Embark on an unforgettable 5-day journey to Almaty, where the soul of Kazakhstan is revealed through its cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm traditions. Our thoughtfully crafted itinerary brings you into the heart of Almaty’s history and the natural splendor that surrounds this dynamic city. Start with a walk through history at the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, paying homage to local WWII heroes and visiting the enchanting Ascension Cathedral, a wooden architectural marvel that survived Almaty’s strongest earthquakes. Get a taste of Kazakh life at the bustling Green Bazaar, sampling delicious local specialties and experiencing the vibrant market culture.
Almaty’s majestic Ili Alatau mountains await, offering a mix of adventure and tranquility. Experience Medeo, the highest skating rink in the world, before exploring Shymbulak’s scenic trails and enjoying panoramic views from Kok Tobe Hill via a picturesque cable car ride. The natural wonders continue on an exhilarating Jeep tour through the stunning Charyn Canyon. More than just a canyon, this geological marvel invites you to explore its unique valleys and breathtaking viewpoints, offering a rich tapestry of sights from the Valley of Castles to the Lunar Canyon’s rugged terrain.
At the Kazakh Ethno Village, dive into Kazakh culture with immersive experiences, from traditional rituals and craft-making to thrilling horseback games. Try your hand at cooking local pastries, enjoy a feast of Kazakh cuisine, and connect with the age-old customs of the Kazakh nomads. With expert guides, local insights, and meticulously organized travel plans, this 5-day Almaty tour promises a vibrant and authentic Kazakh experience that will captivate and inspire. From historical treasures to natural wonders and cultural encounters, this journey is an unforgettable way to discover the true essence of Almaty.
Welcome to Almaty! Upon arrival at Almaty International Airport, you’ll be greeted by your dedicated local guide, who will hold a name sign for easy identification. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you’ll head to your hotel for a comfortable check-in. Settle in and take time to rest for the exciting adventures ahead.
Overnight in Almaty.
After breakfast, set out on a full day of exploration in Almaty, beginning with a visit to the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. This park, honoring Almaty soldiers who fought heroically during WWII under General Ivan Panfilov, features notable memorials, an eternal flame, and the stunning Ascension Cathedral. This remarkable wooden cathedral, built without nails, has withstood the test of time and earthquakes, making it a treasured architectural and spiritual landmark.
Your journey continues with a visit to the Museum of Musical Instruments, located within the park, where you can view over 1,000 rare musical artifacts dating back centuries. A short walk from the park leads you to the vibrant Green Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you’ll experience Almaty’s multicultural flavors and aromas, with diverse foods and goods unique to Kazakhstan.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the beautiful Ili Alatau mountains. Explore the Medeo skating rink, the world’s highest ice rink, which offers views of the surrounding mountains. Ascend further to Shymbulak, Almaty’s premier mountain resort, which started as a ski destination in the 1950s and has since transformed into a modern winter paradise. Finish the day with a visit to Kok Tobe Hill, riding a scenic cable car to the top to enjoy sweeping city views.
Meals included: breakfast.
Fuel up with breakfast before an early departure for a thrilling Jeep tour to Charyn Canyon, approximately 200 kilometers from Almaty. Early arrival ensures time to explore both the iconic Valley of Castles and other lesser-known but equally stunning sections of the canyon. The Jeep’s off-road capabilities allow access to multiple lookout points, including Lunar Canyon and panoramic vistas.
Take a guided walk down the Valley of Castles, a 2-kilometer descent with stops along the way, including a shaded area by the Charyn River, perfect for photos. Continue to Lunar Canyon, renowned for its rock formations, streams, and small waterfalls, creating a landscape that feels otherworldly. Additional stops at notable landmarks like Stone Shelf and Napoleon Rock offer endless photo opportunities.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
After breakfast, embark on a journey to the Kazakh Ethno Village, located about 35 kilometers from Almaty. This living museum provides an authentic taste of Kazakh nomadic heritage, surrounded by picturesque mountains and offering fresh air and beautiful scenery. Upon arrival, experience a traditional “shashu” welcome ceremony, and prepare for a cultural immersion unlike any other.
Highlights of your time here include demonstrations of felt-making and intricate yurt setups, complete with detailed explanations of each component. Participate in or observe traditional Kazakh ceremonies, such as «Besikke salu» (placing a baby in the cradle) and «Tusau kesu» (cutting the baby’s binding ropes), which are still performed in Kazakh households today. Experience exciting equestrian games like «Kyz kuu,» where young men on horseback try to capture a kiss from a girl, and «Atpen audaryspak,» a test of strength where riders attempt to wrestle each other off their horses.
In addition to witnessing these unique cultural traditions, guests can join in cooking a beloved Kazakh treat, baursak (small fried dough squares), and enjoy traditional music and dance performances. Optional horseback riding tours through the nearby mountains offer a chance to connect with Kazakhstan’s natural beauty.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch.
After breakfast, enjoy some final free time for last-minute shopping or city exploration before departing for Almaty International Airport for your onward journey. Depart with incredible memories, new insights into Kazakhstan’s culture and landscapes, and the unique experiences of this immersive Almaty adventure.
Meals included: breakfast.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $1400 | $790 | $750 | $610 | $550 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $1550 | $850 | $850 | $680 | $600 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Breakfasts & (1 lunch box at Charyn Canyon, 1 lunch at ethno-village) Jeep tour to Charyn Canyon Entertaining program at ethno-village
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board
I joined the Discover Almaty tour in early October, and it was unforgettable. The five days were packed with experiences that beautifully showcased Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and nature. The tour of Medeo and Shymbulak in the Ili Alatau Mountains was incredibly scenic. Watching the sunset from Kok Tobe with a view over Almaty was magical! The local market and food stops were also highlights, with delicious and unique dishes that I hadn’t tasted before. My guide was friendly and answered all my questions with great enthusiasm. This tour was the perfect way to experience Almaty and its surrounding beauty. Highly recommended!
This was my first time in Kazakhstan, and the Discover Almaty tour made it unforgettable. Each day was well-organized with activities that balanced culture, nature, and adventure. I was blown away by the Green Bazaar—it’s a perfect spot for souvenirs and trying local delicacies. The Jeep tour to Charyn Canyon was thrilling, and the views were jaw-dropping. Learning about Kazakh traditions at the ethno-village added such depth to the experience, especially watching the horse games. I’d recommend this tour to anyone interested in getting a real taste of Kazakh life and landscapes. Five stars!
A truly amazing experience! The Discover Almaty tour exceeded all my expectations. The itinerary was so well-planned, and every day brought new excitement. Panfilov Park was fascinating, but the real highlight was Charyn Canyon. Walking through the Valley of Castles felt like stepping into a different world, with landscapes that were breathtaking. The Kazakh Ethno Village was another favorite stop. Getting hands-on with traditional activities, like cooking baursak and watching horse games, made the experience feel authentic. Our guide was knowledgeable and made us feel welcome everywhere we went. This tour is a must for anyone wanting to understand the true heart of Kazakhstan!