It is a tiring drive (about 8 hours in one direction). Hiking into the canyon is not a compulsory activity and visitors may not go down into the canyon, and may have marvelous views at the observation points on the top.
Almaty 5N6D Tour Package
Visa Free for Indian Passport Holders
Includes Charyn Canyon Day Trip
Overview
The Grand Almaty Adventure: Canyons & Peaks
Our Almaty 5N6D Tour Package is the best way to experience the entire range of beauty of Kazakhstan. This sightseeing journey takes one outside the city and snow-capped mountains to learn the olden times of the land.Along with the well-known Medeo Ice Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort, this package includes the full-day trip to the amazing Charyn Canyon which can be discussed in relation to the Grand Canyon concerning its impressive red rocks. This is the best Central Asian holiday with a Visa-Free entry, high-end shopping time and convenient transfer.
Highlights
Panoramic city tour with Zenkov Cathedral
Cable car ride to Kok Tobe hill
Visit world famous Medeo high-altitude ice rink
Scenic mountain views at Shymbulak Ski Resort
Day trip to majestic Charyn Canyon rocks
Visa free entry for Indian passport holders
Package Features
| Feature Category | Details |
| Duration | 5 Nights / 6 Days |
| Accommodation | 5 Nights stay in a 3* Hotel (Almaty) |
| Meals Included | 5 Breakfasts |
| Transfers | Airport, City, Mountain & Canyon Transfers |
| Visa | Visa Free (14 Days) |
| Activities | City Tour, Medeo, Shymbulak, Charyn Canyon |
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 05 Nights stay in a 3-star hotel (Almaty).
- Meals: Daily Buffet Breakfast provided at the hotel.
- Visa: Visa Free for Indian Passport holders (14 Days).
- Transport: Airport Pick-up/Drop-off and Tour Transfers.
- Sightseeing: Panoramic City Tour and Kok Tobe Hill.
- Sightseeing: Medeo Gorge & Shymbulak Ski Resort.
- Sightseeing: Full Day Charyn Canyon Excursion (6 hrs).
- Tickets: Gondola tickets to Shymbulak (Level 3).
- Taxes: Local Hotel Taxes and Registration fees.
Exclusions
- Flights: International Airfare to/from Almaty (ALA).
- Tax: Green Tax/Environmental fees (Payable locally).
- Meals: Lunches (pack snacks for Canyon) and Dinners.
- Activities: Ski equipment rental or instructor fees.
- Tips: Gratuities for drivers and guides (Customary).
- Personal: Laundry, telephone, shopping, and alcohol.
- Insurance: Travel Insurance (Highly recommended).
- Surcharges: Peak season or holiday surcharges.
- Taxes: Government Taxes (GST & TCS) on package.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Almaty airport to Almaty hotel
Arrival at Almaty International Airport, Transfer to the hotel, check-in.
Day 2 – Panoramic tour Almaty + KOK Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower.
Breakfast at the hotel, Panorama tour of Almaty,Sightseeing on the following locations – around the city.
Panfilov Park, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame, Zenkov Cathedral.
Go to the Square of Republic and Monument of Independence, experience the power of Apple city and familiarize yourself with its past!
Touring the Kok-Tobe hill which has the tallest TV tower in the world.
A small ride starting at the top of the hill to the hub of the city via the famous Almaty cableway.
Day 3 – Medeo & Shymbulak tour
The Grand Almaty Adventure: Canyons & Peaks
Breakfast at the hotel, Excursion to Medeo & Shymbulak,Medeo ice rink situated on the height of 1 691.2 meters above the sea level is known around the world. It was built in 1972. The surface of the ice occupies 1 0 500 square meters,
which allows conducting competitions of skating, hockey and figure skating. Ski resort «Shymbulak» is situated in the picturesque ravine of Zailiysky Alatau Mountain on the height of 2260 meters above the sea level and 25 kilometers from the center of the city of Almaty. At the height of 3163 meters above the sea level the elevators start their ways down.
Day 4 – Excursion to the Canyon (236 km one way from the city)
Breakfast at the hotel
The canyon is located on the spurs of the Tian Shan close to the Chinese border. The grove of relict species of ash, survived in the period of glaciation, preserved in the bosom of the canyon and another grove is on the territory of North America, is made of the sedimentary rocks, which are about 12 million years old. The variety of fauna and flora is caused by the landscape diversity of Charyn canyon. Charyn canyon reminds Colorado Grand Canyon in North America and loses to it in terms of sizes, but not in terms of beauty.
Day 5 – Leisure day for shopping (Suggestion – Dostyk Plaza, Mega mall, Forum mall)
Breakfast at the hotel
Shopping option (Dostyk Plaza, Mega mall, Forum mall
Leisure time
Day 6 – Hotel to Airport (One Way)
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to Airport with sweet memories.
Tips Before You Go
- Long Drive: The trip to Charyn Canyon involves a drive of 3.5 to 4 hours (one way). Please carry water, snacks, and neck pillows for comfort.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy sports shoes or trekking boots for Day 4. The terrain at the Canyon can be rocky and uneven.
- Currency: Carry enough Tenge (Cash) for the Canyon trip as there are no ATMs or card machines in the remote areas.
- Toilet Facilities: Be prepared for basic toilet facilities during the Canyon road trip.
- Weather: The Canyon can be very hot in summer and windy in winter. Dress in layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the Charyn Canyon trip suitable for elderly people?
Q2. Is lunch included during the Canyon tour?
No, lunch is not extremely included unless stated. Regarding this, there are small cafes close to the entrance of the Canyon, or a roadside restaurant can be stopped by the driver. We suggest having a lunch box filled in the hotel.
Q3. What is the best time to visit the Canyon?
The most pleasant weather can be found in spring (April-May) and in Autumn (September-October). In summer it is hot (with maximum 35 o C) and in winter it is snowy with exclusive landscape with warm clothes.
Q4. Do we need a visa for 6 days?
No, Visa-Free regime regarding Indian citizens is applicable to a stay of 14 days, and thus this 6 days trip will be absolutely counted.
Q5. Can we swim in the Charyn River?
The Charyn River passes through the canyon, though water is so cold and the current is very strong. Swimming is not generally considered to be safe.
Q6. Is there mobile network at the Canyon?
Signal can be weak or non-existent in the Canyon area. It is a good opportunity to disconnect and enjoy nature!
Q7. How much walking is involved in the City Tour?
It is the City Tour which is a combination of driving and some walks (e.g. through Panfilov Park). It is a slow speed that allows people of all ages.
Q8. Are the malls open every day?
Yes, Dostyk Plaza and Mega malls are open every day between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
Q9. Can we ski at Shymbulak?
Yes, when you come in the winter. The resort has equipment that can be rented. When you are not skiing you can just enjoy the ride by the cable car and the views in the snow.
Q10. Is it safe to eat meat in Kazakhstan?
Yes, meat (Horse, Lamb, Beef) is a staple of Kazakh cuisine and is generally high quality. However, vegetarian options are also available in the city.
