Kazakhstan Cultural Trekking Adventure

Astana

Arrive in Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan's modern capital. After checking into your hotel, start your tour of this futuristic city. Visit the Bayterek Tower and the Presidential Palace. Walk along wide boulevards with bold architecture. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a famous restaurant and get a taste of Kazakh culture and cuisine. This is your first time in a country where modern meets steppe. Relax tonight and get ready for your journey through the landscapes and history of this Central Asian country.

Karaganda

Go to Akmol village to visit the “ALZHIR” memorial, a place where women were imprisoned during Stalin's purges. It's a moving place that tells stories of survival and sorrow. Then to Karaganda, a city with a heavy Soviet past. Visit museums that show the harsh reality of Kazakhstan's labour camps. Though sad, these places give deep understanding of the country's history. The experience is powerful and emotional. Overnight in Karaganda, to process what you've seen and learned today.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Karaganda

Spend the morning in Karaganda. Visit the city centre and then Dolinka, a former settlement for political prisoners. The Museum of Memory of Political Repression Victims and the House of Officers will give you a clear picture of life during the Soviet era. These places are must see to understand Kazakhstan's history of hardship and resilience. After the tour, go to the train station and board your overnight train to Zhezkazgan. Get into your sleeper and rest as the train rolls through the Kazakh steppe to your next destination.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ulytau

Arrive early in Zhezkazgan, a quiet city on the Kara-Kengir River. Visit the Alasha-khan mausoleum, a sacred place linked to Kazakh legends. See ancient petroglyphs at Zangyr-tas, where images carved into rock tell of past civilizations. These symbols will give you insight into Kazakhstan’s deep history and the region's role as part of the ancient Silk Road cities, which were vital crossroads of culture and trade. In the afternoon, go to Ulytau village. Overnight in a cozy guesthouse surrounded by timelessness. The evening is quiet and peaceful—a time to slow down, meet locals and enjoy the beauty of this historic part of the country.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Altynshoky

Hike to the top of Auliye (Ulytau) mountain, an ancient place of myths and mystery. See old graves and a hidden cave with spiritual meaning. Enjoy the panoramic views of the steppe. Then continue to Altynshoky. Overnight in a traditional winter hut and experience Kazakh hospitality and rural life. As part of the local hospitality, you may have the opportunity to try fermented mare's milk, a traditional beverage enjoyed by nomads. A rare chance to step into local culture, eat homemade food and see how people have lived for centuries in this wild and beautiful landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ulytau

Visit the Tamdy river valley, home to Bronze Age petroglyphs— ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years. These images show how people once lived, hunted and worshipped in this region. It's like walking through a silent open-air gallery. After the tour, return to Ulytau village. The evening is free to relax, perhaps share stories with your hosts or take a quiet walk around the village. Overnight in your cozy guesthouse, surrounded by nature and history, as you reflect on the mysteries of the ancient world.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Leave Ulytau and visit Baskamyr, an archaeological site tied to early medieval history. Stop in Zhezdy village to visit the mining museum and see the region's rich mineral legacy and Soviet-era development. Then to Zhezkazgan for your flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Kazakhstan's largest and most vibrant city. Almaty is a contrast—modern, green and lively—marking the end of your journey. The day ends with comfort in a bustling city, preparing you for new adventures in southern Kazakhstan.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Almaty

Start the day in Almaty’s leafy streets and lively atmosphere. Drive up to the famous Medeo skating rink, set high in the mountains and renowned as a highlight of the day. Surrounded by pine forests, alpine air, and breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains, it’s a perfect photo stop. Then take a cable car to a nearby ski resort for panoramic views of the Tian Shan mountains and the impressive snow-capped peaks. Back to the city in the afternoon. Almaty’s cafes, boutiques and tree-lined boulevards invite you to relax or explore at your own pace. Enjoy the mix of nature and city life that makes Almaty such a great place to visit.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Turgen Valley

Leave Almaty for Turgen Valley, located in Ile Alatau National Park, 70 km away and the starting point of your 4-day trek in the Tien Shan mountains. Begin your trek in the early morning to enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings as you set out into the rugged, mountainous areas of the region. Arrive and set up camp in the stunning Turgen Gorge, a UNESCO-listed area of rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. One of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural spots with forests, rivers and steep cliffs. Tonight sleep under the stars in your tent and begin your journey into Kazakhstan’s wilderness.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Turgen Valley

Drive across the Assy Plateau by 4WD. This vast open space is home to Kazakh nomads and herders during summer months. The landscape is grassy and dotted with yurts and grazing animals. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery of the Assy Plateau, taking in the fresh air and panoramic views. Learn about the traditions of nomadic life shaped by centuries of living in harmony with nature. After the visit return to base camp in Turgen Valley. Spend the evening around the campfire or resting in your tent surrounded by the serenity of the mountains and the endless sky above.

Meals Included: Breakfast

SATY VILLAGE

Leave the Turgen Gorge and head to the Kolsay Lakes region, where you’ll find Kolsai Lake situated at 1.8 km above sea level. This is one of the area’s beautiful mountain lakes, renowned for its pristine alpine scenery. Spend the day at the lake, with options to take a day hike around the lake or in the surrounding area, or enjoy a horseback ride. The area is calm and scenic with forested hills and alpine views. Later drive to Saty Village and check in to a local guesthouse. Here you can relax and enjoy home-cooked meals in a warm and welcoming setting, with the peaceful mountain surroundings a well-deserved rest after the day’s adventures.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Back to Almaty, first stop Charyn Canyon—Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon. Carved by the Charyn River, the canyon features dramatic red rock formations and the scenic Valley of the Castles, making it a highlight of the region’s diverse landscapes. This part of the trip takes you off the beaten path in Kazakhstan. Walk through the red rock formations and enjoy the views for miles. Then to a cultural museum dedicated to “Berkutchi”—the traditional art of eagle hunting. See how this ancient tradition is still alive today. Then a 4-hour drive to Almaty. Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening, maybe take a final walk or dinner in the city centre. It’s been a day of natural and cultural wonders.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Almaty

Spend your last day in Kazakhstan at your own pace. Walk through Almaty’s markets, browse the shops, or revisit your favourite sights. This is a great opportunity for cultural immersion—explore local markets, sample traditional cuisine, or experience the vibrant city life to gain authentic insights into the local way of life. You might choose to relax in one of the city’s many parks or take a final hike in the nearby hills. Try local dishes you may have missed or revisit a favourite restaurant. This is your chance to reflect on your journey—from steppe to mountain, history to nature. Spend a final night in Almaty before your departure tomorrow.

Meals Included: Breakfast

ALMATY - DEPARTURE

Today your journey ends. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Almaty Airport for your flight. Almaty International Airport serves as your departure point, providing convenient access for your onward journey. Please ensure you have arranged your international flights home in advance. You leave with unforgettable memories—big landscapes, rich culture and unique Kazakhstan traditions. Safe travels and goodbye!

Meals Included: Breakfast