Astana — Almaty — Turkistan

Astana – Almaty – Turkistan: 7-Day Spiritual & Nature Tour

7 Days Astana, Almaty & Turkistan Fully Guided Group Tour

Astana – Almaty – Turkistan: 7-Day Spiritual & Nature Tour

From futuristic capitals to ancient Silk Road heritage — experience Kazakhstan's modern wonders, stunning mountain lakes, dramatic canyons, and sacred spiritual sites.

Tour Highlights

Ethno Village Experience & Yurt Dinner

Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Adventure

Charyn Canyon Valley of Castles

Turkistan UNESCO Heritage Sites

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Astana & Nomadic Traditions

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  • Airport Welcome & Transfer to BalQaragai

    Upon arrival in Astana, you'll be warmly greeted and transferred to BalQaragai, where the journey begins in the serenity of the steppe.

  • Check-in & Relaxation

    Take time to settle into your room and refresh after the flight.

  • Ethno Village Experience

    Step into an authentic ethnoaul, where centuries-old Kazakh traditions are brought to life.

  • Archery, Asyk & Togyz Kumalak

    Experience the essence of the steppe: test your aim in archery, enjoy Asyk, the playful nomadic game with sheep bones, and learn Togyz Kumalak, the intellectual "steppe chess."

  • Dinner in a Yurt with Kazakh Music

    Dine inside a traditional yurt while listening to the enchanting sounds of national instruments.

  • Free Evening & Overnight Stay

    Relax under the stars or enjoy the peaceful steppe atmosphere at your leisure.

Day 2

Exploring Astana's Icons

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  • Breakfast at the Hotel

  • Guided City Tour of Astana

    Discover the vibrant capital, where futuristic architecture meets rich heritage.

  • Bayterek Monument

    Climb the city's symbol for a panoramic view.

  • Nurjol Boulevard

    Stroll along the main avenue leading to Khan Shatyr.

  • Grand Mosque of Astana

    Marvel at one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.

  • Nur Alem Sphere (EXPO 2017)

    Explore the world's largest spherical building.

  • Botanical Garden

    Wander through beautifully designed landscapes.

  • National Museum of Kazakhstan

    Uncover the nation's history and culture.

  • Ak Orda Presidential Palace (Photo Stop)

    Admire the seat of the president.

  • Evening Flight to Almaty

    Depart for Kazakhstan's southern capital and transfer to your hotel.

Day 3

Mountain Adventure in Almaty

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  • Breakfast at the Hotel

  • Shymbulak & Medeu

    Visit the legendary Medeu skating rink, nestled in the mountains, then take a cable car up to Shymbulak ski resort for breathtaking alpine views.

  • Return to the City & Kok-Tobe Hill

    Ride the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for sweeping panoramas of Almaty, before descending back into the lively city.

  • Overnight Stay in Almaty

Day 4

Kaindy Lake & Kolsai Lakes

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  • Breakfast & Departure

    Set off toward the Tien Shan mountains, with fascinating stories shared along the way.

  • Black Canyon Viewpoint

    Stop at a stunning canyon for a short photo break.

  • Village of Saty & Kaindy Lake

    From the village, transfer to rugged vehicles and continue to Kaindy Lake. Hike through mountain trails (about 2.5 km) to reach this surreal lake, famous for its submerged forest rising from the water. Enjoy free time to explore and take in the beauty.

  • Kolsai Lakes

    Continue to Kolsai, a breathtaking alpine lake often called the "Pearl of the Tien Shan." Enjoy a peaceful walk along its shores.

  • Return to Almaty

    After a day of natural wonders, travel back to the city for an overnight stay.

Day 5

Charyn Canyon – Valley of Castles

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  • Breakfast & Departure

  • Journey Through Charyn Canyon

    Travel to one of Kazakhstan's natural treasures – often compared to the Grand Canyon.

  • Kurtogay Gorge

    Pause for a short walk in this scenic valley.

  • Valley of Castles

    Explore on foot (approx. 2.5 km each way) the famous section of Charyn Canyon, where rock formations resemble towers and castles carved by time. Free time to admire and photograph the breathtaking landscapes.

  • Return to Almaty

    Head back to the city for rest after an adventurous day.

Day 6

Turkistan – Spiritual Heart of Kazakhstan

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  • Arrival in Otrar

    Begin the day with a journey into history, visiting ancient sites that shaped the Silk Road.

  • Mausoleum of Arystan-Bab

    Discover the shrine of a revered Sufi teacher and spiritual figure.

  • Besik-Tobe Settlement

    Explore the ruins of one of Central Asia's oldest settlements.

  • Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

    Step into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and the most important spiritual monument in Kazakhstan.

  • Check-in at the Hotel

  • Evening at Keruyen Saray

    Visit the modern Caravanserai cultural complex, designed to recreate Silk Road life with performances and immersive experiences.

  • Return to Hotel for Rest

Day 7

Sacred Heritage & Farewell

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  • Check-out from the Hotel

  • Ak-Mosque Cave

    Visit a sacred cave tied to local legends and spiritual traditions.

  • Mausoleum of Domalak Ana

    Pay respects at the tomb of a revered woman known as a symbol of wisdom and motherhood.

  • Transfer to Shymkent Airport

    Conclude your journey with a transfer to the airport for departure.

Good to Know

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time for this tour is from April to October. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures for hiking, while summer is perfect for mountain lakes and canyon exploration.

Fitness Level

This tour includes moderate hiking (2.5km trails at Kaindy, Kolsai, and Charyn Canyon). A reasonable level of fitness is recommended for full enjoyment.

Flights Included

This tour includes domestic flights: Astana to Almaty (Day 2) and departure from Shymkent (Day 7). International flights are not included.

What to Bring

Comfortable hiking shoes, layers for mountain weather, modest clothing for mosque visits, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera for the stunning landscapes.

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