Cradle of Light

Program’s name: Cradle of Light

Quantity of the days: 6 days

Day 1: Nur Sultan
Upon arrival you will have a sightseeing tour in Nur-sultan. You will enjoy spending time in the tour “Cradle of Light”. Nur-Sultan is a city with a large number of modern architectural masterpieces. It combines European and Asian features. In your tour you will enjoy not only modern architectural creations, but also historical monuments of the country. During the tour you will have a chance to admire the Constitution Square, Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan* with the Golden man, "Golden man" is the most famous archaeological discovery in the history of Kazakhstan. It is an archaeological find made in 1969-1970 in 53.5 kilometers from Almaty as a result of the excavation of the Issyk mound. After you will enter the largest and beautiful shopping center Khan Shatyr, the majestic dome of the tent rose to a height of 150 meters, and the total area that it occupies was 100,000 square meters. Further you will enter in the elevator to the top of the Astana-Baiterek monument, a unique structure in the capital of Kazakhstan, created on the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. This is a popular tourist destination, as it offers spectacular panoramas of the city. After you will pass Ishym river and get to the Kazakh Eli Square. The monument is a snow-white column, on top of which is a gilded figure of the mythical bird Samruk. The next another unique site- the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and also visit the of Khazret Sultan mosque. The interesting point of the tour will be National Museum of History of Kazakhstan*,the national Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is considered not only the largest Museum institution in the country, but it has no analogues in all of Central Asia. After the excursion go departure to the hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Nur Sultan – Borovoe – Nur Sultan
This day you will have full day guided tour to Burabai National park (Borovoe), which has the second alternative name of the resort is "Kazakhstan Switzerland", assigned to it because of the similarity of the terrain with Alpine landscapes and a special microclimate. The area occupies 85000 hectares of northeastern part of Kokshetau elevation. Here is an amazing nature that combines mountains with snow-capped peaks, clear lakes and tall pines that fill the air with a healing aroma. In the territory of the park -14 lakes, each having surface area of more than 1 sq.km, and a large number of small lakes. There are no monuments of material heritage in Borovoe. The Park has a variety of sightseeing routes that allow you to enjoy the charming nature of the local places, see various attractions. Upon arrival you will explore the Khan’s pass and see Burabay and Zheke-Batyr mountains. On Abylaykhan Valley inspre yhe charm of Ush-kyz, Ok-Zhetpes rocks and Kokshetau mountain. Further you will have an easy hiking on Bolektau mountain, from where opens amazing views of Borovoe, and which you should definitely get to. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Nur Sultan – Almaty
In the morning you will head on to the International Nur-Sultam airport, and then you will transfer to Almaty by local flight. Upon arrival to Almaty, you will start the sightseeing tour. The tour begins with highlights in central part of Almaty. You will have a chance to learn history and facts of Kazakhstan and explore Asian traditions. The first spot will be a popular place the Green Bazaar, here you can buy original Souvenirs and taste dishes of national cuisine. The next site is Panfilov Park, it is a green area of 18 hectares, divided by smooth paths and alleys, where a mixed deciduous grove of perennial oaks, elms, aspens, maples, poplars, pines and firs grows. In the center of this park located Zenkov Cathedral the distinctive feature of this wooden structure is that it was built using a unique ancient technology-almost without nails. You will also visit the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Then your tour continues towards to the Medeo Gorge. It is a picturesque valley located about 15 km above Almaty, well known due to a huge ice rink, one of the largest in the world and an equally interesting place is the dam that protects the city from floods and mudflows. Next destination is the Kok-Tobe hill translated as " Green hill». On the territory there is a small Park with attractions, monuments, viewing platforms and the Almaty TV tower. You will conclude the tour with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Almaty – Issyk – Almaty  
Today you will head on one of the most fascinating gorges of Trans-Ili Alatau.  Issyk Gorge pass along the Kuldja tract, where hundreds years ago it was important road. En route you will explore charming nature and history of this region and see the burial mounds of Saka period, where the famous "Golden Man". In a grave lined with spruce logs, on the wooden floor lay the remains of a soldier in full dress uniform, completely covered with gold plates. The mound has never been invaded by robbers in ancient times, there survived the "Golden man of Issyk", which was a real historical value. Then you will discover the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve “ISSYK”, where you will have chance to observe the exhibition devoted to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of Golden Man and golden items, ancient ceramics, weapon, elements of horse equipment, as well as the model of Saka burial mound. During the tour you head to an altitude of 1756 meters above sea level, to the beautiful mountain lake Issyk, located in the valley with the same name. The picturesque lake is surrounded by dense forests and wide flower fields. According to geologists, it was formed about 8-10 thousand years ago as a result of a huge mountain collapse, which created a natural dam about 300 meters high. The origin of the lake was about 10,000 years ago. At the lake you are going to have a picnic and free time for leisure at nature. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Almaty 
Today you will transfer to reach the canyon. The road will take about 3 hours. In course of the tour you will have a chance to go to the local museum of traditional decorative and applied arts and crafts. It is a wonderful creation of nature that has existed for millions of years, breathtaking and very unique place. In Charyn Canyon, you will inspire the outstanding beauty of the grand panorama. Then you will climb down to lower part of the canyon, and walk around 2 km through the maze of the Castles Valley. There are fantastical forms, built of sedimentary. The lower part of the Canyon has small slope to the end of the walk, where you will get to the fresh oasis on the bank of cold Charyn river. Afterwards you will be taken to another panorama view before returning back to the city. Transfer to the hotel for overnight.

Day 6: Flight
Hotel breakfast and check-out. Transfer to the airport and departure.