Discover Kazakhstan’s scenery and history on this 6-day Kazakhstan Classic Tour. Explore major natural sights like the picturesque mountain lake, Issyk, the vast Charyn Canyon, and the waterfalls of the Turgen Gorge. Learn about the country’s history as you journey to the home of the “Golden Man”, the famous symbol of Kazakhstan, and explore the Mausoleum of Khoja Akhmed Yassavi in Turkestan, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities. Visit villages and traditional pilgrimage sites, and tour the cosmopolitan southern capital of Almaty.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive in Almaty and transfer to the hotel to leave your luggage. At 09:00, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby to start a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, Republic Square, and the Almaty City Museum. After a welcome lunch, take a short drive to Shimbulak, where you’ll visit the ski resort and ride the cable car to enjoy amazing views of the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. The last stop for the day will be the Sunkar Falcon Farm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays), where you’ll enjoy a spectacular show with specially-trained hawks – hunting with these magnificent birds is a distinguishing feature of the traditional Kazakh way of life. Return to the hotel by 18:00 and check in. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Breakfast. Drive to Issyk Lake, a picturesque, alpine lake surrounded by thick forests and wide fields covered in flowers. Visit the Issyk Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve and discover burial mounds from the Saka period. The remains of a Saka warrior, dressed in armour and golden clothing, were found here in 1969. This famous “Golden Man” is now the symbol of Kazakhstan. In the museum, see the exhibitions dedicated to the history and culture of the Saka period, including a copy of the Golden Man, as well as other golden items, ancient ceramics, weapons, horse-riding equipment, and a model of a Saka burial mound. Continue to the Turgen Gorge, which is located in the Ili-Alatau National Park and is famous for its forests, alpine meadows, lakes and springs, and medicinal herbs and berries. See the Golden Man and snow leopard statues, before taking an easy walk to the waterfall. Enjoy a short break surrounded by beautiful scenery, then return to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
After breakfast, drive to the Charyn Canyon. This 154m-long canyon is in eastern Kazakhstan, part of the Charyn National Park. In addition to unforgettable views of the enormous canyon with its multi-coloured tower formations (“Castle Valley”), the National Park offers the opportunity to see an ancient ash-tree grove. After arriving at the canyon, take some time for a picnic lunch and a rest. Then, walk along the canyon and enjoy the views. In the afternoon, return to Almaty. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Breakfast, then transfer to the airport to take the morning flight to Shymkent. Upon arrival, transfer to Turkestan. Explore the Azret-Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, including the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum. Then visit the Turkestan Necropolis, the Hilvet Semi underground mosque, and a hammam, as well as seeing a fragment of the fortress wall and the gates of the old citadel. Continue to Otrar. In addition to exploring the archaeological site of this ancient oasis settlement, visit the local history museum and the Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab (Khoja Ahmed Yasawi’s teacher and spiritual mentor). Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Turkestan.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
After breakfast, drive to Sayram village. Visit the mausoleums of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi's father, Ibrahim-Ata, and mother, Kharashash-Ana, and see the remains of the old Hyzyr minaret. Then explore Kemekalgan village, including the “Adam and Eve” rock. Follow in the footsteps of numerous pilgrims as you try to squeeze through the gap between the rocks, to seek forgiveness for your sins. See the place where Noah’s Ark is said to have landed, and then transfer to Shymkent Airport to take the evening flight to Almaty. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Price includes:
- Transport throughout the tour;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Environmental fees according to the program;
- Sightseeing programme with local, English-speaking guides;
- Meals as per itinerary;
- Economy class tickets for flights Almaty-Shymkent-Almaty;
- Entrance tickets to museums, mausoleums, national parks, and other sights as per itinerary.
Price doesn't include:
- Full board (lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary);
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Consular fees, visa support for Kazakhstan tourist visa (if required);
- Tips for drivers and guides (although these would be appreciated);
- Personal travel insurance;
- Late check-out not indicated in program;
- International air tickets before or after the tour;
- Registration (if required).
Rates may change during the exhibitions held in Almaty on the following dates: April 20 - 26, May 21 - 30, and September-October 2025.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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Kazakhstan Classic Tour Reviews
Author: Elisabeth G. | Rating: 507 August 2019
Basically I was happy with the chosen itinerary. The change between travelling by car and sightseeing was well balanced. On the one hand, we could see a lot and cool down in the car, on the other hand, we had plenty of first hand impressions and also enough exercise. Alexander was an extremely friendly and helpful guide, who reacted immediately to all our wishes. He was reliable and helped us get into the train and even to find the space for the luggage - we probably would have had a problem
with that. His English was excellent.
Concerning transportation, in Almaty we had a more or less brand new van, which was very comfortable. Moreover, for our tour to the national parks we had a very friendly driver. Although he didn’t speak English, he tried to communicate with some words and via translation. Evidently he knows this region extremely well and is an excellent driver.
To conclude I have to say that we appreciated the perfect organisation and you may be sure that we will recommend you to any people interested in travels to your area.
Who knows, perhaps I’ll even travel myself to other countries in this area.
Visited July 2019
with that. His English was excellent.
Concerning transportation, in Almaty we had a more or less brand new van, which was very comfortable. Moreover, for our tour to the national parks we had a very friendly driver. Although he didn’t speak English, he tried to communicate with some words and via translation. Evidently he knows this region extremely well and is an excellent driver.
To conclude I have to say that we appreciated the perfect organisation and you may be sure that we will recommend you to any people interested in travels to your area.
Who knows, perhaps I’ll even travel myself to other countries in this area.
Visited July 2019
