The Gates of Eden

Program’s name: The Gates of Eden

Quantity of the days: 5 days

Day 1: Nur-Sultan
Today you will arrive to Nur-Sultan.  Nur-Sultan is a fairly young city by historical standards. It is not even two centuries old. However, during this time, it changed its name several times: Celinograd, Akmolinsk, Akmola, Astana. The tours “the Gates of Eden” begins right now! The first destination will be Constitution Square, there was announced the decree of changing the capital of the country from Almaty to Astana (now Nur-Sultan). In course of the tour you will observe masterpieces of architecture - Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan* with the Golden man, found by archaeologists in 1970. In Kazakh, it is called Altyn Adam.  Then you will have a chance to marvel the largest and stunning shopping center Khan Shatyr, for the capital of Kazakhstan, the center has become one of the most important urban objects. Further you will go to the lift to the top of the Astana-Baiterek monument, the top of the 105-meter high-rise is crowned by a rotating gilded ball with a diameter of 22 meters. There you can observe the fabulous panorama of the Kazakhstan capital from the special observation deck. Then you will cross Ishym river and get to the Kazakh Eli Square. The next highlight will be - the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and you can admire the amazing beauty of Khazret Sultan mosque, it is the largest in Kazakhstan and the second largest in Central Asia. The name of the mosque translates as"Holy Sultan". Remarkable site of the tour will be National Museum of History of Kazakhstan*, the structure attracts attention with its unusual appearance and harmoniously fits into the nearby architectural ensemble, which includes several buildings and a monument of national importance. In the tour you will learn more history and will know facts about Kazakh people.  After the tour- drive to the hotel for overnight.

Day 2: Nur-Sultan – Almaty
This day you will departure to International Nur-Sultan airport, transfer to Almaty by local flight (the way will take about 1h 40 min). Arrival to Almaty and then start wonderful city tour. The trip begins with highlights in central part of Almaty. During the tour you will explore - the Green Bazaar, the Bazaar is always noisy and crowded, here on any day of the week residents of the city rush to buy fresh food, and a lot of interesting things. After you will proceed your tour to the oldest Almaty parks - Panfilov Park, and admire there the beauty of the wooden church- Zenkov Cathedral. En route you will experience the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, devoted to memory of the soldiers who fell for the freedom and independence of the Motherland. And the last prominent spot will be Medeo Gorge, high-mountain sports complex located in the high-mountain tract of Medeo. Transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 3: Almaty
In the morning you will start your tour you will visit the Medeo Gorge (1690 meters above sea level) the world's largest high-altitude complex for winter sports with the largest area of artificial ice field. Easy walk around and you will have a chance to shoot photos of amazing gorges and enjoy the fresh pine-tree air. You will take a ride in ropeway to Shymbulak ski resort area. The ski base here has been functioning since 1954. After riding the cable car about 20-25 minutes above huge fur-trees up to the altitude of 2260 meters above sea level, you will get to the 1st level of ski resort. After you will go down the back way by cable car. Your mountain trip proceeds at the top of Kok-Tobe hill, where is located the tallest TV tower in the world. In this place you can admire the amazing panoramic view of the city. Adults and children can have a great time in Kok-Tobe Park. You can marvel along streets, throw a coin in the "apple" fountain and buy some national souvenirs in the shops. The tour ends with the short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous ropeway, where you can observe fabulous picture, and enjoy fresh air.*(it is closed on Tuesdays, so you will go down by park eco-buses). Transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 4: Almaty – Tamgaly – Almaty
In the tour you will enjoy not only the modern complexes of the city, but also the historical heritage of Almaty region. Today you will  see the unusual monuments of the past – Tamgaly petroglyphs. The picturesque rock relief of the Tamgaly-Tas tract was formed millions of years ago under the influence of the force of water and wind. Looking at the unique drawings, you can get acquainted with the customs of our ancestors, their beliefs and see scenes from everyday life. Tamgaly Gorge located 170 km north-west of Almaty city. The peculiarity of ancient painting is a specific manner of depicting animals, which researchers call "animal style". You can also see inscriptions in different languages – ancient Turkic runic, Oirat and Kazakh. Ancient artists depicted bulls, deer, boars, wolves and horses. For ages the rocks of this canyon and narrow valley of Tamgaly retained value of the sanctuary. You will drive to hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Flight
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out. Transfer to the Almaty International airport and departure.