Astana: 10-Day Horseback Tour in Bayanaul National Park

Akmola Province, Kazakhstan



Discover the untamed beauty of Bayanaul National Park on horseback, where rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient legends await. This nine-day journey blends nature, culture, and adventure.

Rural Horseback Riding Experience Along the River Nura in Kazakhstan

This 12-day horseback riding tour suits adventurous travelers seeking authentic rural life, scenic steppes, and cultural sites near the River Nura.

Highlights

  • Experience life and rhythm of a rural village along the River Nura
  • Ride horses matched to you: Orlov Trotter, Thoroughbred, or Kazakh breed
  • Explore vast steppes, crystal-clear lakes, and forest trails
  • Visit historic sites, rock formations, and panoramic viewpoints
  • Mounted tour to the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum, including inside entry

Description

Leave the city behind to spend 12 days in a remote lakeside village surrounded by Kazakhstan’s vast steppe landscapes. This tour combines horseback riding, camping, and authentic rural life. Ride across open grasslands and along quiet lakeside trails, far from crowds and tourist resorts.

You will connect with local people, enjoy homemade Kazakh meals, and experience traditional countryside customs. Evenings are spent around the campfire watching sunsets over the lake and sleeping under clear, star-filled skies. This experience offers a chance to slow down, disconnect, and appreciate the simplicity and beauty of Kazakhstan’s wilderness.

Includes

  • Authentic Kazakh rural life in a remote village along the River Nura
  • Horseback rides on calm, well-trained Orlov Trotters, English Thoroughbreds, and Kazakh horses with experienced guides
  • Mounted tour with entry inside the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum
  • Homemade Kazakh cuisine prepared by a local chef
  • Hippodrome training sessions to develop riding skills and techniques
  • Learn how local herders communicate with horses using voice, body language, and instinct without force
  • Stargazing in one of Kazakhstan’s clearest night-sky locations
  • Access to nearby nature areas for meditation, walking, and relaxation
  • Facilities including showers, sauna, toilets, and clean drinking water
  • Opportunities to help with horse care, grooming, and feeding
  • Pick up and drop off from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) or any location in Astana

Excludes

  • Costs related to any off-ranch activities not specified in the package

Important Information

  • Moderate fitness level required
  • Includes some hiking sections
  • Basic camping experience recommended
  • Weather can be unpredictable

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring suitable clothing for variable weather, riding gear if you have it, and a camera to capture the landscapes. The ideal time to visit is during late spring to early autumn when the weather is milder and trails are accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes horseback riding through steppes, lakes, forest trails, visits to historic sites, and camping in a rural village in Kazakhstan.
The tour takes place in Bayanaul National Park and surrounding areas in Kazakhstan’s steppe region.
You can ride Orlov Trotter, Thoroughbred, or Kazakh breed horses matched to your skill level.
Yes, the tour accommodates riders of different skill levels by matching horses accordingly.
The tour includes visits to historic sites such as the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum and local rural villages along the Nura River.
Camping gear is supplied as part of the tour for overnight stays in the Kazakh steppe.
The tour involves daily riding over varied terrain and moderate physical activity suitable for those comfortable on horses.
The tour is best enjoyed during Kazakhstan’s warmer months; check the website for specific seasonal availability.
No prior experience is required, but basic riding ability helps you enjoy the tour more fully.
Check the official tour website for the latest information on schedules, pricing, and booking options.

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