The 5-day Tour to Astana and Almaty: Two Capitals of Kazakhstan will introduce you to the soul of the country – modern Astana on the steppes and picturesque Almaty at the foot of the mountains. You will see architectural masterpieces, ancient traditions, natural wonders, and experience the harmony between the nomadic past and urbanisation.
The route begins with an introduction to the main symbols of Astana. On the second day, you will delve into the city’s history, and at the end of the day, fly to Almaty. The third day is devoted to the best sights of the former capital. And on the fourth day, an exciting trip to one of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural monuments – Charyn Canyon – awaits.
We invite you to begin your acquaintance with Kazakhstan through its main cities. Explore the detailed programme of our 5-day Tour to Astana and Almaty: Two Capitals of Kazakhstan and start preparing for a memorable journey to the heart of Central Asia.
Tour itinerary:
Transfer to the hotel for check-in and short rest after the flight. Extra night included.
Sightseeing tour in Astana will last from 11.00 to 19.00. Begin your day with a visit to the Central Mosque of Astana, the largest in Central Asia, known for its stunning white marble façade, golden domes, and intricate Islamic designs. Make a brief stop at the Open-Air Space Museum, featuring life-size models of legendary spacecraft such as the Proton, Soyuz, and Buran – a tribute to Kazakhstan’s role in global space exploration through the Baikonur Cosmodrome.
Optional: Lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Baiterek Tower, Astana’s most iconic symbol. Standing 97 meters tall, this futuristic monument represents the mythical Tree of Life and offers panoramic city views from its golden orb observation deck. Continue to Khan Shatyr, the world’s largest tent-shaped structure and a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment – all housed beneath its translucent canopy. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, Astana’s central promenade stretching from the Presidential Palace to Khan Shatyr. The boulevard features fountains, public art, and striking modern architecture.
Evening transfer back to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
Optional: Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, explore Astana’s Old Town on the right bank of the Ishim River. This area offers a glimpse into the city’s Soviet past, with traditional markets, older buildings, and authentic local life. Visit the Military History Museum, home to over 6,000 artifacts. Highlights include ancient weapons, WWII memorabilia, and tributes to national heroes like Ivan Panfilov, Manshuk Mametova, and Aliya Moldagulova. Stop by the Holy Assumption Cathedral, an impressive Orthodox church with golden domes and a 75-meter bell tower. Opened in 2010, it’s known for its ornate interior and stands as a symbol of Kazakhstan’s religious harmony. Conclude the day with a stroll across the Atyrau Bridge, connecting the historic and modern parts of the city – a symbolic link between Astana’s past and future.
18.00 Transfer to the airport. Take your evening fight to Almaty. Arrival at Almaty Airport
Meals: breakfast
This day you will visit the city’s old center and cover one of the main sites that best highlight Almaty’s history. The first stop is Park of 28 Panfilov soldiers – named after the division during WWII, formed of men from the Almaty region under command of General Ivan Panfilov. The park itself is popular among locals and guests of the city. Inside the park visitors will find the eternal flame, memorials of different heroic characters, the Ascension Cathedral – Orthodox wooden church that magically withstood a strong earthquake in XX century, and Museum of musical instruments, where you can admire the collection over 1000 exhibits including rare exhibits dating back to the XVII century. Just in a walking distance, you can enjoy another touristic attraction of Almaty – “Green Bazaar” or Green market. This is a perfect way to experience the true Eastern market. Here you might taste the food, bargain and, obviously, buy local tasty goods for a very nice price.
Optional: Then we stop for lunch at local restaurant.
Walking Tour in Almaty (1–1.5 hours).
Discover Almaty’s cultural heart on foot, starting at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre – a landmark of Stalinist architecture and performing arts. Stroll along lively Panfilov Street with its cafés, street art, and musicians, before ending at the vibrant Arbat, known for local crafts and souvenirs. Today’s last stop is Kok Tobe, a park located at an altitude of 1,100 meters on the green hill, this place is very popular among locals and tourists. Take a ride on comfortable cable car and within 10 minutes, you are admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Once we come down from the hill, we are going back to the hotel.
Meals: breakfast
After leaving the hotel in Almaty, a 3–4-hour drive takes us to the “Valley of Castles” – the canyon’s most famous site. We leave the bus at the parking lot near the descent into the canyon. Please take drinking water as we walk downstairs (153 steps) into the gorge. The trek is leisurely, with short stops (around 50 minutes one way) along the 2 km trail to the Charyn River. Along the way, the guide will tell you about the canyon’s unique features.
If you are not willing to walk, you can take the eco-taxis (UAZ vehicles) for approximately 2 USD per person.
After enjoying lunch by the river and admiring the breathtaking views, we head back to Almaty.
Meals: breakfast, lunch box
Price includes:
- 2 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB as per chosen category (DBL/TWN shared) in Astana, 3 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB as per chosen category (DBL/TWN shared) in Almaty;
- Meals: Breakfasts at the hotels, 1 lunch box at Charyn Canyon;
- All airport transfers;
- Private A/C transport with driver as per program:
- 2 pax – sedan up to 3 seats;
- 3-7 pax – minivan up to 10 seats;
- 8-14 pax – minibus up to 18 seats;
- 15 pax and more coach up to 48 seats. - JEEP TOUR to Charyn Canyon, 4x4, Toyota Land Cruiser/Similar (3 pax in a car);
- English - speaking guide at both cities;
- Entrance fees to sites listed;
- Ecological fees;
- Mineral water 1L p/p daily.
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Domestic Air ticket Astana – Almaty (exact fare is guaranteed after 100% of prepayment and air ticket is issued) – 120 USD (subject to change) p/p;
- Meals: Full board (+3 lunches, 4 dinners) – 165 USD p/p, Half board (4 dinners) – 120 USD p/p;
- Tips and gratuities;
- Any services not included in the above itinerary.
Recommendations when planning your trip:
Museums in Almaty and Falcon show are closed on Mondays.
Temperature is different in and outside the city; therefore, warm clothes are needed when travel outside.
Important:
- Some changes are allowed in the program, except reduction of number of booked excursions
- In case place of visit is closed to visitors it will be replaced with an alternative. During big events proposed accommodation may be changed and replaced with a similar category
- Sequence of itinerary and hotels given is subject to change without prior notice.
- Hotel booking is subject to availability. No reservations are made before confirmation and 100% prepayment received from client
- Domestic flights are subject to change in timing and availability. If mentioned flight is not available, it will be changed to convenient one, depending on tour program
- Proposed hotels are not available; it will be substituted with another hotel of same category.
Prices, per person
Accommodation
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Tour to Astana and Almaty Reviews
If you’re looking for an incredible experience exploring Kazakhstan’s two capital cities, look no further! My program with Advantour was everything I hoped for and more. My guides in both cities - Arman in Astana and Rustem in Almaty - were not only incredibly knowledgeable about their cities and surroundings, but also wonderful company throughout my time in this fascinating country. It was a genuine pleasure to simply sit down and chat about life over a cup of tea with each of them, not to mention touring the great sights we visited.
Damir at Avantour was fantastic to work with always flexible and eager to tailor the program to my interests. He responded quickly to all my questions and stayed on top of everything. For example, when it was announced that the President of Uzbekistan would be visiting, he proactively suggested a last-minute change so we could avoid the city congestion and disruptions that come with a presidential visit.
Astana impressed me with its futuristic architecture and opportunities to immerse myself in local culture. Around Almaty, the breathtaking mountain and canyon scenery stole the show. In both cities, my guides timed our visits perfectly to avoid crowds and long waits.
The warm hospitality of the people, along with the diverse landscapes of both cities and the countryside, make Kazakhstan a truly fantastic place to visit. Thanks to my guides and the overall experience with Advantour, this was a trip I’ll never forget!
