Classic Kazakhstan Tour

Tour to Kazakhstan: The Main Tourist Attractions and Nomad Traditions

 

Country: Kazakhstan View route map »»
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Best time to travel: April - October
Itinerary: Almaty - Big Almaty Lake - Charyn National Park - Kazakh Ethno village - Almaty -
- Turkestan - Otrar - Shymkent - Astana

Tour to Kazakhstan: The Main Tourist Attractions and Nomad Traditions

The itinerary of this classical tour of Kazakhstan includes visits to the country’s main cities, remarkable historical and cultural places and the most beautiful natural attractions.

The travellers will explore the south and north of Kazakhstan, visit the country’s two capitals - the phenomenal modern city of Astana and the ‘southern capital’ Almaty - and discover Kazakh nomadic culture in a traditional Ethno village, where they acquaint themselves closely with the local lifestyle and customs and partake of some authentic Kazakh food.

This Kazakhstan tour will contain elements of a jeep tour and outdoor activities, as the only possible means to get to the Charyn National Park is in an off-road vehicle, while a walk amidst the grandiose canyons in the Valley of Castles will grant you with plenty of unforgettable impressions. The historical cities of Turkistan, Otrar and Shymkent in the south of Kazakhstan are famous for their ancient fortresses and archaeological sites, old mausoleums, medieval architecture and sacred religious places, while Tian Shan mountains around Almaty are rich in most beautiful natural objects and unique panoramas.

This optimally designed itinerary comprises the most significant things to see in Kazakhstan for 10 days!

  • Itinerary
    Services & Cost
  • Useful Information

 

Tour Program:
Day 1. Almaty, arrival.
Arrival in Almaty. Meet at the airport and further transfer to the hotel for accommodation and rest.
After breakfast start of the sightseeing tour in Almaty. Visit the following sites: Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers; the Ascension Cathedral - Russian Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in XX century; Museum of musical instruments. Further visit of another tourist site of Almaty - Green Bazaar (food tasting including). After lunch time continuation of the city tour: visit Ili Alatau mountains and the local National Park - main attraction of this place is Medeo skating rink, located at the height of 1,690 meters. Another attraction of the same place is Shymbulak - a popular mountain resort with high-level equipment and infrastructure. The last point of Almaty city tour will be Kok Tobe park, located at the height of 1100 meters on the green hill. From here it will be possible to take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes admire the magnificent panoramic view of the city. Further transfer to the hotel in Almaty. Rest and overnight.

Almaty

Day 2. Almaty - Big Almaty Lake - Almaty (road transfer, 30 km in both directions). After breakfast transfer out of the city to visit a beautiful mountain reservoir in the Ili Alatau National Park, located on the altitude of 2511 meters, named Big Almaty Lake. En route we drive across the city’s main sites: the Railway Station, Abai Square and Palace Republic, Opera and ballet theatre, Astana Square, Sport Palace, Central Stadium, Kazakh Circus, Wedding Palace, Auezov Drama Theatre, Almaty Towers, and Nurlytau Business Center. Further transfer to the region of the lake after the sightseeing. Slight hiking in the surroundings on arrival. On the back to the city visit the complex of “Sunkar” (local falcon farm) and watch the demonstrative show there with participation of the birds. Further transfer to the hotel - en route visit the Park of the First President. Overnight in Almaty.

Almaty

Day 3. Almaty - Charyn National Park - Kazakh Ethno village (road transfer, 450 km).
Breakfast at the hotel and further transfer to Charyn Canyon by jeeps (because of the difficult conditions of the road and the length of the transfer). Charyn canyon is one of the most popular and magnificent natural attractions of Kazakhstan, located in 220 km from Almaty. The canyon is also called as a “small brother” of American Grand Canyon - in Kazakhstan it is smaller, but, nevertheless, very beautiful, and surrounded by old mystery legends. The main attraction of Charyn is the Valley of Castles, where we make a 40-minutes hike - trail goes inside the canyon and leads to Charyn river. After exploring the canyon transfer back to Almaty with further drive to Kazakh Ethno Village, named “Huns”. The village is located in 35 km from Almaty. This place will get acquainted all the guests with the Kazakh’s inimitable culture, hospitality and traditions of local people. On arrival accommodation in yurts, dinner and overnight.

Charyn National Park

Day 4. Kazakh Ethno village - Almaty (road transfer, 100 km).
After breakfast continuation of exploring the village and the traditions of Kazakh local residents, their culture and traditions. The entertaining program in the village includes:
  • Show of felt craft and a close look at the yurts with every detail described;
  • Performance of “Besikke salu” or “Tusau kesu” rituals, which are still actual in Kazakh families;
  • Horse games like “Kyz kuu” - when young man is chasing a girl to kiss her while riding a horse, and “atpen audaryspak” - wrestling of two young men on horseback;
  • Traditional dances and music, where guests will be shown moves and take part in group flash mob;
  • Master class of cooking “baursak” - traditional Kazakh pastry
After lunch in national style return to Almaty. Accommodation at the hotel and overnight.

Kazakh Ethno village

Day 5. Almaty - Turkestan (night train).
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out at 12:00. Free time in Almaty. Meet the driver at 18:00 and transfer to the railway station for further transfer to Turkestan by night train (19:00-08:00 - schedule is a subject to change). Overnight in train.

Turkestan

Day 6. Turkestan.
Upon arrival in Turkestan in the morning, meet at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and breakfast. Meet the guide at the hall of the hotel and start of the sightseeing tour in Turkestan. Visit the Mausoleum of Khodja Ahmet Yassawi - one of the main places of worship in Islam and the part of UNESCO Heritage. Further visit of the ancient city of Sauran - former powerful fortification, surrounded by gardens and cultivated land. Return to the hotel in Turkestan in the evening. Rest and overnight.

Turkestan

Day 7. Turkestan - Otrar - Shymkent (road transfer, 270 km).
Today we make a trip to Shymkent via Otrar ancient city. Being a part of the ancient Silk Road, this place attracts many history-lovers from different parts of the world. En route to Shymkent visit Museum in the Shaulder village and Mausoleum of Arystan-bab of XII century - one of Muslim shrines in Central Asia that is also famous as pilgrimage place for Muslims. Upon arrival in Shymkent drive to visit the cave of Akmeshit - its length is of 25 meters and the ancient legend says, that it used to be a shelter for up to 10 thousand warriors. Return to Shymkent, accommodation at the hotel and overnight.

Otrar

Day 8. Shymkent - Astana (morning flight).
After breakfast transfer to the airport for further flight to Astana. Arrival in Astana in the afternoon. Meet the local guide and start the half-day city tour around the city. Visit the following sites: Independence Square, where all modern sites are located (Palace of Independence, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, National Museum, Hazret Sultan mosque). After that proceed to visit another modern masterpiece and the symbol of Astana - the Baiterek Monument. 97-meters tower will be able to demonstrate its guests panoramic view of the city. Transfer to the hotel in the evening. Accommodation and overnight.

Astana

Day 9. Astana .
Breakfast at the hotel. Meet the guide and driver. In the morning we make a day trip to Alzhir - Memorial Museum of Victims of Political Repressions, located in 45 km to the west from Astana. Return in Astana in the afternoon and visit Nur Alem center - the first scientific and hi-tech museum in Kazakhstan. In the evening visit the shopping center of Khan Shatyr - one of the new symbols of capital, the first and only lifestyle center of Astana. Return to the hotel. Rest and overnight.

Astana

Day 10. Astana, departure.
Transfer to the airport. Departure from Astana.

Astana

Cost includes:

  • Accommodation at the hotels of 3* or 4* (mentioned below, or in similar, but of the same category) in double/twin rooms with breakfasts, including early check-in at the hotel in Almaty on day 1 - check-in after 06:00. Check-in at other hotels - at 14:00; check-out - at 12:00;
  • Accommodation in yurts in Kazakh ethno village on sharing basis (no WC/shower inside the yurt; all facilities are outside; one yurt is for 4 persons);
  • Meals - breakfasts for each day of the tour, 1 lunch at Charyn Canyon, 1 lunch and dinner at Huns village;
  • Services of English-speaking local guides for city tours only (from 10 persons - accompanying guide for the whole tour will be provided);
  • Entrance fees at museums and historical parks mentioned in the program, including ecological fees;
  • Railway transfer of “Almaty-Turkestan” destination (2-birth compartment);
  • Transportation services on comfortable air-conditioned vehicles (sedan cars or minibuses - depending on the number of tourists in a group);
  • Mineral water for each day of the tour;

Cost does not include:

  • International flights;
  • Internal flight of “Shymkent-Astana” destination - from 100-150 USD/per person (subject to change);
  • Visa and visa invitation fee to Kazakhstan;
  • Meals (except mentioned).

Additional costs (upon request):

  • Visa invitation to Kazakhstan - 65 USD/per person (if necessary);
  • Supplement for meals on full board basis (7 lunches and 7 dinners) - 230 USD/per person/for the whole tour;

Hotels
We choose the most conveniently located and reputable hotels for our customers to stay at. The list of the hotels we offer is below. However, due to seasonal conditions and group size this list is subject to change.
- Hotels 3* - cozy private hotels, with traditional national interiors in many of them, providing all the necessary facilities for comfortable stays; notable for very warm hosting and home-like atmosphere.
- Hotels 4* - very comfortable hotels providing excellent facilities and services; mainly located in or near city centers.

The tour comes with the following accommodation:

City Hotels 3* Hotels 4*
Almaty Kazakhstan Hotel 3*
or similar
Kazzhol Hotel 4*
or similar
“Huns” Village Yurts
or similar
Yurts
or similar
Turkestan Turkestan Hotel 3*
or similar
Khanaka Hotel 4*
or similar
Shymkent Dostyk Hotel 3*
or similar
Aidana Plaza Hotel 4*
or similar
Astana Ibis Hotel 3*
or similar
Kazzhol Hotel 4*
or similar

Transportation
On this route will be used the following type of transport (depending on the number of people in a group):

Group Type of transport
Group of 1-2 Sedan car for 3 seats
Group of 3-7 Mercedes Sprinter or Huyndai Starex or Mitsubishi Delica minibuses for 10 seats
Group of 8-14 Minibus for 18 seats
Group of 15+ Bus for 45 seats

Photos of the tour:

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