From  £3770
per person
Tour Highlights
  • Explore Almaty’s bustling Green Bazaar and sample local delicacies
  • Discover Turkestan’s ancient Silk Road sites and sacred mausoleums
  • Walk through the stunning Valley of Castles at Charyn Canyon
  • Hike around Kaindy Lake’s submerged forest and turquoise waters
  • Learn to cook traditional Kazakh dishes with local families
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Culture & Cuisine of Kazakhstan

11 Day Tour, from £3770 per person

This 11-day tour offers a brilliant introduction to Kazakhstan, perfect for a small group of friends keen to combine culture, nature and genuine local flavour. It suits first-time travellers looking to get under the skin of the country, especially those with a passion for food, music and time in the great outdoors. The pace is relaxed and sociable, with time to explore without feeling rushed.

Travelling together by plane and private vehicle, you’ll discover the contrasts that shape Kazakhstan - from vibrant markets and historic Silk Road cities to dramatic canyons and alpine lakes. Along the way, share traditional meals in family homes, try your hand at crafts and cookery, and soak up mountain views in good company. With all arrangements taken care of, it’s an easy, enriching way to experience a side of Central Asia that few get to see.

***Direct Air Astana flights are available from London Heathrow to Almaty on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions***
 

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1
FLY TO ALMATY
Almaty, Kazakhstan

Fly to Almaty from the UK.

DAY 2
ALMATY
Fruit section of the famous Green Bazaar in Almaty

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)

Accommodation
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
DAY 3
ALMATY TO TURKESTAN
 Karavansaray complex, Turkestan

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)

Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton
DAY 4
TURKESTAN
TURKESTAN

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. The rest of the day is free. (B,L)

Accommodation
Hampton by Hilton
DAY 5
TURKESTAN TO SHYMKENT
Otrar Fort

It's an early start this morning as a visit to a camel farm is included, for a tasting of fresh camel milk and freshly baked Kazakh flatbread. Continue to the ruins of Otrar, once a thriving Silk Road city and arrive in Shymkent in time for lunch. 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,L)

Accommodation
Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel
DAY 6
SHYMKENT
Local craftsman and musician

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. (B,L)

Accommodation
Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel
DAY 7
SHYMKENT TO ALMATY
Lunch inside a yurt

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,D)

Accommodation
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
DAY 8
CHARYN CANYON & SATY VILLAGE
Charyn Canyon

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)

DAY 9
KOLSAY & KAINDY MOUNTAIN LAKES
Kaindy Lake, Kazakhstan

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)

DAY 10
RETURN TO ALMATY
Cable car ride up Kok-Tobe Hill

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,D)

Accommodation
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
DAY 11
FLY TO THE UK
Almaty, Kazakhstan

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

Pricing Information

11 day tour, from £3770 per person

Price Includes

  • Return International flights as per the itinerary
  • All airport taxes & security charges
  • Accommodation and meals as specified
  • Transfers as specified
  • Activities and excursions as specified
  • All entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified

Price Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Any meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Optional excursions

Price Notes

* This holiday is priced based on a minimum of four travellers. Travelling with friends not only makes for a more sociable holiday, but also allows you to share the cost of private experiences such as wine tastings, cookery classes, and shared meals with a local family and guided tours.

* The price for two people travelling together is from £4640 per person sharing one room.

* This is a suggested itinerary that can be customised to suit your preferences. We can remove certain excursions or add other destinations as needed. This provides an overview of what you can experience in the area but is by no means exhaustive. Please reach out to one of our travel specialists who can assist you in creating your ideal holiday.


Tour Route Map


  1. Kazakhstan, Almaty
  2. Kazakhstan, Turkestan
  3. Kazakhstan, Shymkent
  4. Kazakhstan, Almaty

Tour Accommodation

Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty
Kazzhol Hotel Almaty The three-star hotel Kazzhol is centrally situated in Almaty, catering to international travellers with its warm hospitality and authentic Kazakh atmosphere. Each en suite......
Hampton by Hilton
Hampton by Hilton
Hampton by Hilton Hampton by Hilton Turkistan is a centrally located hotel where a dedicated team prioritises your comfort and satisfaction throughout your stay. With several historic......
Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel
Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel
Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel Centrally located in the heart of Almaty, Tauke Khan Plaza Hotel offers a convenient and comfortable base for travellers looking to explore Kazakhstan’s vibrant cultural......

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