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Cultural Exploration
Discover the wonders of Kazakhstan and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture, a fusion of ancient traditions and modern hospitality. Experience the legendary warmth of Kazakh people as you explore their rich heritage through authentic food, traditional music, and the thrilling spectacle of horseback games. Visit the sacred Turkic religious sites, witness mesmerizing Islamic Golden Age architecture, savor local delicacies with new modern take on the traditional cuisine. From the bustling streets of Almaty to the ancient city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan offers a cultural journey like no other, blending breathtaking landscapes with an unforgettable introduction to Central Asia’s heart.
physical rating:
/
/
Cultural Exploration
theme:
Cultural
period:
August - September
language:
English, German, French
region:
South Kazakhstan
comfort level:
10 MAX
group size
2500 CHF
price/person
9
days
Highlights
  • Visit the Green Bazar, a popular vibrant hub in Almaty for sampling flavors and purchasing local crafts.
  • Explore Shymbulak near Almaty, Central Asia’s best ski resort with top-notch facilities and mesmerizing views.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Turkistan are architectural marvels and considered to be a spiritual center in Central Asia.
  • Uncover Shymkent’s rich history in districts like Sairam, an ancient Silk Road town with historic mausoleums and ruins.
  • Immerse yourself in history in Taraz, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, boasting over 2,000 years of rich heritage. Known as the “City of Gardens,” Taraz offers a unique blend of ancient Turkic architecture and vibrant modern life.
  • Experience the dynamic energy of Astana, Kazakhstan’s stunning capital, where futuristic architecture meets nomadic culture.
Flight Tickets
Food at Hotels and Restaurants
Not included in the price:
4 Hotels, 1 Resort, 1 Guest Villa, 2 Sleeper Trains (business class)
Accomodation:
8 lunches, 3 dinners at handpicked restaurants and cafes
Reservations:
None
Meals:
MPV, Trains
Transportation:
Includes:
Insurance
Activites:
  • City Tours
  • Museum Tours
  • Mausoleums
  • Explore City Murals
  • Hike at National Parks
  • Reservations at Best Restaurants
  • Scenic Cafes
  • Evening Entertainment
  • Sauna
  • Hot Springs
  • Ice Skating (Optional)
  • Skiing (Optional)
  • Horse Riding (Optional)
Gallery
Route
Astana
Burabay
Shymkent
Taraz
Turkistan
Almaty
Shymbulak
Almaty
Route
Astana
Burabay
Shymkent
Taraz
Turkistan
Almaty
Shymbulak
Almaty
Route
Astana
Burabay
Shymkent
Taraz
Turkistan
Almaty
Shymbulak
Almaty
Important Notes
  • All listed departures and tours are guaranteed
  • Maximum group size is 10
  • 500 chf/person is required for the deposit
  • One tour guide will accompany the guests the whole trip
  • Private tour option for this itinerary is available for couples and families
  • Citizens of most countries can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days
  • Get in touch for recommended flights and airlines
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Astana, City Tour
Welcome to the capital city Astana! It was designated as the new capital of the republic in 1998. You will be picked up from the train station and transferred to the Ramada Wyndham Hotel, located in the city center. After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our city tour to see the architectural evolution and history of the city. Slowly, we will head towards the National Museum of Kazakhstan for a guided tour. At Aula restaurant, you will enjoy kazakh traditional dishes that are perfect for the winter. In the evening, you will have reservations at award winning restaurant Sandyq, that will feature the best modern take on traditional cuisine. The meals will be accompanied by traditional music and performances.
Day 2: Astana - Taraz
In the morning, breakfast will be served at the hotel. Upon finishing the first meal, we will go for a guided tour of the Astana Opera Theatre, a marvelous blend of Kazakh architecture and neoclassical styles. When we finish the tour of the theatre, we will be transferred to Qazaq Gourmet restaurant, one of the premier restaurants in Astana, that will welcome us for lunch. After that embark on a scenic and comfortable sleeper train ride to the ancient city of Taraz. The train also features restaurant and bar wagons that can be accessed for dining and drinking while making new friends on the road.


Day 3: Arrival in Taraz, City Tour
Welcome to Taraz! One of the oldest cities in the country. Breakfast can be served on the train before the arrival to the city. After the check-in at the Barhat Resort Hotel, we will start our tour of the city from the Dautbek and Karakhan Mausoleums. You will have a guided tour of one of the oldest religious buildings of this kind on the territory of Kazakhstan. After that, you will go for lunch at the famous restaurant Kishmish, loved by the locals. Mausoleums of Aisha Bibi and Babadji Hatun will be the next stop on the city tour. Listen to the legends and tales of these holy sights told by the guide to further understand the culture that spread along the Silk Road. Our last stop will be the historical regional museum of the city before we head back to rest for the night. In the evening, there will be dinner available at the restaurant of the hotel.


Day 4: Taraz - Shymkent
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the train station to travel to Shymkent (approx. 4 hours). Villa Dora is a perfect tranquil guest villa that will pick you up and check you in at the hotel. The tour of the city will start from the city center and move towards the Domalak Ana Mausoleum that has an incredible story behind its construction. You will have a reservation at Tobe restaurant to have lunch in a traditional setting with delicious meals. Stroll through the Shymkent Dendropark after your lunch to see the diverse trees and fauna that was cultivated for recreational purposes.After that, we will stop by the old central mosque and the new one that was opened recently. Both visits will showcase the diverse architecture that the city inhibits. Dinner is served at the villa upon your return from the city tour.


Day 5: Shymkent - Turkistan
In the morning, breakfast will be served at the resort. After the first meal of the day, we will take the train to reach Turkistan. On arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel located in Karavansaray Complex. The ancient Silk Road atmosphere is recreated here with artisan streets, shops, restaurants, an amphitheater which blends entertainment with cultural heritage. Lunch will be served at the hotel before we begin the tour of the city. We will start from the legendary mausoleum of Arystan Bab, a perfect starting point to set the tone of the tour. Award-winning restaurant Sandyq will host a dinner for your arrival with evening entertainment.


Day 6: Turkistan - Shymkent - Almaty
Breakfast will be served at the hotel’s restaurant. After the first meal of the day, we will visit the city’s most unique building which is not only a mausoleum but also functions as a tomb and mosque. Khoja Ahmed Yassawi complex of Timurid Era is one of the most striking structures in the sufi Islamic world. After the tour of the mausoleum, we will head to restaurant Safi, one of the local favorites, that will be hosting us for lunch. In the evening, you will be transferred to the main station to take the train to Almaty. The train also features restaurant and bar wagons that can be accessed for dining and drinking while making new friends on the road.


Day 7: Arrival in Almaty
Welcome to Almaty and experience the vibrant cultural and culinary capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the iconic Hotel Kazakhstan. After the check-in at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to have breakfast before we start our city tour. The tour starts from Independence Square, then we continue our way to the renowned Kasteev State Art Museum. After the guided tour of the collections and exhibitions, we will have lunch at the restaurant Korsi, where we will enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine in a very cozy setting. After lunch, we will explore the Panfilov park and Zenkov cathedral. In the evening, we have reservations at restaurant Tarih, where guests will enjoy the special welcome dinner as per Kazakh tradition.


Day 8: Almaty - Medeu - Shymbulak
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Shymbulak, the largest ski-resort in Central Asia. Shymbulak offers breathtaking mountain vistas and thrilling activities just outside Almaty. When check-ins are completed at the Qazaq Auyl Hotel, we will go for a hike to explore Ile Alatau National Park. Mynjylky route leads to an open plateau with beautiful winter landscapes. This easy hike is perfect for beginners, featuring gentle slopes and expansive snowfields (approx. 1-2 hours). Upon returning, we will head to SYN32 restaurant at the top of the resort for our deserved lunch with unforgettable views. After that, guests are welcome to choose from a range of activities such as skiing, horse riding or just join the party at the bar. In the evening, modern Kazakh cuisine with entertainment will be waiting for the guests at the famous Auyl Restaurant. You are also welcome to try the saunas at the hotel, which is a popular form of relaxation in Kazakh winters.


Day 9: Departure from Almaty
In the morning, you will be transferred to Almaty after breakfast. Our services are available if you need to transfer to the train station, the airport or a hotel.


Plan your trip
Secure your journey with trusted travel insurance and flight recommendations.
Travel insurance:
Direct flights:
Milan - Almaty (non-stop)
Frankfurt - Almaty (non-stop)
Frankfurt - Almaty (non-stop)
Dates & price
You can choose to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or book a private tour on the date of your choice
Private tours
Flexible & guaranteed departures
Small group tour
Fixed & guaranteed departures
Starting
Finishing
Languages
Price
Booking
18 Aug 2025
26 Aug 2025
English
2500 CHF
Soon
Coming
German/
French
2500 CHF
We had an unforgettable time exploring the Silk Road with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism. The historical sites in Turkistan and the stunning canyons near Almaty left us speechless. The company provided a perfect balance of adventure and culture, and the local food was simply delicious. Having a French-speaking guide was a huge plus for us. If you’re looking for a well-planned, immersive journey, this is the company to book with
Anna Schneider
Our trip to Almaty and Astana with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism was beyond our expectations! The landscapes were breathtaking from the canyons to the crystal-clear lakes. The guides spoke fluent German and made us feel welcome from day one. We especially loved immersive the cultural experiences, such as dining in a yurt and meeting Kazakh nomads. Highly recommended for Swiss travelers looking for something unique!
Lukas Meier
Client feedback
Our Altai hiking tour with Qazaqstan Premium Tourism was absolutely magical! The untouched nature, snow-capped peaks, and stunning valleys made every day feel like a dream. The Swiss-level organization and attention to detail made everything seamless. I was impressed by how professional and friendly the guides were, ensuring we had an authentic and unforgettable experience. I’m already planning my next trip back
Sophie Dubois
FAQ
What is Qazaqstan Premium Tourism?
Qazaqstan Premium Tourism specializes in curated travel experiences across Kazakhstan, offering premium tours such as cultural Silk Road tours, trekking in Altai, winter sports, and adventure expeditions. Our tours are guided by multilingual experts in English, German, French, and Italian.
Why should I choose Kazakhstan for my next trip?
Kazakhstan offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventurous activities. From the ancient Silk Road to breathtaking mountains, canyons, and alpine lakes, Kazakhstan provides an unforgettable travel experience.
What types of tours do you offer?
We provide a range of tours, including:
Culture: explore historic sites and nomadic traditions of Kazakhstan.
Adventure: off road journeys and expeditions to discover unique landscapes.
Trekking: discover pristine nature in long distance excursions on foot, horseback and 4x4.
Hiking: explore national parks for hiking, glamping, skiing, snowboarding and horse riding.
Grand Tours: grand tour around the largest landlocked country in the world.
Can I customize a tour?
Yes, we offer customization for private tour bookings to suit your preferences and needs.
Do you provide transportation?
Yes, we include transportation between destinations as part of our tour packages. This includes airport pickups, off-road vehicles for expeditions, and high-end minivans for group travel.

Can you arrange flights?
While we don’t directly sell flights, we can assist with recommendations and connections to travel agents who can book your airfare.
What kind of accommodation is included?
We offer a mix of boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and authentic yurts, ensuring extra comfort while maintaining a connection to Kazakhstan’s cultural and natural heritage.
What languages do your guides speak?
Our expert guides speak English, German, French, and Italian, catering to a diverse range of international travelers.
Are the guides certified?
Yes, all our guides are certified professionals with deep knowledge of the regions and a passion for sharing Kazakhstan’s beauty.
Are the activities family-friendly?
Many of our tours, such as The Silk Road and Cultural Exploration, are perfect for families. For more adventurous activities like trekking or hiking, we recommend age-appropriate participation.
Are the hiking tours suitable for beginners?
We offer hiking routes for all levels, from beginner-friendly trails near Almaty to more challenging paths of Kolsay Lakes or Charyn National Park.
What is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
It depends on your interests:
• Spring (April-May): Ideal for adventure lovers and cultural tours.
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for trekking and exploring high-altitude lakes.
• Autumn (September-November): Great mild weather and golden landscapes.
• Winter (December-February): Best for holiday festivities, ski and snow-based activities.
How do I book a tour?
You can book directly through our website or contact us via email or phone to discuss your preferences and finalize your itinerary.
What is your payment policy?
We accept payments via credit card, online payment platforms or bank transfers. A deposit is required to confirm your booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made 30 days before the tour receive a full refund. Late cancellations may incur charges based on our policy.

Is it safe to travel in Kazakhstan?
Yes, Kazakhstan is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. We ensure all tours prioritize safety, with experienced guides and well-maintained equipment.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included but can be arranged upon request through our partner providers.
How do I contact you?
You can reach us via:
• Email: info@myqazastan.com
• Phone: +7 (XXX) XXX-XXXX
• Website: www.myqazaqstan.com
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to making your journey through Kazakhstan unforgettable!


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