7-day Kazakhstan Tour: Highlights of Kazakhstan7 Days | Private | March - November | Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Lake Issyk, Astana, ALZHIR

Arrive in Almaty. You will be met by driver and transferred to the hotel. Check in to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, you will begin your exploration of Almaty with a journey into its most iconic natural setting — the Ili Alatau Mountains.
The Ili Alatau National Park, founded in 1996, stretches across 120 km with a total area of over 200,000 hectares. Elevations range from 600 to 5,000 meters, offering dramatic landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Your first stop is Medeo — once the world’s highest ice skating rink at 1,691 meters above sea level. Though currently closed for renovation until 2027, the area remains a popular spot for its alpine scenery and walking paths.
However, your main destination today is Shymbulak Mountain Resort — the most famous alpine destination in Central Asia. Located at 2,260 meters above sea level, Shymbulak offers stunning mountain views, cozy cafés, hiking trails, and some of the best skiing in the region during winter months. Even in summer, it’s a favorite getaway for both locals and visitors, thanks to its fresh air and breathtaking panoramas.
To reach the top, you'll take a scenic ride on a three-stage cable car system:
- Stage 1: Medeo to Shymbulak (2,260 m);
- Stage 2: Shymbulak to Mid-station (2800 m);
- Stage 3: Mid-station to Talgar Pass (3,200 m), offering panoramic views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau range. Note: In case of maintenance, an eco-transfer will be provided to the Shymbulak base station.
Afterwards 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.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast

Your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby. Depart Almaty and drive to Charyn canyon (220km, 3-4h). Charyn Canyon in eastern Kazakhstan offers an unforgettable view of a winding gorge and jaw-dropping cliffs of various colours and shades. The canyon lies within Charyn National Park, which also boasts of the renowned Ash Tree Grove and Castle Valley, stretching nearly 3 kilometers in length and dotted with cliffs resembling towers. Despite a long way to go, the beauty of the Canyon makes you forget long hours of drive and this sight of nature in Kazakhstan will stay long in your memories. Arrive in Canyon. Have some time for picnic and rest. After that walk along canyon and enjoy its beautiful view. In the afternoon return to Almaty. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Your guide and driver will meet you at hotel lobby. Depart Almaty and drive to Issyk lake (64km, 1h). En route visit the main symbol of Kazakhstan the Tomb of the Golden Man. Continue drive to the lake. The road will go up to 1756m above sea level. Enjoy the view of the Natural Park and the Tian Shan mountains. Arrive at Issyk lake. Free time. In the afternoon return to Almaty. Transfer to the airport to take flight to Astana. Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch

Meet your guide at hotel lobby to start sightseeing in the capital of Kazakhstan.
Begin the day at the National Museum of Kazakhstan, the largest in the country. Its 10 themed halls showcase exhibits from ancient history and ethnography to Kazakhstan’s journey as a modern state.
Continue to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a striking glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster. Built in golden ratio proportions (62 meters high and wide), it serves as a global center for interfaith and cultural dialogue.
Pass by the Hazret Sultan Mosque for an exterior view — the second-largest mosque in Central Asia, known for its grand domes and elegant Islamic architecture.
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.
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.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Meals: breakfast

In the morning, depart Astana and drive to memorial complex ALZHIR, located 40 km away from the city. Concentration camp was built in the middle of vast Kazakh steppe in 1938 and stopped functioning in 1953, the year Stalin died. For 15 years, just as much as 20,000 women were brought to the camp from different regions of USSR. In 2007, memorial complex was opened on the territory of the former camp ALZHIR to commemorate those who have fallen under Stalin repressions. Return to Astana.
- 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.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast

Check-out from the hotel at noon. Free time until transfer to Astana International Airport. Departure. End of Highlights of Kazakhstan Tour.
Meals: breakfast

Standard:
Ibis or similar
Comfort:
Wyndham Garden
Lux:
Rixos President