Why go?
Enjoy the contrast between the modern metropolis and the carefully preserved historical heritage. See mountains, lakes and dunes in one trip.
Rich story
The culture and architecture of Kazakhstan is a colorful mosaic, every detail of which is worthy of careful study. In large cities, skyscrapers soar into the sky, and in remote areas they live just like their distant ancestors. Kazakhstan is actively developing, without abandoning its rich cultural heritage.
Natural contrasts
Snow-capped mountain peaks, high-mountain plateaus with subalpine meadows, crystal clear lakes hidden in dense forests, singing sand dunes... Thanks to such natural diversity, Kazakhstan has the opportunity to choose any format of recreation: from ski resorts and mountaineering to beach holidays and fishing.
Individual program
We specialize in individually designed tours with an increased level of comfort. We will include in the program only what you like, we will organize transport and VIP-level accommodation. We provide support 24/7, and all you have to do is relax and enjoy new vivid impressions.
Kazakhstan: mountains, steppes and singing dune
An individual tour to Kazakhstan is an excellent opportunity to take a fresh look at a country that is not usually expected to be exotic. In fact, Kazakhstan is the caravan roads of the Great Silk Road, the impressive scale of the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and monumental mausoleums in the ancient capital of the Kazakh Khanate - Turkestan. Ancient nomadic civilizations, the legacy of the Soviet period and the luxury of the two capitals are intertwined in a bizarre but harmonious pattern. Today Kazakhstan is among the top 30 most developed countries in the world.
Culture and history are not the only reason why Kazakhstan deserves to become a tourist attraction. The vast territory of the country (from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains) is rich in natural beauty. Here you will find steppes, mountains, dunes roaming the desert and fascinating eco-routes.
Season in Kazakhstan: all year round, except for the hot summer months (July-August). The ski season is from mid-December to the end of March.
Transport: Toyota and Mercedes V-class minibuses, Lexus SUVs, Mi-171E and Eurocopter EC145 helicopters.
Almaty
For almost 70 years, this city was the capital of Kazakhstan, and it still holds the title of the most significant financial, economic and cultural center. Developed infrastructure, skyscrapers, business centers and European-level service coexist here with a unique national flavor.
Kolsai lakes
Must-see when visiting Kazakhstan! Three mountain lakes at an altitude of 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters. The lakes are located in a cascade, in a beautiful gorge in the north of the Tien Shan. The water surface has a calming emerald color and coniferous forests on the slopes - this is an excellent place for trekking, picnic or fishing.
Charyn Canyon
The Charyn Canyon, incredibly beautiful and unique, attracts with its mysterious landscapes. It simultaneously resembles the famous Grand Canyon on the Colorado River and the bizarre Martian landscapes from science fiction movies. The Charyn National Park was created around the canyon.
Lake Kaindy
This lake could become one of many similar mountain lakes (this, however, without losing any of the picturesque views), but its main highlight is the flooded forest. Along the entire surface of the lake, surrounded by steep gorges, the trunks of a coniferous grove, flooded in 1911, rise from the water.
Medeu
The most popular sports complex in Kazakhstan. The huge stadium is located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level: it is a grandiose open-air skating rink, surrounded by mountains. Don't miss the opportunity to get a unique experience: put on your skates and try out the perfectly smooth ice of Medeu!
Shymbulak
Shymbulak, or Chimbulak, is a ski resort 30 kilometers from Almaty. A picturesque gorge, height from 2260 to 3200 meters and excellent trails for beginners and amateurs (total length 25 km). The resort also operates in the summer, offering guests various excursions and entertainment.
Sayat
Sayat is the Kazakh name for traditional falconry. Today, hunting with domesticated birds of prey exists in only a few countries in the world, and Kazakhstan is one of the many places on the planet where you can witness or even take part in this impressive activity.
Singing Dune
A natural phenomenon in which the sand seems to “sing” a melody, similar to the music of a ringing organ. This phenomenon has a scientific explanation (friction of sand grains when sand moves due to wind or other reasons). And yet, hearing the music of the dunes, you feel as if you are plunging into an amazing oriental fairy tale.
Ethno-center of the Huns
A unique place with a warm atmosphere, the first ethnographic village in Kazakhstan. Here you can get acquainted with the history of the Kazakh people and the life of nomads, taste mare’s milk, visit a real yurt, and go horseback riding. In the ethno-aul there is entertainment for every taste!
Ak-aul
The restaurant is located in the largest yurt in the World, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The hall can accommodate up to 200 people, the menu includes traditional Kazakh cuisine: the famous beshbarmak, hearty baursaks, horse meat dishes - manti, kazy, zhaya, as well as national drinks: aromatic Kazakh tea, bidai-kozhe, ayran.
Asy Plateau
A huge valley surrounded by mountains is located at an altitude of 2200-2600 meters. Green hillsides, flowery meadows and mountain rivers: these views provide an intoxicating sense of freedom. In ancient times, the plateau was used as a pasture; trade routes connecting Europe with China and India also ran here.
Khan Tengri
The name Khan Tengri is translated from Turkic as “Lord of the Sky”. The absolute height is 6995 m, but due to the huge ice cap the mountain reaches 7010 m. It is located on the border of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China. The snowy slopes and the peak crashing into the sky are an unforgettable sight.
You are just a few steps away from your dream trip!
Tour program of your choice
Arrival in Almaty
You will be met at Almaty airport by a personal guide and driver. Having comfortably arrived at the hotel, settled in and rested after the flight, you can begin to get acquainted with amazing Kazakhstan!
We have prepared a rich program for the first day:
- Lunch and acquaintance at a national restaurant (premium restaurant, non-alcoholic).
— Meeting with a master of Kazakh national jewelry.
He will talk about each subject. You will learn why girls wore rings in the shape of a bird’s beak and how they used it to exchange messages, why the “matchmaker’s ring” is a sign of honor, and much more. — Visit to the craft center.
Acquaintance with national costumes made using traditional handmade methods. The designer will talk about clothes and their sacred meaning. — Departure to the nursery of falcons and golden eagles. Falcon show.
Meals: dinner at the restaurant (oriental cuisine).
Transport: business class car or Mercedes V-class
Architecture
First meeting
City of contrasts
Rixos Almaty Hotel 5*
The five-star hotel of the global Rixos chain is located in the center of Almaty, in close proximity to attractions, restaurants and cultural sites. It offers cozy rooms with elegant design, a restaurant with international cuisine and a luxurious spa center with an area of more than 2000 sq.m. Enjoy ideal, yet unobtrusive service, and relax from a day full of impressions in the refined atmosphere of Rixos Almaty Hotel 5*!
Mountain resort Shymbulak
The all-season resort Shymbulak (Chimbulak) is located just 15 minutes drive from Almaty, in the beautiful gorge of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The height of the resort is 2260 m, and the highest point is 3200 m. Of course, this place primarily attracts snowboarders and skiers. Here they will find tracks for every taste, with a total length of 25 km: for beginners and professionals, for downhill and moguls, for lovers of powder, as well as a half-pipe.
However, even if you don’t ski or arrive out of season, there is something to do in Shymbulak:
- Go on a hiking trek through the picturesque area or take a snowmobile/quad bike ride.
- Take a paragliding flight and see the surroundings from above.
- Have fun tubing rides - there is a separate track for them!
- Get your dose of adrenaline in the rope park or on the zipline.
Meals: lunch in a restaurant overlooking the mountains.
Transport: business class cars or Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs
Fresh air
Leisure
Mountains
Tenir Eco Hotel 3200m
The eco-hotel is located high in the mountains, at an altitude of 3200 meters. The views from the panoramic windows are breathtaking: you seem to be floating among the majestic peaks, and at night it seems that you can reach the starry sky with your hand. Calmness, harmony, natural energy - all this will make your stay at Tenir Eco Hotel unforgettable. Guests have direct access to the slopes, and there is a ski pass sales point on site. You can also relax in the Finnish sauna after an active day in the mountains.
Please note that due to the hotel's location in a high mountain area, children under 8 years of age are not allowed in to avoid adverse health effects.
Helicopter ride – Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon
From a helicopter you will be able to see all the main natural attractions of this area: the Turgen gorge with rivers and waterfalls, the vast Assy plateau with an observatory and the harsh Karaarsha pass, beyond which we will find ourselves above the Kolsai Lakes - one of the most memorable natural places in Kazakhstan. Three fantastically beautiful lakes located in a gorge at an altitude of more than 1800 m are called the blue necklace of the Tien Shan. There is a stop here for lunch at a restaurant. In winter you can walk on the ice of the lake, in summer you can take a walk along the emerald waters.
Afterwards we will go to the Charyn Canyon, which is not inferior in beauty to its “big brother” - the Grand Canyon in the USA. Millions of years ago, there was a lake in this area, whose water artery, after partially drying out, connected with the Ili River. For hundreds of thousands of years, a stormy stream of a mountain river cut a path through the rocks, falling lower and lower. Limestone rocks took on bizarre shapes under the influence of winds, and as a result, Nature created this memorable masterpiece - the Charyn Canyon. We will enjoy its views from the most convenient angle - from a bird's eye view.
Meals: picnic in the mountains.
Transport: Mi-171E and Eurocopter 130 helicopters
Alone with nature
Science achievements
Majestic mountains
Helicopter ride – Khan Tengri
Destination - the highest peak of the country 7010m, Khan Tengri Peak (translated as “Lord of the Sky”). But many sights await us along the way: you will see the sources of the mountain rivers Karkara and Sary Zhaz, majestic glaciers (Semenova, Mushketova, Northern and Southern Inylchek), the high-mountain glacial lake Merzbacher and many famous peaks of the Sary Zhas and Tengri Tag mountain ranges, from 5450 to 6500 m.
Then we will land on the Northern Inylchek glacier, located at an altitude of 4 thousand meters. From here you can enjoy a stunning view of the three-kilometer Northern Wall of Khan Tengri. After enjoying the panorama and taking unforgettable shots, we will go for a walk along the glacier and visit the base camp “Northern Inylchek”, from where the mountaineering routes start. You will have the opportunity to meet climbers from all over the world who are preparing to conquer Khan Tengri or have just returned from its snow-capped peak. Armed with binoculars, you can watch the expeditions rise up against the backdrop of the black and yellow majestic wall of Khan Tengri.
Meals: picnic in the mountains.
Transport: Mi-171E and Eurocopter 130 helicopters.
Rivers and glaciers
Liberty
Legendary peak
Kolsai lakes
“The Blue Pearl of the Tien Shan” - three lakes, stunning with their rich colors, located in a cascade with drops of about 700 meters. Here, far from civilization, you can enjoy the silence and peaceful views. The water surface is surrounded by rocks, spruce forests and alpine meadows, a rich flora and fauna - all these are the legendary Kolsai lakes.
Cold and clear water reflects the sloping slopes, slender trunks of coniferous trees and the endless sky. You can catch rainbow trout in the lakes, so we can organize such activities for fishing enthusiasts. The first lake is also famous for the abundance of mushrooms in the area. The local mountains are home to mountain goats and deer, as well as dangerous predators - wolves and bears. But you shouldn’t be afraid of meeting them - predators stay away from people, and local rangers patrol the area around the lake. Kolsai lakes can be visited at any time of the year: enjoy the honey aroma of flowers in summer or spring, capture the rich colors of autumn or walk on the ice in winter.
Meals: lunch at a restaurant in the mountains.
Transport: Lexus SUVs and Land Cruisers
Silence
Harmony
Peaceful walk
Kolsay Lake Nomads
The Kolsay Nomads guest complex is located on the first Kolsai Lake - this is the only hotel with a view of it. From the windows of your room you can watch the mirror-like surface of the water and amazing nature. A variety of accommodation options are available - double and quadruple local Eco-Houses and Glampigs. Guests note not only the ideal location of the hotel, but also the excellent cuisine. Depending on your wishes, we can simply visit a local restaurant or stay for a few days to use the hotel as a starting point for departure to the second and third Kolsai lakes.
Charyn Canyon and Lake Kaindy
During this excursion we will see two miracles of nature - a mountain canyon, whose age is 12 million years, and a unique lake, from the azure waters of which rise the trunks of a spruce forest that was flooded more than a hundred years ago. Lake Kaindy is located at an altitude of 1667 m. In 1911, an earthquake occurred in these places, due to which a large landslide blocked the flow of the river. A stormy stream flooded a coniferous grove, forming a beautiful lake. The trees, although devoid of greenery, are perfectly preserved, creating a quaint and unique landscape.
After visiting the lake we will go to the Charyn Canyon. This is a picturesque gorge with reddish rocks of fantastic shapes. The height of the rocks is 150-300 meters. You will see two of the most interesting places in the Charyn Canyon. Firstly, this is a unique relict grove of Sogdian ash - one of the few tree species that managed to survive the Ice Age. Then we will go to the Valley of Castles, the most spectacular section of the canyon. Here the rocks take on the most unexpected forms: palaces and towers, figures and faces...
Meals: Lunch outdoors cooked in a cauldron
Transport: Lexus and Land Cruiser SUVs
Millions of years
Fantastic views
Greatness
Ethno day
The Huns ethno-center is the first ethnographic village in Kazakhstan, located 40 km from Almaty. Here you can not only learn a lot about the history of the country and the Kazakh people, but also literally touch their traditions and culture. You will try the exotic drink of the nomads - mare's milk, or saumal, go into a real yurt and get acquainted with historical life, witness rituals and unusual sports games.
During the day you will experience many unusual adventures:
- You will be greeted with the traditional “Shashu” greeting ritual and national dances.
— You will be taught how to cook special Kazakh donuts - baursaks.
After the master class there will be a tea party with culinary masterpieces. — You will learn what the daily life of nomads looked like and what rituals were associated with important events.
So, for example, they will demonstrate to you the matchmaking ritual, “Syrga salu”. — Of course, it will not be possible without demonstrating the unity of horse and rider, because nomads have always been excellent riders!
You will see horse competitions - for example, “Atpen audaryspak”, and the show “Dzhigitovka”. Those who wish will be able to get in the saddle themselves by taking a short ride on horseback. — Archery is another important skill for a nomad. Try your hand at this sport at a master class with experienced instructors!
On this day we will have dinner at the Ak Aul restaurant (the largest yurt in the world!).
Traditions and rituals
Life of a nomad
Story
Gastronomic Kazakhstan
Hearty Kazakh cuisine is famous for its meat dishes, as well as aromatic pastries and original dairy products. During the trip, we will definitely try the most important Kazakh dishes prepared in accordance with traditional recipes!
The famous beshbarmak made from beef or lamb with vegetables and aromatic spices. Manti with various fillings - for example, with chopped lamb. Local pilaf - Palau - despite the usual recipe, still differs from the variations of other Asian countries: as in other dishes, the Kazakhs do not spare meat, adding a large amount of tender lamb to the pilaf. Special donuts - baursaks - simply melt in your mouth! Also in Kazakhstan you can taste many delicacies made from horse meat, a traditional meat for nomadic peoples - for example, spicy kazy sausage. You can wash down all these luxurious dishes with traditional drinks: kumiss, shubat (camel milk) and kozhe (kefir with cereals).
Palette of tastes
Gastronomic adventure
Fragrances
The Ritz-Carlton Almaty 5*
A legendary hotel in the modern heart of the city. The Ritz-Carlton fits seamlessly into the contrasting atmosphere of Almaty, matching both the bustling business districts and the ancient culture of this amazing city. The spacious rooms offer stunning panoramic views, luxurious and homely. The hotel has 5 restaurants and bars serving gourmet cuisine, light snacks and fine cocktails.
Singing dune and white mountains
The dune in the Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve is famous for making unusual sounds - ranging from a ringing organ to the hum of aircraft turbines. This rather rare natural phenomenon is associated with the movement of sand: touching each other, grains of sand create an unusual “choir”. The fact that the dune is not located in the desert, but between mountain ranges is also considered unique. Although this phenomenon is understandable from a scientific point of view, there are many superstitions and legends associated with the dune - you will learn them during the trip.
On the same day we will see the White Mountains of Aktau. Bizarre patterns and fantastic lines, picturesque views and a unique landscape - all this attracts lovers of hiking and cycling and those who want to get incredibly beautiful photographs and shooting from a drone. Contrary to the name, the color of these chalk mountains is not only white - many shades, even deep red, create a very interesting picture. If you wish, you can stay overnight near the White Mountains to enjoy their views at sunset and sunrise.
Meals: traditional Kazakh lunch.
Transport: Mercedes V-class minibuses, Lexus SUVs or Land Cruisers.
Natural labyrinth
Music of the sand
Legends
Shopping in Kazakhstan
What should you bring from Kazakhstan as a souvenir of your trip and as a gift for your loved ones? There are many options: for those nostalgic for the Soviet past - sweets and aromatic tea familiar from childhood, for connoisseurs of comfort - silver cutlery, for enthusiastic collectors - national hats, clothes made of camel hair or leather flasks for kumiss...
In addition, Almaty is a center of attraction for connoisseurs of European luxury brands. Here you can walk through the mall, which exclusively houses brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bvlgari and many other hard-to-find brands in Russia.
Transport: Toyota and Mercedes V-class minibuses, comfortable business class cars.
Souvenirs for memory
A riot of colors
Eastern embroidery
Choose the right format
Ready-made program or individual adventure?
Getting to know Kazakhstan Most Popular
from $1,790
per person / from 7 days- Route Almaty - Oy-karagai - Kolsai;
- Accommodation along the route in 4* hotels with breakfast;
- Individual transfers;
- Ethno-day and Assy Plateau
- Kolsai Lakes
- Charyn Canyon and Lake Kaindy
- Medeu and Shymbulak
- Accompaniment by a Russian-speaking guide all days of the tour;
- Entrance tickets to all excursion sites;
- All taxes and tourist fees;
VIP tour with helicopter Most Popular
from $4,450
per person / from 5 days- Accommodation in the best 4-5* hotels with breakfast;
- Transfers by Mercedes V-class and Land Cruiser minibuses
- Helicopter excursion on Eurocopter EC145
- Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes
- Medeu and Shymbulak
- Luxury shopping in Almaty
- Many many gastronomic pleasures
- Accompaniment by a Russian-speaking guide for the entire tour
- All taxes and tourist fees
Card tour in Almaty Most Popular
from 990 $
per person / from 3 days- Obtaining a tax number and opening a multi-currency bank account (receiving international Visa or Mastercard cards)
- Accommodation in the best hotels in Almaty
- Transfers airport-hotel-airport and hotel-bank-hotel
- Accompaniment by a Russian-speaking guide and assistance from a representative at the bank
- All taxes and tourist fees
- Additional excursions by agreement
