Kazakhstan
Private
11 days from £6,730
Private Tour
Astana to Almaty – 11 Days
Join “The Grand Kazakhstan Exploration” 11 day tour and discover the heart of Central Asia. From modern Nur-Sultan (Astana), home to the iconic Bayterek Tower—a striking modern landmark and observation point symbolizing Kazakhstan's architectural innovation and panoramic city views—to historic Shymkent and natural Almaty, this tour is all about contrasts. As part of a Silk road tour, you will travel across multiple countries in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan and its neighboring nations, experiencing a rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes. Explore cities where futuristic architecture meets Soviet monuments, showcasing the rapid development and modern infrastructure of Kazakhstan, and delve into the country’s past through ancient ruins and museums.
Enjoy comprehensive sightseeing experiences as you get out into the wild as part of a group, sharing memorable moments with fellow travelers. See the stunning Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve and the massive Charyn Canyon, likened only to the Grand Canyon in size and beauty. Visit a falcon farm to experience traditional Kazakh culture and marvel at Big Almaty Lake nestled in the Tien Shan mountains. This tour takes you to a variety of places, including vibrant cities, dramatic canyons, and pristine reserves, offering a journey of discovery and adventure. The itinerary includes a full day of exploration in key destinations, ensuring you experience the very best of Kazakhstan without compromise.
NUR-SULTAN ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE: Explore Nur-Sultan’s futuristic cityscape where architecture meets national symbolism. The city’s skyline is built with impressive modern and symbolic structures, including the iconic Astana-Baiterek monument. Go up for views and see the Temple of Peace and Accord – a modern pyramid dedicated to harmony, against the backdrop of Kazakhstan’s forward thinking capital.
SHYMKENT‘S HOLY MOUNT KAZYGURT: Uncover ancient legends at Kazygurt Holy Mount, believed to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Surrounded by Tien Shan views, this sacred site is for reflection and wonder, where nature, myth and tradition meet in the heart of southern Kazakhstan—a region renowned for its rich culture and history.
CHARYN CANYON NATURAL WONDER: See the dramatic land formations of Charyn Canyon, often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon. Walk among the surreal rock formations carved by time and wind, including the Valley of Castles, and experience the variety of land types encountered in this region. Soak up the raw beauty of this natural wonder.
ALMATY CULTURAL FINALE: End your journey in Almaty, where culture and nature combine. Discover different types of experiences, from cultural and natural to culinary delights. Wander the leafy boulevards, then go up to Big Almaty Lake for mountain views. Visit historic sites, try local food and enjoy leisure time in the city after sightseeing—a golden goodbye surrounded by the mountains.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Explore Kazakhstan’s stunning cities, serene lakes, and majestic mountains on this 11-day grand tour. Autumn is ideal for the Grand Kazakhstan Exploration, with mild weather and crisp scenery for outdoor adventures. Discover Central Asia’s rich cultural heritage, from futuristic Nur-Sultan to the tranquil Big Almaty Lake, and visit natural wonders such as Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. At Kaindy, admire the surreal submerged forest beneath turquoise waters—an unforgettable sight. Capture breathtaking sunsets at scenic viewpoints.
Start your 11 day journey in Nur-Sultan, the heart of modern Kazakhstan. After checking into your hotel, get to know the city with a guided tour. See Nur-Sultan's architectural wonders such as the Astana-Baiterek monument with city views and the Temple of Peace and Accord, a pyramid symbolising unity and peace. Visit the Museum of the First President to learn about the country's recent history and find spiritual solace at the city's main mosque. Enjoy local food for lunch and dinner and end the day with a restful night in a 4* hotel.
Visit the Alzhir Memorial Museum, a sobering reminder of the Stalinist repressions, where you'll learn about the tragic stories of women exiled for their husbands' alleged treason. After re-experiencing Nur-Sultan's vibrant atmosphere and an entertainment complex with an oceanarium and miniatures of global landmarks, you'll fly to Shymkent. This city, famous for its history and cultural heritage, will be your overnight stop after a dinner of southern Kazakhstan's specialties.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day early and spend it in nature and history in Shymkent. Begin with a visit to Kazygurt Holy Mount, a site of legends of Noah’s Ark and local myths. The mystic mountain, set against the Tien Shan range, promises breathtaking views and a spiritual experience. Spend the afternoon exploring Shymkent’s cultural heritage with visits to an underground mosque and a local pottery workshop, where you will have the chance to meet local people and learn about their traditions. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic trip to Aksu Canyon. See this natural wonder in the Sairam Ugam National Park before returning to Shymkent, your base for exploring southern Kazakhstan’s landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive to Turkestan, a city of history and spirituality, the heart of Turkic culture. Your day starts with a 3 hour drive, enriched by visits to the museum in Shaulder and the ancient ruins of Otrar, where remnants of medieval life are found among the ruins. Pay respects at the mausoleum of Arystan-bab, a pilgrimage site for all Central Asia. The day’s programme continues to the beautiful ruins of Sauran, where artifacts and traces of the past are also found, offering a glimpse into medieval life before returning to Turkestan for dinner and overnight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day early and travel back in time to Suzak, stopping to pay respects to the ancient mausoleums scattered across the landscape. After lunch in Suzak, head into the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, Central Asia’s oldest sanctuary. Your accommodation awaits in a guesthouse in the Tien Shan mountains after about 4 hours of travel through varied terrain, transitioning from steppe to mountain and desert landscapes.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ride through the pristine wilderness of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, an experience that will bring you closer to the heart of Central Asia. Pass through mountain refuges, waterfalls and fields under the open sky. Midday is picnic time in nature, followed by return to your guesthouse. As night falls, dine and relax under the stars, surrounded by the Tien Shan foothills.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your day in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve. Wander through the beautiful Taldubylak – Kazanchykyr Natural boundary and along the Zhabagly river. Visit the local Museum of Nature to learn about the region's flora and fauna. After an early dinner in this natural setting, head to Tulkubas and board the overnight train to Almaty, the cultural and historical heart of Kazakhstan.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in Almaty and after check-in at your hotel, the city tour begins. See the iconic Central Square and Monument of Independence, the profound Central Historical Museum. Find spiritual solace at the central mosque and marvel at the Medeo skating rink, perched high above the city, with views of the city against the mountains.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore more of Almaty with a visit to the incredible Charyn Canyon, also known as the Valley of Castles for its natural architecture. Pass through villages scattered across the landscape and get a glimpse into daily life and ancient traditions of the locals, including the fascinating art of eagle hunting. As the sun sets, return to Almaty for dinner and wrap up the day.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Get closer to nature with a visit to the stunning Big Almaty Lake, situated high in the mountains, with breathtaking views and crystal clear waters. Enjoy a unique lunch at the nearby observatory, where the sky opens up to a starry show. The day continues at a local falcon farm, where the Golden Eagle Show will mesmerize you with its falconry skills. As the sun sets, return to Almaty for a farewell dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast
As your 11-day Kazakhstan journey comes to an end, enjoy the last moments of this amazing experience. After breakfast, transfer to the airport and the adventure is over. Whether you go home or continue to explore Central Asia, you'll carry with you a treasure trove of memories, stories and a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan's history and nature.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driven by a desire to reveal Kazakhstan’s scale and variety, this expedition journeys from the futuristic architecture of Nur-Sultan to the mountain serenity of Big Almaty Lake, threading together steppe horizons, alpine scenery, and living culture. It is designed to show how modern Kazakhstan sits alongside deep history, with landscapes that change dramatically from region to region.
Inspired by the country’s legacy as a crossroads of ideas and trade, the route echoes the spirit of exploration that once animated the Silk Road. Along the way, you encounter places shaped by centuries of movement and empire, including the enduring historical imprint associated with figures such as Genghis Khan and the cultures that followed.
From sacred sites such as Kazygurt Holy Mount to the spiritual heritage of Turkestan and the wild beauty of Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the journey balances landmark moments with quieter, authentic encounters. Canyon walks, lake viewpoints, and village life add texture beyond the headline sights.
This tour suits travellers drawn to culture, nature, and adventure, with an emphasis on thoughtful pacing and responsible travel. The aim is simple: meaningful discovery—without haste, and with respect for the places and communities that make Kazakhstan extraordinary.
Expect a journey that balances Kazakhstan’s bold modern identity with deep southern heritage and standout landscapes. In Nur-Sultan, discover a futuristic skyline of symbolic architecture, from the Astana-Baiterek monument to the Temple of Peace and Accord. In the south, spiritual traditions come into focus at Turkestan’s Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the legendary Kazygurt Holy Mount near Shymkent, where myth, nature, and faith intersect. Nature then takes centre stage at Charyn Canyon’s Valley of Castles. The expedition finishes in Almaty with leafy boulevards, local cuisine, and mountain air around Big Almaty Lake.
INTRODUCTION TO KAZAKHSTAN: Kazakhstan, the beating heart of Central Asia, is a vast country where ancient history and modern ambition meet across dramatic distances. Shaped by centuries of Silk Road exchange, it pairs warm hospitality with a strong sense of place—nomadic traditions, regional cuisines, and a proud contemporary identity. Landscapes shift from open steppe and semi-desert to the snow-capped Tien Shan, creating a destination made for travellers who enjoy variety and space. Cities such as Nur-Sultan and Almaty showcase innovation and culture, while the south reveals older spiritual centres. It is an ideal choice for curious explorers.
NATURAL WONDERS OF KAZAKHSTAN: Kazakhstan’s natural wonders are among Central Asia’s most memorable, offering a tapestry of mountains, canyons, lakes, and wide-open valleys. The Tien Shan rise sharply above alpine meadows, while Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake bring cool forest scenery and mirror-like water. Charyn Canyon reveals striking geology, with the Valley of Castles carved by wind and time. In protected areas such as Altyn Emel National Park, landscapes range from steppe to sand, creating excellent conditions for wildlife watching and photography. Whether you explore by vehicle, short walks, or longer hikes, local guides add context and help you travel responsibly.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SILK ROAD: The Silk Road left a deep imprint on Kazakhstan, turning the region into a crossroads between China, Persia, and Europe for trade, ideas, and faith. That legacy is still visible in southern Kazakhstan, where historic towns and pilgrimage sites carry centuries of cultural exchange. Turkestan’s Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO-listed landmark, anchors this heritage with its scale, craftsmanship, and spiritual importance. In Almaty, leafy avenues, markets, and landmarks reveal later layers of history, from imperial-era influences to modern nationhood. Travelling through these sites connects the country’s past to its confident present, adding meaning beyond the scenery.
Prices From
The Grand Kazakhstan Exploration
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in British pounds (GBP) and are subject to change. Please refer to the terms and conditions of this trip for further details.
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Travel across Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on this expertly guided 17-day Central Asia group tour. Follow the Silk Road through legendary cities, mountain valleys and desert landscapes, with opportunities for hiking and trekking in spectacular natural settings. Discover ancient monuments and UNESCO-listed landmarks, enjoy yurt stays and family hospitality, and experience bazaars and traditional crafts. A richly immersive Central Asia expedition blending culture, history and nature.
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Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
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Join a small group adventure from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan along the Silk Road on this 17-day guided journey through Central Asia. Explore historic cities, Silk Road cities and Islamic monuments, from Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara to vibrant bazaars and artisan towns. Travel through scenic valleys, mountain landscapes and alpine lakes, combining culture, nature and shared experiences. Stay in comfortable hotels, basic accommodation and traditional guest houses, with expert leadership throughout.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
