Kazakhstan
3 Days / 2 NightsPrivate2–6 guestsMay–October
Experience the essential highlights of Almaty and its surrounding landscapes in three carefully planned days.
Explore the city’s historic heart, travel through the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon to the mountain waters of Kolsai Lake, and spend a relaxed morning in the mountains at Medeu and Shymbulak.
With both nights in Almaty, there is no need to change hotels or travel with luggage between destinations.
Highlights
Begin your journey with an introduction to Kazakhstan’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Today is about discovering Almaty at a comfortable pace — its history, local flavours and everyday atmosphere.
Start at one of Almaty’s best-known markets. Wander between stalls filled with dried fruits, nuts, spices, traditional sweets and local products. There will be time to look around, taste selected local specialities and experience the atmosphere of everyday Almaty.
Continue to one of the city’s most historic green spaces. Walk through the park while your guide introduces the stories and events that shaped Almaty.
Visit the colorful wooden Ascension Cathedral, one of Almaty’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Continue through selected areas of the city, combining historic landmarks with modern Almaty. Depending on the group’s interests, the route may include central squares, leafy avenues and viewpoints that help tell the story of the city from old Verny to modern Kazakhstan.
Evening: free time. Overnight: Almaty.
Today is the longest and most adventurous day of the journey. Leave Almaty early in the morning and travel east through the open landscapes of southeastern Kazakhstan.
Your first major stop is Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural landscapes. Explore the famous Valley of Castles, with its dramatic red-rock formations shaped by wind and water over millions of years. Enjoy time for walking, photography and viewpoints. The length of the walk can be adjusted according to the group’s fitness level and weather conditions.
Continue towards the mountains and Lower Kolsai Lake. Surrounded by forested slopes and the peaks of the northern Tien Shan, Kolsai offers a completely different landscape from Charyn Canyon. Enjoy time beside the lake, take an easy walk and have a late lunch or early dinner before returning to Almaty.
This is a full and scenic day with significant driving time. Comfortable private transport and regular stops are included. Overnight: Almaty.
After the long journey on Day 2, the final day begins at a slower pace. Leave the city in the morning and travel into the mountains just outside Almaty.
Stop at Medeu, surrounded by the mountain scenery of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Enjoy time for photographs, fresh mountain air and views before continuing higher.
Take the gondola towards Shymbulak Mountain Resort. Spend the morning enjoying the mountain atmosphere rather than rushing through it. Depending on seasonal operating conditions, guests can continue higher by cable car, walk around the resort, enjoy the viewpoints or simply relax over coffee or lunch.
Afternoon and evening: free time in Almaty. Spend your final afternoon exactly as you wish — relax at the hotel, explore Almaty independently, enjoy a café or prepare for your onward journey.
Tours + guide + transport + entrance fees.
Tell us your preferred dates and group size. We'll confirm availability and final arrangements.
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