ASIA & ISLANDS

Kazakhstan

Begin in leafy Almaty, then move towards red-rock canyons, alpine lakes and the Tian Shan foothills. Kazakhstan rewards a journey with breathing room, where the distances are part of the experience.

Valley of Castles, Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

BIG SKIES. ROOM TO EXPLORE.

Kazakhstan

01 / 03

A STARTING POINT

Almaty

LANGUAGE

Kazakh / Russian

SUGGESTED STAY

6-8 nights

01 / PLACES THAT STAY WITH YOU

Let the landscape take the lead.

Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan

CITY & MOUNTAIN GATEWAY

Almaty

Parks, the Green Bazaar and café-lined streets make an easy first base beneath the mountains.

Allow a first day for the city before setting out on longer countryside drives.

The Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPE

Charyn Canyon

Weathered red formations and the Valley of Castles create one of the region’s most recognisable landscapes.

Take sun protection and plan walking time around the heat and the group’s ability.

Submerged spruce trunks in Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan

ALPINE LAKES

Kolsai & Kaindy

Forested shores and Kaindy’s submerged tree trunks bring a different palette to the Almaty region.

An overnight near the lakes avoids compressing several long drives into one day. Local access varies.

Mountain scenery at Shymbulak ski resort near Almaty, Kazakhstan

ALPINE OUTING

Medeu & Shymbulak

Mountain scenery close to Almaty offers a contrast to the city, with activities changing by season.

Check lift operations, altitude suitability and weather for the dates of your visit.

02 / A TASTE OF THE PLACE

Follow the flavour.

Kazakh beshbarmak with potatoes, meat, and noodles

Beshbarmak

A traditional meal of boiled meat and broad noodles, often associated with shared hospitality.

Kazakh baursak fried dough

Baursak

Small pieces of fried dough served alongside tea and other dishes.

Steamed manti served in Astana, Kazakhstan

Manti

Steamed dumplings, commonly filled with meat and onions; fillings vary.

Ingredients and preparation vary. Share dietary needs before ordering.

03 / BEYOND THE POSTCARD

Meet the culture.

The shanyrak roof structure inside a Kazakh yurt

Hospitality across the steppe

Nomadic heritage remains visible in food, music and craft. Choose locally guided experiences that explain traditions rather than reducing them to a backdrop.

Pedestrian Panfilov Street in Almaty, Kazakhstan

A city of different influences

Almaty combines Kazakh and wider regional influences. Learn a greeting, ask before photographing people and take time in markets.

04 / FIND YOUR SEASON

When the timing feels right.

Late spring to early autumn outdoors

May to September is a starting window for many lower mountain and nature journeys. Access to higher routes depends on snow, road conditions and the specific activity.

Featured months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Another way to travel

Winter brings a separate ski-focused experience around Almaty; the cities and the mountains have very different conditions.

05 / PUT IT TOGETHER

A starting point for your journey.

4-5 nights

Almaty & the mountains

  • Almaty
  • Medeu & Shymbulak
  • Charyn Canyon

A city base with selected outings and room to change plans with the weather.

7-8 nights

Canyons & alpine lakes

  • Almaty
  • Charyn Canyon
  • Kolsai & Kaindy
  • Medeu & Shymbulak

Add an overnight nature circuit and return to Almaty at an unhurried pace.

06 / A LITTLE PREPARATION

Before you go.

Distance matters

Countryside attractions are spread out. A well-paced road itinerary with overnight stops is often more rewarding than a checklist of day trips.

Prepare for altitude

Discuss fitness and accessibility before choosing mountain activities. Weather can change quickly; carry layers and follow local guidance.

Dietary details

Traditional menus can include horse meat and fermented dairy. Ask about ingredients and halal preparation according to your preferences.

FIND YOUR TRAVEL STYLE

Make it your kind of journey.

FROM IDEA TO ITINERARY

Your next chapter. Let’s make it happen.

Tell us what you have in mind. We’ll help bring the details together.