Honestly, working with Velvet Vacations is always such a treat! They’re just one of the best tour operators around, period. Their trips are always planned perfectly, the accommodations are top-notch (the five-star Rahat Palace in Almaty was super luxurious!), and they really care about their guests’ happiness. That attention to detail makes my job as a tour manager so much easier. When they gave me the recent seven-day Almaty trip, I knew it would be fantastic, and let me tell you, this group of guests was absolutely amazing—so friendly and wonderful!

The Magic of the Kazakh Mountains

The energy on this tour was buzzing right from the start on Day One. We kicked things off by checking out the stunning Zenkov Cathedral (it’s actually built without a single nail!) and wandering down Arbat Street. But the real peak moment—literally and figuratively—was on Day 3. After enjoying the city views from Kok Tobe on Day 2, we headed right up into the mountains for the big Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort tour.

When you’re standing up there at 2,200 meters at Shymbulak, looking out at the huge Tian Shan mountains, it seriously takes your breath away. It was actually in this beautiful spot that one of the most memorable and heartwarming things happened on the whole trip!

A High-Altitude Birthday Celebration

Day 3 happened to be a big birthday for one of our lovely passengers, Mrs.Hetal Shah. We’d been secretly planning a little surprise party with her family since the morning. As we wrapped up lunch at the Shymbulak facility, with those gorgeous mountain peaks all around us, our incredible Rajasthani Maharaj (who kept everyone fed with delicious, authentic Indian food all week!) and the local Velvet Vacations Tour Manager  surprised her with a special cake.

The whole group started cheering and singing—in three different languages, no less (Hindi, Gujarati, and English)! Mrs. Sharma was genuinely surprised and looked so happy. Celebrating such a special, personal occasion, far away from home, with a group that had really bonded quickly, was just the best. Moments like that totally remind me why I love being a tour manager.

Canyon Views and Final Goodbyes

The rest of the week was packed with amazing Kazakh sights. The Charyn Canyon on Day 4 is twelve million years old—an absolute geological masterpiece—and the drive to the Kolsay Lakes was absolutely gorgeous. We even got to visit the therapeutic thermal springs in the Almarasan Gorge, which was super relaxing before our final day exploring the picturesque Issyk Lake and the beautiful, old Vernensky architecture back in Almaty’s town center.

Every single passenger was a dream to manage! They were always on time, ready for the next adventure, and so kind to the crew. Even the longer trips, like the Charyn Canyon run, felt easy and fun thanks to their great attitudes.

When we finally had to say our goodbyes at the Almaty airport on Day 7, after one last shopping spree, I felt that familiar mix of happy exhaustion and total fulfillment.

Thanks so much, Velvet Vacations, for another perfect trip! And to all the wonderful guests: you guys made this Almaty expedition an absolute blast. I can’t wait for the next one!