From Almaty: 5-Day Tour to Astana with Accommodation
Akmola Province, Kazakhstan
Explore the highlights of Almaty and Astana on a 5-day guided tour. Visit the Vosnesensky Orthodox Cathedral, Charyn canyon, Kolsai Lake and Astana National Museum, EXPO area with Nur Alem museum
5-Day Guided Tour of Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan
This 5-day guided tour covers key attractions in Almaty and Astana, suitable for travelers interested in culture, nature, and modern cityscapes.
Tour Highlights
- Explore Almaty's Vosnesensky Orthodox Cathedral and Green Bazaar
- Visit natural landmarks including Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Kaindy Lake
- See Astana's National Museum, Independence Square, and Palace of Peace
- Tour Astana's Khan Shatyr shopping mall, Central Mosque, and EXPO complex
Tour Description
The tour begins in Almaty with a city visit including the Orthodox Cathedral, the Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments, and the Green Bazaar. You will also see Independence Square and ride the Almaty metro.
On the second day, visit Charyn Canyon, known for the Valley of Castles, then enjoy the nearby Charyn River before traveling to Lower Kolsai Lake for a shore walk.
Day three includes a visit to Kaindy Lake, created by a historic landslide after a 1911 earthquake. The cold water preserves submerged Tien Shan fir trunks. The route back to Almaty passes through Essyk town, where you visit the State Historical-Cultural Reserve Museum Essyk.
On day four, you will fly from Almaty to Astana. After hotel transfer, you have free time in the evening.
The final day offers a tour of Astana’s modern architecture, including Water-Green Boulevard, the Baiterek monument, Khan Shatyr mall, Nur Alem museum at EXPO area, and the Central Mosque. In the late afternoon, enjoy free time for shopping before your independent transfer to the airport.
Includes
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels or guesthouse on twin/double sharing basis:
- 1 night in Almaty hotel
- 1 night in guesthouse in Saty village
- 2 nights in Astana hotel
- Breakfasts (4) plus 1 dinner at the guesthouse in Saty
- Air-conditioned transport with a professional driver:
- 1-2 passengers: Sedan car
- 3-6 passengers: Minivan
- 7-10 passengers: Minibus
- UAZ transport for Kaindy visit with groups of 6 or more
- Group transfers from/to the airport on Day 3
- English-speaking guide-driver for groups 1-5 passengers; separate guide for groups 6-10
- Entrance fees for:
- Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments
- Almaty metro ticket
- Charyn Canyon Nature Park
- Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake Nature Park
- Essyk Museum
- National Museum (excludes Golden Room visit)
- Astana Baiterek monument
- Nur Alem EXPO museum
- 1 liter of water per person per day
Excludes
- Visa costs and processing if required
- International flights to/from Almaty and Astana
- Domestic flight Almaty to Astana (approximately 85 USD, daily operation)
- Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 5 of the tour
- Early check-in or late check-out fees
- Single room supplement
- Meals other than included breakfasts and one dinner
- Beverages and alcoholic drinks
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and porter services at airports, stations, and hotels
- Personal expenses and services not listed in the program
- Horse riding at Kaindy Lake
Important Information
- Passport or ID card required for the tour
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly
- Arrive at the hotel lobby 15 minutes prior to departure
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book flights early as domestic flights are separate. Bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothes. Morning departures are recommended for outdoor excursions.
