7 Days Great Silk Road Almaty Taraz Shymkent Turkistan
About this tour
7-day fascinating tour from the South-East to the South of Kazakhstan through ancient historical cities such as Almaty, Taraz, Shymkent, Sairam, Otrar, Turkestan. The length of the entire tour is about 1000 (one thousand) km. On request it is possible to extend the tour to Tashkent (border with Uzbekistan). This is a successful combination of the ancient history of one of the centers of world history and the stunning nature of the great Tien Shan mountain range.
The amazing history of Kazakhstan and Central Asia, which you can not only see but also touch with your hands in old mausoleums, mosques, buildings and ruins. The natural beauty of the surrounding steppes and mountains. The tour is conducted in a comfortable sedan or minibus (train if necessary) depending on the number of guests. The tour can also be conducted in the opposite direction from Turkestan/Tashkent to Almaty. A tour from Bishkek to Tashkent via South Kazakhstan is also possible, as described above.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Almaty to Kolsai lake Village
Day 1 Early departure from the hotel in Almaty and departure to the Charyn Canyon (230 km) and then to the Kolsai Mountain Lakes (+ 100 km) by car. Lots of stories about national history and nature along the way. Arrival at the Charyn Canyon National Park. 3 hours of walking around the Valley of Castles, an easy hike and a photo session. Snacks along the way. 14:30 - continuation of the journey to the Kolsai Mountain Lakes. 16:00 - arrival in the mountain village of Saty near the Kolsai Lakes, accommodation in a guest house. A short walking tour of the village. Free time. Dinner and overnight stay in a guest house.
Day 2: Kolsai lakes to almaty
Day 2 Early wake up, short breakfast and departure to Lake Kaindy in a rented SUV. Hiking around the lake, photo session. 13:00 - return to the village and lunch in a guest house. Then transfer to the lower Kolsay Lake. 17:00 - departure from the lake to Almaty. 19:00 - 20:00 arrival in Almaty and accommodation at a hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Almaty.
Day 3: Almaty to taraz
Day 3 Early departure from a hotel in Almaty to Taraz and drive along the beautiful mountain range. Five hours drive on the international highway (500 km). Stops at mountain passes to admire the views and panoramas. Lunch in a cafe on the way. Arrival in Taraz in the afternoon. Accommodation in a hotel in Taraz. Main attractions of ancient Taraz and its surroundings. The love story of the local Romeo and Juliet. Visit to the mausoleums of Karakhan and Aisha-Bibi. Visit to the historical complex Tek Turmas. Dinner in the city. Transfer and overnight at a hotel in the city of Taraz.
Day 4: taraz to Shymkent
Day 4 Early departure from a hotel in Taraz to Shymkent city and drive along the beautiful mountain range by the same international highway. Two hours drive on the same international highway (200 km). Stops at mountain passes to admire the views and panoramas. Lunch in a Shymkent city. Arrival in Shymkent at noon. Accommodation in a hotel in Shymkent. Main attractions of ancient Shymkent and its surroundings. Historical attractions of Shymkent city: City Citadel, Holy springs. Medieval mausoleums of ancient Sayram. Dinner at a national restaurant and tasting of local cuisine: pilaf, kebab, samsa, nan, mare's milk. Transfer and overnight at a hotel in the city.
Day 5: Shymkent to Sayram-Ugam National park
Day 5 Earlywake up and transfer to the mountain Kazakh village Kaskasu near the Sairam-Ugam National Park (70 km). Meeting a Kazakh family in the village and having tea with the family. Walking around the mountain village. Tasting the national drink - mare's milk. Hiking to apple and wild apricot orchards in the mountains near the village. Evening transfer and overnight stay at a hotel in Shymkent. Overnight stay in the village is possible as an option.
Day 6: Shymkent to Turkistan
Day 6 Early pick up from a hotel and drive to Turkestan city (180 km). On the way visit the memorial complex Arystan Bab. This complex is the main place of religious pilgrims of whole Central Asia. Then visit the ancient ruins of the archaeological settlement Otyrar in the desert. Transfer to Turkestan at noon (60 km). Lunch in the city and tasting of local Uzbek cuisine. Accommodation in the hotel in Turkestan. Visit the famous H.A. Yassawi Mausoleum and other monuments around it. This mausoleum is also one of the important places for pilgrims throughout Central Asia. Evening walk through the entertainment complex Caravan Saray. Overnight in a hotel of Turkestan.
Day 7: turkistan to Shymkent
Wake up and depart go to the ancient ruins of Sauran in the desert near Turkestan (60 km). Sauran was a large city on the Great Silk Road and was of strategic importance for local nomadic tribes. Excursion to the ruins of the settlement, photo session. Return to the city of Turkestan. Lunch in the city. Then transfer to the sacred memorial complex of Guahar Ana, where you can watch the ritual of pilgrims at the springs. In the afternoon, transfer to the city of Turkestan. End of the tour. Transfer to the airport of Turkestan or back to the city of Shymkent.
What's included
English speaking private guide, car with driver and transportation included. Accommodation and meals at lakes and national parks can be included by arrangement.
Accommodation and meals in the cities are not included.
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Almaty to Kolsai lake Village