Our Heart of the Silk Road journey continues, with Elaine travelling through the Five Stans alongside a wonderful group of guests.
From the snowy peaks of Shymbulak Ski Resort, where the elusive snow leopard roams, to the dramatic landscapes of Charyn National Park’s “Valley of the Castles,” each day has revealed another side of Kazakhstan. Beneath the rare Sogdian Ash trees, the group paused for lunch and a welcome patch of shade in the desert canyon.
Spring flowers lined the roadside as they returned to cosmopolitan Almaty, where a visit to the beautiful wooden Orthodox cathedral on Easter Monday added another layer to the journey.
Elaine sent this update from the road:
"Kazakhstan is a country of contrasts — snowy peaks, dramatic canyons and vibrant cities. One day we were standing in the snowy mountains at Shymbulak, the next walking through the incredible ‘Valley of the Castles’ in Charyn National Park.
Some of the highlights have been visiting the historic Arasan bath house, chatting with local women in the hammam, and hearing the choir singing in the cathedral on Easter Monday. Kazakhstan is full of surprises and our travellers are soaking it all in."
We love receiving these updates from our tour leaders as they travel. Maher groups are exploring the world right now, and this is just one moment from the journey.
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