Day 1: Arrival in Almaty and City Tour

Salem! Welcome to Almaty and experience the vibrant cultural and culinary capital of Kazakhstan. You will be met at the airport and transferred to a 5/4 star hotel or similar. After the check-in at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to have breakfast before we start our city tour. Guided tour of the museums and exhibitions will showcase the historical significance of the city to the country. We will have lunch at a restaurant, where we will enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine in a very cozy setting. Thereafter, we will explore the Panfilov park and Zenkov cathedral. In the evening, we will have reservations at a restaurant, where guests will enjoy the special welcome dinner.

Accommodations: 5 star, 4 star hotel or similar

Day 2: Almaty - Yurt Village - Almaty

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Yurt Village, a cultural and historical center around Almaty, where visitors can immerse themselves in Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic heritage through hands-on cultural experiences. Guests can witness or take part in traditional yurt-building, cook iconic Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, and enjoy folk music performances while learning to play instruments such as the dombra. Horseback riding and steppe games like kokpar offer thrilling insight into ancient traditions, while felt-making workshops introduce guests to the intricate world of Kazakh handicrafts.

Accommodations: 5 star, 4 star hotel or similar

Day 3: Almaty - Lake Issyk - Turgen Gorge

Have a beautiful morning with the view of Ile Alatau mountains and have breakfast at the hotel before departing. After the meal, we will head out to Turgen Gorge, located near Talgar, it will take about 1.5 hours, excluding traffic jams on the highway to get there. After the small detour, we will head to a trout farm for lunch. There will be an opportunity to catch your own fish at the farm if one is up for the challenge. We will continue our journey and start hiking towards Ayusai waterfall. After a brief stop near the water, we will reach a local guesthouse for a check-in. In the evening, we will have dinner at the guesthouse.

Accommodations: Yurt stay, guesthouse or similar

Day 4: Turgen Gorge - Asy Plateau - Kolsay Lakes

Wake up in a traditional Kazakh yurt, just like the nomads of the past, accompanied by a glorious morning breakfast. After a delicious meal, we will head out to Asy Plateau, formerly known for being a hub for merchants in the ancient times, today it will impress anyone who visits with its mesmerizing rolling green hills and pastures. At our next stop, Bartogay Reservoir Lake, we will set up camp and go for a hike around the reservoir to further explore this impressive area. Have a hearty dinner at the camp under the night sky full of stars.

Accommodations: Yurt stay, guest house or similar

Day 4: Kolsay Lakes - Kaindy Lake - Kolsay Lakes

After breakfast near the lake, we will head out to the Kolsay Lakes, nestled between mountain ridges. After the check-in at a local hotel, we will start exploring the first lake, located at the base of the mountain. We will recharge and have lunch with a magnificent view at the Tary cafe located not too far away. After the meal, there will be an option to head out for the second lake with a 1 km hike and the gentle accession only after halfway off the trail. Or take the opportunity to go for a thematic horse riding instead. After a day full of activities, head back to the hotel to have a well deserved rest and delicious evening meal.

Accommodations: Hotel, yurt stay, guest house or similar

Day 5: Kolsay Lakes - Charyn Canyon

Have breakfast under the quaint panoramic view of the lakes from your hotel before departing for Charyn Canyon, located in Charyn National Park. After the check-in at the local glamping site, we will begin the tour around the park. We will explore the park, including the Temirlik tract, rivers, canyons, depressions, and even see the antelopes, native to the location, if we are lucky. Tary Charyn cafe will be our stopping point for some refreshments and lunch. We will continue our trail through the canyon, taking short breaks for rest and pictures. The dinner will be served at the camp upon our return to the site.

Accommodations: Glamping site, cabins, tents or similar

Day 6: Charyn Canyon - Tekes

After breakfast at the glamping site, we will head out for a 2h30 drive to the village of Tekes and Tekes Waterfall that are situated near the Chinese border. Sometimes you will see the yurts and sheep herders along the route since there are many jaylaus (summer pastures) in the area. When we arrive at the village, we will check-in and have lunch. After that we will start exploring the area and stop by the waterfall. We will further explore the area for its diverse flora and fauna, and scenic observation decks. Dinner will be served at the guesthouse while enjoying local hospitality.

Accommodations: Guest house, homestead or similar

Day 7: Tekes - Lake Tuzkol

Have an incredible morning view while having breakfast at the village of Tekes. We will continue our epic tour to Lake Tuzkol, a unique saline lake tucked between the mountains. The salinity of the lakel varies according to the seasons. We will rest at the camp nearby and have lunch before we start exploring the area. There will be an opportunity to go around the lake or further, depending on your preference. After a full day of activities, we will come back to the camp for dinner and spend a night in a tent.

Accommodations: Camping tent

Day 8: Lake Tuzkol - Shalkode Valley

Wake up for a delicious morning breakfast at Lake Tuzkol before embarking on the road to Shalkode Valley. This immense pasture is the largest valley in Kazakhstan, which is also part of the Tien Shan mountain ranges. We will check-in at a local yurt lodging, which will be followed by lunch. There will be a diverse range of activities for the guests staying in the valley, including horse riding and traditional games. Dinner will be served in the yurt for a more immersive experience.

Accommodations: Yurt stay, guest house or similar

Day 9: Shalkode Valley - Dobun

After breakfast in a yurt, we will journey on our 4x4 off-road vehicle to the Dobun valley by crossing the Ketmen mountain range in the north, known for its incredibly beautiful gorges. After a meal with panoramic views of the valley and mountains, we will begin the descent to the Dobun valley. Hot springs and many other amenities will be waiting for us at Eco Park Hotel which will be the ideal concluding experience after a tour, highlighting the best of Almaty region. Our Epic Almaty hiking adventure has come to an end.

Accommodations: Hotel, resort or similar

Day 10: Dobun - Shymbulak

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Shymbulak, the largest ski-resort in Central Asia. When check-ins are completed at a hotel, we will go for a hike to explore Ile Alatau National Park. After lunch, guests are welcome to choose from a range of activities such as skating at Medeu, hiking trails 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 mountains.

Accommodations: 5 star, 4 star hotel or similar

Day 11: Departing Shymbulak

We will depart for Almaty after our breakfast at the hotel. Our services are available if you need to transfer from the city center to the train station, the airport or a hotel.

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!