Duration
18 days / 17 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Architecture, Heritage
Destinations
Kazakhstan

Explore all sides of Kazakhstan during the epic 18-day tour through the country's most iconic and fascinating sites. From the modern Medeo skating rink to the ancient city of Sauran, the majestic Charyn Canyon to a mausoleum and Muslim shrine, this itinerary brings you to all the hotspots of Kazakhstan, allowing you to spend time living in local guesthouses to soak up Kazakh culture while discovering the natural beauty around you.

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

  • Kolsay Lakes National Park: Known as one of the "Pearls of Tien Shan" for its alpine beauty, you can enjoy hiking and horseback riding along the scenic trails here.
  • Noah's Ark: Take a trip to Kazygurt Mount, the place where Noah's ark is said to have settled after the biblical flood.
  • Aralsk: This former seaport is now home to a desolate, yet photogenic, ship graveyard due to the retreating waters of the Aral Sea.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Almaty

Your adventure in Kazakhstan begins in Almaty, the capital city. After you settle in at your hotel, embark on a walking tour, checking out a commemorative park and the city's Central Mosque, before heading into the mountains to the famous Medeo skating rink. Enjoy lunch before returning to the city to visit the Central Historical Museum and a falcon show. Finally, head up Kok-Tobe mountain for dinner with a view of the city.

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.

Day 2

Almaty

Head 105 miles (2.5 hours) out of the city to check out the ancient petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas, a UNESCO world heritage site, where there are many symbols of Buddha. Enjoy lunch in Ili river, then head back to Almaty where you’ll have dinner in an Indian restaurant and an optional excursion to a nightclub.

Almaty
Almaty

Day 3

Kolsay Lake

Today you’ll travel over 5 hours to Kolsay Lake, making a stop at Nura village to check out the sites and see falcons and special hunting dogs. After arriving at Kolsay, you’ll settle into your guesthouse before enjoying dinner.

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 4

Kolsay Lake

Explore two of the spectacular Kolsay Lakes by trekking, walking the trails or even horseback riding. After a day outside, enjoy dinner and then an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 5

Charyn Canyon

Spend the morning exploring the nearby Kaindy Lake before driving to Charyn Canyon - considered the largest canyon in the world after the famous American Grand Canyon - about 125 miles away. Enjoy the afternoon exploring the canyon before dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

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.

Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon

Day 6

Charyn Canyon

Today, you'll head to the Altyn-Emel National Park, where you'll discover the deserted mountains of Katutau and the multi-coloured mountains of Aktau. After spending the day exploring these spectacular sites, you'll return to your guesthouse at Charyn Canyon for the night.

Day 7

Almaty

Head back to Altyn-Emel National Park for another adventure, this time checking out the “Singing Dunes.” In the afternoon, you’ll return to Almaty (around 3 hours) to catch an overnight train to Taraz, a city in the Jambyl Province.

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 8

Berikara Gorge

You will arrive in Taraz very early in the morning and head straight to your hotel to rest. Later on, after breakfast, you will meet with a local archaeologist to begin your tour of Taraz City, from the Regional Museum to the mausoleums and the catacombs. After lunch, you’ll explore Akyrtobe – local ruins of ancient stone settlements – and then head 50 miles to the Berikara Gorge, located in the mountains, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a guesthouse.

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 9

Shymkent

Spend the day exploring the Berikara Gorge, from its diverse flora and fauna to its hundreds of ancient mounds. Enjoy hiking, horse riding or fishing in the wildlife preserve before heading to Shymkent (around 2 hours away), where you will spend the night.

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

Shymkent

From your base in Shymkent, the capital of the South Kazakhstan Province, head less than 25 miles to Kazygurt Mount, the place where - legend has it – Noah’s Ark was stopped and is still visible today. Enjoy a trek to the Zhylak ata waterfall before heading further out of town to observe shamans performing unique rituals. Return to Shymkent for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 11

Shymkent

Today, you’ll head to the Aksu Canyon, visiting Saira City – an old stop on the Great Silk Road – and several mausoleums along the way. At the canyon, discover the “Valley of a Thousand Eyes” – a wall stone with caves resembling eyes – as well as the Aksu river and the “Black Hole.” Enjoy lunch and dinner at the canyon before heading back to Shymkent for the night.

Day 12

Turkestan

On your way to Turkestan (around 3 hours), you’ll stop at a museum in Shaulder village, the ruins of Otrar and the Mausoleum of Arystan-bab, a major Muslim shrine in Central Asia. After arriving in Turkestan and settling in at your hotel, you’ll take an excursion of less than 25 miles to see the ancient city of Sauran before returning for dinner and an 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 13

Turkestan

Explore an architectural complex in Turkestan, which includes an underground mosque, a bath and a history museum, before catching the overnight train to Aralsk.

Day 14

Aral Sea

Welcome to Aralsk, a former seaport. After arriving and settling into your guesthouse, you’ll discover the history of this unique city, from a tour of a ship graveyard to a salty desert where you may even be able to ride a camel. Take in a dombra show and swim in the Aral sea before returning to Aralsk for the night.

Hotel Options
About

Aral Hotel is the only hotel in Aralsk, (also known as just ‘Arul’), a small Kazakhstan city located in the south-west of the country. Being the city’s sole hotel, guests shouldn’t come expecting five-star luxury.

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

The stunning five-star Renaissance Aktau Hotel offers wonderful Caspian Sea views as well as a range of modern and stylish rooms in the middle of Aktau, a large and popular western-Kazakhstan city. On top of its sumptuous sea views, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of guests’ own spacious and well-appointed rooms, this hotel also has an indoor and outdoor pool (with some more of those excellent sea views), a gym, spa facilities and various dining options.

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 15

Aral Sea

Discover two World Bank project sites – the Kokaral dam and the Aklak spillway on the Syrdarya river – where you’ll learn about the projects and watch they are doing for the natural environment. Later, head back to Aralsk for dinner before a late-night transfer (around 5 hours) to Kzyl Orda.

Aral Sea
Aral Sea

Day 16

Astana

After arriving in Kzyl Orda, you’ll head to the airport for a flight to Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, the largest city in Kazakhstan, where you’ll transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax today. 

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.

See Hotel
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 17

Astana

On the last full day of your tour, you’ll get to explore Nur-Sultan, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Starting with a city tour, you’ll see the Museum of the First President, a central mosque and synagogue and a large entertainment complex while also taking an excursion to a local outdoor museum, “Map of Kazakhstan-Atameken.” In the evening, enjoy dinner and a view from the rotating restaurant on the 23rd story of the Solaze hotel.

Astana
Astana

Day 18

Departure

Today you bid Kazakhstan adieu, as you check out of your hotel. You will be transferred to the Nur-Sultan airport to catch your flight home or the connection to your next exciting destination.

Suggested Hotels For Days 1–2

Ritz-Carlton Almaty
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Almaty

Occupying the top ten floors of the Esentai Tower, the Ritz Carlton enjoys unrivalled views of Almaty and the sweeping, jagged, snow-peaked Ile-Alatau mountain range. Guests choosing to stay here have the best of both worlds with easy access to the city and all its famous historic sights as well as the ski slopes in the national park to the south. After a long day on the piste or exploring the city, guests can ascend the escalator into the luxurious surroundings and enjoy all that the hotel has to offer. With restaurants and bars decorated with the latest works from the hottest modern artists in the country, from cocktails with a view to sumptuous dishes prepared with expertise, dining and drinking at the Ritz Carlton is a feast for the senses. Rooms and suites boast stunning panoramas and are fitted with every modern convenience and comfort. Meanwhile, the acclaimed Six Senses Spa offers a retreat from the stresses of everyday life. 

The InterContinental Almaty

The InterContinental Almaty

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. The InterContinental’s rooms are big, bright and fresh with a whole list of facilities and services right on hand. The dining options are impressive too, with an excellent international breakfast buffet, Asian café, rooftop grill, Turkish restaurant and jazz bar. In the evening guests can enjoy relaxing in one of three bars, including a jazz bar and beer garden with light music and boardgames to wind down summer evenings. Elsewhere there is an indoor pool, children’s play area and tennis courts.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

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. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

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. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Suggested Hotel For Day 7

Overnight Train

Overnight Train

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. Longer routes feature high-quality trains that have a restaurant and bar wagon attached. They offer standard 2-4 berth cabins, as well as upper level business class and grand cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for overnight journeys.

Suggested Hotel For Day 8

Guesthouse

Guesthouse

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. Although amenities and services are kept to a minimum, the guesthouse does provide hot water and homecooked meals, and some of the more modern rooms are fitted with TVs and other modern conveniences.  Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and sample the tasty, home-cooked meals featuring local dishes.

Suggested Hotels For Days 9–11

Orbita

Orbita


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. Located inside a historic two-storey house built by Japanese prisoners-of-war in the 1950s, the hotel combines Kazakhstan flair with traditional Japanese design, including the counter-clockwise numbering of the hotel’s seven rooms, each uniquely decorated. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, the quiet location, just outside of the busting city, and most importantly, the top-quality service. 


Rixos

Rixos


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. Dining options abound: Kazakhasia restaurant, which serves a variety of Asian cuisine; Olivia restaurant, offering traditional Italian; a cocktail at one of the on-site bars; or room service delivered straight to the guest’s luxurious room or suite. At this hotel, guests should prepare to be treated like royalty. 


Suggested Hotels For Days 12–13

Karavansaray Kun Hotel

Karavansaray Kun Hotel

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. Some rooms and all suites come with private balconies. Facilities and amenities within the hotel include a spa with nail and hair salon, 24-hour dining, laundry services, and complimentary wifi throughout the property. The all-day restaurant, Eposia, serves both local and continental selections. The Kun Hotel is a part of the Karavansaray complex which includes the family-friendly Khaganate hotel, premium boutiques, a food court, outdoor theatre, a show arena, cinema, covered and open bazaars, and a flowing canal feature. The property is centrally-located and approximately 13.5 miles from the airport.
Overnight Train

Overnight Train

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. Longer routes feature high-quality trains that have a restaurant and bar wagon attached. They offer standard 2-4 berth cabins, as well as upper level business class and grand cabins with ensuite toilet and shower. Sheets, pillows and blankets are provided for overnight journeys.

Suggested Hotels For Days 14–15

Aral Hotel

Aral Hotel


Aral Hotel is the only hotel in Aralsk, (also known as just ‘Arul’), a small Kazakhstan city located in the south-west of the country. Being the city’s sole hotel, guests shouldn’t come expecting five-star luxury. However, what Aral Hotel lacks in style and sophistication, it does make up for in charm, with friendly staff, and enough facilities to make for a comfortable night’s stay. Rooms have large, comfy beds and come with room heating controls and private bathrooms. The hotel is located near the main Aral airport and is a short drive away from the picturesque North Aral Sea in Kazakhstan.


Renaissance Aktau Hotel

Renaissance Aktau Hotel


The stunning five-star Renaissance Aktau Hotel offers wonderful Caspian Sea views as well as a range of modern and stylish rooms in the middle of Aktau, a large and popular western-Kazakhstan city. On top of its sumptuous sea views, which can be enjoyed from the comfort of guests’ own spacious and well-appointed rooms, this hotel also has an indoor and outdoor pool (with some more of those excellent sea views), a gym, spa facilities and various dining options. Each room comes with flat-screen televisions, coffee/tea making facilities, stylish en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Guests opting to dine in the hotel can enjoy a range of cuisines in the Renaissance’s popular on-site restaurant, including Mediterranean, Asian and Western dishes – as well as a buffet breakfast every morning. There is also the Silk Bar and Chai Lounge for some evening drinks and the outdoor area serves freshly-prepared cuts of meat throughout the day.


Suggested Hotels For Days 16–17

Ritz-Carlton Astana
Preferred Hotel

Ritz-Carlton Astana

A prominent work of contemporary architecture and a top-tier luxury hotel setting a new standard in chic, high-end living and hospitality, the Ritz-Carlton in Kazakhstan’s capital of Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, stands as an emblem of the city’s growing prominence and sophistication. Guests at the Ritz-Carlton Astana enjoy unparalleled service and hospitality in this five star hotel elevated above the glowing urban landscape and have an array of services and facilities at their disposal. Three unique restaurants beckon with everything from decadent protein entrées to fresh, organic produce, teas, and other lighter options. There is also a cutting-edge spa and fitness center that cater to activity- and wellness-seeking guests of all kinds. For families, the Ritz-Carlton Astana offers a variety of child-oriented activities such as storytelling, cooking classes, baby cribs, and more. An array of room and suite options are available for guests, as is the exclusive Club Level Experience, reserved for those seeking true excellence in their stay. With its panoramic views, artfully decorated accommodations, and industry-leading amenities and services, the Ritz-Carlton Astana is an elite-level hospitality experience.

St. Regis Astana
Preferred Hotel

St. Regis Astana

Classic sophistication and elegant, modern flair unite in a five-star luxury setting at the St. Regis in Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana. Located in the heart of the city on the banks of the Ishim River in Astana Central Park, the St. Regis Astana carries on a longstanding tradition of excellence and luxury that began more than a century ago with the original St. Regis hotel in New York City. Guests who wish to explore the capital of Kazakhstan will find easy access to all of the best attractions the city has to offer. For those who would prefer to stay in and relax, the St. Regis Astana boasts a spa and athletic club, two restaurants, and a bar offering an exclusive selection of the world’s finest champagnes, rare vintage wines, and hand-crafted cocktails. Guests may also enjoy the unique 24-hour St. Regis Butler Service – a treasured hallmark of the St. Regis tradition. The hotel offers a range of room types, from the spacious, functional deluxe room to the opulent presidential suite.

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