Day 1 Arrival in Turkestan

Transfer: Railway station — Hotel

Turkestan was founded in 490 AD at the intersection of trade routes from Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva to Northern Kazakhstan. In the Middle Ages, Turkestan was the administrative, political, and religious center of Central Asia. In the XVI–XVIII centuries it was the capital of the Kazakh Khanate. You will visit the historical and architectural complex “Azret Sultan”, the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the ancient settlement of Turkestan, where you will feel that you have been transported to the past. The tour will continue with a tour of the largest tourist complex in Central Asia, the Caravanserai. From the moment you plunge into the enchanting atmosphere of the Caravanserai complex, you will find yourself in a fascinating fairy tale celebrating the great history, culture and eternal romance of Kazakhstan. Here you can visit the only Altyn Samruk 8D cinema in Kazakhstan or go boating. Return to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Turkmenistan

Day 2: Turkestan — Shymkent — Aksu-Zhabagly National Park

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Aksu-Zhabagly (stop in Shymkent for lunch on the way — not included in the price). Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. It is located in the southern province of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It covers the northwestern mountain ranges of the Tien Shan. Its name comes from the name of the largest river in the area, the Aksu River, and the Zhabagly mountain range, which is located in the northern part of the area. Visit to the museum-reserve.

Check-in at the guest house.

Supper.

Overnight at the guest house.

Accommodation: Ruslana’s Guest House/Zhenya and Luda’s House

Day 3: Day in Aksu-Zhabagly

Visit the Aksu River Canyon. After driving 26 km from the village of Zhabagly to the canyon, we will make several stops to photograph the landscapes, horses and, possibly, birds such as eagles and wolves. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. The Aksu and Zhabagly are the main rivers of the nature reserve. Aksu Canyon is one of the most picturesque places. Excursion route N-8 “Aksu Canyon — bridge over the Aksu River” starts near the caretakers’ house. The descent to the river with a beautiful view of the “Juniper Forests” and the canyon takes about 45 minutes (1,500 meters along a zigzag trail). The ascent usually takes about 1.5 hours. There is also an opportunity to walk along the canyon along the edge of the canyon. After a picnic near the ranger house, we will return to the village of Zhabagly. The altitude above sea level varies from 1100 to 1650 meters. Overnight in a guest house.

Accommodation: Ruslan/Zhenya’s Guest House and Luda’s house

Day 4: Aksu-Zhabagly — Almaty

Visit Kishi Kaindy Gorge and waterfall. We will drive 6 km to the foot of the mountains, from where we will start our hike. The Kishi Kainda Gorge is 5-6 km away on foot. In spring, several species of wild tulips (Tulipa Kaufmaniana, Tulipa Greigii, Tulipa Turkestanica) and some wild animals (bear, mountain goat, fox) can be seen on the trail. There is an observation deck on the Zhabagly River, where we will stop for 10-20 minutes. The final destination is the waterfall in the Kishi-Kaindy gorge, where the mountain goats “graze the lambs”. After a picnic at the waterfall, we will return to the foot of the mountain, from where a car will take us back to the village of Zhabagly.

The altitude range is from 1100 to 1750 meters above sea level.

Transfer: Guest house – Railway station (night train: 00:03 Tulkibas — 11:25 Almaty-1)

Day 5: 11:25 Arrival in Almaty

The price does not include:

◉ All transfers: 1-2 people in a sedan, 3-7 people in a Toyota Hiace, 7-10 people in a Mercedes Sprinter with air conditioning.;

◉ Accommodation (1 night at the Hampton by Hilton Turkistan Hotel. breakfast included; 2 nights in Aksu-Zhabagly) with meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners)

◉ Mineral water (1 liter/day per person);

◉ Accompanying guide, hiking (you will be accompanied by a ranger from the nature reserve and an English-speaking guide)

◉ Entrance and environmental fees throughout the tour.