Example Itinerary

Cities of Kazakhstan

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage
Destinations
Kazakhstan

From Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana to Almaty, Shymkent to Turkestan, take in the major cities and sites of Kazakhstan in just six days with this expertly-crafted itinerary. By taking flights instead of overland transportation, you will be able to explore a slew of museums, mausoleums, canyons and caves in less than a week, hitting all the major hot spots and igniting your appetite for Central Asian history and culture. The trip ends at the Uzbekistan border at Chernyaevka, the perfect place for you to continue on, or end your journey.

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

  • Medeo Ice Rink: Skate on the highest ice rink in the world, sitting 1,691 meters above sea level in a lush mountain valley.
  • Great Outdoors: UNESCO-accredited Sairam Ugam National Park is known for its scenic gorges and valleys as much as its snow leopard, bear and gazelle inhabitants.
  • Artisan Workshops: Create souvenirs with a difference under the guidance of masters, as you participate in a ceramic masterclass and a jewelry-making class with local artisans.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Astana

Your adventure in Kazakhstan kicks off today in Nur-Sultan, formerly known as Astana, the country's capital city. After settling in, embark on a guided tour of the city's highlights, including the Museum of the First President, the Temple of Peace and Accord and a large entertainment complex. Enjoy dinner on the 23rd floor of your hotel, where you will be treated to panoramic views of the city from the rotating restaurant’s windows.

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

Map

Almaty

Today, you will take an early flight to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Settle in at your hotel before heading out on a tour of the city, exploring the Central Historical Museum, the Republic Square and Monument of Independence and a farm featuring a falcon show. Enjoy dinner and a show before staying overnight.

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 3

Map

Almaty

Continue to explore Almaty, visiting the Green Bazaar, Panfilovtzev Park, which commemorates the victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War, Zenkov Cathedral and the Central Mosque. Afterward, head to Medeo skating rink, a famous skating rink located in the mountains just outside of the city, where you can check out spectacular views from the rink and from even higher viewpoints. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant on Kok-Tobe mountain and take a jewelry making class before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Day 4

Map

Shymkent

This morning, catch a flight to the city of Shymkent in the South Kazakhstan Province, where you will check into the Canvas hotel. You’ll then set out to explore the Aksu canyon in the Sairam Ugam National Park, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Eyes” due to a set of caves resembling rocky peepers. Enjoy hiking, fishing and lunch before returning to Shymkent to visit an underground mosque and take a ceramic master 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.

Shymkent
Shymkent

Day 5

Map

Shymkent

On the 105-mile/3-hour drive to Turkestan, enjoy stops at a museum in the village of Shaulder, the Otrar ruins and the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab. You’ll have lunch in Turkestan, a city near the Syr Darya river, before travelling approximately 25 more miles to visit the ancient city of Sauran before returning to Shymkent in the evening.

Day 6

Map

Departure

Today, you will be transferred to the Uzbek-Kazakh border at Chernyaevka (around 2 hours' drive) where you may continue your exciting journey into Uzbekistan or return home. Safe travels!

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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