Two Capitals, One Kazakhstan

Day 1: Welcome to Almaty – Gateway to the Mountains

Arrival | Airport Transfer | Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Almaty International Airport, where you’ll be met and transferred comfortably to your hotel.
After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure — relax after your flight or take a short walk around the neighborhood to get your first feel of Kazakhstan’s cultural capital.

Good to Know

• Almaty is known for its leafy streets, mountain backdrop, and café culture

• Most hotels allow luggage storage if rooms are not immediately available

Day 2: Almaty City Icons & Mountain Escapes

Medeu • Shymbulak • Kok-Tobe • City Highlights
Operating Days: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Meeting Point & Time: 08:00 AM – Big bus stop along Abai Street

Discover the perfect mix of nature, culture, and history on Almaty’s most popular sightseeing day.

Highlights of the Day

• Medeu Ice Rink – the world’s highest mountain skating rink at 1,691 meters

• Health Staircase (842 steps) – a local fitness challenge with rewarding views

• Shymbulak Ski Resort – cable car ride with panoramic mountain scenery

• Green Bazaar – colorful local market

• Rahat Chocolate Factory Store – famous Kazakh sweets

• Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral – history and wooden architecture

• Kok-Tobe Hill – sunset views, Beatles statue, and city panorama

Begin at Medeu, surrounded by dramatic alpine landscapes. From here, climb the legendary Health Staircase or relax before taking the cable car to Shymbulak, Central Asia’s top mountain resort.

After the mountain experience, explore Almaty’s cultural heart — bustling bazaars, peaceful parks, and architectural landmarks. End the day at Kok-Tobe, enjoying sweeping city views and relaxed walks.

Good to Know

• Wear comfortable walking shoes

• Cable car operations are weather-dependent

• The Health Staircase is optional — you can go directly by cable car

Day 3: Alpine Beauty & The Legendary Apple

Big Almaty Lake • Aport Apple Orchard
Meeting Point & Time: 06:00–06:15 AM, in front of Renion Zyliha Hotel

Start early for a scenic escape into the mountains.

Drive about one hour to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning alpine reservoir located at 2,511 meters above sea level. Surrounded by pine forests and peaks, the lake changes color from turquoise to deep blue depending on sunlight — a photographer’s dream.

Next, visit the Almaty Apple Garden, home of the legendary Aport apple, a proud symbol of the city. Learn the fascinating story behind this giant red apple variety and enjoy beautiful mountain-orchard scenery.

Good to Know

• Lake access may be restricted in bad weather

• Bring warm layers — temperatures are cooler at high altitude

Day 4: Charyn Canyon – Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon

Full-Day Nature Adventure with Boxed Lunch
Operating Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Pickup: From your hotel (time advised one day prior)

Journey east to the spectacular Charyn Canyon, located about 200 km from Almaty.

Stretching over 154 km, this natural wonder is famous for its dramatic rock formations shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Walk through the iconic Valley of Castles, where towering cliffs resemble ancient fortresses.

Enjoy breathtaking views, geological wonders, and a peaceful escape into nature before returning to Almaty in the evening.

Good to Know

• Canyon walking involves uneven paths

• Carry water, sun protection, and comfortable footwear

Day 5: Turquoise Lakes & Wild Landscapes

Kaindy Lake • Kolsai Lake • Black Canyon
Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Meeting Point & Time: 05:15 AM, Circus parking, Abay 50 (near Auezov Metro)

An early start leads to one of Kazakhstan’s most magical regions.

First stop is Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged forest — ghostly tree trunks rising from crystal-clear water. Enjoy a walk or optional horse riding (extra cost).

Continue to Lake Kolsai, often called the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan.” Relax by the lakeshore, enjoy lunch (own expense), and take in the fresh mountain air before heading back to Almaty.

Good to Know

• Long travel day, but extremely rewarding

• Bring snacks and cash for local services

Day 6: Altyn-Emel National Park – Desert Wonders

Singing Dune • Aktau & Katutau Mountains
Operating Day: Saturday
Meeting Point & Time: 04:30 AM, Abay–Zharokov parking (near Alatau Metro)

Step into a land of legends and landscapes.

Travel to Altyn-Emel National Park, starting from the village of Basshi. Visit a 700-year-old willow tree, then explore the surreal white cliffs of the Aktau Mountains and the volcanic stone formations of Katutau.

The highlight is the mystical Singing Dune, where the sand hums like music when the wind blows. Climb to the top for breathtaking desert views.

Return to Almaty late evening after dinner.

Good to Know

• Very early departure

• Walking and light trekking involved

• Desert climate — sun protection essential

Day 7: Tanbaly Gorge – Echoes of Ancient Life

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pickup Time: 10:00 AM from hotel

Travel around 2.5 hours to the Tanbaly Gorge, a UNESCO-listed open-air museum.

Explore thousands of ancient petroglyphs dating from 14th century BC to the 18th century AD, depicting rituals, animals, and daily life of early nomadic cultures. Visit the central canyon, believed to be a sacred ceremonial site.

Good to Know

• Easy walking, but uneven terrain

• Hats and water recommended

Day 8: Living Like Nomads – Huns Ethno Village

Cultural Immersion & Traditional Experiences
Pickup Time: 10:30 AM from hotel

Experience the heart of Kazakh nomadic culture at Huns Ethno Village, set in a scenic mountain location.

Activities Include

• Traditional ceremonies & performances

• Professional horse-riding show

• Archery demonstrations

• Yurt life introduction

• Craft making & cooking local dishes

• Horseback riding (amateur level)

• Tasting kumis (horse milk) and authentic Kazakh meal

In the evening, transfer to the airport.
Flight: 23:20 Almaty → 01:30 Astana
Arrival transfer to hotel.

Day 9: Astana – The Capital of the Future

City Highlights & Baiterek Tower
Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Meeting Point & Time: 10:00 AM, Best Western Plus Astana Hotel (main entrance)

Explore Kazakhstan’s modern capital.

Visit the Grand Mosque of Astana, Independence Square, Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, Hazret Sultan Mosque, and the Assumption Cathedral.

Walk across the iconic Atyrau Bridge, then ascend Baiterek Tower for panoramic views of the city. Entry included.

Tour ends near the original meeting point.

Good to Know

• Dress modestly for mosque visits

• Photography allowed in most areas

Day 10: Return to Almaty – Leisure Day

Flight: 05:45 Astana → 08:40 Almaty

Transfer to hotel.
Check-in at 14:00.
Rest of the day free for shopping, cafés, parks, or spa time.

Day 11: Departure from Almaty

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking home unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan’s landscapes, culture, and hospitality.

Hotel Details: 4-star 

• Almaty: Holiday Inn or similar
• Astana: Hilton Garden Inn or similar

Visa: Visa Free 14 Days from the point of arrival

• Kazakhstan is visa-free for Indian passport holders
  (Valid until further notice from the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate)

 NOTE: The package cost is based on a minimum of 2 adults travelling together. Rates vary at the time of booking; the given rate is an estimate.