Example Itinerary

Cities, Lakes & Mountains of Kazakhstan

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Amazing Landscapes, UNESCO
Destinations
Kazakhstan

The largest country in Central Asia - and the ninth largest in the world - Kazakhstan features so many incredible landscapes and landmarks. This exciting 11-day itinerary includes the best that this country has to offer, from its historic metropolises to its sacred scenery. You will start the trip in Nur-Sultan, current capital of Kazakhstan, visit Kazygurt Holy Mount, explore the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve by horseback, and wind down in the largest city, Almaty, for several days of sightseeing. A whirlwind trip to remember, this Kazakhstan itinerary has it all. 

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

• Biblical Legacy: Kazygurt Holy Mount is the site where Noah’s ark is said to have come to rest.

• Modern History: Reflect on the dark side of history at Alzhir, a memorial to wives of Stalin regime prisoners, who were deemed "guilty by association" and forced into internment camps.

• Spirituality: A popular Muslim pilgrimage destination, the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab was built on the grave of a religious mystic and saint of Islam.

• Charyn Canyon: Explore the "Valley of Castles," known for its incredible landforms, similar in style to the Grand Canyon in the US.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Astana

Your exciting 11-day trip through Kazakhstan begins in Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, the second-largest city and current capital of the country, located in the northern region. Your day begins with a transfer to your hotel, where you will meet your guide to take an exciting city tour, visiting sites including the Museum of the First President, the Astana-Baiterek monument, the Temple of Peace and Accord, and the city’s central mosque. Enjoy lunch and dinner in a local restaurant and an overnight at your four-star hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Exceptional Culinary Establishments: The hotel’s three restaurants – MÖKKI, Selfie Restaurant, and ӨZEN – are among the vanguard when it comes to the fine dining landscape of Astana. Guests may enjoy sampling the traditional cuisine of Kazakhstan or branch out and test their palate on innovative courses.

A History of Excellence: The name “Ritz-Carlton” is synonymous with class and luxury in the hospitality industry – and with good reason, as evident in the beautiful décor and tasteful, spacious layouts of Ritz-Carlton Astana accommodations.

Ballroom Extravagance: The Ritz-Carlton Astana’s jaw-dropping 10,764-square-foot ballroom is an exquisite setting of glittering crystal chandeliers, elegant lighting, and sophisticated arrangement.

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Ritz-Carlton Astana Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Outstanding Service: Experienced, thoughtful butlers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that guests want for nothing.

Feature-Rich Accommodations: Heated floors, plush bathrobes, a wireless Geneva Model sound system, and a 27” AquaVision in-bathroom television are a few St. Regis room standards.

Prime Location: Close to some of the most breathtaking natural landmarks and treasures, such as the Baiterek Monument and the Hazret Sultan Mosque.

Events and Traditions: Enjoy and choose from numerous classic hotel rituals and experiences such as afternoon tea, the delicious, zesty St. Regis Bloody Mary, and champagne sabering.

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St. Regis Astana Preferred Hotel

Day 2

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Shymkent

On your second day, you will take a morning trip to Alzhir, which stands for “Akmolinskiy internment camp for the wives of the betrayers of the homeland” – a memorial to the wives of Stalin regime prisoners, who were deemed “guilty by association.” After you return to Nur-Sultan in the afternoon, you will visit a local entertainment complex where you can explore an oceanarium and the Kupol common room, which features models of famous sites from around the world including the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before taking a quick flight to Shymkent, where you will stay overnight.

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 3

Map

Shymkent

After an early breakfast in Shymkent, you will visit Kazygurt Holy Mount – located in the western ridge of the UNESCO-designated Tien Shan mountains and said to be the place where Noah’s ark came to rest. In the afternoon, you will head back to Shymkent and explore its underground mosque and local pottery workshop before exploring the Aksu canyon in the nearby Sairam Ugam National Park.

Day 4

Map

Turkestan

Today, you will transfer to the city of Turkestan (around 3 hours) – literally meaning “city of Turks.” Along the way, you will visit a museum in the village of Shaulder, explore the ruins of Otrar, and the mausoleum of Arystan-bab, a popular Muslim pilgrimage destination. After settling in at your hotel in Turkestan, you will spend the afternoon exploring the ancient city of Sauran, about 25 miles from Turkestan, where you will return for dinner and overnight.

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.

Day 5

Map

Aksu-zhabagly Nature Reserve

Head out early this morning to transfer to the ancient site of Suzak, stopping along the way at several mausoleums. After enjoying lunch in Suzak, you will transfer to the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, where you will stay overnight in a guesthouse. Total driving time today is around 4 hours. 

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.

Aksu-zhabagly Nature Reserve
Aksu-zhabagly Nature Reserve

Day 6

Map

Aksu-zhabagly Nature Reserve

Spend the day on horseback, exploring the beautiful mountain refuges, waterfalls and fields of the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, located at the foothills of the Tien Shan mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch and head back to your guesthouse for dinner and a sound night’s sleep.

Day 7

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Almaty

Enjoy a second day in the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, exploring the Taldubylak – Kazanchykyr Natural boundary, the shore of river Zhabagly, and the local Museum of Nature. After an early dinner, you will transfer to Tulkubas to catch an overnight train 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.

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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.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 8

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Almaty

Welcome to Almaty, former capital of Kazakhstan and the country’s largest city. After settling in at your hotel, you’ll meet with a guide for lunch and a city tour, visiting sites including the Central Square and Monument of Independence, the Central Historical Museum, the central mosque, and the Medeo skating rink, located at a high altitude with a stunning view of the surrounding city and mountains.

Day 9

Map

Almaty

Today, you’ll visit some of the great sites surrounding Almaty, including the Charyn Canyon - the valley of Castles - and several small villages, where you’ll be able to experience local life and sport, including eagle hunting. In the evening, you will head back to Almaty for dinner and overnight in your hotel.

Day 10

Map

Almaty

Today, you’ll head 17 miles south of Almaty to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning mountain lake located 8,238 feet above sea level, in the gorge of the Bolshaya Almatinka River. Enjoy a visit and lunch in the nearby observatory, before visiting a falcon farm for its “Golden Eagle show.” Finally, you’ll head back to Almaty for dinner, where you’ll spend your final night in Kazakhstan.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 11

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Departure

Today is the final day of your action-packed 11-day tour of Kazakhstan. You’ll be transferred to the airport, from where you may be heading home or onto your next exciting destination in Central Asia.

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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