10-Day Kazakhstan Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Kazakhstan tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaKazakhstan travel expert at TourRadar
10 Day Kazakhstan Itinerary, incl. Astana and Almaty
This 10-day private Kazakhstan trip takes you through Astana, Altyn Emel National Park, Charyn Canyon National Park, Kolsai Lakes, and Almaty, covering different landscapes from futuristic cities to alpine lakes. Climb the 147-meter summit in Burabai National Park, trek the Mars-like Aktau Mountains, and hike through the Valley of Castles rock formations in Charyn Canyon. See the Singing Dune in Altyn Emel, soak in Chunja Hot Springs, and find the turquoise Kaindy Lake with its submerged spruce forest at 1,800 meters elevation.
- Days 1-2
Astana
Start your journey in Kazakhstan's futuristic capital. Visit Hazrat Sultan Mosque before 9 AM to beat the tour buses. Women should bring a headscarf. Book your Bayterek Tower observation deck time slot ahead to avoid long midday lines. Watch the sunset at Khan Shatyr to see its tent-like structure glow beautifully.
- Days 3-4
Almaty & Surrounds
Take a quick 1.5-hour flight to Almaty. Visit the Sunkar Raptor Center for the 4 PM falconry show. Grab a front-row seat to experience birds flying right overhead. Take the cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill around 6 PM for city views. Pack warm clothes as mountain evenings get cold even in summer.
- Days 5-6
Altyn Emel National Park
Take a 3.5-hour drive to Basshi Village to access Kazakhstan's largest nature reserve. Visit the red Aktau Mountains in the morning light. The 150-meter Singing Dune needs good walking shoes. A recent visitor shared: "The dune climb is steep but worth it. Go early before the sand gets too hot to walk on."
- Day 7
Charyn Canyon & Alpine Lakes
Plan 2-3 hours to explore the Valley of Castles. Wear shoes with good grip on the dusty trails. Visit Kaindy Lake to see its underwater forest of dead spruce trees. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle for the rough roads.
- Day 8
Kolsai Lakes
Begin at dawn for the 7km hike to Middle Kolsai Lake. The trail climbs about 400m and can get muddy. Consider a horse ride ($30-40) if the hike seems too challenging. Bring food as there are no services at the lake. The best photos are between 10 AM-2 PM when sunlight hits the turquoise water.
- Day 9
Almaty City & Return to Astana
Start at the Central Mosque, then browse the Green Bazaar where locals do their shopping. Try the 842 steps at Medeu Ice Arena for city views. Take an evening flight back to Astana.
- Day 10
Final Morning
If you have an afternoon departure, visit the Astana Grand Mosque near the airport. Leave extra time for morning traffic if flying out early.
9 Day Kazakhstan Itinerary, incl. Almaty and Turkestan
This 9-day private tour covers 6 destinations across Kazakhstan, including Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Taraz, Shymkent, and Turkestan. The trip includes seeing the colorful rock layers of the Valley of Castles formed over 12 million years and visiting the Karakhan Mausoleum from the 11th-century Karakhanids era. Travel includes an overnight sleeper train from Almaty to Taraz and a 1-hour domestic flight from Shymkent back to Almaty.
- Day 1
Almaty Arrival
Arrive in Almaty in the afternoon or evening to avoid intense summer heat. The city sits at 4,413 feet, so take time to adjust to the altitude at your downtown hotel.
- Day 2
Almaty City Exploration
Head to Medeu Valley early to avoid crowds. Take on the 842-step "Health Stairs" to Medeu Dam but pace yourself at this altitude. Visit Green Bazaar for lunch and sample local Kurt cheese and dried fruits. See the wooden Zenkov Cathedral before taking the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill around 5:30 PM for sunset city views.
- Day 3
Charyn Canyon Adventure
Drive three hours to Charyn Canyon. Explore Valley of Castles but bring sturdy shoes for the loose paths. Visit between 10 AM-2 PM for the best photos of the 12-million-year-old rocks. Bring lots of water and sun protection. Stay overnight in Saty Village in simple but clean guesthouses run by local families.
- Day 4
Alpine Lakes
Visit Kaindy Lake early morning. The drive is rough so consider motion sickness medication. Morning light is perfect for photos of the submerged forest. At Kolsai Lake walk the lakeside path to see wildflowers in summer. Return to Almaty takes about 3.5 hours.
- Day 5
Taraz Journey
Travel seven hours to Taraz. Stop at local roadside spots to try beshbarmak. Visit the 11th-century Karakhan Mausoleum in the morning before it gets busy. Late afternoon light works best for photos at Aisha Bibi Mausoleum.
- Day 6
Turkestan Exploration
Drive five hours with a stop at Ak Meshit Cave. Plan to reach the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi by 3 PM. Visit the cool underground Hilvet Mosque and see Rabia Sultan Begum Mausoleum at sunset when the architecture looks its best.
- Day 7
Otrar and Shymkent
Start at Otrar archaeological site. Wear good shoes for the uneven ground. Visit Arystanbab Mausoleum but remember to dress modestly. Spend the afternoon exploring Shymkent's parks and local culture.
- Day 8
Return to Almaty
Visit Shymkent's Qyrgy Bazar before 10 AM for good deals. Consider flying back to Almaty instead of the 9-hour drive. Book flights after 2 PM to avoid morning traffic.
- Day 9
Departure
Plan afternoon flights to avoid morning traffic. The airport is 30-45 minutes from downtown but allow extra time during rush hour (7-9 AM).
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