Wild Kazakhstan Discovery

Day 1 – Welcome to Kazakhstan: Arrival in Almaty

Arrival | Transfer | Relax

Arrive at Almaty International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure — relax after your journey or take a short walk around your neighborhood to get your first feel of Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural capital.

Good to know:
• Hotel check-in as per standard time
• Optional evening stroll or café visit nearby

Day 2 – Almaty City Icons & Mountain Escapes

City Tour | Medeu | Shymbulak | Kok-Tobe
Operating Days: Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Meeting Point: 8:00 AM – Big Bus Stop along Abai Street

Discover the perfect blend of nature, culture, and city life on this full-day Almaty highlights tour.

Your journey begins with a guided city tour covering Almaty’s most iconic landmarks:

• Green Bazaar – a colorful local market full of spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs

• Rahat Chocolate Factory Store – home of Kazakhstan’s famous chocolates

• Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen – a historic green space

• Zenkov Cathedral – a stunning wooden cathedral built without nails

Next, head into the mountains to visit Medeu Ice Rink, the highest skating rink in the world at 1,691 meters above sea level. Enjoy panoramic views and fresh alpine air.

Feeling active? Climb the famous Health Staircase (842 steps) connecting Medeu to Shymbulak — a local fitness challenge with rewarding views.

Then, take a cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort, Central Asia’s premier mountain resort, offering spectacular scenery year-round.

End the day at Kok-Tobe Hill, famous for:

• Panoramic city views

• The Beatles statue

• Leisure walks, cafés, and small attractions

Good to know:
• Cable car rides are weather-dependent
• Comfortable shoes recommended
• Light snacks available at stops

Day 3 – Alpine Beauty & The Legend of Almaty Apples

Big Almaty Lake | Aport Apple Orchard
Meeting Point: 6:00–6:15 AM
Location: In front of Hotel Renion Zyliha

Travel deep into the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains to discover one of Almaty’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

After a scenic 1-hour drive, arrive at Big Almaty Lake, located at 2,511 meters above sea level. This natural alpine reservoir amazes visitors with its ever-changing colors — from light turquoise to deep blue depending on sunlight.

Enjoy free time to walk, photograph, and soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Next, visit the Legendary Aport Apple Orchard, where you’ll learn why Almaty is known as the “City of Apples.”
Hear fascinating stories about the famous Aport apple, a proud symbol of Kazakhstan, while enjoying beautiful landscapes.

Good to know:
• Lake access may be restricted close to water (protected area)
• Warm clothing recommended year-round

Day 4 – Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon

Operating Days: Wednesday & Saturday
Duration: Full Day | Lunch Included

Set out on an unforgettable journey to Charyn Canyon, located about 200 km east of Almaty.

Stretching over 154 km, this natural monument showcases dramatic rock formations carved over 12 million years by wind and water.

Walk through the famous Valley of Castles, where towering rock formations resemble ancient fortresses and stone cities — a dream for photographers and nature lovers.

Enjoy a boxed lunch surrounded by breathtaking scenery before returning to Almaty in the evening.

Good to know:
• Moderate walking involved
• Sun protection recommended

Day 5 – Lakes & Legends: Kaindy & Kolsai with Black Canyon

Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Meeting Time: 5:15 AM
Meeting Point: Abay 50, Circus Parking (near Auezov Metro Station)

Escape the city early and journey into Kazakhstan’s most scenic lake region.

First stop: Lake Kaindy, famous for its submerged forest — tree trunks rising mysteriously from turquoise waters. Enjoy a peaceful walk or opt for 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 breathe in the crisp mountain air.

Return to Almaty in the evening after a day immersed in nature.

Good to know:
• Early departure, long but rewarding day
• Warm jacket recommended even in summer

Day 6 – Altyn-Emel National Park: Singing Dunes & Alien Landscapes

Operating Day: Saturday
Meeting Time: 4:30 AM
Meeting Point: Abay–Zharokov, parking near Alatau Metro Station

Embark on a magical adventure to Altyn-Emel National Park, one of Kazakhstan’s most diverse natural reserves.

Highlights include:

• 700-year-old Willow Tree – a silent witness to history

• Aktau Mountains – surreal white and colorful rock formations

• Katutau Mountains – volcanic landscapes shaped by time

• Singing Dune – a mysterious sand dune that “sings” when the wind blows

Climb the dune, enjoy vast desert views, and feel the true spirit of the Kazakh steppe.

Dinner in the village before returning to Almaty late evening.

Good to know:
• Long day with early start
• Comfortable hiking shoes required

Day 7 – Tanbaly Gorge: UNESCO Petroglyphs

Pickup: 10:00 AM from hotel
Drive Time: ~2.5 hours one way

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tanbaly, home to over 5,000 ancient rock carvings dating from XIV–XIII BC to the 18th century.

Explore the museum-reserve and central canyon, where petroglyphs depict rituals, animals, sun gods, and early nomadic life.

A deeply cultural and historical experience offering insight into Kazakhstan’s ancient civilizations.

Good to know:
• Uneven terrain — walking shoes recommended
• Limited shade in summer

Day 8 – Nomadic Traditions at Huns Ethno Village

Pickup: 10:30 AM from hotel

Step into the world of Kazakh nomads at the beautiful Huns Ethno Village.

Experience:

• Traditional ceremonies & folklore shows

• Professional horse-riding stunts

• Archery demonstrations

• Yurt exploration

• Hands-on crafts & cooking

• Tasting kumis (horse milk)

• Authentic Kazakh feast

In the late evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Astana.
Flight: 23:20 → Arrive Astana 01:30
Pickup and transfer to hotel.

Day 9 – Astana City Highlights & Baiterek Tower

Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday
Meeting Point: 10:00 AM – Best Western Plus Astana Hotel

Discover Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital:

• Grand Mosque of Astana – largest in Central Asia

• Independence Square & major landmarks

• Assumption Cathedral – Orthodox heritage

• Atyrau Bridge – Europe–Asia symbolism

• Baiterek Tower – panoramic city views (entry included)

Tour ends near the original meeting point.

Day 10 – Burabay National Park: Nature & Wellness

Pickup: 6:00 AM | Duration: ~10 hours

Explore the “Switzerland of Kazakhstan.”

Enjoy:

• Lakeside walks

• Hike to Bolektau Peak

• Abylay Khan Meadow cultural experiences

• Traditional Kazakh lunch

• Optional boat ride or horseback riding

A perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.

Day 11 – Return to Almaty & Leisure Day

Flight: 05:45 → Arrive 08:40
Transfer to hotel | Check-in at 2:00 PM

Enjoy a free day for shopping, cafés, spas, or last-minute sightseeing.

Day 12 – Departure from Almaty

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, taking home unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan.

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.