Example Itinerary

Cultural Highlights of Kazakhstan

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Kazakhstan

This nine-day itinerary is full of surprises: from the Central Historical Museum in Almaty to the burial grounds of Issyk Kul Lake, the petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas to the underground mosque of Shymkent, the Kazygurt Mount where Noah’s ark came to rest to the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab, a Muslim shrine, you will explore all the history, culture and spirituality this incredible country has to offer – mixing in waterfalls, stunning vistas and a falcon show, of course. 

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• Modern History: In Almaty, delve into the past at Republic Square, the Monument of Independence and Panfilovtzev Park.

• Lake Issyk: This jewel-toned alpine lake, encased in mounts blanketed in forest and dusted with snow, is worth a visit simply for the view, but there's plenty to do here including hiking, exploring archaeological monuments and burial grounds, and learning more about the region at the Issyk museum.

• Spiritual Petroglyphs: The thousands of ancient rock paintings at Tamgaly Tas, many of which date back to the Bronze Age, depict symbols of Buddhism - it was once an important site where religious rituals were held.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Almaty

You will arrive in Almaty – Kazakhstan’s largest city – in the evening and be transferred to your hotel to enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: With the soaring peaks of the Ile-Alatau mountains to the south and the city of Almaty laid out to the north, the Ritz Carlton lies between wild nature and urban action.

Services: Every care is taken to ensure guests are satisfied at every turn, from airport limousine services to 24-hour concierge on hand at all times.

History: This ultra-chic, contemporary hotel soars above the ancient city of Almaty, juxtaposing the historic with modern-day Kazakhstan.

Read More
Ritz-Carlton Almaty Preferred Hotel
About

The InterContinental in Almaty is a luxury hotel sitting opposite the famous Presidential Palace in Republic Square. It’s the perfect location to see this popular attraction, as well as the city’s many others in this central area.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Almaty

Your journey truly begins today, starting with a city tour of Almaty highlighting the Central Historical Museum, the Republic Square and Monument of Independence and Panfilovtzev Park, which commemorates the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War. In the afternoon, enjoy an excursion to the Kok-Tobe mountain, where you will enjoy dinner overlooking the city and take a traditional jewelry making class.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 3

Almaty

Today, you will head out of town to Issyk Kul Lake, located 46 miles from the city. Explore archaeological monuments and burial grounds, visit the Issyk museum and discover the beauty of the Turgen Gorge, where you will have the chance to hike to a waterfall. On your return to Almaty, enjoy a falcon show at Sunkar farm before dinner and your overnight stay.

Day 4

Almaty

On an excursion around 2-3 hours from Almaty, discover the 4000 rock paintings of Tamgaly Tas – many of which depict the Buddha symbol – which date back to the Bronze Age. Enjoy lunch before returning to Almaty for dinner and overnight.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 5

Shymkent

Today, you will take a short flight to the South Kazakhstan Province to the city of Shymkent. After settling in at Canvas hotel, you will take a tour of the Aksu canyon, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Eyes” for the distinct look of its caves. Spend the morning exploring the natural scenery before returning to the city after lunch, where you will visit an underground mosque and take a ceramics class.

Hotel Options
About

This boutique hotel in Shymkent, Kazakhstan is the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city in the south of the country. With its world-class service and intricate design, Orbita Hotel is setting the standard for hotels in Shymkent.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

For class, style, and a dash of opulence, the Rixos Khadisha Hotel is the perfect luxury-home-away-from-home in Shymkent. This world-class hotel, located in the business district of the city, features a grand staircase, a spacious entry, and a full-featured spa, including an indoor pool and fitness area, a sauna, and a Turkish hammam - the perfect way to relax after a busy day.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Turkestan

You will travel over 100 miles/3 hours to Turkestan today, stopping to visit a museum in the village of Shaulder, the ruins of Otrar and the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab, one of the Muslim shrines of Central Asia. After lunch in Turkestan, you will head out of town to the ancient city of Sauran, before returning to Turkestan for your overnight stay.

Hotel Options
About

The first true luxury hotel in Turkestan, the Kavaransaray Kun Hotel makes a grand entrance combining with 37 specially-designed plush rooms and suites with a fully decked entertainment space. Rooms start at 40 sqm with views featuring the inner square or surrounding foliage.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Turkestan
Turkestan

Day 7

Almaty

Enjoy a tour of an architectural complex in Turkestan, which includes an underground mosque, a bath, a history museum and fragments of the citadel’s fortress. After lunch, you will head back to Shymkent (3 hours) to board a flight to Almaty.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: With the soaring peaks of the Ile-Alatau mountains to the south and the city of Almaty laid out to the north, the Ritz Carlton lies between wild nature and urban action.

Services: Every care is taken to ensure guests are satisfied at every turn, from airport limousine services to 24-hour concierge on hand at all times.

History: This ultra-chic, contemporary hotel soars above the ancient city of Almaty, juxtaposing the historic with modern-day Kazakhstan.

Read More
Ritz-Carlton Almaty Preferred Hotel
About

The InterContinental in Almaty is a luxury hotel sitting opposite the famous Presidential Palace in Republic Square. It’s the perfect location to see this popular attraction, as well as the city’s many others in this central area.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Almaty

On your final full day, discover the wonder of the famous Medeo skating rink, located high in the mountains surrounding Almaty. Enjoy lunch at the rink - overlooking the city - before returning to visit the city’s Green Bazar before the final dinner.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 9

Departure

Today, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home, or your connection onto another destination in Central Asia or yet another unexplored corner of the world!

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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