Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, offers vast landscapes and rich history. Almaty, its former capital, surprises visitors with vibrant street markets and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the Green Bazaar, where locals sell fresh produce and crafts, and Kok-Tobe Hill, offering panoramic city views.
Beyond the city, explore Medeo’s high-altitude skating rink, the serene Issyk Lake, the cultural Ethno-Aul “Huns,” and the dramatic Charyn Canyon with Kolsay and Kaindy Lakes. This Kazakhstan tour combines natural wonders, culture, and adventure for an unforgettable Kazakh experience.
Depart from Manila and arrive at Almaty International Airport, where you will be greeted by your tour guide. Transfer to a local restaurant for dinner, then check in at the hotel and rest.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before discovering Almaty’s highlights:
• Green Bazaar
• Panfilov Park
• Zenkov Cathedral
Savor a chicken menu lunch at a local restaurant, then continue with:
• A visit to Kok-Tobe Hill
• Souvenir shopping
• A scenic cable car ride back to the city
• A captivating falcon show
Conclude the day with dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Medeo Skating Rink and Shymbulak Resort.
Experience the famous Medeo Gorge, home to the highest mountain skating rink in the world, and the dam protecting the city from mudflows.
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Return to Almaty
• Rest at hotel
• Dinner at local restaurant
• Overnight in Almaty
Drive to Issyk Lake (64 km). En route, stop at the Golden Man Monument, a symbol of Kazakhstan.
• Continue to Issyk Lake (1,756 m above sea level)
• Take in the scenic views of the Tian Shan Mountains
• Enjoy some free time
Return to Almaty for dinner, then head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Transfer to Ethno-Aul “Huns” after breakfast at the hotel.
Experience of traditional Kazakh culture:
• Welcome ceremony with warriors
• Bauraks tasting & cooking demo
• Yurt experience & cultural immersion
• Traditional crafts and daily life activities
• Theatrical performance & horse games
• Kara Zhorga dance masterclass
• Archery experience
Enjoy lunch featuring local delicacies such as Plov, salad, Baursaks, and tea. Take some free time for photos and additional activities before returning to Almaty for dinner at a local restaurant, then back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart for Kolsay Lakes via Charyn canyon (280 km). Explore the Charyn Canyon, known for its dramatic rock formations and landscapes over 12 million years old. Follow this itinerary:
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Canyon walk and sightseeing
• Visit Kaindy Lake – famous for its submerged forest
• Proceed to Saty Village
• Dinner and overnight at guesthouse
• Overnight in Kolsay
Enjoy a refreshing breakfast at the guesthouse before driving back to Almaty (approximately 6 hours), with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant along the way. For dinner, savor authentic Italian pasta before transferring to the airport for an overnight flight.
Touch down at home after a long flight, bringing back not only souvenirs but also memories of Kazakhstan’s wonders and the people you shared the journey with.