DAY 1 – ASTANA | Arrival

Astana - Independence Square
Astana’s main square is a hub for national celebrations and events. Notable features include the Kazakh Eli Monument with the mythical Samruk bird, surrounded by significant landmarks such as the Palace of Independence, Palace of Peace and Accord, Hazret Sultan Mosque, National Museum, and other cultural sites.
Triumphal Arch “Mangilik El”
This symbolic monument commemorates 20 years of Kazakhstan’s independence, with its 20-meter height representing each year of sovereignty.
Lunch at a local restaurant Photo stop:
• Ak Orda Presidential Residence (exterior)
• Bayterek Tower – Astana’s main symbol, representing renewal and growth.
Hotel check-in at 16:00
Free time.
Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight in Astana.

ASTANA → SHYMKENT → OTRAR → TURKESTAN

Shymkent - Packed breakfast at hotel 06:00 Transfer to Astana Airport
09:50 Arrival in Shymkent, meeting with guide
Shymkent City Tour
Shymkent, the third largest city in Kazakhstan, is one of the country’s oldest cities, established in the 12th century along the historic Silk Road trade routes.
Highlights:
• Historical Museum of South Kazakhstan
• The largest mosque in Southern Kazakhstan (exterior/interior)
• Ayna Bazaar – a vibrant traditional market with local products
Lunch at a local restaurant
Otrar Archaeological Site
Afternoon transfer to the ancient city of Otrar (Farab), a key Silk Road trading center and former capital of Tamerlane’s empire. The site showcases remains of a highly developed city with irrigation systems, pottery workshops, and baths. Today, Otrar is an open-air museum listed on the UNESCO Tentative List.
Visits include:
• Archaeological excavations of Otrar
• Shaulder Museum with excavation findings
• Arystan Bab Mausoleum (en route)

TURKESTAN → ALMATY

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi - Breakfast at hotel
08:00 Check-out from the hotel
Meeting with the guide and start of the city tour.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO)
Visit the most significant historical monument in Kazakhstan – the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Complex (14th century), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex includes the mausoleum, citadel, ancient bathhouses, fortress walls, and Juma Mosque. The mausoleum itself is a masterpiece of medieval architecture with more than 30 rooms and halls.
Lunch
14:30 Transfer to Turkestan Airport
18:00 Arrival in Almaty Dinner at a local restaurant
Transfer to hotel, check-in.
Overnight in Almaty

ALMATY → CHARYN CANYON → KOLSAY LAKE

Charyn Canyon National Park - Breakfast at hotel
Check-out from Almaty hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Charyn Canyon (250 km / approx. 3 hours)
Charyn Canyon
Visit one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural landmarks, located within Charyn National Park (est. 2004). The park protects rare geological formations and endangered wildlife. The area is also home to the unique Sogdian ash grove, a natural monument dating back millions of years and protected under UNESCO.
14:00 Lunch at a local restaurant
Kolsay Lakes – Lake 1
Transfer to Kolsay Lakes, a group of three alpine lakes in the Kungey Alatau Mountains, listed among the most beautiful natural sites in Kazakhstan. Visit the First (Lower) Kolsay Lake, located at 1,800 m above sea level.
Check-in at Kolsay Hotel or similar Dinner in Saty village
Overnight near Kolsay Lakes

KOLSAY LAKE → KAINDY LAKE → ALMATY

Malyye Kaindy Lake - Breakfast at hotel
Check-out.
09:30 – 13:00 Kaindy Lake
Visit Kaindy Lake, a unique natural attraction famous for its submerged forest. The trunks of flooded trees rise above the crystal-clear, icy water, creating an unforgettable landscape.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch at a local restaurant
14:30 Transfer to Almaty (300 km / approx. 4 hours) 19:00 – 20:00 Dinner
21:30 Check-in at hotel
Overnight in Almaty

ALMATY → ALTYN-EMEL NP → BASSHY VILLAGE

Altyn-Emel National Park - 08:00 Transfer to Altyn-Emel State National Nature Park by Mercedes Sprinter; sightseeing inside the park by local jeeps.
Altyn-Emel National Park
Located in Almaty Province, Altyn-Emel National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Kazakhstan. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, sandy deserts, sandstone formations, and vast steppes. Among its main highlights are the Singing Dune, Aktau Mountains, and Katutau Mountains.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch in Basshy village
Katutau Mountains
The Katutau volcanic mountains. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, the solidified lava has created unusual shapes, making Katutau a unique natural monument.
Aktau Mountains
The Aktau Mountains, also known as the “White Mountains,” form an open-air geological museum. Although they appear white from afar, their canyons reveal colorful rock layers, towers, and dry valleys filled with calcite crystals.
19:00 Arrival in Basshy village. Check-in. Dinner at the guesthouse

BASSHY → ALMATY

Altyn-Emel National Park - Breakfast at hotel
Check-out.
08:00 – 12:00 Singing Dune, Altyn-Emel NP
Visit the famous Singing Dune, a unique natural phenomenon producing sounds when the sand moves under the wind, ranging from a soft hum to organ-like tones.
13:00 – 14:00 Lunch in Basshy village
14:30 Transfer to Almaty (300 km / approx. 4 hours) 19:00 Arrival in Almaty
19:30 – 20:30 Dinner
21:30 Check-in at hotel
Overnight in Almaty

ALMATY CITY TOUR

Almaty - Breakfast at hotel
08:30 – 14:00 Sightseeing tour
City tour starting from the hotel, introducing the history and development of Almaty. Visit the main landmarks, including the Central State Museum, Presidential Residence (exterior), Republic Square with the Independence Monument, Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre, and central city squares. The tour continues through the historic part of the city with 19th-century Vernensky buildings, Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, and the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch at a local restaurant
15:30 – 17:00 Kok-Tobe Hill
Cable car ride to Kok-Tobe, offering panoramic views of Almaty. Time for a walk in the park and souvenir shopping.

ALMATY → ASTANA

Almaty - Breakfast at hotel
Alma-Arasan Gorge
Visit the scenic Alma-Arasan Gorge, located in the mountains southwest of Almaty. Time to enjoy fresh alpine air, natural surroundings, and beautiful views.
Alma-Arasan Hot Springs
Stop at the Alma-Arasan hot springs, known for their sulfur mineral water and relaxing, healing properties.
Falcon Show – Sunkar Falconry
Visit Sunkar Falconry with a traditional falcon show, presenting trained birds of prey and the ancient art of falconry.
Dinner at a local restaurant 18:00 Transfer to the airport
Flight to Astana
Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Astana

ASTANA CITY TOUR

Astana - Breakfast at hotel
Hazret Sultan Mosque
Visit Hazret Sultan Mosque, the second largest mosque in Astana, built in traditional Islamic style and named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a renowned Sufi thinker and poet.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Visit the iconic Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also known as the Pyramid, built in 2006 to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Stop at Khan Shatyr, a futuristic shopping and entertainment complex shaped like a giant tent and one of the main landmarks of Astana.
Astana Opera
Photo stop at Astana Opera, a grand theater opened in 2013, symbolizing the cultural life of the capital.
Dinner at a local restaurant
Return to hotel. Overnight in Astana

DEPARTURE

Astana - Packed breakfast
Goodbye picture
Transfer to the airport

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

• Travel insurance

Embark on an 11-day tour to discover Kazakhstan’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. From the lively squares of Astana to the historic Silk Road sites in Turkestan, and the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lakes, this tour offers an immersive experience into Central Asia’s core. Delight in local cuisine, explore UNESCO sites with guided tours, and witness the remarkable Singing Dune phenomenon. This tour is ideal for adventurers and culture lovers, providing numerous opportunities to explore Kazakhstan’s diverse heritage and stunning scenery.

• Explore the renowned Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and Charyn Canyon.
• Participate in guided tours in Astana, Almaty, Turkestan, and Shymkent.
• Relish traditional meals at local eateries throughout the trip.
• Includes hotel stays and transportation in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.