Arrival in Astana. Transfer to the hotel. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, guided tour of Astana, the new capital of the country, and its futuristic skyline (Future Energy Museum, the “Astana-Baiterek” monument symbolizing Kazakhstan’s renewal, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation by Norman Foster, the Atameken Ethno Park) – dinner at a traditional restaurant – after dinner, Astana by night, panoramic tour with bus and guide – overnight stay

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Astana

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day excursion to the Borovoe Nature Reserve, a gem of Kazakhstan, covering 85,000 hectares with 14 lakes, each over 1 square kilometer, and numerous smaller lakes. In this reserve, nature has created uniquely beautiful landscapes combining majestic mountain scenery, mirror-like blue lakes, coniferous and broadleaf forests. Following the Abylaykhan Valley, we will admire the Ush-kyz, Ok-Zhetpes, Zhumbaktas rocks, and Kokshetau Mountain. Finally, an easy hike to Mount Bolektau. In the evening, return to Astana - dinner at a traditional restaurant - free evening with guide available - overnight stay.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Astana

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for the domestic flight from Astana to Turkestan.

Turkestan was a significant historical city in Kazakhstan’s past. By the 14th century, it was a major cultural and artistic center. From the 15th century, it became one of the capitals of the Kazakh Khanate.

Upon arrival in Turkestan, the day is dedicated to exploring the city: visit the “Karavansaray” complex, followed by the Khazrati Sultan Complex, the Mausoleum of Ahmad Yasawi, the Mausoleum of Rabia-Sultan Begim (built in the 14th-15th centuries), and the Juma Mosque (19th century), including ancient necropolises, oriental baths, and underground mosques.

The tour continues with the ancient settlement of Kultobe, which includes remains from four significant periods in Kazakhstan’s history: Kangyu of the 4th century (foundation), the 8th-9th centuries (medieval period), the 10th-12th centuries (period of prosperity), and the 16th-19th centuries (Kazakh Khanate).

Visit the Memorial of the 21 Kazakh Khans and the Altyn Samruk, a unique flying theater in Central Asia located within the “Karavansaray” complex. Overnight at the hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Turkestan

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit the grand Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, built by Tamerlane and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Departure for Otrar, with a stop to visit the Mausoleum of Aristan-Bab and the ruins of Otrar (a significant outpost on the Silk Road, completely destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219, and the city where Tamerlane died in 1405). In the evening, arrival in Shymkent, the most vibrant city in southern Kazakhstan. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. Free evening with the guide available. Overnight stay.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Shymkent

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day dedicated to a guided tour of Shymkent, including the Hilvet Underground Mosque, the Citadel, and the Altyn Orda Art Gallery. Lunch at a restaurant. Dinner with a lunch box. In the evening, departure on a night train to Almaty in luxury sleeper compartments. Overnight on the train.

Meal plan: Breakfast and lunch
Overnight: Night train

Arrival in the morning. Transfer to the hotel for early check-in. Free time. Lunch at a restaurant. In the afternoon, guided tour of Almaty, the former capital and still the largest city and cultural, commercial, and social center of Kazakhstan. Founded by the Russians in 1854 when Kazakhs were still nomadic, the city is known for its tree-lined boulevards and is set against the snowy backdrop of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains. It is one of the most charming Russian creations in Central Asia. Visit Panfilov Park with the Zenkov Cathedral (an Orthodox church entirely built of wood without nails), the Great Patriotic War Memorial, the Kazakh Musical Instruments Museum, Republic Square with the Presidential Palace, the Independence Monument, and the City Hall. Explore the pedestrian street Zhibek Zholy, ride the metro from Zhibek Zholy Station to Almaly Station. Dinner at a traditional restaurant. After dinner, enjoy Almaty by night with a panoramic bus tour and a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill. Overnight stay.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Almaty

Drive further to famous Charyn Canyon. It is an otherworldly monument. The most popular part is called “Valley of Castles”. The history of the canyons goes to Paleogene period. It is also similar to the Grand Canyon in North America, probably that’s why Charyn is called as a little brother of it. The height of Charyn Canyon reaches to 150-300 meters. The erosion of the natural forces depicted giant castles, magical creatures and figures millions of years ago during the tour. It will take hours to explore the stunning beauty of this pure museum of the nature. After surprising beauty, drive to Saty settlement. Nigh in a hotel

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Saty village

After breakfast, check out from guesthouse and travel up to the Kaindy Gorge for a tour. The lake Kaindy located on the top of the gorge among the evergreen fir trees at the altitude of 2000m. The history of the lake goes back to the earthquake in 1911. Due to cascading during the earthquake, the natural dam blocked mountain water flowing down and make turquoise lake on the port of the forest. Even in the hot summer days, the water of the lake is extremely cold, making needles of flooded trees well preserved in Kazakhstan. The dried-out trunks of the trees rise above the surface of the water, looking like the masts of sunken ships. This charming scenery cannot be fully described by words; you will see on your own and remember it in your heart. After enjoying the surrounding, return to Almaty. Overnight in a hotel.

Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner
Overnight: Almaty

Transfer to the airport and departure.