From Astana, Kazakhstan’s purpose-built capital on the northern steppe, down to Almaty, the country’s business center in the south, survey a hand-picked selection of highlights – natural, like gorgeous variegated Charyn Canyon, or man-made, like the ghost town of Otrar, founded in the 1st century AD.
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Admire the candy-colored Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park in the center of Almaty; built without the use of nails, it is a survivor from czarist times.
Picnic amid the striated colors of spectacular Charyn Canyon, cut by the swift Charyn River cascading down from the Tien Shan Mountains.
Begin in the new city of Astana, capital of Kazakhstan only since 1997, admiring its modern monuments, such as Baiterek Tower, commemorating a Kazakh folk tale, and the Khan Shatyr Center, the "World's Biggest Tent." Fly to Chimkent in the evening.
Wander Chimkent's bazaar before setting out though the desert towards the remains of Otrar’s medieval fortress. Continue to the historic city of Turkistan to visit the UNESCO-listed mausoleum of revered Sufi sheikh Khoja Akhmed Yasavi, the first Turkic Muslim holy man.
Fly to Almaty, inspecting the Kazakh two-stringed dombra at the Museum of Musical Instruments, and visiting a falcon farm. Drive through spectacular Charyn Canyon, with its strange rock formations and colorful strata, before returning to Almaty.
Shared accommodations in well-located superior tourist class hotels to more basic hotels. Call for hotel upgrade prices.
6 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner, per the itinerary. A few lunches and dinners are left free so you may enjoy a chance to dine on your own.
Ground transportation throughout itinerary by car or van.
The accommodations vary from superior tourist class to more basic hotels. It is important to keep in mind that the country of Kazakhstan may not be up to the standards North American travelers expect.
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