Shymkent: 6-Day Tulip Bloom Tour with Hotel & Meals

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of wild tulips in Southern Kazakhstan
• Explore the ancient city of Turkestan and its UNESCO-listed mausoleum
• Discover the medieval settlement of Sauran and its preserved fortress walls
• Hike through the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and see the Kshi-Kaindy Waterfall
• Visit the Shubaykyzyl Red Hill and see the bright tulips in the steppe

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Shymkent Arrival in Shymkent, one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. Meet and greet at the airport, transfer to the hotel, and check-in after 2:00 PM. Free time for rest or independent exploration of the city, known for its Eastern charm and Central Asian atmosphere. Overnight in Shymkent. Day 2: Shymkent – Turkestan – Sauran After breakfast, depart for Turkestan, the spiritual capital of Kazakhstan. Visit the city's main attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the Historical and Cultural Complex, the Underground Mosque, the Oriental Bathhouse, and Karavansaray tourist complex. Learn about the Great Silk Road, Sufi traditions, and the legacy of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. After lunch, continue to the ancient settlement of Sauran, one of the largest medieval cities of the Silk Road, famous for its well-preserved fortress walls and caravan trade history. Return to Turkestan. Overnight at the hotel. Day 3: Turkestan – Otrar – Ordabasy – Wild Tulip Fields – Shymkent After breakfast, travel toward Shymkent. Visit the ancient city of Otrar, a major medieval center and birthplace of Al-Farabi, followed by Ordabasy, an important historical site of Kazakh unity. The highlight of the day is visiting the blooming wild tulip fields. In spring, the steppes of Southern Kazakhstan are covered with rare Greig's and Kaufmann's tulips, ancestors of many modern tulip varieties. Enjoy walks through natural tulip habitats, photo stops, and panoramic views of the steppe landscapes. Arrival in Shymkent and overnight at the hotel. Day 4: Shymkent – Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve – Kshi-Kaindy Waterfall Depart for Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest reserve in Central Asia and part of the UNESCO Western Tien Shan Biosphere Reserve. Hike to the scenic Kshi-Kaindy Waterfall through mountain gorges, juniper forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic viewpoints. Enjoy the pristine mountain landscapes and rich biodiversity of the region. After the hike, accommodation at Ruslan Tourist Base. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. Day 5: Aksu-Zhabagly – Shubaykyzyl Red Hill – Shymkent After breakfast, visit Shubaykyzyl Red Hill, one of the most spectacular spring destinations in Southern Kazakhstan. Red clay hills, endless steppes, and blooming tulips create unique landscapes often compared to Mars. The area is especially popular among photographers, nature lovers, and travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. Return to Shymkent and overnight at the hotel. Day 6: Departure Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Shymkent International Airport. End of the tour.

Includes

5 nights of accommodation in hotels on a Bed & Breakfast basis (shared DBL/TWN rooms); All airport arrival and departure transfers; Meals: 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 lunch boxes; Private air-conditioned transportation with driver according to the itinerary: 8–14 participants: minibus (up to 18 seats); English-speaking guide; Entrance fees to all sites and attractions mentioned in the program; Environmental and conservation fees; Daily supply of 0.5 L mineral water per person.

Excludes

International airfare; Meals not specified in the itinerary; Half-board supplement (4 dinners): USD 120 per person; Tips and gratuities; Any services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary above.

Important Information

• The tour involves walking and hiking, so a moderate level of fitness is required. Weather can vary, so bring appropriate clothing. The blooming of tulips is subject to natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund