Welcome to Kazakhstan! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check in and have a rest until noon. City tour of Almaty will start with a lunch, where you can meet your fellow travelers and will be briefed about the exciting days ahead.
Almaty was the Kazakh capital until 1997 and is still the largest city in Kazakhstan. Its name translates as “the place with apples”. It is believed that this is the place where applies originated from. Almaty is a charming and green city. Roads are wide and tree-lined and there are good views of the Zailisky Ala-Too mountains that form a backdrop to the city.
We visit today Panfilov Park, named after General Panfilov who fought against the Germans in World War 2. As the narrative goes, the 28 men under his command repulsed 50 German tanks from the outskirts of Moscow. An impressive monument was erected in their honor in the center of the park. The most famous sight of Almaty, Zenkov Cathedral, is in Panfilov Park as well. It was built in 1904 without a single metal nail and is one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. Right next to the park is the museum of musical instruments, which we will visit as well.
At the Green Bazaar you will then get a chance to explore local Kazakh culture as you shop for fresh fruits and vegetables. It is also a great opportunity to take photos. You will notice how different ethnicities are selling different products – Russian women selling chicken, Tajik/ Uzbek men selling dried fruits, Korean women selling Korean salads, etc.
We will have buffet dinner at the hotel.
Hotel Kazzhol or similar