Explore Kazakhstan’s Nature, Canyons, Lakes & Ancient Cities

Almaty

Arrive in Almaty city, a vibrant urban hub at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains. Start your adventure with a walking tour of the city, including a visit to Panfilov Park, a cultural and historical landmark known for its monuments, Soviet-era architecture, and the iconic Ascension Cathedral. Continue to a peaceful park and the Central Mosque. Then drive up into the hills to see Medeo, the famous mountain skating rink. Lunch in a local restaurant before visiting the Central Historical Museum to learn about Kazakhstan’s history. In the evening, watch a traditional falcon show and dinner at Kok-Tobe mountain, where you’ll get a stunning view of the city and the mountains.

Almaty

Take a day trip to Tamgaly Tas, a site with ancient rock carvings and Buddha images. These UNESCO-listed petroglyphs are surrounded by dramatic scenery. Lunch by the Ili River. Back in Almaty in the late afternoon, relax before dinner at a famous Indian restaurant. Consider spending some time exploring Almaty's vibrant markets or cultural sites to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. If you’re not full, you can end the night at one of Almaty’s nightclubs to experience the city’s nightlife.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

KOLSAY LAKE

Leave Almaty and head to Kolsay Lake, a beautiful group of alpine lakes in the northern Tien Shan mountains. Stop at Nura village to see traditional falconry and meet Kazakh hunting dogs, part of the country’s nomadic culture. On arrival at Kolsay, check in at your guesthouse in Saty Village, a scenic settlement near the Kolsai Lakes known for its traditional guesthouse experience. Spend the evening with fellow travellers or locals, sharing stories over a home-cooked meal. This mountain retreat is the perfect place to unwind and be in nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast

KOLSAY LAKE

Today is all about Kolsay Lake. There are several hiking trails leading through alpine meadows and forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can enjoy hiking the mountain trails, take a gentle walk, or even horseback ride along the lake. For those seeking a longer adventure, consider hiking to the second lake, which is known for its tranquil beauty and fewer crowds. The scenery is breath-taking – clear blue lakes, pine forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks. Wildlife may appear along the way, and you might even spot wild horses in the area. In the evening, back to your guesthouse, dinner made from local ingredients and enjoy the mountain air as you settle in for the night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHARYN CANYON

Start the day with a trip to Lake Kaindy, famous for its underwater forest and the submerged tree trunks that rise eerily from the water—a unique result of the 1911 earthquake. After taking in the strange sights, head to Charyn Canyon National Park. This huge and colourful canyon stretches over 200 km and is often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon. Walk along the canyon floor and alongside the Charyn River to appreciate the dramatic scenery and panoramic rock formations. Take photos of the rock formations and enjoy the silence of the desert. After a full day outdoors, dinner near the canyon and overnight in a guesthouse near nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast

CHARYN CANYON

Full day excursion to Altyn-Emel National Park, known for its desert landscapes. Walk among the dark red Katutau Mountains and the striped, colourful Aktau Mountains, both found at higher altitudes and shaped by wind and time. These strange and beautiful formations are perfect for photography. The silence of the park and the open spaces are a change of pace. After a full day of discovery, back to your guesthouse near Charyn Canyon. Relaxing evening, thinking about the amazing natural beauty you saw today.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

Back to Altyn-Emel National Park to visit the Singing Dunes. When the wind blows, these tall sand dunes make a deep humming sound, like a drum in the distance. Walk along the ridges, feel the dry air and listen to the dunes singing. In the afternoon, back to Almaty to rest and prepare for the next part of your journey. In the evening, board an overnight train—one of the main forms of public transport connecting major cities in Kazakhstan—to Taraz, a historic city in the south, where ancient stories and archaeological wonders await.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Almaty

BERIKARA GORGE

Arrive in Taraz early and rest at your hotel before heading out to explore the city’s history. Visit the Regional Museum, several ancient mausoleums and underground catacombs with an archaeologist. Lunch and then to the ruins of Akyrtobe, where you’ll see ancient stone structures scattered across the landscape. Then to Berikara Gorge, a peaceful mountain retreat surrounded by untouched nature. This is one of Kazakhstan's rural areas, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustle of the cities. Evening, local food, stars and a restful night in a guesthouse in the gorge.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shymkent

Spend the morning in Berikara Gorge, known for its untouched nature and ancient burial mounds. You can walk, ride horses or fish in this beautiful area. In the afternoon, drive to Shymkent, one of southern Kazakhstan’s largest cities, about 2 hours away. Check in to your hotel and rest. Shymkent is a lively city with parks, markets and cultural landmarks, a nice contrast to the countryside of the past few days.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shymkent

Today you will visit Mount Kazygurt, a legendary place where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed. Climb to the highest point for panoramic views, and then continue to Zhylak ata waterfall, a quiet spot in the hills. Enjoy the sound of the water and nature. During your visit, see a shaman ritual and learn about ancient Kazakh traditions. Back to Shymkent in the evening and dinner at a local restaurant before another comfortable night in the city.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Shymkent

Drive out of Shymkent for a full day to Aksu Canyon. On the way, stop in Sairam, an historic town on the old Silk Road and visit ancient mausoleums along the way. In Aksu Canyon, walk alongside the canyon edge and through the “Valley of a Thousand Eyes” where holes in the rock look like eyes. Enjoy the sweeping views of the Aksu River and the “Black Hole” from the canyon viewpoints. Take your time to have lunch with a view of the canyon and then back to Shymkent for your last night.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Turkestan

Drive to Turkestan, a city rich in history and culture. On the way, stop in Shaulder village to visit a local museum and the ruins of Otrar, an old trading city. See the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab, a Sufi shrine. In Turkestan, visit the nearby ruins of Sauran, an ancient city less than 25 km away. The scattered stones tell the story of Central Asia. Back to Turkestan for dinner and overnight.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Turkestan

Turkestan

Today is dedicated to the spiritual and cultural heart of Turkestan. Visit the architectural complex with the famous Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, underground mosque, old bathhouses and a museum telling the story of the region. These sacred places are pilgrimage and cultural pride of Kazakhstan. Spend your last hours in Turkestan and then board an overnight train to Aralsk. As the train crosses the steppe, prepare for the next part of your journey: the Aral Sea.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Aral Sea

Arrive in Aralsk, once a busy fishing port now left dry by the shrinking Aral Sea. Visit the ship graveyard where rusting boats sit on dry land, a sad reminder of the sea’s disappearance. Drive through the salty desert where the sea once was and enjoy a short camel ride in this unique landscape. In the evening, listen to traditional Kazakh dombra music and if possible, swim in the shallow waters that remain. Overnight in Aralsk and reflect on the story of this place.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Aral Sea

Aral Sea

Today is about the environment and efforts to restore the Aral Sea. Visit the Kokaral Dam and Aklak Spillway, both supported by the World Bank. Learn how these engineering projects are bringing water back to the region and improving local life. You will hear stories of change and resilience from the communities living here. Dinner and then drive to Kzyl Orda in the evening. This is the end of your time by the Aral Sea and prepares you for your last stop in the capital.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Astana

Arrive in Kzyl Orda and continue to Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan’s modern capital. Check in to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure. You can explore the area around your hotel or simply relax and prepare for your last full day of sightseeing. Astana combines futuristic design with rich culture, an exciting place to end your journey in Kazakhstan. Enjoy the calm before tomorrow’s city tour.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Astana

Astana

City tour of Astana (Nur-Sultan). Visit the Museum of the First President to learn about Kazakhstan’s recent history. Stop at a mosque and a synagogue to see how different cultures coexist. Then visit the “Map of Kazakhstan–Atameken,” a large outdoor model of the country’s regions and landmarks. Dinner at the top of the Solaze hotel in a rotating restaurant with a view of the city skyline.

Meals Included: Breakfast

ASTANA - DEPARTURE

Breakfast and check out of the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight home. End of the trip. From mountain lakes and desert canyons to ancient cities and modern wonders, you have seen it all. Safe travels.

Meals Included: Breakfast