteller

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets 
• Travel Insurance 
• Lunch/Dinner other than mentioned in Inclusions (Vegetarian options available as well) 
• Snacks/Beverages. 
• 5% GST + TCS as applicable
• Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
• Early check in and late check out
• Activities like snowboarding, skiing, ATV ride, boating, pony-ride, etc.
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’