| Duration: | 7 Day(s) - 6 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Classic Tours |
The most convenient program for your first acquaintance with Kazakhstan, its colorful traditions, amazing nature, and the main sights of Nur-Sultan and Almaty!
Route: Nur-Sultan - Almaty (Kazakhstan)
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Nur-Sultan, Arrival
Arrival in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan. Meeting and greeting at Nur-Sultan International Airport. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and rest.
Day 2: Nur-Sultan
Breakfast at the hotel. Astana City Tour (3–4 hours) at 10:00.
After meeting your guide in the hotel lobby and boarding comfortable excursion transport, you will begin your introduction to the capital of Kazakhstan. During the tour, you will go up with your guide to the observation platform of the “Tree of Life” — the Astana-Baiterek Monument — and take a walk along the Millennium Axis, where you will see modern buildings and skyscrapers with unique architectural designs.
After exploring the Water-Green Boulevard, you will visit the world’s largest tent-structured building, “Khan Shatyr,” and continue the tour with a walk along the embankment of the Yesil River, where the history of the city began in the 19th century.
The circular route will conclude with a visit to Tauelsizdik Square, where your guide will explain the symbolism of the grand Khazret Sultan Mosque and introduce the unique creation of British architect Norman Foster — the Palace of Peace and Accord.
Lunch in the city and transfer to the hotel. Free time in Nur-Sultan. Overnight at the hotel.
On this day, you can also book additional sightseeing tours (for a surcharge).
Day 3: Nur-Sultan - Borovoe - Nur-Sultan, Departure to Almaty
Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Burabay National Park day tour at 09:00.
After meeting your guide, you will begin your journey to the mirror-like lakes of the Borovoe resort area. Before the tour, you will be provided with 1.5 liters of bottled water and a packed lunch consisting of a main dish, salad, bread, a drink, seasonal fruit, and a biscuit or pastry.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks, tea, or coffee in a sealed container.
On the way to the resort (270 km from Nur-Sultan), your professional guide will introduce you to the history of the region. Burabay National Park occupies 85,000 hectares in the northeastern part of the Kokshetau uplands.
There are 14 lakes in the park, each with a surface area of more than 1 sq. km, along with numerous smaller lakes. While there are no major historical monuments in Borovoe, nature itself has created unique landscapes of extraordinary beauty, combining mountains, blue lakes, and dense forests.
Upon arrival, you will visit Khan’s Pass and Burabay Mountain. At Abylai Khan Glade, you will admire the famous rock formations — “Ush-Kyz,” “Ok-Zhetpes,” and “Zhumbaktas” — as well as Kokshetau Mountain, each associated with fascinating legends reflecting Kazakh culture.
During the tour, you will have about an hour of free time to walk in the forest or along the lakeshore and enjoy your lunch.
Afterward, you will have an easy hike up Bolektau Mountain, from where a stunning panoramic view of Borovoe Lake and its surroundings opens.
This excursion allows you to relieve both physical and psychological fatigue while enjoying the remarkable scenery of a unique oasis in the Kazakh steppe.
The approximate return time to Nur-Sultan is around 19:00. Transfer to the railway station for the evening train to Almaty. Overnight on the train.
Day 4: Almaty
Morning arrival in Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Meeting and greeting at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation and free time.
On this day, you can book additional sightseeing tours (for a surcharge).
Day 5: Almaty
Breakfast at the hotel. Best of Almaty Day Tour (7 hours) at 10:00.
After meeting your guide, you will start the tour with a visit to the Almaty Museum, a modern museum equipped with multimedia exhibits that showcase the history of the region from the time of the Great Silk Road.
Next, you will stop for a closer look at the architecture and history of the Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre.
You will then visit one of the oldest parks in Almaty — the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen — where the famous wooden Zenkov Cathedral is located. You will also see the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame and the Museum of Musical Instruments.
The next stop is the Green Bazaar, a popular place among locals where you can experience the authentic atmosphere of an Eastern market. Here, you can buy dried fruits, sweets, local products, and souvenirs — don’t forget to bargain.
Cash in tenge (local currency) is accepted in the market, and exchange points are available nearby.
Time for lunch at a local restaurant or café.
After lunch, you will continue with a visit to Medeu Gorge (1,690 meters above sea level), known for the highest mountain skating rink in the world and the dam that protects the city from mudflows. After a short walk and photo stop, you will take a cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort.
After a scenic 20–25 minute ride above coniferous forests up to an altitude of 2,260 meters, you will reach the first level of the resort, which features restaurants, a ski and snowboarding school, and a mountain hotel.
The resort is famous for its mild climate, sunny days, and beautiful mountain scenery. After some time for photos, you will return by cable car and drive back to the city. Along the way, you will hear the story behind why Almaty is called “the Apple City.”
Next, your tour continues to Kok-Tobe Hill, home to one of the tallest TV towers in the world (measured from sea level). You will reach the top via eco-transport along a scenic mountain road.
At Kok-Tobe Park, you can walk along picturesque paths, enjoy panoramic views of the city, toss a coin into the “apple” fountain, and visit souvenir shops. The tour ends with a cable car ride back to the city center and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at the hotel.
Note: On Tuesdays, for tours starting at 10:00, the cable car is not available. Eco-transport is used instead.
Day 6: Almaty
Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in Almaty.
Optional sightseeing tours are available (for a surcharge).
Day 7: Almaty, Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Check out before 12:00. Transfer to the airport. Departure.
TOUR PRICE: On request
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS:
Standard double/twin accommodation in a 3-star tourist-class hotel in Nur-Sultan (2 nights)
Standard double/twin accommodation in a 3-star tourist-class hotel in Almaty (3 nights)
Transfers to/from airports and railway stations in Nur-Sultan and Almaty
Transfers as per the program
Professional English-speaking guide services
Meals: hotel breakfasts, lunch on Days 2 and 5, packed lunch on Day 3
Sightseeing tours as per the program (Days 2, 3, 5)
Train tickets (Nur-Sultan–Almaty, shared 4-berth cabin)
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS:
Single accommodation supplement
Early check-in surcharge in Nur-Sultan
Late check-out surcharge in Almaty
Meals not included in the tour price
Additional sightseeing tours and services not mentioned in the program
International flight tickets
Visa support and registration in Kazakhstan (if required)
Insurance policy
Personal and other expenses not mentioned in the program
