Example Itinerary

Ancient Kazakhstan: A Journey Back in Time from Almaty to Turkestan

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Kazakhstan

This incredible 11-day archaeological tour of Kazakhstan will open your eyes to an entire ancient world. From the moment you arrive in Almaty, you will be transported back in time with a trip to the burial grounds around Issyk Lake; from there, you will explore the Tamgaly petroglyph site, the Tukturmas catacombs and ancient city of Sairam, with a backdrop of mountains, waterfalls and sand dunes, of course. Prepare to be amazed by what you will find unearthing centuries of civilization, discovering the tales and treasures of ancient Kazakhstan. 

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

  • Ancient History: Visit the burial grounds of the Golden Warrior, Kazakhstan’s answer to Tutankhamun, whose 2,000-year-old remains were discovered in 1969, lavishly adorned in golden armor.
  • Falconry: The region's enduring hunting and bird-handling heritage can be experienced at a Golden Eagle Show at a local falcon farm.
  • Singing Dunes: Altyn-Emel National Park's mysterious "Singing Dunes” are known for their deep hums and rumbles, though the sands never move.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Almaty

Today, your exciting adventure in Kazakhstan begins, as you arrive in Almaty, the country’s largest city, just before midnight. Transfer to your hotel for a late night snack before settling in for the night.

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

Day 2

Almaty

Welcome to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Today, you will visit the Central Historical Museum before taking a trip to Issyk Lake, where you can explore archaeological monuments and the burial grounds where Golden Man was found. After lunch, you’ll travel to the Turgen River Gorge where you’ll be able to trek to a spectacular waterfall before heading back to Almaty for dinner and overnight.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 3

Almaty

The third day of your journey kicks off with a visit to the UNESCO-designated Tamgaly petroglyph site, famous for its rock carvings of the Buddha. After lunch, you’ll head to the gorgeous nearby mountain lake, Big Almaty Lake, and then onto a falcon farm for the Golden Eagle Show. You’ll have dinner and spend the night in Almaty.

Day 4

Shonzhy

Today, you’ll drive to Charyn National Park (around 4 hours) to explore the Charyn Canyon, the largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon. Later, you’ll transfer to Shonzhy, where you can settle into your hotel and enjoy some time bathing in the local hot springs pools. Enjoy lunch in Kokpek village and dinner in your hotel.

Hotel Options
About

A trip to Charyn Canyon, a 150km long vista of sheer cliffs and dramatic erosion formed 3 million years ago, is memorable and a true sight to behold. After an adventure-filled day exploring Charyn National Park, unwind and rest at the small town of Shonzhy, home to the country’s most visited and well-known hot springs.

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 5

Almaty

This morning you’ll embark on the 4-hour drive to the magnificent Altyn-Emel National Park to observe the stunning “Singing Dunes”, two large sand dunes located between Keesha and Ulken Kalkana's mountains. After lunch, you’ll transfer to Kapchagay, a picturesque city on the Ili River, via a 4-hour drive. Enjoy some time by the water before enjoying dinner back in 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
Almaty
Almaty

Day 6

Almaty

Today, you’ll head back to Altyn-Emel National Park for further exploration. Check out Terekty kurgan and the petroglyphs before you board a train for your overnight trip to Taraz, via Almaty.

Day 7

Berikara Gorge

You’ll be up bright and early this morning for your arrival in Taraz - a city in the Jambyl Province - so you’ll have time to settle in and sleep in your hotel. After breakfast, you will meet with a local archaeologist to start your exciting day. You will visit the Regional Museum, several mausoleums, Tukturmas catacombs and a local market before returning to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you will explore Akyrtobe - the ruins of an ancient stone settlement. Finally, you will transfer to Berikara Gorge, located in the mountains 50 miles from Taraz, for your overnight stay in a guest house.

Hotel Options
About

Throughout Kazakhstan’s remote corners, from the Aral Sea to Berikara Gorge, lies beauty and adventure, as well as a number of cozy guesthouses which happily host travelers. All rooms are compact, and simply and pleasantly furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens.

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 8

Berikara Gorge

This day is all about exploration: visit the rock paintings in the Berikara Gorge, which depict ancient tribal life, explore ancient mounds and even have a horseback ride around the area, taking in the natural scenery. You will enjoy another night in your guest house.

Day 9

Shymkent

Hit the road again and head to Shymkent (a 2-hour drive), where you’ll visit an underground mosque, a local pottery workshop and the South Kazakhstan Regional Historical Museum. After lunch in a local restaurant, you’ll transfer to Aksu canyon in Sairam Ugam National Park via the ancient city of Sairam, once a stop along the Great Silk Road, where you’ll be able to step out onto the Devil’s Bridge - if you’re brave enough! Enjoy dinner in your hotel in Shymkent.

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.

Shymkent
Shymkent

Day 10

Turkestan

After an early breakfast, you’ll head out on the 3-hour drive to Turkestan - quite literally the city of Turks - to explore the ruins of Otrar. You will also check out the the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab of 12 centuries, a popular Muslim pilgrimage site, and the Khodja Ahmed Yassaui Mausoleum. After lunch in a local café, take time to explore the city - including its medieval bath houses and fragments of the citadel battlement - before you catch your overnight train back to Almaty.

Hotel Options
About

Kazakhstan’s expansive country is sparsely dotted with main cities that lie thousands of miles away from one another. One of the best ways to traverse the terrain, glimpse its rural landscapes, and meet its local people is by train, which connects all cities and smaller places.

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 11

Almaty

Enjoy your final full day in Kazakhstan at one of the most beautiful spots in Almaty - the Kok-Tobe mountain. The highest point of the city, the mountaintop will give you a spectacular panorama of the city and its surrounding mountains. Afterwards, enjoy a walk around the city, checking out the Kastayev State Arts Museum and the Monument of Independence. Finish off your trip with dinner and a show in Alasha restaurant.

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

Day 12

Departure

It’s time to say goodbye to Kazakhstan as your exciting adventure comes to an end. This morning, you will depart Almaty, to head back home or onto the next stop on your exciting adventure.

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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