Southern Kazakhstan Classic Tour offers a seven-day introduction to the region’s cultural, historical, and natural landmarks. Here you will encounter monuments from the Soviet and pre-revolutionary periods, impressive medieval architecture, and landscapes shaped over millions of years.
The journey begins in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s capital for much of the twentieth century. You will explore its blend of Soviet and contemporary architecture, visit the nearby mountains, and stop at the colourful ethnic village. A full-day trip then takes you to the Charyn Canyon, where the long drive is offset by sweeping views of deep, winding cliffs. The second part of the route unfolds in Shymkent and Turkestan, where you will see the monumental mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and attend performances that reflect centuries of Kazakh cultural tradition.
Review the detailed itinerary, practical information, and photographs of the featured locations. This classic southern route offers a clear and well-structured way to experience the landscapes and heritage of Kazakhstan.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival at Almaty International airport. After passing through border control and collecting your luggage, you will meet your local guide holding a nameplate with your name. You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in (14:00). Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast. At 09:00, meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and begin your city sightseeing tour. Start with a visit to Shymbulak Mountain Resort, Central Asia’s premier alpine destination, located at 2,260 meters above sea level. Enjoy panoramic mountain views, fresh air, and the relaxed atmosphere of cafés and walking paths. Shymbulak is a popular year-round retreat for both locals and tourists. After lunch, continue to Panfilov Park and visit the Ascension Cathedral, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the city. End the day at Kok Tobe Hill, a popular viewpoint located at 1,100 meters. Take a scenic cable car ride to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of Almaty. After descending, return to the hotel. Check-in and overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Meals: breakfast
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Meals: breakfast
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
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Duration of sightseeing tour: 9-10 hours
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out.
Departure to Kazakh Ethno-Village “Huns”.
The ethno-village is a perfect place for those willing to plunge into and experience the nomadic past of Kazakhs. The village, about 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar district, is also a great way to escape to the mountains for fresh air, horseback riding and to discover Kazakh traditional games and rituals.
From the moment of entrance and welcome ritual “shashu” to the horseback riding in the mountains, you will be surrounded by the Kazakh’s culture, hospitality and traditions.
You will enjoy the entertaining program. This includes:
- Show of felt craft and a close look at the yurts with every detail described;
- Performance of “Besikke salu” or “Tusau kesu” rituals, which are still actual in Kazakh families;
- Horse games like “Kyz kuu” – when young man is chasing a girl to kiss her while riding a horse, and “atpen audaryspak” – wrestling of two young men on horseback;
- Traditional dances and music, where guests will be shown moves and take part in group flash mob;
- Master class of cooking “baursak” – traditional Kazakh pastry Lunch in national way.
Optionally: guest can request a horseback riding tour for 30 minutes or 1 hour to explore the area and enjoy the nature.
At 16.00, you return to the city. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Shymkent. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Departure to Kazakh Ethno-Village “Huns”.
The ethno-village is a perfect place for those willing to plunge into and experience the nomadic past of Kazakhs. The village, about 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar district, is also a great way to escape to the mountains for fresh air, horseback riding and to discover Kazakh traditional games and rituals.
From the moment of entrance and welcome ritual “shashu” to the horseback riding in the mountains, you will be surrounded by the Kazakh’s culture, hospitality and traditions.
You will enjoy the entertaining program. This includes:
- Show of felt craft and a close look at the yurts with every detail described;
- Performance of “Besikke salu” or “Tusau kesu” rituals, which are still actual in Kazakh families;
- Horse games like “Kyz kuu” – when young man is chasing a girl to kiss her while riding a horse, and “atpen audaryspak” – wrestling of two young men on horseback;
- Traditional dances and music, where guests will be shown moves and take part in group flash mob;
- Master class of cooking “baursak” – traditional Kazakh pastry Lunch in national way.
Optionally: guest can request a horseback riding tour for 30 minutes or 1 hour to explore the area and enjoy the nature.
At 16.00, you return to the city. Transfer to the airport to take your flight to Shymkent. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and overnight.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
Breakfast, short city tour in Shymkent. After, a transfer to Turkestan (approx. 3.5 hours), with a stop in Otrar, an ancient city once known as Farab. Otrar was a major trade hub on the Great Silk Road, playing a significant role in Central Asian history. City tour upon arrival in Turkestan: enjoy an immersive 3D experience at the Altyn Samruk Flying Theater, which takes you on a virtual flight through Kazakh mythology and landscapes. Afterwards, you will visit the “Uly Dala Eli” Center, which presents exhibits on Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and achievements. Highlights include halls dedicated to metallurgy, horseback culture, the Kazakh Khanate, and the legacy of the First President. A key attraction is the Turkic Hall with its 3D projection sphere, a glass bridge over the map of Kazakhstan, and the "Baiterek Tree" art installation. In the evening, watch the Boat Parade show at the Karavansaray complex – a poetic performance based on the legend of Kyz Zhibek and Tolegen, combining music, storytelling, and beautifully decorated boats on the water. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in and overnight in Turkestan.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Meals: breakfast
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Meals: breakfast
Breakfast. Begin your exploration with the Azret-Sultan Historical and Cultural Reserve, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Timurid architecture. Built in the 14th century to honor the revered Sufi mystic, the mausoleum is renowned for its stunning turquoise dome, intricate tilework, and spiritual significance. Transfer back to Shymkent. Transfer to Shymkent airport to take your flight back to Almaty. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Meals: breakfast
Price includes:
- 4 nights’ Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN shared) in Almaty;
- 1 nights Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN shared) in Shymkent;
- 1 nights Hotel accommodation on BB (DBL/TWN shared) in Turkestan;
- Meals: breakfasts at the hotels, 1 lunch at Charyn Canyon, 1 lunch at ethno-village;
- 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. - Locals English-speaking guide services;
- Entrance fees to sites listed;
- Ecological fees;
- Mineral water 0.5L p/p daily.
Price doesn't include:
- Meals: full board;
- Economy class tickets for flights Almaty-Shymkent-Almaty (price is upon request, actual at the moment of booking) – from 200 USD per person (subject to change);
- Tour leader to accompany the travelers for the whole period of the tour;
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Single accommodation;
- 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).
Recommendations when planning your trip:
Museums in Almaty are closed on Mondays;
Temperature is different in and outside the city; therefore, warm clothes are needed when travel outside.
Important:
- This offer is not a reservation confirmation.
- 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
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
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Southern Kazakhstan Reviews
Author: Elisabeth G. | Rating: 5Visited: July 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.
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.
