9 Days 8 Nights Kazakhstan Discovery

Begin your adventure in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s cultural hub. Wander through the lively Green Bazaar, sample unique delicacies like horse milk and camel milk, and explore the historic Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Admire the colourful Ascension Cathedral and discover rare traditional instruments at the National Museum of Musical Instruments. End the day at Republic Square, the heart of Almaty’s public life.

Step into the world of the Great Steppe at the Nomad Ethno Centre, where ancient warrior traditions come alive through swordplay, archery, and eagle hunting demonstrations. Savour lunch in a traditional yurt before returning to the city. Later, ascend by cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for sweeping views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains.

Fly to Turkestan, a historic Silk Road town. Enjoy a warm welcome in a Kazakh family home, where you’ll bake traditional tandyr bread and learn about local craftsmanship. In the evening, stroll through the Karavansaray complex, a reimagined ancient town alive with bazaars, shops, and the spectacular Kyz Zhibek & Tolegen water show.

Visit the awe-inspiring Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual centre of the Turkic world. Explore the Hilvet Underground Mosque, then step into the high-tech Uly Dala Museum to discover ancient nomadic innovations. End the day with a visit to a craftsman’s workshop where intricate wooden masterpieces carry deep symbolic meaning.

Travel towards Shymkent, stopping at the ancient city of Otrar, once a vital Silk Road trading hub, and the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, a revered Sufi shrine. Arrive in Shymkent and immerse yourself in local artistry at the Altyn Orda Art Gallery, where you can also try your hand at traditional felt-making.

Discover the medieval treasures of Old Sairam town, dotted with mausoleums and holy sites. Visit the remarkable Ethnographic Museum, largely hand-built by a single craftsman, before climbing the Shymkent Citadel for panoramic views. In the evening, fly back to Almaty.

Venture into Charyn National Park and hike the Valley of the Castles, an awe-inspiring canyon shaped by millennia of wind and water. Continue to the charming village of Saty, where you’ll enjoy warm Kazakh hospitality in a family-run guesthouse.

Journey to the mystical Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest, then on to the scenic Kolsay Lakes, often called the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan.” After a peaceful day in nature, return to Almaty for your final night in the city.

Bid farewell to Kazakhstan with memories of its vibrant cities, nomadic traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your onward journey.