Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Kazakhstan’s most remarkable landmarks and natural wonders, perfectly designed to blend rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the pulse of modern life. This immersive tour will take you from the vibrant streets of Almaty and the contemporary architecture of Astana to the ancient formations of Charyn Canyon and the serene beauty of Issyk Lake.
Your adventure begins in Almaty, where you’ll explore the city’s cultural heart, visiting Panfilov Park, the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, and the bustling Republic Square. You’ll ascend the Tian Shan Mountains at the Chimbulak ski resort, where stunning panoramic views await, before experiencing an exhilarating falconry show at the Sunkar Falcon Farm. The next day, you’ll venture to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder with towering red cliffs and winding gorges, promising unforgettable vistas in every direction.
A day of natural splendor continues with a visit to Issyk Lake, a serene mountain lake nestled at 1,756 meters above sea level. On the way, you’ll uncover the history of the “Golden Man” tomb, an iconic symbol of Kazakhstan. After a peaceful afternoon by the lake, fly to Astana, Kazakhstan’s dynamic capital, where historical charm and futuristic architecture meet. The “Old Center” showcases the city’s origins, while the Millennium Axis boasts modern wonders like the Bayterek Monument, offering sweeping views over the city skyline.
In Astana, witness solemn history at the ALZHIR Memorial Complex, a powerful tribute to victims of Soviet repression. Marvel at the unique architecture of the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and experience the marvels of Nur-Alem at the EXPO center. Finally, with free time to explore Astana’s hidden gems, this tour concludes with a deeper appreciation for Kazakhstan’s culture, history, and stunning landscapes.
Book now to experience Kazakhstan’s highlights in a journey that promises to inspire and captivate, creating memories of a lifetime.
Upon arrival in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital, a driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, where you’ll have time to settle in and unwind after your journey. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to begin a comprehensive exploration of Almaty, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural landmarks. Your tour begins with a visit to Panfilov Park, a leafy oasis where locals relax. Here, you’ll find the Zenkov Cathedral, an impressive structure built entirely of wood without a single nail. Next, head to the Central State Museum (closed on Tuesdays), which offers insights into Kazakhstan’s history, art, and archaeology. The tour continues at Republic Square, a central hub of Almaty.
In the afternoon, you’ll drive 25 kilometers outside the city to Chimbulak, a renowned ski resort in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to take in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. To end the day on a high note, visit the Sunkar Falcon Farm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) for an impressive falconry show, showcasing the Kazakh tradition of hunting with birds of prey. Return to your hotel in Almaty for an overnight stay.
This morning, depart from Almaty with your guide and driver for Charyn Canyon, located approximately 220 kilometers away, a scenic drive of 3-4 hours. Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural sites, offering dramatic views of its deep gorges and vividly colored cliffs, which resemble the famous Grand Canyon. As you walk along the canyon’s Castle Valley, you’ll marvel at the towering rock formations that resemble ancient castles, a unique feature of this natural landmark.
Enjoy a picnic in this mesmerizing setting, then take time to explore the area on foot, allowing the canyon’s majestic beauty to leave a lasting impression. In the afternoon, return to Almaty and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Depart Almaty for an excursion to Issyk Lake, situated about an hour’s drive away (64 kilometers). En route, you’ll stop at a historic site associated with Kazakhstan’s national symbol, the “Golden Man.” This is the ancient burial site of a Saka warrior adorned in golden armor, symbolizing Kazakhstan’s deep historical roots.
The journey continues upward to Issyk Lake, located 1,756 meters above sea level and surrounded by the striking landscapes of the Issyk National Park and the Tian Shan Mountains. You’ll have free time to take in the serene beauty of the lake and its surrounding scenery. In the afternoon, return to Almaty for a transfer to the airport, where you’ll take a flight to Astana. Upon arrival, a driver will escort you to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.
Today, you’ll explore Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital and a fascinating blend of old and new. Start with a guided visit to the “Old Center,” where the origins of the former Akmolinsk town are visible in the historical merchant district. Later, the tour shifts to the iconic Millennium Axis, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, which serves as the backbone of modern Astana’s city layout.
See the impressive Opera building and numerous fountains on the Round Square. Wander along Nurzhol Boulevard and the Green Water Boulevard, which are lined with skyscrapers showcasing innovative architectural designs. At the iconic Bayterek Monument, take in a panoramic view of the entire city from the observation deck. Conclude the day at Khan Shatyr, a shopping and entertainment center housed in a vast, futuristic tent structure. Transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
This morning, take a poignant journey to the ALZHIR Memorial Complex, located 40 kilometers from Astana. The complex commemorates victims of the Stalinist purges, especially women who were imprisoned here between 1938 and 1953. The camp held as many as 20,000 women from across the USSR and serves as a solemn reminder of Kazakhstan’s Soviet-era history. In 2007, a memorial was built here to honor those who suffered.
Return to Astana and continue the tour with a visit to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a striking pyramidal building symbolizing unity and harmony. Then, discover the Nur-Alem complex at the EXPO center, a futuristic building showcasing Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage and sustainable energy initiatives. Enjoy free time in the evening to explore more of Astana at your own pace. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel at noon. Enjoy some free time to do some last-minute exploring or shopping until your transfer to Astana International Airport for your departure, bringing your remarkable tour of Kazakhstan’s highlights to an end.
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $2550 | $1350 | $1150 | $900 | $850 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $2800 | $1500 | $1350 | $1050 | $1000 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing program with local guide in each city Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Economy class ticket for flight Almaty– Astana
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (lunches and dinners
The Highlights of Kazakhstan tour exceeded my expectations! From the warm welcome in Almaty to the mesmerizing landscapes at Issyk Lake and Charyn Canyon, each day offered something unique. The falconry show at Sunkar Falcon Farm was incredible, a rare insight into Kazakh culture. Astana’s architecture left me in awe—especially the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the Bayterek Tower. I appreciated the attention to detail our guide provided, which made the experience even richer. The journey to ALZHIR Memorial was somber but essential; it added historical context that I never would have known otherwise. This tour is a fantastic blend of culture, nature, and history. Highly recommend!
This 7-day tour was a truly unforgettable journey through Kazakhstan’s incredible landscapes and vibrant cities. Starting in Almaty, we explored Panfilov Park and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, both of which showcased Kazakhstan’s fascinating blend of history and modernity. The visit to Charyn Canyon was breathtaking—its beauty is beyond words, and the hike there was a perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. In Astana, the Bayterek Monument and Khan Shatyr were absolute highlights, offering impressive views and unique architecture. Our guide was knowledgeable and ensured we learned the history behind each site, adding depth to each experience. If you want to discover Kazakhstan’s best, I highly recommend this tour.