Classic Kazakhstan Tour
Tour to Kazakhstan 2025: The Main Tourist Attractions and Nomad Traditions
| Country: | Kazakhstan | View route map »» |
| Tour length: | 8 days / 7 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Almaty – Charyn Canyon – Huns ethno village – Turkestan – Otrar – Astana | |
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 Turkestan, 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 itinerary 2025: | ||
| Day 1. | Arrival in Almaty. Arrival in Almaty early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel for check-in and to rest after the flight. Breakfast at the hotel. 11:00 Start of the sightseeing tour in Almaty. On this day, you will visit the city’s old center and explore some of the main sites that highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is the Park of 28 Panfilov Soldiers, named after the division formed during WWII from men of the Almaty region under the command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park is popular among locals and visitors. Inside the park, you will find the eternal flame, memorials to various heroic figures, the Ascension Cathedral – an Orthodox wooden church that miraculously withstood a strong earthquake in the 20th century – and the Museum of Musical Instruments, where you can admire a collection of over 1,000 exhibits, including rare items dating back to the 17th century. Just a short walk away, you can enjoy another tourist attraction of Almaty – the "Green Bazaar" or Green Market. This is a perfect place to experience a true Eastern market. Here, we can taste local foods, bargain, and, of course, buy delicious local products at very reasonable prices. Then we will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will visit the city’s main attraction – the Ili Alatau Mountains. The Ili Alatau National Park was founded in 1996. The park spans 120 km, with a total area of 202,292 hectares. The altitude varies from 600 to 5,000 meters. Medeo is an essential part of the Ili Alatau Park and a key historical site in Almaty’s development. Located at an altitude of 1,690 meters, the Medeo skating rink is the highest skating rink in the world. However, our main destination is Shymbulak – a mountain resort located at an elevation of 2,260 meters above sea level. In the 1950s, skiers used to climb the mountain for 3 hours to enjoy a 15-minute descent. Our final stop for the day is Kok Tobe Park – located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on a green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on the comfortable cable car, and within 10 minutes, you will be able to admire a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Once we come down from the hill, we will return to the hotel. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Almaty, day trip to Charyn National Park. Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will have an early breakfast as we embark on a long journey to one of the “must-see” destinations in Kazakhstan, especially when visiting Almaty. 08:00 Transfer to Charyn Canyon (lunch boxes included). Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most renowned and breathtaking natural landmarks, located 220 kilometers from Almaty. Often referred to as the "younger sibling" of the Grand Canyon in the USA, Charyn stretches for 154 kilometers and boasts unique and unparalleled beauty. The canyon is surrounded by intriguing myths and legends, such as tales of “witches,” “red wolves,” and the mysterious “road to hell.” While the origins of these stories remain unknown, the canyon’s extraordinary atmosphere and energy captivate every visitor. You’ll feel its majesty the moment you see the towering rock formations and immerse yourself in its serene environment. After leaving Almaty, we’ll drive for 3-4 hours before turning off the main road onto the route that leads to the Valley of Castles - the canyon’s most famous attraction. Panoramic View – Valley of Castles at Charyn Canyon We’ll park at the designated area near the descent into the Valley of Castles. From here, bring a bottle of water and join us for a leisurely 50-minute walk (2 km one way) into the gorge, leading to the Charyn River. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights about the unique geology and history of the canyon. Once we reach the river, you’ll enjoy lunch surrounded by the spectacular panoramic views of the canyon. After taking in the natural beauty and capturing memories, we’ll prepare for our return journey to Almaty. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 3. | Almaty, trip to Huns ethno village. Almaty - Shymkent by a night train Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out. Transfer to the Kazakh Ethno Village “Huns” The ethno-village is an ideal destination for those eager to immerse themselves in the nomadic heritage of the Kazakh people. Located about 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar district, it offers a refreshing escape to the mountains, featuring fresh air, horseback riding, and an introduction to traditional Kazakh games and rituals. From the moment you arrive and experience the welcoming ritual, “shashu”, to horseback riding in the mountains, you will be surrounded by Kazakh culture, hospitality, and traditions. Entertainment Program:
Lunch in the traditional style. |
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| Day 4. | Shymkent - Turkestan by road, 170 km . 09:00 Arrival in Shymkent and breakfast. After breakfast, transfer to Turkestan. Upon arrival, we start the city tour. Today, we will visit the region’s main historical site: the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mausoleum was built at the end of the 14th century and has since become one of the main places of worship in Islam. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy a short rest. After that, we will continue the sightseeing tour. You will visit the new Karavansaray complex, where you can enjoy a wide variety of activities: from shows to entertainment, from exciting experiences to events, and from historical venues to modern attractions, all awaiting you to explore and discover Kazakh culture. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel in Turkestan. |
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| Day 5. | Turkestan, trip to Otrar by road, 270 km . After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Otrar, an ancient city. Otrar (also known as Farab) was a significant trading center in the history of Central Asia, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road caravan routes. On the way to Shymkent, you will learn about another prominent historical figure of the region: Arystan-Bab, the spiritual mentor of Khodja Akhmet Yassawi. He was a saintly religious preacher and teacher whose legacy is invaluable, particularly in Sufi philosophy. His greatness is reflected in the fact that his mausoleum remains a revered site for worship and pilgrimage. Transfer back to Turkestan. Overnight in Turkestan. Meals: breakfast. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 6. | Turkestan - Astana by morning flight. After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for a flight to Astana at 11:00. Please note: The flight schedule from Turkestan to Astana is not daily. It is necessary to arrange the departure date in advance. 12:45 Arrival in Astana. After lunchtime, begin sightseeing in Astana: Sightseeing tour in Astana from 15:00 to 20:00. The tour includes:
Enjoy a walk along the Ishim River. Overnight at the hotel. |
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| Day 7. | Astana. Breakfast at the hotel. Sightseeing tour in Astana from 10:00 to 19:00
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| Day 8. | Astana, departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00. Transfer to the International airport for departure. Meals: breakfast. |
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Tour price includes:
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Tour price does not include:
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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 | Grand Sapphire 3* or similar | Kazzhol Hotel 4* or similar |
| Shymkent | Grand 3* or similar | Aidana Plaza 4* or similar |
| Turkestan | Khanaka 3* or similar | Ramada by Wyndham 4* or similar |
| Astana | Ibis Hotel 3* or similar | Wyndham Garden 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 pax | Standard sedan for 3 seats |
| Group of 3–7 pax | Minivan for 10 seats |
| Group of 8–14 pax | Minivan for 18 seats |
| Group of 15+ pax | Coach for 45 seats |
Photos of the tour:
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