Night 1-2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsKazzhol Hotel Almaty
Conveniently located in Almaty, this hotel offers modern amenities that allow for a comfortable, relaxing stay.
Spend 12 days exploring the diverse landscapes of Kazakhstan
The Tour of Kazakhstan’s Diversity and Contrast does just that, providing you a glimpse of the wide range of cultures, cities, and landscapes that can be found here. The itinerary includes ultra-modern cities (like Nur Sultan and Almaty), as well as totally wild steppes, narrow long gorges filled with freshness of spring water, and rugged mountain chains.
Highlights along the tour include Almaty and Kok Tube Hill, Beket Ata underground mosque, and Sor Tuzbair. Picturesque landscape views and a mixture of historic/cultural charm make this Central Asian adventure one that you won’t soon forget!
After your arrival in Almaty, you will meet up and transfer to the hotel for an early check-in. After breakfast, you will set out on a tour of Almaty, visiting Panfilov’s Park with Zenkov’s Orthodox Cathedral, the Great Patriotic War Memorial and the Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments. You will also visit Zelonniy Bazar (Green Bazaar), pass by the Independence Monument in Republic Square and visit the Kok Tube hill by cable car.
After breakfast, you will undertake an excursion to Turgen gorge and Issyk Lake. Afterwards, you will make the drive back to Almaty for an overnight stay in the same hotel as the previous day.
On day 3 of the tour, enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Almaty Airport for the flight to Aktau. Upon your arrival in the beautiful city of Aktau along the shores of the Caspian Sea, you will transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time.
After breakfast, you will drive to Beket Ata to visit an underground mosque, which is a special holy place in the Muslim world.
You will also visit a picturesque break in the Ustyurt plateau that is decorated with chalky mountains. These are pure white rock remains, among which the most famous is a remnant whose limestone peaks stretch toward the sky, reminiscent of the shape of two fangs. Here, you will undertake a short walking tour and enjoy some sightseeing before spending the night in tents.
Today you will drive to Sor Tuzbair via Mount Bokty. On your arrival, you will set up your tents and organize a nice outdoor dinner. After eating, guests can go for a relaxing stroll before settling into the tents for the evening.
Today you will explore the cliffs of the Ustyurt plateau, where you will find limestone and chalky steps at the base of which a vast salt marsh called sor. Sor Tuzbair is a place where creative professionals and lovers of beautiful landscapes find their inspiration.
Here, you will take a walking tour and enjoy the views from the height of the plateau, which open up to a panorama of mountains, ridges and cliffs with deep steep lagoons. Overnight accommodation will be in yurts.
Day 7 of the tour will see you explore the Valley Shumanay –Airakty, in the center of which rises mountain relics that look like majestic medieval castles. From the mountain heights you can see geoglyphs and blocks of Cretaceous rocks with scratched drawings. Sherkala mountain is a natural object that draws the eye, with one of the points looking like a giant yurt. Take some time to enjoy the mountain before settling into your camp accommodation for the night.
Today you will have the chance to explore a number of natural and historic highlights, including the valley of globular stone concretions Torish, underground mosque Shakpak ata, and Kapamsay Canyon.
The valley of globular stone concretions Torish attracts the attention of tourists, but also scientists, archaeologists, and even UFO enthusiasts. The huge stone balls that are found here are crafted by nature and there is no definitive understanding of their origin. Kapamsay Canyon is a chalky canyon where you will hear a legend about Batyr Kapam and see a narrow chalky landscape with its steep walls that reach a height of 70m. You will also visit the underground mosque Shakpak ata - Temple of the Sun in antiquity, which is one of the most beautiful mosques of Mangistau. You will reach the hotel in the evening.
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to the city of Nur Sultan. Upon your arrival, you will head out on an excursion to take in the highlights of the city, including the President's palace, Baiterek Tower, Hazrat Sultan Mosque (entrance), Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (from outside), and the Palace of Independence (from outside).
Today you will enjoy breakfast and depart from the hotel, transferring to Borovoe. After checking in to the hotel, you will set out on an excursion to Burabai National Park (Borovoe), which occupies 85,000 hectares of land. On arrival, you will visit Khan's Pass and see Burabay mountain.
After breakfast, you will take a nice walk along a pristine mirror lake, through emerald forests, and climb to the famous Kenesary Cave, which offers an unforgettable panorama of Lebyaze Lake and the surrounding mountains. Learn about the fate of the legendary grandson of Khan Ablai, Kenesary Kasymov.
Afterwards, you will enjoy a pleasant picnic by the lake, before driving back to Nur Sultan to spend the night in a hotel.
Today it is time to wrap up the tour and say goodbye to Kazakhstan. Guests will transfer to Nur Sultan airport for their departure flight.
Pricing for this guided walking tour in Kazakhstan depends on the number of people traveling in your party.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. Hotels on this trip are 3 and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. The accommodation in mountain lodges and mountain huts is more rustic and, in some cases, you’ll be staying in a dormitory-type accommodation where you’ll share your living space with other travellers.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $595USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Please note that single rooms are only available in hotels.
Conveniently located in Almaty, this hotel offers modern amenities that allow for a comfortable, relaxing stay.
Located along the Caspian Sea, this hotel features modern amenities and is conveniently situated in Aktau.
Guests will spend these nights either in tented camps or yurts. Modern equipment will make for a comfortable experience.
Located along the Caspian Sea, this hotel features modern amenities and is conveniently situated in Aktau.
Modern amenities such as air conditioning, a mini bar, and free wifi all make for a comfortable stay at this pleasant hotel.
Situated in a pine forest near the mountains, this hotel offers a great mix of modern amenities and access to nature.
Modern amenities such as air conditioning, a mini bar, and free wifi all make for a comfortable stay at this pleasant hotel.
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations for 11 nights are included.
Vehicles will be provided to transport you and your luggage. Depending on your group size it can be a sedan, minivan or Mercedes sprinter. In Mangistrau (Day 8), you will be riding 4WD. Transport from and to the airport is included too; however, domestic flights (Almaty to Aktau on Day 3 and Aktau to Nur Sultan on Day 9) are not included. There is an airfare of 100 USD per person per flight (subject to change) in economy class.
How hard is the Kazakhstan Highlights?
We rate this tour as a 1/5. Minimum traveller’s age is 10 years old. There is some daily walking and adventuring involved but this is, overall, a laidback sightseeing tour. You should be comfortable spending the night in some more rustic accommodations where required.
Do I need a visa to travel to Kazakhstan?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Kazakhstan Highlights?
12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip.
How do I get to Almaty to start this tour?
Fly into Almaty International Airport (ALA) by Turkish Airline (TK) from where you will be transferred to a hotel.
Is the Kazakhstan Highlights in English?
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
Where does the Kazakhstan Highlights end?
The tour ends in Nur Sultan airport where you can fly home.
When is the best time to travel to Kazakhstan for this tour?
The best time to travel to Kazakhstan for this trek is from May-June and August-September, where you can avoid the hot weather of July.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Kazakhstan?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Kazakhstan?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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33 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
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Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
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Erika S.
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Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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We rate this tour as a 1/5. Minimum traveller’s age is 10 years old. There is some daily walking and adventuring involved but this is, overall, a laidback sightseeing tour. You should be comfortable spending the night in some more rustic accommodations where required.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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