Day 1: Arrival in Almaty and City Tour

Salem! Welcome to Kazakhstan. Most international flights arrive early in the morning. You will be met at the airport and 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 2: 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 3: Shymbulak - Kolsay Lakes

You will be transferred to Kolsay National Park after your breakfast in the morning. Kolsay features several lakes at high altitudes which are often named as Pearls of Tian Shian mountains. Upon finishing check-ins at the Kolsay Nomad Hotel, you can go for an optional themed horse ride through the forest and a hike around the lower lake (approx. 1-2 hours). Lunch will be prepared outdoors, on the backdrop of the beautiful scenery, and served in a yurt, traditional Kazakh nomadic tent. After that, there will be a display of traditional Kazakh games, including archery and sports that you are welcome to watch or participate in. Dinner is served at the hotel after a day of full culturally immersive activities.

Day 4: Kolsay Lakes - Charyn

In the morning, after breakfast, we will head to Charyn National Park to take a hike at the Charyn Canyons. Nicknamed the lesser Grand Canyon, because of its resemblance to the one located in the USA, it still impresses everyone who visits the rock formations. After the exploration of the canyon, we will stop to have lunch. At the cafe Tari Say Dasturi, you will be introduced to the Kazakh tea culture and snacks of your choosing. Then we head towards the Eco Park Hotel, which is located near the village of Chundja, famous for its geothermal baths and hot springs. These services and amenities will be available at the hotel and dinner will be served at the hotel’s restaurant.

Day 5: Charyn - Tamgaly Tas - Almaty

After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Tamgaly Tas, an open air temple, surrounded with rock paintings of Tibetan iconography and inscriptions dated to the second half of the 17th century. Cave paintings were created by the Oirat and Tibetan masters. After the tour of the temple, we will head out to the Nomad Village, a movie set that recreates a turkic town from the middle ages for movies. It's a great opportunity for a photo shoot session and thematic lunch that will be organized at the location. Upon finishing the lunch, you will transfer to Almaty 2 Train Station to take the overnight sleeper train to Astana. The night train features a restaurant wagon that serves dinner and drinks at the bar.

Day 6: Arrival in Astana and 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 7: Astana - Shuchinsk - Burabay

After breakfast, we will take a relatively short train ride to Shuchinsk to reach Burabay National Park. From the train station, you will be transferred to the hotel Domuozera. Our guided hiking tour will start after you check-in at the hotel. We will head towards the territory of the national park, explore the frozen lakes and listen to the legends that surround the rock Oq-Jetpes. Then we will stop by the restaurant Burabay to have lunch after our short excursion. Afterwards, we will continue our journey by going to the sacred forest to see the throne of Ablay Khan, which according to the legends is a throne of rough stone in the middle of the forest. Dinner will be served at the restaurant of the hotel in the evening.

Day 8: Burabay Free Exploration

On the last day, feel welcome to explore the national park and its wonders on your own. There will be a taxi service available, should you choose to reach a specific place quickly. Number of activities, including skiing and horse riding will be accessible in nearby locations. We are delighted to organize the farewell dinner on your last night in Kazakhstan to celebrate memories and friends we made along the way. The dinner ends with a traditional Kazakh ceremony of giving gifts to the guests who are on their way.

Day 9: Departure from Burabay

You will take the train in the morning after breakfast, to head back to Astana. Our services are available if you need to transfer from the train station to 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: hello@myqazastan.com
• Phone/WhatsApp: +41 792697176
• Website: www.myqazaqstan.com
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us. We look forward to making your journey through Kazakhstan unforgettable!