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Landscapes and legendsExplore Kazakhstan
Overland through the giant of Central Asia
Destinations
Nur-Sultan (Astana), Astana, Charyn Canyon, Altyn Emel National Park, Turkestan
Activity
Nature & Wildlife, Culture & History
Tour Type
Group tour
Physical Level
Easy
Season
January - December
Good to know
- Operated by Kalpak Travel, the leading Central Asia specialists
- Small group tour: max 12 people
- Guaranteed departures
- Expert local guides
- 24/7 support
Kazakhstan is a country undergoing rapid change, but also where old traditions are valued alongside modern practices. Kazakhstan’s booming Soviet-era and contemporary cities are surfing a mining and oil-funded wave, while the country’s mighty landscapes will capture both your imagination and your heart with some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the region. Yet amidst such change the country has kept sight of its nomadic roots, and the warm welcome to visitors that has characterised Kazakh hospitality for centuries.
Tour itinerary
What you'll see and do
Day 1
Arrival to Almaty
You’ll arrive bright and early for your first day in Kazakhstan. After checking into your hotel you’ll have the opportunity to relax and unwind before a guided tour of the city. Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is the country’s business and education centre. Head on a tour of the city’s most memorable sights, including Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar and Zenkov Cathedral. The Cathedral was built in 1904 without a single metal nail, and is still one of the world’s tallest wooden structures today.
Where you'll stay
Hotel Kazzhol
A modern hotel in the heart of the city with free WiFi, an indoor swimming pool and traditional Kazakhstan cuisine.
Hotel Kazzhol
Day 2
Almaty – Altyn Emel
After an early breakfast your guide will take you to Altyn Emel, a national park outside of Almaty. You’ll stop for lunch at the small village of Basshi and drive onto the ‘singing dunes’, which rise 150m high and stretch for 3km. En route to your hotel you’ll visit a nomad banya to experience a traditional sauna.
Day 3
Altyn Emel – Charyn Canyon – Almaty
Charyn Canyon is one of the most famous natural sights in the country, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the US (though much smaller in size). This canyon is known for its unusual rock formations. You’ll walk down to the river and have a picnic lunch before driving back to Almaty for dinner.
Day 4
Almaty – Medeo & Shymbulak – Big Almaty Lake – Shymkent
A jam-packed day of adventure before an evening flight to Shymkent. First you’ll head to Medao and Shymbulak - the sports ground that hosted the 2011 Asian Winter Games - before driving onto Big Almaty Lake, a natural alpine reservoir located in the Ile-Alatau National Park. In the evening you’ll fly onto Shykent, arriving in time for a late dinner.
Where you'll stay
Hotel Shymkent
A modern, comfortable hotel in the heart of Shykent. Just moments from Abay Park and local shopping attractions, it’s a great place to do some souvenir shopping.
Hotel Shymkent
Day 5
Shymkent – Turkestan – Shymkent
Another long drive, but the views will be worth it. Your guide will take you to Turkestan, a 1,500-year-old city home to many famous monuments. Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, which boasts the largest dome in Central Asia. As Kazakhstan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a great place to soak in the local history.
Day 6
Shymkent – Astana
After breakfast you’ll take a short flight to Astana, Central Asia’s youngest capital city. Brimming with 21st century architecture by the likes of Norman Foster, this contemporary and futuristic city is unlike anything else you’ll have seen in Kazakhstan. Visit Independence Square, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Baiterek Tower, Nurzhol Boulevard and Khan Shatyr before an evening light-show at Ishim River.
Where you'll stay
Kazzhol Hotel
Stunning views. Located in the centre of town, you’ll never be far away from the great selection of shops, restaurants and museums.
Kazzhol Hotel
Day 7
Astana museums
With so much to see and do in Astana, a second day in the city is definitely required. Your guide will take you to the Memorial Museum Alzhir, the National Museum and the Museum of the Future to learn more about the past, present and future of the region.
Day 8
Departure
After one final breakfast and a chance to say goodbye to your travelling companions you'll transfer back to the airport for your flight home.
Upcoming departures
| Departing | Returning | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Jul 2020 | 11 Jul 2020 | Enquire | |
| 1 Aug 2020 | 8 Aug 2020 | Enquire | |
| More dates available | Enquire | ||
Looking for a different date?
Not sure when you're travelling yet? Looking for a different date? Contact Kalpak Travel for more information.
EnquireGood to know
- Operated by Kalpak Travel, the leading Central Asia specialists
- Small group tour: max 12 people
- Guaranteed departures
- Expert local guides
- 24/7 support
Tour inclusions
Get in touch now for more details
 |
Accommodation |
Eight nights in carefully-selected, quality assured hotels. |
|
Guided excursions |
Expert, English-speaking guides and fully escorted tours in every destination. |
|
Accommodation |
Full board (8 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners). |
|
Ground transfers |
All road transport and airport/hotel transfers. |
Testimonials
What people are saying about Kalpak Travel
Spencer, Australia
01/11/2018
The guides in each city spoke excellent English and were extremely informative on all aspects of Central Asia. In Almaty, we were invited to have dinner at our tour guide's home. The food was fabulous and we had a wonderful evening. We were very lucky to have Kalpak Travel as our tour company which exceeded our expectations with flying colours. We highly recommend Kalpak Travel if you are planning a hassle-free tour of Central Asia.
Kasia, Poland
01/09/2018
If you're looking for a place off the beaten track for a holiday, I strongly recommend going to Kazkhstan. We visited Astana, Almaty and with Kalpak Travel we had a chance to visit amazing places as the Singing Dunes, Charyn Canion, Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes. For 3 days we had a rare possibility to admire the beauty of nature of Kazkhstan. The trip organised by Kalpak was excellent, the guides appeared to be very friendly and caring people, I think it would be almost impossible to organise everything on our own. Thanks Kalpak team and your team in Kazakhstan to make our memories unforgettable.
Days
8
From only
€1,590 pp
Request a detailed itinerary
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Why Horizon Guides?
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Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for reliable and impartial travel advice.
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We curate exceptional trips in underrated places, organised by the very best tour operators who live and breathe their destinations and are passionate about authentic, responsible tourism.
Give back to mother nature
We'll plant 50 trees for every trip booked via the Horizon Guides site in partnership with the International Tree Foundation, who carry out sustainable community forestry projects in Africa.
