Explore Kazakhstan’s rich blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes on this 6-day Kazakhstan Classic Adventure. Designed for travelers eager to experience Kazakhstan’s highlights, this tour combines visits to ancient mausoleums, vibrant cities, serene mountain lakes, and awe-inspiring canyons, each destination revealing a unique aspect of this fascinating country.
Begin your adventure in Almaty, the cosmopolitan southern capital. Here, you’ll wander through the lush Panfilov Park, marvel at the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, and enjoy panoramic views from Shymbulak Ski Resort. Experience traditional Kazakh culture with an exciting falcon show at Sunkar Falcon Farm, immersing yourself in the centuries-old tradition of hunting with trained birds of prey.
Next, journey to the stunning Issyk Lake, a tranquil alpine lake set against a backdrop of dense forests and wildflower meadows. Here, you’ll visit the Issyk Museum-Reserve and learn about Kazakhstan’s “Golden Man,” a famed warrior from ancient Saka times, whose legacy is celebrated as a national treasure. The tour continues to Turgen Gorge, where you’ll hike to a waterfall and breathe in the fresh mountain air amidst serene natural beauty.
No journey to Kazakhstan would be complete without a visit to Charyn Canyon. Often called the «Grand Canyon of Central Asia,» this immense landscape of red rock formations and towering cliffs offers breathtaking photo opportunities and peaceful trails.
The journey then takes you to Turkestan, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities. Discover the impressive Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before exploring sacred pilgrimage sites in Sayram village and walking the ancient ruins of Otrar.
With a perfect blend of urban discovery, natural beauty, and historical intrigue, this 6-day tour offers a complete Kazakhstan experience, ideal for any traveler ready to explore one of Central Asia’s most captivating destinations. Join us and uncover the heart of Kazakhstan’s heritage and landscapes!
Arrive in Almaty, where you’ll meet your guide and be taken to your hotel. After settling in, embark on a city tour starting at 9:00 AM to discover Almaty’s vibrant blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. Begin with a visit to Panfilov Park, a serene urban oasis home to the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, an impressive wooden structure built without nails. Move on to Republic Square, a bustling hub of local life and a significant historical site. At the Almaty City Museum, gain insight into the city’s evolution and cultural heritage. Following a delightful lunch, you’ll journey to the Shymbulak Ski Resort to ride the cable car, which provides magnificent views of the Tian Shan Mountains. End the day at the Sunkar Falcon Farm (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) to witness an exhilarating falconry show—a traditional Kazakh art. Return to the hotel by 6:00 PM for an evening of relaxation.
After breakfast, head to Issyk Lake, nestled amidst forested mountains and vast meadows. This stunning alpine lake is perfect for taking in Kazakhstan’s natural beauty. Your visit includes a stop at the Issyk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve, where you’ll learn about the discovery of the ancient Saka warrior known as the “Golden Man,” whose golden armor and artifacts reflect Kazakhstan’s deep historical roots. Explore artifacts, including ancient ceramics, golden ornaments, and a replica of the Golden Man himself. Continue to Turgen Gorge in Ili-Alatau National Park, famous for its verdant forests, wildflower-strewn fields, and cascading waterfalls. A leisurely walk to the waterfall allows you to immerse in the area’s tranquil surroundings before returning to Almaty for an overnight stay.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for a full-day tour of the majestic Charyn Canyon, located in Charyn National Park. Known as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” this 154-kilometer-long wonder features unique rock formations, like the towering cliffs of “Castle Valley.” Upon arrival, enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of this geological marvel, then explore its pathways on foot. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the ancient ash-tree grove, a rare remnant of the Ice Age, which adds to the canyon’s allure. Return to Almaty in the evening for another night at the hotel.
After breakfast, take a morning flight from Almaty to Shymkent. From Shymkent, travel to Turkestan, a city steeped in history and religious significance. Your exploration begins at the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, which includes the magnificent Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum—a masterpiece of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover other notable sites within the reserve, including the Turkestan Necropolis, Hilvet underground mosque, and remnants of the ancient city walls. Continue to Otrar, an ancient Silk Road oasis, where you’ll explore archaeological ruins and visit the Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab, teacher and spiritual guide to Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Dinner and an overnight stay in Turkestan round out the day.
After breakfast, journey to Sayram village, a historic pilgrimage site rich in cultural and religious heritage. Visit the mausoleums of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s parents, Ibrahim-Ata and Kharashash-Ana, and see the Hyzyr minaret, a relic of ancient Sayram. From there, head to Kemekalgan village, known for its sacred “Adam and Eve” rock formations. Pilgrims traditionally squeeze through the narrow rock passage, a ritual believed to symbolize forgiveness and renewal. Nearby, visit the legendary site where Noah’s Ark is said to have come to rest. Later, travel back to Shymkent for an evening flight to Almaty, where you’ll spend your final night.
Following breakfast, check out of the hotel by noon. Enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing until your scheduled transfer to Almaty International Airport, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through Kazakhstan’s natural and cultural treasures.
This 6-day adventure presents a complete immersion into Kazakhstan’s landscapes, history, and age-old traditions, designed for travelers who crave both exploration and cultural depth. Discover Kazakhstan’s beauty, one legendary site at a time!
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $2450 | $1300 | $1100 | $890 | $840 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $2650 | $1400 | $1250 | $980 | $940 |
* — 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) Meals as per program Economy class tickets for flights Almaty-Shymkent-Almaty
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa Full board (lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary) Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour
This 6-day journey through Kazakhstan was unforgettable! I loved every moment, from exploring Almaty’s bustling streets to the tranquil beauty of Issyk Lake and the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, giving us fascinating insights into Kazakhstan’s rich culture and history, especially at the Mausoleum of Yasawi in Turkestan. The blend of natural beauty and historic sites made for a balanced and deeply enriching experience. Special highlights were the Sunkar Falcon Farm show and the breathtaking views from Shimbulak’s cable car. Overall, a well-organized tour that exceeded my expectations. I’d highly recommend this adventure to anyone curious about Central Asia!
The Kazakhstan Unveiled tour was everything I hoped for and more. I’d read about the stunning landscapes, but seeing them in person was breathtaking. Issyk Lake was like a painting come to life, and Charyn Canyon’s unique rock formations were truly awe-inspiring. Our guide was very attentive and made sure we were comfortable, while also sharing so many details about the sites we visited. Turkestan’s historical monuments, especially the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, left a lasting impression. This tour gave me such a great introduction to Kazakhstan’s culture and natural beauty—I’m already planning my next trip back!
I cannot recommend this tour enough! Kazakhstan has such an interesting mix of landscapes, and this 6-day journey covered everything. Almaty was vibrant, while the natural wonders like Turgen Gorge and Charyn Canyon felt almost untouched. My personal favorite was the time spent in Turkestan, learning about the spiritual significance of the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. The pace of the tour was just right, giving us plenty of time to explore while not feeling rushed. The local guides were fantastic and made each site come alive with fascinating stories. I left with a deep appreciation for this beautiful country!
I joined the Kazakhstan Unveiled tour with a few friends, and it was incredible! From start to finish, every day was packed with unique experiences. The visit to Charyn Canyon was amazing; it’s like a smaller version of the Grand Canyon but with a character of its own. The cultural sites in Turkestan, especially the mausoleums, were deeply moving and gave us a sense of Kazakhstan’s long history. Our guide was fantastic, making each site meaningful with local stories and background. We also enjoyed some quiet time in Sayram and an energetic day exploring Almaty’s main sites. It was a perfect mix of culture, nature, and history!
What an adventure! The Kazakhstan Unveiled tour was truly exceptional. The stunning landscapes, like Issyk Lake and Charyn Canyon, were unforgettable, but I also appreciated the cultural depth we got from visiting historical sites like the ancient village of Sayram. Our guide was amazing, balancing historical insights with fun anecdotes that made each location memorable. The Sunkar Falcon Farm was an unexpected highlight—watching the falcons in action was thrilling! This tour delivered a perfect balance of outdoor beauty, historic exploration, and local culture. I can’t wait to explore more of Central Asia after this trip!