From Almaty: 7-Day Tour to Shymkent and Astana
Akmola Province, Kazakhstan
Discover the best of Kazakhstan on a 7-day tour from Almaty to Shymkent and Astana. Visit the Charyn Canyon, UNESCO Heritages and the Modern capital of Kazakhstan.
7-Day Almaty and Turkestan Tour with Nature, Culture, and City Sightseeing
This 7-day tour from Almaty suits travelers interested in nature, history, and city exploration across Kazakhstan’s key destinations.
Highlights
- View Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles
- Visit Essyk Lake and watch a falcon show at Sunkar Falcon Farm
- Explore Almaty including Vosnesensky Orthodox Cathedral
- Discover ancient Otrar and Turkestan’s architectural complex
- See the Mausoleum of H.A. Yassavi and medieval eastern bathhouses
Description
Begin your tour with a city exploration of Almaty to visit the cathedral, museum, and market. Then travel to Charyn Canyon to walk along the river and visit the Valley of Castles.
On day three, visit Essyk Lake surrounded by forests and flower fields, attend a falcon show at Sunkar Falcon Farm, and end with Koktobe Hill before boarding a night train to Shymkent.
Day four includes a city tour of Shymkent followed by a visit to Otrar, an ancient settlement, then transfer to Turkestan for your overnight stay.
Explore Turkestan on day five, visiting the Mausoleum of H.A. Yassavi, medieval bathhouses, and the caravanserai area. Then fly from Shymkent to Astana for your city tour including major landmarks like Independence Square and Baiterek Monument.
The tour concludes with an airport transfer from your Astana hotel.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Almaty city tour including Vosnesensky Orthodox Cathedral, Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments, Green Bazaar, Independence Square, and Almaty metro.
- Day 2: Charyn Canyon and Valley of Castles with walks along the Charyn River. Return to Almaty overnight.
- Day 3: Essyk Lake visit, falcon show at Sunkar Falcon Farm, Koktobe Hill, then night train to Shymkent.
- Day 4: Shymkent city tour, travel to Otrar ancient city, then on to Turkestan.
- Day 5: Turkestan tour including Mausoleum of H.A. Yassavi, medieval bathhouses, underground mosque, history museum, and Karavan Sarai area. Transfer to Shymkent airport and flight to Astana.
- Day 6: Astana city tour featuring Independence Square, National Museum, Water-Green Boulevard, Astana-Baiterek Monument, and Khan Shatyr Mall.
- Day 7: Hotel check-out and airport transfer.
Includes
- Accommodation in hotels on double or twin sharing basis (check-in 14:00, check-out noon).
- Daily breakfasts at hotels.
- Air-conditioned transport with professional drivers according to group size:
- 1-2 passengers: sedan car
- 3-7 passengers: minivan
- 8-19 passengers: minibus
- 20+ passengers: bus
- English-speaking local guides for excursions.
- Entrance fees to all listed sites:
- Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments
- Charyn Canyon
- Essyk Lake
- Falcon show at Sunkar Falcon Farm
- Koktobe cable car round trip
- Otrar ancient city
- Mausoleum of H.A. Yassavi
- National Museum (Golden Room excluded; 3 USD supplement per person)
- Baiterek Monument
- Domestic train ticket (shared 4-bed coupe compartment) for the night train from Almaty to Shymkent.
Excludes
- Visa fees and processing, if required
- International flights to/from Almaty and Astana
- Domestic flight from Shymkent to Astana (approx. 115 USD per person)
- Lunches, dinners, beverages, and alcohol
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and porter services at airports, stations, and hotels
- Personal expenses and services not listed
Note: Visit to Gunny Ethnovillage is scheduled on day 3.
Important Information
- Hotel check-in is at 14:00. Early or late check-ins/check-outs incur extra charges payable on-site.
- Train cabins are shared by up to four passengers.
- Bring your passport for hotel check-ins and domestic flights.
- Expect considerable walking during tours.
- Weather varies; dress in layers.
- Local currency is tenge; exchange USD at local exchangers.
- English-speaking guides provided for excursions.
- Night train travel is included; plan accordingly for your comfort.
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start for a full refund.
For the best experience, book in advance, bring comfortable walking shoes, and carry identification for all transfers and check-ins.
