8-day Kazakhstan train tour is a classic journey through the country’s top sights, with part of the travel taking place overnight by rail. During the day, you'll explore popular city landmarks and scenic natural sites, and in the evening, board the train to continue your adventure. In the mornings, admire the vast scale of Kazakhstan as the train moves through the endless Kazakh steppe.
The tour begins in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where you’ll discover striking examples of modern architecture. Then, compare steppe-bound Astana with Almaty, the former capital – a green, sprawling city at the foot of the mountains. Next, travel to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders, followed by a cultural day in the ethnic village of Gunny, where you’ll gain insight into the traditions of Kazakh life. The final leg of the trip brings you to Southern Kazakhstan, with ancient Turkestan and modern Shymkent offering a mix of historic and contemporary attractions.
If you love traveling by train, our 8-day Kazakhstan train tour is a perfect way to discover this wide-reaching country in the heart of Asia. Take a look at the detailed itinerary and booking conditions, and start preparing for an unforgettable adventure.
Tour itinerary:
Arrival at Astana International Airport. After passing through border control and collecting your luggage, you will be met by a local guide holding a sign.
You will be transferred to the hotel to check in and rest after your flight. Overnight at the hotel.
You will be transferred to the hotel to check in and rest after your flight. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Astana from 09:00 to 18:00. The tour includes:
After the tour, visit Khan Shatyr, one of the capital's most iconic landmarks and the world’s largest tent-shaped shopping and entertainment center.
Transfer to Astana railway station to catch the train to Almaty (journey duration: 17 hours). Departure from Astana at 20:20. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast
- National Museum – the largest museum in Kazakhstan, featuring 10 themed halls: ancient and medieval history, ethnography, and the history of the Kazakh people.
- Hazret Sultan Mosque – the second largest in Central Asia, with a capacity of up to 10,000 people. Its architecture resembles an oriental palace.
- Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – a pyramid designed by architect Norman Foster. Built according to the golden ratio, with all sides measuring 62 meters.
- Independence Square – a central space with fountains and the snow-white stele “Kazak Yeli” (91 m).
After the tour, visit Khan Shatyr, one of the capital's most iconic landmarks and the world’s largest tent-shaped shopping and entertainment center.
Transfer to Astana railway station to catch the train to Almaty (journey duration: 17 hours). Departure from Astana at 20:20. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast
Arrival at Almaty railway station at 13:10, where you will be met by a guide and transferred to the hotel to leave your luggage.
Next, begin a sightseeing tour of Almaty:
Next, begin a sightseeing tour of Almaty:
- Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen – a memorial site dedicated to the heroes of World War II. The park features an eternal flame and memorials.
- Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) – a wooden Orthodox church that survived a powerful earthquake.
- Museum of Musical Instruments – home to more than 1,000 exhibits, including rare instruments dating back to the 17th century.
- Green Bazaar – a colorful oriental market where you can sample delicacies from the many ethnic groups of Kazakhstan.
- Kok-Tobe – a park on top of the hill of the same name (1,100 m). Ascend by cable car to an observation deck offering panoramic views of Almaty.
Today you will have an early breakfast as we embark on a long trip to one of the must-see destinations in Kazakhstan, particularly in the Almaty region.
08:00–20:00 Bus tour to the canyon. Lunch boxes are included.
Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular and magnificent natural attractions in Kazakhstan, located 220 kilometers from the city of Almaty. Often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn stretches 154 km. The canyon is steeped in legends about “witches”, “red wolves”, and “the road to hell”. No one knows exactly how these stories originated, but the place is undeniably unique – you’ll feel it as you approach the canyon’s majestic cliffs and step into its depths.
After leaving Almaty, and following 3–4 hours of driving, we turn off the main road onto a route leading to the Valley of Castles – the canyon’s main tourist highlight.
Stop at the panoramic viewpoint over the Valley of Castles. We leave our vehicles in the parking lot near the descent and take a bottle of drinking water before heading into the gorge. This is a leisurely hike with short stops (about 50 minutes) to the Charyn River (2 km one way). Along the way, the guide will explain the unique features of Charyn.
After enjoying lunch by the river and admiring the mesmerizing views of the gorge, we begin our return to the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
08:00–20:00 Bus tour to the canyon. Lunch boxes are included.
Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular and magnificent natural attractions in Kazakhstan, located 220 kilometers from the city of Almaty. Often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn stretches 154 km. The canyon is steeped in legends about “witches”, “red wolves”, and “the road to hell”. No one knows exactly how these stories originated, but the place is undeniably unique – you’ll feel it as you approach the canyon’s majestic cliffs and step into its depths.
After leaving Almaty, and following 3–4 hours of driving, we turn off the main road onto a route leading to the Valley of Castles – the canyon’s main tourist highlight.
Stop at the panoramic viewpoint over the Valley of Castles. We leave our vehicles in the parking lot near the descent and take a bottle of drinking water before heading into the gorge. This is a leisurely hike with short stops (about 50 minutes) to the Charyn River (2 km one way). Along the way, the guide will explain the unique features of Charyn.
After enjoying lunch by the river and admiring the mesmerizing views of the gorge, we begin our return to the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for the Kazakh ethno-village "Huns", located 35 km from Almaty in the Talgar District. This is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the nomadic heritage of the Kazakh people. The village offers a refreshing escape into the mountains, where you can enjoy fresh air, horseback riding, and get acquainted with traditional Kazakh games and customs.
From the moment you arrive and are welcomed with the traditional shashu greeting ritual, to the horseback ride through the mountain scenery, you’ll be surrounded by Kazakh culture, hospitality, and tradition.
The program includes:
Optional: Guests may book a 30-minute or 1-hour horseback ride to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the mountain landscape.
At 16:00, return to Almaty.
Transfer to Almaty railway station to board the overnight train to Turkestan (travel time: approximately 15 hours). Departure from Almaty at 20:55. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
From the moment you arrive and are welcomed with the traditional shashu greeting ritual, to the horseback ride through the mountain scenery, you’ll be surrounded by Kazakh culture, hospitality, and tradition.
The program includes:
- A demonstration of felt craftsmanship and a detailed tour of yurts with explanations of their structure and symbolism;
- Performance of Kazakh family rituals such as Besikke salu (placing a baby in the cradle) or Tusau kesu (cutting a child’s hobble ropes), still practiced today;
- Traditional equestrian games, including Kyz kuu – a playful chase on horseback – and Atpen audaryspak, a wrestling match between two riders;
- Folk music and dance, with guest participation in a group flash mob;
- A master class in preparing baursak, traditional Kazakh fried dough.
Optional: Guests may book a 30-minute or 1-hour horseback ride to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the mountain landscape.
At 16:00, return to Almaty.
Transfer to Almaty railway station to board the overnight train to Turkestan (travel time: approximately 15 hours). Departure from Almaty at 20:55. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
11:10 Arrival in Turkestan.
Begin your tour of the Azret Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, which features the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – an outstanding monument of 14th-century Islamic architecture built by order of Tamerlane. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains an important place of pilgrimage. The program also includes a necropolis, the semi-underground Hilvet Mosque, a hammam, a section of the fortress wall, and the citadel gate.
Next, visit the Altyn Samruk Theater, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling virtual flight through the mythological and natural wonders of Kazakhstan. The show takes place in a spherical 3D cinema with dynamic motion effects.
In the evening, experience the spectacular “Boat Parade” water show at the Caravansaray complex, inspired by the legend of Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen. Music, dancing, and costumed performances unfold on a canal with boats, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere and immersing you in Kazakh folklore.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Begin your tour of the Azret Sultan State Historical and Cultural Reserve, which features the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – an outstanding monument of 14th-century Islamic architecture built by order of Tamerlane. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains an important place of pilgrimage. The program also includes a necropolis, the semi-underground Hilvet Mosque, a hammam, a section of the fortress wall, and the citadel gate.
Next, visit the Altyn Samruk Theater, where you’ll enjoy a thrilling virtual flight through the mythological and natural wonders of Kazakhstan. The show takes place in a spherical 3D cinema with dynamic motion effects.
In the evening, experience the spectacular “Boat Parade” water show at the Caravansaray complex, inspired by the legend of Kyz-Zhibek and Tolegen. Music, dancing, and costumed performances unfold on a canal with boats, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere and immersing you in Kazakh folklore.
Transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast and departure from the hotel. In the morning, visit the Uly Dala Eli Center, which features exhibitions dedicated to the history, culture, and achievements of Kazakhstan. Among the most interesting halls are those on metallurgy, horse-riding culture, the Kazakh Khanate, and the Turkic hall with its 3D sphere, a glass bridge over the map of Kazakhstan, and the “Bayterek Tree” installation.
Transfer to Shymkent (3.5 hours), with a stop at the ruins of the ancient city of Otrar, a former major trading center on the Silk Road. En route, visit the museum in the village of Shaulder and the 12th-century mausoleum of Arystan Baba, a revered place of pilgrimage. Continue to Shymkent.
Upon arrival, take a short evening tour of Shymkent, including Independence Park, the old town, and Orda Bashi Square. Also visit the park named after Abai Kunanbayev, a celebrated Kazakh poet and philosopher. The Memorial of Glory, dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, is also a noteworthy stop.
Transfer to Shymkent railway station to board the overnight train to Almaty (journey time: approx. 11 hours). Departure from Shymkent at 19:55. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast
Transfer to Shymkent (3.5 hours), with a stop at the ruins of the ancient city of Otrar, a former major trading center on the Silk Road. En route, visit the museum in the village of Shaulder and the 12th-century mausoleum of Arystan Baba, a revered place of pilgrimage. Continue to Shymkent.
Upon arrival, take a short evening tour of Shymkent, including Independence Park, the old town, and Orda Bashi Square. Also visit the park named after Abai Kunanbayev, a celebrated Kazakh poet and philosopher. The Memorial of Glory, dedicated to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War, is also a noteworthy stop.
Transfer to Shymkent railway station to board the overnight train to Almaty (journey time: approx. 11 hours). Departure from Shymkent at 19:55. Overnight on the train.
Please withdraw the necessary amount of cash for breakfast before boarding the train, as only cash is accepted on board.
Meals: breakfast
Price includes:
- 1 night hotel accommodation on BB basis (DBL/TWN shared) in Astana;
1 night on the train Astana – Almaty (4-bed shared compartment);
2 nights hotel accommodation on BB basis (DBL/TWN shared) in Almaty;
1 night on the train Almaty – Turkestan (4-bed shared compartment);
1 night hotel accommodation on BB basis (DBL/TWN shared) in Turkestan;
1 night on the train Shymkent – Almaty (4-bed shared compartment). - Meals: 4 breakfasts at hotels, 1 lunch box at Charyn Canyon;
- Private A/C transport with driver as per program: 1–2 pax – sedan (up to 3 seats); 3–7 pax – minivan (up to 10 seats); 8–14 pax – minibus (up to 17 seats);
- English-speaking local guide services;
- Entrance fees to all listed sites;
- Ecological fees;
- Entertainment program at the ethno-village;
- 1L mineral water per person per day.
Price doesn't include:
- International air tickets;
- Domestic air ticket;
- Breakfasts on the trains;
- Meals not specified as included;
- Personal expenses;
- Any services not mentioned in the above itinerary.
Recommendations when planning your trip:
- Museums in Almaty and Astana are closed on Mondays;
- Temperatures can differ significantly between the cities and surrounding areas, so bring warm clothing for travel outside the city.
Important:
- Train tickets become available for purchase 45 days before the planned travel date; therefore, reservations must be made in advance.
- Some changes to the program are permitted, except for a reduction in the number of booked excursions.
- If a planned site is closed to visitors, it will be replaced with an alternative.
- During major events, or if the proposed hotels are unavailable, accommodation may be changed to a hotel of the same category.
- The sequence of the itinerary and hotel list is subject to change without prior notice.
- Hotel bookings are subject to availability and are not confirmed until full prepayment and written confirmation are received.
- Domestic flights and trains are subject to changes in timing and availability. If the mentioned option is unavailable, it will be replaced with a suitable alternative according to the tour program.
- 4-bed compartments will be used for train journeys and will be shared with other passengers.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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