Culture & Cuisine of Kazakhstan

Fly to Almaty from the UK.

Arrive early in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s leafy, mountain-fringed city whose name means ‘apple’. After time to settle in at the hotel, meet your guide and head to the lively Green Bazaar, where colourful stalls brim with local delicacies—from honey and dried fruits to camel milk and smoked horse meat. Continue to the charming Museum of National Musical Instruments, showcasing traditional Kazakh sounds, before wandering through leafy Panfilov Park to admire the striking Ascension Cathedral. In the evening, sample regional wines during a guided tasting, then stroll along vibrant Arbat Street en route to a traditional Kazakh dinner. (B,D)

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Fly south to Turkestan, a spiritual centre of the Turkic world and one of Kazakhstan’s oldest Silk Road cities. After settling in, visit a local woodcarver whose intricate sculptures, carved from single blocks of wood, each carry a symbolic message rooted in Kazakh philosophy. Continue to the home of a leatherworking family, where you’ll learn about saddle-making traditions passed down through generations. As evening falls, dine in the atmospheric Karavansaray complex, designed like an ancient Silk Road town. Enjoy a cultural performance and a floating theatrical show inspired by Kazakh epic poetry, complete with music, fountains and storytelling. (B,D)

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This morning, explore Kazakhstan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site – the majestic yet unfinished Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a revered Sufi poet and philosopher. Nearby, visit the Hilvet Underground Mosque, believed to be where Yasawi spent his final years in reflection and prayer. Experience the immersive Flying Theatre, which brings Kazakh history and folklore to life through cutting-edge virtual reality. En route to Shymkent, stop at the ruins of Otrar, once a thriving Silk Road city, and visit a camel farm for a tasting of fresh camel milk and warm bread. Arrive in Shymkent for dinner in a traditional restaurant. (B,L,D)

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Venture into the historic open-air museum of Old Sairam, a key Silk Road town dotted with mausoleums, sacred tombs, and a 12th century minaret. Visit a fascinating ethnographic museum, the life’s work of a single craftsman, where you’ll explore traditional artefacts and an underground mosque carved by hand. Take in sweeping views of Shymkent from the Citadel, once a Russian redoubt. End the day at Altyn Orda Art Gallery, a creative complex founded and run by the Beisbekov family, where you’ll try your hand at dry felt art and browse exquisite handmade crafts inspired by Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage. (B,D)

Leave the city behind and head into the foothills of the Western Tien Shan Mountains to explore Aksu Zhabagly, Central Asia’s oldest nature reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a relaxed day of short walks and scenic drives through alpine valleys, past wildflower meadows and fast-flowing rivers. Keep an eye out for ibex, marmots and golden eagles, as well as the region’s rich plant life. Pause for a picnic lunch in the mountains before returning to Shymkent for a restful evening. (B,L)

Fly back to Almaty and head to the Nomad Ethno Centre, a cultural complex set against the scenic foothills of Ushkonyr. Experience traditional Kazakh hospitality, learn about nomadic warfare and falconry, and watch demonstrations of yurt assembly, archery, and bread-making. Enjoy a hearty lunch inside a yurt before returning to the city. In the evening, dine at a celebrated Georgian restaurant, where fragrant spices, baked cheeses, and bold wines reflect the rich culinary heritage of the Caucasus. (B,L)

Depart Almaty after breakfast for a scenic drive into the steppe. En route, stop in Koram Village for a cultural visit with a local Uygur family. Discover Uygur culinary traditions and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of homemade laghman—a hand-pulled noodle dish with meat and vegetables. Continue to Charyn Canyon, known for its otherworldly red rock formations. Walk through the striking Valley of Castles down to the Charyn River, with the option to return by foot or Soviet-era army vehicle. Later, arrive in the remote mountain village of Saty for a home-cooked dinner and an intimate family-led cultural performance featuring traditional Kazakh music and dance. Overnight at a local guesthouse. (B,L,D)

This morning, transfer by 4WD to Kaindy Lake, where a 1911 earthquake submerged a forest, leaving eerie silver spruce trees rising from turquoise waters. Set in the stunning Kungey Alatau Gorge, enjoy a short hike and soak in the alpine scenery. After a picnic lunch, visit the first Kolsay Lake—known as the “Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”—for a peaceful walk along its crystal-clear shores framed by dramatic mountains. Return to Saty Village for a traditional Kazakh manty cooking demonstration and dinner. Weather permitting, unwind by a bonfire beneath the vast mountain sky. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer back to Almaty and enjoy some free time. Later, take a scenic 10-minute cable car ride up Kok-Tobe Hill - “Green Hill” in Kazakh - offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains at sunset. Kok-Tobe is a beloved city landmark. End the day with dinner on the hill’s summer terrace, savouring international cuisine, local wine, and live music on select evenings. Return to the centre of Almaty where you pick a selection of restaurants to have your final dinner, accompanied by some delicious local wine and live music. (B,L)

• Hotel Description

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)