Two-day tour to Turkestan from Almaty

A two-day tour to Turkestan will introduce you to the outstanding poet and Sufi H.A.Yasavi. In Turkestan, the historical center of Southern Kazakhstan, you will visit the Mausoleum of H.A. Yasavi. In Sairam, near Shymkent, you will have an excursion to the mausoleums of Yasavi’s father and mother. At the end of the trip, you will visit the “Adam and Eve Rock” and take a walk to the healing spring.

Tour program:

Day 1: Almaty – Shymkent – Turkestan

Breakfast, then transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Shymkent. Upon arrival, drive to Sairam village. A visit to the mausoleums of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s father, Ibrahim Ata, and his mother, Karashash-An, as well as an inspection of the remains of the ancient Khizir minaret. Then visit Kemekalgan hill, including the “Adam and Eve Rocks”. Following in the footsteps of numerous pilgrims, you can try to walk through a narrow passage between the rocks to find forgiveness for your sins. Then a visit to the place where, according to legend, Noah’s Ark stopped.

Then transfer to Turkestan (100 km, 1.5 hours). Check-in at the hotel.

An excursion to the largest tourist complex in Central Asia — “Caravanserai”. From the moment you immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Caravanserai complex, you will find yourself in an exciting fairy tale celebrating the great history, culture and eternal romance of Kazakhstan! Optionally, visit the only Altyn Samruk (Golden Phoenix) 8D cinema in Kazakhstan, where the flying Theater will take you on a journey through time and space together with the mythical Samruk bird (Phoenix bird) to the origins of Kazakh culture. The full immersion effect in 8D format will take you on a fantastic flight over the sights of Kazakhstan! Those who wish will be able to ride gondolas.

The tour will end with a magical parade of boats “Kyz-Zhibek and Tlegen” (the story of lovers) in the harbor of the complex.

Overnight at the hotel.

Tour duration: 11-12 hours.

Day 2: Turkestan – Shymkent – Almaty

After breakfast, continue the city tour.

Visit to the Azret Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, including the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Then you will visit the Turkestan necropolis, the semi-underground Hilvet mosque and the eastern bathhouse, as well as inspect a fragment of the fortress wall and the gates of the old citadel. Continuation of the tour departure to Otrar. In addition to exploring the archaeological site of this ancient oasis, visit the mausoleum of Arystan Baba (teacher and spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi).

Then transfer to Shymkent Airport for an evening flight to Almaty (22:50 — 00:15+1).

Completion of the tour.

Duration of the guided tour: 7-8 hours.

The price includes:

◉ All transfers: 1-2 persons by car; 3-7 persons. by minivan;

◉ Standard double hotel accommodation based on breakfast;

◉ Services of local English- speaking guides;

◉ Entrance tickets to museums, mausoleums and other attractions;

◉ Mineral water.

The price does not include:

◉ Domestic flights Almaty-Shymkent (~$43),Shymkent-Almaty (~$65);

◉ Hotel fees for additional services;

◉ Kazakhstan Visa Support Service;

◉ Photography fees charged by museums separately;

◉ Travel insurance;

◉ International flights;

◉ Tips are not included, and remain at your discretion.;

◉ Full board.