Highlights of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Culture | Silk Road

Vast steppe landscapes, traditional culture and eagle hunters!

7 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
Ask us a question
Book now
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

The most economically advanced of the Stans, Kazakhstan is an enigmatic amalgamation of modernity and tradition. Discover the world’s largest landlocked country, beginning in the glittering capital of Astana. Marvel at its futuristic architecture, including the spectacular Astana-Baiterek Monument. Pay your respects at Alzhir’s memorial complex and museum, reflecting on Stalin’s repressive reign. Take a boat ride along the Ishim River. Travel the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains to Almaty to visit the Central State Museum. The highest skating rink in the world boasts panoramic views of the city and the mountains from Kok-Tobe hill. Descend the red sandstone cliffs of Sharyn Canyon and immerse yourself in traditional Kazakh culture with the golden eagle breeders of Nura Village. This tour is a truly fascinating insight into an ever-developing, yet little-visited, landscape in the heart of Central Asia.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The striking Astana-Baiterek Monument
  • Learn about the dark past of Stalin's rule in Alzhir
  • Enjoy a boat ride along the Ishim River
  • Discover Kazkhstan's rich history in Almaty's Central State Museum
  • Beautiful panoramic views from Kok-Tobe
  • Impressive rock formations at Sharyn Canyon
  • Meet local Kazakh families in Nura village

Places Visited

Nur-Sultan - Almaty - Charyn Canyon

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (Astana - Almaty)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

Contact us today

Please confirm your humanity

Itinerary & Map
View Map

Download Itinerary
Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
Image 3

Day 1 : Arrival into Astana

Arrive in Astana where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Overnight in Astana. 

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Nur-Sultan

Meal plan: n/a

Formally known as "Akmola", Astana was founded in 1830. Due to its central location, it was later made Kazakhstan's capital instead of Almaty. This prompted a name change, as "Astana" means "capital" in the Kazakh language. Since March 2019, the capital has been renamed Nur-Sultan.

Read more
Image 3

Day 2 : Astana

Today you will visit some of the main sites of Astana, including the National Museum, Mosque of Hazret Sultan,  the Astana-Baiterek Monument, the Temple of Peace and EXPO centre area. Overnight in Astana.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Nur-Sultan

Meal plan: Breakfast

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the largest museum in Central Asia, it covers 74,00 square metres and has nine floors. It includes halls such as the Hall of Gold, Hall of Anicent and Medieval History and Halls of Modern Art. It is a spectacular cultural institution with unique architecture. 

The 100-metre-tall Baiterek Monument was constructed and opened in 2002. Kazakh legends speak of Baiterek being the 'Tree of Life', where the holy bird of happiness laid a golden egg at the top of this tree. Depicted by a large glass ball at the top of the tower, the egg is believed to symbolise the sun, life and happiness.

The Temple of Peace, also known as the 'Pyramid of Peace and Accord', consists of five separate triangles which represent the telling of different stories. Since its construction it has predominantly functioned as accommodation for the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It has become known as the place where different cultures, traditions and nationalities coexist in peace.

Located in the capital of Kazakhstan is the largest mosque in Central Asia, Hazret Sultan. The dome reaches an astonishing 51 metres in height and the mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 people. The mosque houses traditional Kazakh ornaments and boasts a classical Islamic style. It is utilised for weddings, bathing rituals and Koran readings. Its 80 metre spire was built to face towards Mecca, the holiest city in the Islamic religion.  

Read more
Image 3

Day 3 : Astana - Almaty

In the morning, transfer to Alzhir and visit the Museum of Victims of Political Repressions. Drive back to Astana and after lunch, take a boat ride along the Ishim river. Later, visit the Khan Shatyr centre. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Almaty. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Almaty. 

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast

Alzhir was once the biggest concentration camp in the USSR for those deemed traitors, their wives and their children. The camp closed in 1953, the year of Stalin's death, and a memorial complex and museum were opened here in 2007 to commemorate those who died. 

The Ishim River runs through Kazakhstan and Russia. It is frozen from November until March, when temperatures can fall to as low as -40C. For generations, Kazakh fishermen have practised the traditional skill of ice fishing here to feed themselves and their families. 

The Khan Shatyr (or "Royal Marquee") is an entertainment centre built in Nur-Sultan in 2006. It was the second national project designed by UK architect Norman Foster, who also constructed Nur-Sultan's Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Set in a 150-metre-high transparent tent with an area larger than 10 football stadiums, it contains numerous shopping and entertainment facilities, including a boating river, mini golf and even an indoor beach resort.

Read more
Image 3

Day 4 : Almaty

In the morning, proceed on a visit to the Central State Museum. Later, explore the Republic square, Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre, Central Mosque and the Green Market. Proceed to the President Residence and Independence Monument in Republic Square before exploring the Museum of National Musical Instruments, where you can see the instruments of well-known Kazakh composers. Finally, visit the Zenkov Cathedral. Overnight in Almaty.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast

Almaty, formerly known as 'Alma-Ata', is the largest city in Kazakhstan. It is located in the foothills of the Trans-lli Alatau mountain and has become the major commercial and cultural hub for the country. 

The Central State Museum in Almaty was originally housed within the former Almaty Cathedral when it opened in 1931. In 1985, a new structure was constructed to properly exhibit the rich history of Kazakhstan. It presents the history of Kazakhstan across four exhibition halls, from the Bronze Age to contemporary times. Exhibits include an archaeological gold collection, ethnographic displays of yurts and exotic costumes, and information on Kazakhstan's many ethnic groups during the 20th and 21st centuries. 

Almaty's Republic Square was constructed in 1980 and was used throughout the rule of the Soviet Union as a place for mass demonstrations, celebrations, festivals and military parades. It was also the site of the infamous 1986 uprising known as Jeltoqsan that occurred in protest over the dismissal of the Kazakh Soviet leader Kunayev.

Read more
Image 3

Day 5 : Almaty

Enjoy an excursion to the famous skating rink of Medeu. After, continue up the meandering mountain road of Kok-Tobe and observe the highest TV tower in the world. Later, walk down the meandering lanes before going to see The Beatles Monument. The afternoon is free at your leisure. Overnight in Almaty.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Medeu is an outdoor speed skating rink situated at an elevation of 1,691 metres above sea level in the Medeu mountain valley. It has become known as the highest skating rink in the world. 

The hill of Kok-Tobe towers over the city of Almaty. Standing at 1,100 metres above sea level it provides panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. 

Found on the Kok-Tobe hill standing near Almaty Tower, the Beatles Monument was created in 2007 by artist Eduard Kazaryan in celebration of the universal appeal of the British band. Cast in bronze, it the first monument to depict all four members in full. 

Read more
Image 3

Day 6 : Almaty - Sharyn Canyon - Almaty

After breakfast, drive along a picturesque road via many villages to Sharyn Canyon. Descend the canyon on a short walk by Sharyn River. Return to Almaty, visiting Nura village en route. Here you can meet a family who have been breeding golden eagles for hunting for generations. If time permits, visit a small museum in the village and learn about the history of Kazakhstan's birds of prey. Overnight in Almaty. 

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast

Charyn Canyon lies in the open plains of Almaty. The red sandstone was cracked open and enlarged by the Sharyn River. After many years of weathering and erosion, the striking canyon and its impressive rock formations were formed. Visitors can walk, raft and take jeep tours through the distinct landscape. Part of the canyon is known as the Valley of Castles for its unusual rock formations.

Read more
Image 3

Day 7 : Departure from Almaty

In the morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or onwards destination.

Contact us to arrange further extensions to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

Image 3

Hotel Kazhol

Nur-Sultan (2 nights)

Hotel Kazhol is a contemporary, 4* hotel centrally located in Astana. Within walking distance of various amenities, including shopping centres and the Palace of Independence, it features fantastic onsite services such as a spa centre equipped with a large swimming pool, sauna and fitness room and authentic, oriental restaurant serving central Asian and European cuisine. 

Visit hotel's site
Image 3

Hotel Kazhol

Almaty (4 nights)

Forming part of the contemporary, 4* hotel chain similarly located in Astana, Hotel Kazhol features completely modem room amenities, and also includes fantastic onsite services such as a spa centre equipped with a large swimming pool, sauna and fitness room and authentic, oriental restaurant serving central Asian and European cuisine. 

Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Baikonur Cosmodrome & Soviet Space History (5 days)

Extend your trip to the Baikonur Cosmodrome

Five Stan Odyssey (along the Silk Road) (30 days)

Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'

Kazakhstan Explorer (11 days)

Impressive clay canyons, singing sand dunes, and hiking.

Kazakhstan Rocket Launch (11 days)

Get blown away with a mix of rockets, culture, and national parks.

Highlights of Kazakhstan (7 days)

Vast steppe landscapes, traditional culture and eagle hunters!

Reviews

Just back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.

Brendan Fitzgerald , Journey Through the Stans

A fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.

Anthony Twohig , Journey Through the 4 Stans & Central Asia extension

I would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !

Julie Crank , Journey Through the 4 Stans

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans
More reviews