Advantour Silk Road

24/01/2025

Advantour Debuts in Spain at International Tourism Fair
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From January 22 to 26, IFEMA MADRID is hosting the 45th International Tourism Fair FITUR, officially opened by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain.
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This year’s FITUR sets a record with the participation of 9,500 companies and official delegations from 101 countries.
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Our delegation is led by Feruza Nazarova, the director and founder of Advantour. We share information with visitors about our destinations, as well as group, private, and custom tours.

We would like to remind you that our escorted tours are available in Spanish as well as English. Currently, we offer five tours in Spanish: three group tours in Uzbekistan and two group tours covering all Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan):

1) Circuito Grupal por Uzbekistán de 8 días en Español https://www.advantour.com/es/uzbekistan/viajes/uzbekistan-ruta-de-la-seda-viaje-grupal.htm

2) Circuito Grupal por Uzbekistán-2 de 8 días en Español https://www.advantour.com/es/uzbekistan/viajes/circuito-grupal-por-uzbekistan-2.htm

3) Circuito Grupal por Uzbekistán-3 de 7 días en Español https://www.advantour.com/es/uzbekistan/viajes/circuito-grupal-por-uzbekistan-3.htm

4) Circuito Grupal por Asia Central por la Ruta de la Seda en Español https://www.advantour.com/es/asia-central/viajes/viaje-grupal-asia-central-esp.htm

5) Circuito Grupal por Asia Central Relajado en Español https://www.advantour.com/es/asia-central/viajes/asia-central-relajado.htm

Advantour Caucasus also participates in the Fitur-2025 tourism fair, where our colleagues introduce visitors to Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia.
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Discover the Silk Road with Advantour!

23/01/2025

Kazakhstan has extended its tax-free regime, now valid until December 2025
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This programme provides for the refund of VAT to tourists who export non-food and non-excisable goods outside the customs territory of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The system is available at retail outlets in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent and Turkestan.
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To qualify for a VAT refund, the following conditions must be met:
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✔The traveller must not be a citizen of an EAEU member state.
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✔The total value of the goods purchased, as shown on the Tax Free document, must not be less than USD 148.8.
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✔The goods must be exported from the customs territory of the EAEU, excluding transit through the member states, through the control points of international airports in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent or Turkestan. This export must be evidenced by the stamp of the state tax authority on the "Tax Free" document.
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✔The "Tax Free" document must have been issued no more than three months prior to the date of use, excluding the month of issue.

20/01/2025

British travel magazine Wanderlust names Uzbekistan as a top destination for 2025
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Uzbekistan attracts travellers with its rich historical heritage linked to the Silk Road and its ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. These cities are famous for their unique architecture, stunning mosques and madrassas. Uzbekistan is also known for its multicultural traditions, warm hospitality, flavourful cuisine and talented artisans.
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Many travellers who visit Uzbekistan once are eager to return. Each visit offers opportunities for new discoveries, a deeper appreciation of the culture, tasting dishes you may have missed, and interacting with the friendly locals.
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The Advantour team invites you to join one of our escorted tours to Uzbekistan. Choose your tour from the link in the first comment

Send a message to learn more

17/01/2025

Amirsoy is the largest ski resort in Uzbekistan, located just 65 kilometres from Tashkent.

The resort offers 11 slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as opportunities for tubing, sledging, snowmobiling
and quad biking.

But Amirsoy isn't just a destination for active holidays; it also offers cosy alpine-style chalets where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Discover Uzbekistan with Advantour! https://www.advantour.com/uzbekistan/tashkent/amirsoy.htm

15/01/2025

Famous singer Dimash Qudaibergen has released a new music video for his song 'Kieli Meken', dedicated to Kazakhstan. The video showcases some of the country's most breathtaking and iconic travel destinations, including Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes, Akmesh*t Cave, the Azret-Sultan complex, Bozzhyra Valley, and Torysh Valley in Mangystau. It also features stunning locations like Borovoe (Burabai), Katon-Karagay, Altyn-Emel, and Zhongar-Alatau National Parks.

'In the video, we wanted to highlight Kazakhstan's unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. I truly believe that Kazakhstan will become a must-visit destination for travellers from all over the world'. Dimash said on his Instagram.

The video is a collaborative project between KazakhTourism and Dimash Qudaibergen.

You can watch the full video on Dimash Qudaibergen's official channels and social media platforms.

Send a message to learn more

13/01/2025

What do travellers say about one of Advantour's most popular tours?

The 14-day Central Asia Group Tour is one of our best-selling packages. Over the course of two weeks, travellers have the opportunity to explore 5 Central Asian countries, also known as the 5 "stans": Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

✔𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗱: I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful trip! I was so pleasantly surprised with Astana and all the cities we visited. I loved Bukhara, Samarkand, and the seven lakes. The places we visited were amazing! The artwork of the mosques and madrasas were just incredible.

The border crossings were a bit painful, but thanks to you and your very clear instructions everything went extremely smoothly! We had no issues with any border crossings.
It was an incredible trip, and I would do it again!

✔𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻: Hi Anvar

Thank you for your email regarding the tour. My daughter Maddy and I returned home after a an almost 30 hour travel time involving 3 flights, but it certainly was worth it to be able to experience Central Asia in the way we did.

In all honesty, we have nothing to be critical about the tour. Everything was excellent ranging from your quick and informative communication responses, tour guides, hotels, food, itinerary, transport etc etc - all very pleasing. My expectation of Central Asia was very different to what we experienced. We were surprised on how advanced the countries are in most respects.

We would certainly recommend your tour company to anyone. In fact a friend of mine has your contact details already and appears to be keen to experience Central Asia in the same way that Maddy and myself did.

Thank you to yourself and Advantour for structuring the Central Asia tour the way you have.

✔𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗮: Thank you so much for the wonderful trip through the Stans. We really enjoyed the itinerary. We especially appreciated all the hard work that went into arranging hotels, guides, sightseeing when we decided not to attempt to enter Turkmenistan. The extra days spent in Uzbekistan were amazing. Our Hotel in the Ichan-Kala complex was an incredible place to stay and we loved being able to walk around the sights by the fortress. The folklore fashion/music performance was a highlight. Uzbekistan women are so fashionable and we loved seeing what they wore as they went about their daily business.

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You can read more reviews from our travellers on TripAdvisor and Google.

To find out more about the 14-day Central Asia Group Tour, please visit our website at https://www.advantour.com/central-asia/tours/central-asia-group-tour.htm

If you have any questions, please contact our travel consultants at [email protected].

10/01/2025

Advantour Prepares for You: Inspecting Hotels and Services in Uzbekistan’s Top Cities

In December, a team from Advantour's Tashkent office went on a fact-finding mission to visit hotels in three of Uzbekistan's most famous historical cities: Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand. Before recommending any options to our travellers, we make it a point to personally check everything out. During this trip we visited a wide range of hotels to assess their quality and ensure they met our standards. We evaluated the accommodation conditions at both existing and new hotels, tested the services and amenities and reviewed the level of service, including any additional offerings.

We are confident that our travellers will have an unforgettable experience not only exploring the historic cities of Uzbekistan, but also enjoying the quality of the hotels we recommend.

Advantour is committed to making each tour as comfortable and engaging as possible and to ensuring that our recommendations are always reliable and up to date.

08/01/2025

Bukhara (Uzbekistan) has been included in The New York Times annual list of travel favourites

Bukhara, one of the oldest and most fascinating cities along the Silk Road, has secured 22nd place on The New York Times' list of "52 Places to Go in 2025".

This recognition underlines Bukhara's uniqueness as a cultural and historical centre that retains its appeal in the modern world.

The New York Times describes Bukhara as a city where "a contemporary spotlight shines on a Silk Road city". In 2025, Bukhara will host the much-anticipated Bukhara Biennale, an international art event running from 5 September to 20 November. The Biennale will explore the intersection of ancient traditions and contemporary art, showcasing works by artists from around the world in the heart of Bukhara. Biennale will take place in the city's historic centre, surrounded by caravanserais, madrasahs and other architectural gems of Islamic culture, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Advantour team is always ready to arrange a Bukhara tour for you. Contact us at [email protected].

06/01/2025

Bozzhyra Tract in Winter: A True Adventure

On January 2nd, our guests from Japan visited one of the most stunning locations in the alien Mangystau region – the Bozzhyra Tract. They shared their experience with our travel consultant, writing: "It was such an amazing experience for us. Thank you so much!"

Visiting Mangystau without seeing Bozzhyra is like going to Paris and missing the Eiffel Tower. Winter in Bozzhyra is a destination for true adventurers. The cold weather and the lack of crowds only add to the sense of mystery and solitude, while the landscapes themselves are breathtakingly otherworldly.

If you’re eager to experience these unique landscapes, the Advantour team can create customized tours for you throughout the year. Contact us at [email protected], and our travel consultants will be happy to assist you.

03/01/2025

Almaty tops CNN Travel's list of the 25 best places to visit in 2025
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As Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty has earned a reputation as Central Asia's 'new capital of cool'. The city combines a vibrant food scene, a growing cultural scene and easy access to the unspoilt natural beauty of the Tien Shan mountains. For art lovers, there's the Abylkhan Kasteev Museum, home to over 20,000 works of art, and the Tselinniy Centre for Contemporary Culture, due to open in 2025.
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Almaty is also renowned for its unique cuisine, which combines traditional nomadic ingredients with modern culinary techniques.
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Getting to Almaty is easy, with direct flights from Europe and visa-free entry for citizens of several countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Austria, Spain and Italy.
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Want to explore Almaty? Visit the Advantour website to find out more: https://www.advantour.com/kazakhstan/almaty.htm

27/12/2024

Tajikistan travel advisory
Tajikistan is a fantastic destination for travellers, but it's important to be aware of local conditions before you go.

✔Safety and security
The Tajik authorities take the safety of tourists very seriously, and many locals support these efforts. The majority of Tajiks are known for their hospitality and are happy to help visitors if needed. Many travellers who have visited Tajikistan cite the warmth and friendliness of the local people as one of the best parts of their experience.

Major cities are quiet and safe, with very few incidents involving foreigners. As long as you are aware of local customs and standards of behaviour, you should have no problems while visiting Tajikistan.

While Tajikistan is generally safe for visitors, there are some risks, particularly in remote and mountainous areas such as the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO). If you want to visit the GBAO and explore the stunning Pamir Mountains, you will need a special permit. This is because much of the Pamir region borders Afghanistan and the permit is an additional security measure.

✔Health & Medical Care
We recommend that you consult a doctor or visit a clinic in your area at least six weeks before travelling for personalised health advice.

It's a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. Medical care in major cities is good, but in more remote areas, medical facilities are limited.

Basic medicines are available from pharmacies throughout Tajikistan. However, if you have a specific medical condition, it's a good idea to bring the necessary medication with you. Be sure to check in advance whether your medication will be allowed into the country.

✔Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit Tajikistan is from spring to mid-autumn. If you want to travel along the Pamir Highway or go trekking in the mountains, the best time is from mid-May to mid-September. In winter, the mountains can be dangerous and snow on the mountain roads can make travelling in the Pamirs almost impossible.

✔Time zone
Tajikistan is in the UTC+5 time zone.

✔Clothing requirements
There are no strict dress codes in Tajikistan, especially in cities like Dushanbe, where people, especially young people, wear a wide variety of clothing. Although you will often see young women wearing traditional dress, this is usually a personal choice rather than a requirement.

When visiting religious sites such as mosques or mausoleums, both men and women should avoid wearing shorts. Women should also cover their shoulders and chest and may wish to wear a scarf or hat as a sign of respect.

✔Transport & Infrastructure
The quality of roads in Tajikistan can vary greatly from region to region. In major cities, roads are generally in good condition, but in more remote areas, especially in the mountains, roads can be poor or non-existent.

Mountain roads are particularly vulnerable to natural factors, making travel difficult and sometimes dangerous. Snowfall and mudslides are common in winter, making travel in these areas even more difficult.

✔Major travel destinations
Dushanbe
Iskanderkul
Varzob Valley
Khujand
Kairakkum Reservoir
Penjikent
Seven Lakes
Yagnob Valley
Istaravshan
Khorog
Murghab
Bokhtar

✔Adventure travel
Outdoor activities such as trekking can be risky if not properly organised. We recommend that you do not undertake independent trips in remote areas. It's safer to hire a guide or use a reputable travel agency to help you plan your trip.

✔Diplomatic support
In case of an emergency, you should contact your country's consulate or embassy. Contact information for diplomatic missions in Tajikistan can be found here: https://www.advantour.com/tajikistan/embassies_in_tajikistan.htm

We hope you find this Tajikistan travel advisory useful. The Advantour team will also be happy to help you organise a guided tour. With years of experience organising tours in Tajikistan, we'll make sure your trip is both safe and enjoyable.

25/12/2024

Dear Travellers,
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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May these holidays bring you warmth, joy and inspiration for new adventures in the year ahead.
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We hope that each new day in 2025 feels like an exciting journey, full of bright emotions, colourful encounters and new horizons. At Advantour, we believe that the best moments in life happen when we discover new countries, new cultures and new experiences.
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Next year, we're looking forward to welcoming you on our Central Asia and Silk Road tours - a region where history, culture, tradition, modernity and hospitality come together. We can't wait to explore Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan with you. Travel brings us closer together, strengthens our relationships and gives us a deeper appreciation of how big and diverse our world really is.
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Best wishes,
The Advantour Team

20/12/2024

First Aid Training Course for Advantour Guides and Drivers
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Advantour’s Tashkent office recently hosted a first aid training for its guides and drivers, organized by the Red Crescent Society of Uzbekistan. This training is part of Advantour’s ongoing initiative to enhance the safety of travelers.
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At Advantour, we prioritize the health and well-being of our travelers, and we are committed to ensuring maximum safety during their travels. As part of this effort, we train our employees in basic first aid skills. Dilfuza Narimova, a certified first aid instructor, led the session, showing participants how to provide assistance before medical professionals arrive.
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The training included hands-on practice in essential life-saving techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), stopping bleeding, and treating wounds, injuries, and burns etc. Participants also learned how to handle emergencies like fainting, chest pain, heatstroke, bites from animals or insects, poisoning, and other urgent situations.
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First aid training sessions will be organized for Advantour guides and drivers in other cities as well.
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Travel safely and comfortably with Advantour!

19/12/2024

We are proud to announce that Advantour in Uzbekistan has been awarded the prestigious Travelife Partner certificate, recognizing our dedication to sustainability in tourism. This award highlights our efforts in meeting rigorous standards of environmental, cultural, and social responsibility.

Travelife supports travel companies in adopting sustainable practices by providing tools and training to minimize environmental impact, support local communities, and preserve cultural heritage. Achieving Travelife Partner status confirms our compliance with strict international standards and reflects our active role in promoting responsible tourism.

Travelife is a three-stage certification program for tour operators and travel agents: (1) Travelife Engaged; (2) Travelife Partner and (3) Travelife Certified. We are at stage 2 – Travelife Partner. We are working to move forward to stage 3 - Travelife Certified.

This award is a significant milestone for us, motivating us to further ensure that our travels are environmentally friendly and culturally respectful. We take pride in offering unforgettable experiences to our customers, along with the assurance that our trips contribute positively to the world.

18/12/2024

Uzbekistan has been named the Most Desirable Emerging Destination for 2024. For 23 years, Wanderlust travel magazine has invited its readers to vote for their favourite destinations in the annual Reader Travel Awards. This year 168,000 travellers cast their votes in 22 different categories.
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Wanderlust described Uzbekistan as "that Central Asian gem", home to ancient cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara, where the stunning Islamic architecture and bustling bazaars offer a remarkable glimpse into the past.
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The magazine also highlighted Uzbekistan's natural beauty, which often goes unnoticed. From the vast Kyzylkum Desert to the shores of the Aral Sea, the country boasts stunning landscapes just waiting to be explored.
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But there's much more to discover. Uzbekistan is also home to the historic cities of Tashkent, Khiva and Shahrisabz, while Termez is famous for its Buddhist monuments and fortresses dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. The Fergana Valley is known for its generations of skilled artisans who produce the famous Rishtan pottery, Margilan silk, Chust knives and traditional skullcaps. Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, is home to the Savitsky Museum, often described as the 'Louvre in the desert', and the town of Muynak has a unique ship cemetery. Uzbekistan also boasts the breathtaking Chimgan and Nuratau mountains, as well as countless other cultural, historical and natural treasures.
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Of course, no visit to Uzbekistan would be complete without experiencing its delicious cuisine. Uzbekistan is a land of vibrant blue domes, juicy fruits, bustling markets and warm, welcoming people.
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Come and see for yourself. The Advantour team, based in Tashkent, are local experts on all the ins and outs of travelling in Uzbekistan. Book a tour with us and we'll take care of the rest. Discover Uzbekistan with Advantour!

16/12/2024

Tourism Year of Uzbekistan in China

In early December 2024, Beijing officially announced the opening of the Tourism Year of Uzbekistan in China. During the event, China's Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, Lu Yingchuan, highlighted that Uzbekistan is fast becoming an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists.

"From the majestic Registan in Samarkand to the stunning architecture of Bukhara, Uzbekistan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. We are proud of our rich heritage and look forward to sharing it with the world," said Umid Shadiev, Chairman of the Uzbek Tourism Committee.

Liu Jiaxin, a reporter for CGTN based in Beijing, shared her experiences from a recent business trip to Uzbekistan: "I was impressed by how easy it was to travel around the country, as well as the ongoing development of the country's infrastructure. I also learned that travel between China and Uzbekistan is about to become even more convenient. From 2025, both countries will introduce a 30-day visa-free regime for each other's citizens and launch new direct flights".

Uzbekistan is the most popular tourist destination in Central Asia, home to the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent, Khiva and Shakhrisabz. With its unique culture, stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes, Uzbekistan attracts millions of visitors from around the world. The land of blue domes and breathtaking vistas awaits you!

To find out more about Uzbekistan, visit our website:
https://www.advantour.com/uzbekistan

13/12/2024

Traveller's dinner in Kazakhstan

If you visit Kazakhstan for the first time and wonder what dish you must try, the answer is obvious: Beshbarmak.
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Beshbarmak is not just a dish, it's a culinary tradition passed down through generations. It is typically made with horse meat (although lamb or beef is also common), which is boiled until tender in a flavoursome broth. Once the meat is cooked, it is sliced and served with large pieces of handmade dough. The dish is served with the broth in which the meat was cooked.
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Want to try Beshbarmak in Kazakhstan? Advantour can help you plan your trip! We offer both group and private guided tours.
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To find out more about Kazakh food, visit our website https://www.advantour.com/kazakhstan/food.htm

11/12/2024

Top 15 Attractions in Kazakhstan
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Kazakhstan offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from the stunning mountain slopes and crystal-clear lakes near Almaty to the modern architecture of Astana. The country is also home to unique landscapes such as those in Mangystau and the Charyn Canyon, as well as ancient mausoleums and mosques in Turkestan and Taraz. To help you plan your trip, we've compiled a list of the 15 most interesting and unique attractions in Kazakhstan. Start your adventure with our top 15 recommendations and explore all that this fascinating country has to offer.
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✔Baiterek Monument in Astana
✔Ile-Alatau National Park in Almaty region
✔Kok-Tobe Hill in Almaty
✔Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan
✔Lake Kaindy in Almaty region
✔Kolsay Lakes in Almaty region
✔Medeo in Almaty
✔Charyn Canyon in Almaty region
✔Lake Balkhash in Almaty, Karaganda, Zhambyl and Zhetysu regions
✔Nur-Alem (Expo) in Astana
✔Mangystau region
✔Singing Dune in Zhetysu region
✔Ascension Cathedral in Almaty
✔Aisha Bibi Mausoleum near Taraz
✔Arystan Bab Mausoleum near Otrar
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More Places to Visit in Kazakhstan:
✔The Hazrat Sultan Mosque in Astana
✔Borovoe (Burabai) in Akmola region
✔The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty
✔Petroglyphs of Tanbaly in Almaty region
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Find out more about Kazakhstan on our website https://www.advantour.com/kazakhstan/