Kazakhstan: Steppes and Mountains is a 7-day, 6-night tour to discover Kazakhstan, its vast steppes, the Tian Shan Mountains, nomadic culture and some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Central Asia.
This tour in Kazakhstan combines the discovery of Almaty with a journey through the nature and traditions of Central Asia. The trip allows you to discover the country’s modern cultural capital, experience the culture of the nomadic peoples and reach some of the most fascinating natural destinations in south-eastern Kazakhstan.
The programme begins in Almaty, a city located at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. During the visit, we will discover the National Museum of Kazakhstan, Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and Kok Tobe Hill, with its spectacular panoramic views over the city and the mountains.
An important part of the journey is dedicated to nomadic culture. At the Huns Ethnographic Village, you will be able to discover traditional Kazakh yurts, the ancient traditions of the peoples of the steppes, music, folk dances and equestrian games. This experience allows you to better understand the history and identity of Kazakhstan.
The route continues towards Charyn Canyon, one of the country’s great natural spectacles, with its famous Valley of Castles and imposing rock formations. Afterwards, we reach Saty, in the Tian Shan Mountains, to explore Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes, surrounded by forests, mountains and crystal-clear waters.
Kazakhstan: Steppes and Mountains is therefore an itinerary designed for those who want to experience a complete journey combining cities, nature, culture and nomadic traditions. An ideal experience for discovering Kazakhstan away from the more conventional routes and getting to know one of the most fascinating destinations in Central Asia.
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
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Destination: Kazakhstan
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Type: Culture and Nature
Itinerary:
Almaty · Huns Ethnographic Village · Charyn Canyon · Saty · Lake Kaindy · Kolsai Lakes · Almaty
For more information about the main natural attractions in the Almaty region, you can consult
the official Kazakhstan tourism guide
Below you will find the complete itinerary for Kazakhstan: Steppes and Mountains, with the detailed day-by-day programme, planned visits, hotels, meals and all services included and not included in the trip.
Arrival in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan and today the country’s main economic and cultural centre, located at the foot of the spectacular Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range.
Completion of customs formalities, meeting with the local English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation in the reserved rooms.
Overnight.
Hotel: Kazzhol Park Hotel / Grand Voyage Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Full day dedicated to discovering Almaty, an elegant city characterized by broad tree-lined avenues, numerous parks and a lively atmosphere that reflects the modern face of Kazakhstan.
The visit begins with the National Museum of Kazakhstan, one of the country’s most important museums, which houses valuable archaeological finds, ethnographic collections and testimonies of the history of the nomadic peoples who have inhabited these vast steppes since ancient times.
Continue to Panfilov Park, dedicated to the twenty-eight Kazakh soldiers who heroically defended Moscow during the Second World War.
Inside the park stands the magnificent Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), built entirely of wood at the beginning of the 20th century without the use of metal nails. Almost 56 metres high, it represents one of the most extraordinary examples of wooden architecture in the world and even survived the devastating earthquake of 1911.
Visit the characteristic Green Bazaar, the city’s most famous market, full of colours, aromas and local products: dried fruits, spices, honey, traditional cheeses, typical sweets and handicrafts.
In the afternoon, ascend Kok Tobe Hill, accessible by a scenic cable car, offering magnificent panoramic views over the city and the Tian Shan Mountains. The hill features green areas, cafés, attractions and the famous Beatles monument.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure for the Huns Ethnographic Village, located in the countryside surrounding Almaty.
The excursion offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Kazakh nomadic peoples, who for centuries travelled across the vast steppes of Central Asia, raising horses, camels and sheep.
Visit the traditional yurts, the mobile dwellings of the nomads, built with wooden structures and covered with felt, perfectly adapted to life in the steppes.
During the day, enjoy a folklore performance featuring traditional music, folk dances and demonstrations of equestrian games, including disciplines that still represent an important part of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage today.
Traditional lunch.
Return to Almaty.
Walk along Arbat Street, an elegant pedestrian street animated by street artists, musicians, cafés and shops.
Overnight.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure towards the impressive Charyn National Park.
The Charyn Canyon, carved by the river of the same name, is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Central Asia. It stretches for approximately 154 kilometres and features spectacular sedimentary rock walls shaped by wind and water over more than twelve million years.
The most famous section is the impressive Valley of Castles, where pinnacles, towers and rock formations take spectacular shapes reminiscent of ancient fortresses.
Panoramic walk through the canyon and time for photography.
In the afternoon, continue to the mountain village of Saty, surrounded by coniferous forests and mountains.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Full day dedicated to visiting two of the most spectacular lakes in Kazakhstan.
The first is the mysterious Kaindy Lake, which was formed following a powerful earthquake in 1911. The earthquake caused a natural landslide, creating a dam and submerging a spruce forest.
Even today, the tree trunks rise vertically from the clear turquoise waters, creating a landscape that is unique in the world.
Continue with a visit to the famous Kolsai Lakes, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Tian Shan”. Located among pine forests and high mountains, these alpine lakes are famous for their crystal-clear waters, which reflect the sky and surrounding peaks.
Walk through the unspoilt nature and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the Kazakh mountains.
Return to the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure back to Almaty, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of the mountains and steppes of south-eastern Kazakhstan.
Arrival in the afternoon.
Free time for shopping, individual sightseeing or relaxation.
Recommended specialities include Kazakh chocolate, felt products, handmade crafts and souvenirs inspired by nomadic culture.
Overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Almaty International Airport.
Assistance with check-in and boarding formalities and departure on the return flight.
End of services.
Meals: None
If you would like to continue discovering Kazakhstan and Central Asia, you can also explore the other itineraries offered by DOCA TOURS. You will find journeys dedicated to nature, culture, nomadic traditions, mountains and the main destinations of Kazakhstan.
The tour price includes the main services required to experience the journey in Kazakhstan according to the planned programme. Accommodation, indicated meals, transfers, private transportation, assistance from a local guide and entrance fees to the attractions included in the itinerary are all included.
This allows travellers to experience the journey with an organised structure, from discovering Almaty to exploring the natural areas of Charyn Canyon, Saty, Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes, according to the services indicated in the programme.
Some services and expenses are not included in the tour price. It is important to carefully check these elements before departure, particularly regarding flights, meals not indicated in the programme, insurance and personal expenses.
Note:
For proper travel planning, we recommend checking all included and excluded services before confirming your booking. This will allow you to clearly understand what is included in the price and which possible expenses will need to be paid separately.
If you would like to continue discovering Kazakhstan and Central Asia, you can also explore the other itineraries offered by DOCA TOURS. You will find journeys dedicated to nature, culture, nomadic traditions, mountains and the main destinations of Kazakhstan.
The tour price includes the main services required to experience the journey in Kazakhstan according to the planned programme. Accommodation, indicated meals, transfers, private transportation, assistance from a local guide and entrance fees to the attractions included in the itinerary are all included.
This allows travellers to experience the journey with an organised structure, from discovering Almaty to exploring the natural areas of Charyn Canyon, Saty, Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes, according to the services indicated in the programme.
Some services and expenses are not included in the tour price. It is important to carefully check these elements before departure, particularly regarding flights, meals not indicated in the programme, insurance and personal expenses.
Note:
For proper travel planning, we recommend checking all included and excluded services before confirming your booking. This will allow you to clearly understand what is included in the price and which possible expenses will need to be paid separately.
Arrival in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan and today the country’s main economic and cultural centre, located at the foot of the spectacular Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range.
Completion of customs formalities, meeting with the local English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation in the reserved rooms.
Overnight.
Hotel: Kazzhol Park Hotel / Grand Voyage Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Full day dedicated to discovering Almaty, an elegant city characterized by broad tree-lined avenues, numerous parks and a lively atmosphere that reflects the modern face of Kazakhstan.
The visit begins with the National Museum of Kazakhstan, one of the country’s most important museums, which houses valuable archaeological finds, ethnographic collections and testimonies of the history of the nomadic peoples who have inhabited these vast steppes since ancient times.
Continue to Panfilov Park, dedicated to the twenty-eight Kazakh soldiers who heroically defended Moscow during the Second World War.
Inside the park stands the magnificent Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), built entirely of wood at the beginning of the 20th century without the use of metal nails. Almost 56 metres high, it represents one of the most extraordinary examples of wooden architecture in the world and even survived the devastating earthquake of 1911.
Visit the characteristic Green Bazaar, the city’s most famous market, full of colours, aromas and local products: dried fruits, spices, honey, traditional cheeses, typical sweets and handicrafts.
In the afternoon, ascend Kok Tobe Hill, accessible by a scenic cable car, offering magnificent panoramic views over the city and the Tian Shan Mountains. The hill features green areas, cafés, attractions and the famous Beatles monument.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure for the Huns Ethnographic Village, located in the countryside surrounding Almaty.
The excursion offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient culture of the Kazakh nomadic peoples, who for centuries travelled across the vast steppes of Central Asia, raising horses, camels and sheep.
Visit the traditional yurts, the mobile dwellings of the nomads, built with wooden structures and covered with felt, perfectly adapted to life in the steppes.
During the day, enjoy a folklore performance featuring traditional music, folk dances and demonstrations of equestrian games, including disciplines that still represent an important part of Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage today.
Traditional lunch.
Return to Almaty.
Walk along Arbat Street, an elegant pedestrian street animated by street artists, musicians, cafés and shops.
Overnight.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure towards the impressive Charyn National Park.
The Charyn Canyon, carved by the river of the same name, is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in Central Asia. It stretches for approximately 154 kilometres and features spectacular sedimentary rock walls shaped by wind and water over more than twelve million years.
The most famous section is the impressive Valley of Castles, where pinnacles, towers and rock formations take spectacular shapes reminiscent of ancient fortresses.
Panoramic walk through the canyon and time for photography.
In the afternoon, continue to the mountain village of Saty, surrounded by coniferous forests and mountains.
Accommodation at the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Full day dedicated to visiting two of the most spectacular lakes in Kazakhstan.
The first is the mysterious Kaindy Lake, which was formed following a powerful earthquake in 1911. The earthquake caused a natural landslide, creating a dam and submerging a spruce forest.
Even today, the tree trunks rise vertically from the clear turquoise waters, creating a landscape that is unique in the world.
Continue with a visit to the famous Kolsai Lakes, often referred to as the “Pearl of the Tian Shan”. Located among pine forests and high mountains, these alpine lakes are famous for their crystal-clear waters, which reflect the sky and surrounding peaks.
Walk through the unspoilt nature and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of the Kazakh mountains.
Return to the hotel.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
Departure back to Almaty, travelling through the beautiful landscapes of the mountains and steppes of south-eastern Kazakhstan.
Arrival in the afternoon.
Free time for shopping, individual sightseeing or relaxation.
Recommended specialities include Kazakh chocolate, felt products, handmade crafts and souvenirs inspired by nomadic culture.
Overnight.
Meals: Dinner
Breakfast.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Almaty International Airport.
Assistance with check-in and boarding formalities and departure on the return flight.
End of services.
Meals: None
