A 5-Day Journey Through Astana and Almaty

Arrive at Astana International Airport at 02:50, where you will be warmly welcomed by your local guide. After passing through border control and collecting your luggage, you will be transferred to your hotel to check in and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

After breakfast, your day of exploration begins with a comprehensive sightseeing tour from 11:00 to 19:00, showcasing Astana’s most fascinating landmarks. First, you will visit the National Museum, which is the largest museum in Kazakhstan, housing impressive exhibitions on ancient history, ethnography, and the history of the Kazakh people. It’s an essential introduction to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Next, you will explore Hazret Sultan Mosque, the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers. The mosque’s design draws from the rich traditions of Oriental palaces, making it a stunning architectural piece.

Then, head to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, an extraordinary pyramid-shaped structure designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. This building is famed for its proportions based on the golden ratio, measuring 62 meters in height and length. It stands as a symbol of Astana’s commitment to peace and unity.

Afterward, visit the Baiterek Monument, one of Astana’s most iconic symbols. Standing at 97 meters tall, the monument offers spectacular panoramic views of the city from its observation deck, which is reached by a fast lift.

To round off your day, head to Khan Shatyr, an architectural marvel that serves as a lifestyle and shopping center. Shaped like a massive tent, it is the largest structure of its kind in the world and a perfect representation of Astana’s modern aspirations.

Overnight in Astana, with breakfast included the following morning.

After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will head to ALZHIR (Akmola Camp for Wives of Traitors of the Motherland), located about 45 km outside of Astana. This museum is dedicated to the wives and families of political prisoners who were exiled during the Stalin era. The camp is a haunting reminder of the brutal repression faced by Soviet citizens, and a place for reflection on this dark chapter of history.

Following this moving experience, you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Nur Alem Center, a high-tech museum located in the world’s largest spherical building, with a diameter of 80 meters and a height of 100 meters. This museum, which was part of the legacy of Expo 2017, is dedicated to the future of energy, showcasing exhibits on solar, wind, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. The museum’s eight floors take you on a journey through the possibilities of energy and technology in the future.

In the evening, you will be transferred to Astana International Airport for a flight to Almaty at 20:35. You will arrive at Almaty International Airport at 22:15, where you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight stay.

After breakfast at your hotel, a full day of sightseeing awaits you in Almaty. Starting at 10:00, your first stop will be the Park of 28 Panfilov Soldiers, a park dedicated to the soldiers of WWII. The park’s memorials pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifices made by the soldiers, and you will also see the Ascension Cathedral, a wooden Russian Orthodox church that miraculously survived a powerful earthquake in the 20th century.

Just a short walk away is the Museum of Musical Instruments, which houses an impressive collection of over 1,000 musical instruments from different eras, including rare examples from the 17th century. This museum is an excellent place to delve into the country’s musical heritage.

Next, explore the lively Green Bazaar, where you will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling market. It is the perfect spot to experience the vibrant culture of Kazakhstan, as the market is home to a wide variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and handicrafts from across Central Asia.

After lunch at a local restaurant, your afternoon will take you to the Ili Alatau National Park, where you will visit two famous sites—Medeo and Shymbulak. Medeo is the highest ice-skating rink in the world, and Shymbulak is a premier ski resort located at an elevation of 2,260 meters. These attractions are set in the stunning surroundings of the Ili Alatau Mountains, offering magnificent views and outdoor activities year-round.

Finally, take a scenic ride up to Kok Tobe, a hilltop park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters, accessible by a comfortable cable car. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire city, including the surrounding mountains. After this final stop, you’ll return to your hotel for the evening.

After an early breakfast, you will depart from Almaty for a day trip to the stunning Charyn Canyon, located 200 km from the city. The journey will take you through picturesque landscapes, and upon arrival, you will embark on a Jeep tour to explore the canyon in depth, visiting some of its most breathtaking sites.

The highlight of the tour is the Valley of Castles, where you will witness dramatic rock formations resembling ancient castles. The hike into the canyon is leisurely but awe-inspiring, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this UNESCO-listed site.

Next, you’ll explore the Lunar Canyon, a truly otherworldly landscape full of small waterfalls and rocky paths. The trek through the canyon includes various stops at viewing points offering magnificent vistas of the surrounding wilderness.

After lunch, you will continue your exploration, visiting other striking locations within the canyon, including the Stone Shelf, Napoleon, and Austrian View, before returning to Almaty in the late afternoon.

After a relaxing breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Almaty International Airport for your flight back home. This marks the end of your 5-day journey, filled with unforgettable experiences and memories from the two capitals of Kazakhstan.