Kazakhstan Explorer

Kazakhstan

Impressive clay canyons, singing sand dunes, and hiking.

11 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Explore the busy capital, Nur-Sultan, before heading out to Bozjira valley and hiking to Bokty Mount. Visit the salt lakes at Tuzbair and then drive to Altyn Emel National Park where you can hear the singing sand dune. Hike through the colourful chalky Aktau Canyon and along the red sandstone Charyn Canyon, and camp under the stars. Return to civilisation with a tour of Almaty.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • The striking Baiterek Monument
  • The underground cave mosque - Shakpak-ata
  • Singing sand dunes
  • Impressive rock formations at Charyn Canyon
  • Kolsay Lakes - the pearls of Tien Shan
  • Beautiful panoramic views from Kok-Tobe

Places Visited

Nur-Sultan - Aktau - Bokty Mount - Bozjira - Ustyurt Plateau - Shakpak-ata Cave Mosque - Almaty - The Tien Shan Mountains - Altyn Emel National Park - Charyn Canyon - Kok-Tobe

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights (if relevant - refer to itinerary)
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Nur-Sultan - Aktau

Arrive into Nur-Sultan in the early morning. Take a city tour, visiting places such as Khan Shatyr, Bayterek, Astana Opera, and the national museum.Transfer to the airport and fly to​ Aktau. Overnight in Aktau.

Overnight in Grand Nur Plaza, Aktau

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Formally known as "Akmola", Astana was founded in 1830. Due to its central location, it was later made Kazakhstan's capital instead of Almaty. This prompted a name change, as "Astana" means "capital" in the Kazakh language. Since March 2019, the capital has been renamed Nur-Sultan.

The Khan Shatyr (or "Royal Marquee") is an entertainment centre built in Nur-Sultan in 2006. It was the second national project designed by UK architect Norman Foster, who also constructed Nur-Sultan's Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Set in a 150-metre-high transparent tent with an area larger than 10 football stadiums, it contains numerous shopping and entertainment facilities, including a boating river, mini golf and even an indoor beach resort.

The 100-metre-tall Baiterek Monument was constructed and opened in 2002. Kazakh legends speak of Baiterek being the 'Tree of Life', where the holy bird of happiness laid a golden egg at the top of this tree. Depicted by a large glass ball at the top of the tower, the egg is believed to symbolise the sun, life and happiness.

National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the largest museum in Central Asia, it covers 74,00 square metres and has nine floors. It includes halls such as the Hall of Gold, Hall of Anicent and Medieval History and Halls of Modern Art. It is a spectacular cultural institution with unique architecture. 

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Day 2 : Aktau - Bokty Mount - Bozjira

Drive to Bokty Mount via the Tyuesu Sands and go for a hike in the afternoon to the Bokty Mount Panorama Place. Then drive to Bozjira valley, located on Ustyurt Plateau. Overnight in Bozjira.

Overnight in Mobile Camp, Bozjira

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Bokty Mount is 165 metres above sea level and is one of the more spectacular natural creations on the Mangyshlak peninsula with its layers of red, white, and yellow clay half way up.

Bozjira valley is an unearthly part of the Ustyurt Plateau where every part of the landscape is white, from the canyons to the peaks of the mountains. It is home to two limestone peaks, named Fangs, which stand higher than 200 metres.

The Ustyurt is a Central Asian Plateau in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan that lies between the Aral Sea in the east, and the Manyushlak Plateau in the west. The plateau has an average elevation of 150 metres and, at points, rises as high as 370 metres. The Ustyurt is home to nomadic communities who live in traditional yurts and raise sheep, goats and camels. 

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Day 3 : Bozjira - Tuzbair

Spend the morning hiking to the Bozjira Mount Panorama Place and then drive for more hiking around Nayza Mount. In the afternoon you will drive to Tuzbair Valley. Overnight in Tuzbair.

Overnight in Mobile Camp, Bozjira

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The name of Nayza Mount translates to "a spear tip" in Kazakh.

White salt and limestone make up the impressive Tuzbair valley, with chalk cliffs leading down to a salt marsh, known as a Sor. During heavy rainfall the salt marsh fills with water and becomes a large salt-mirror.

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Day 4 : Tuzbair - Sherkala - Almaty

Drive to the salt lakes in the morning and hike to the Tuzbair Valley Panorama Place. Then drive to the Sherkala Mountain via Shetpe village and then visit the Shakpak-ata Rocky Mosque. In the late afternoon, drive to Aktau city for a flight to Almaty after midnight.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Sherkala is a mountain in the Mangystau province and translates to "lion's castle" from Persian. It has been described as looking like a Sphinx or a yurt and the remains of a medieval caravanserei and fort are on the top and foot of the mountain.

The Shakpak-ata Mosque is an underground mosque named after a Kazakh elder who could cure any disease. The cave has been dug into the limestone slope of a hill and archaeologists have found traces of people from the Stone and Bronze Ages and the mosque is believed to have been re-built in the 10th century.
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Day 5 : Almaty - Shymbulak Pass

Early morning arrival into Almaty then after some rest, drive to the northern Tien Shan mountains via the famous Medeo high altitude skating rink. Take a cable car to Shymbulak ski resort and the panoramic Talgar pass for spectacular views. Overnight in Almaty. 

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Tien Shan is a mountain range that can be found on the border between China and Kyrgyzstan. "Tien Shan" translates to "Heavenly Mountains". The Tien Shan ranges in altitude from arid valleys at 700 metres above sea level to glacial peaks of 4,500 metres - providing an extraordinarily rich biodiversity. 

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Day 6 : Almaty - Altyn Emel National Park - Aktau Canyon

Drive to the Altyn Emel National Park in the morning. En route, visit the Kapshagay Casino City, Soviet Old Cars & Design museum, and Kapshagay Lake. Drive to Aktau Canyon for an afternoon hike. Overnight in Altyn Emel.

Overnight in Aigaikum, Altyn Emel National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Altyn Emel National Park covers about 4600 square kilometers and is mostly desert and rocky terrain. The park was founded in 1996 in order to preserve archaeological and historical monuments as well as the natural land. The burial mounds located within the park date back to the Iron Age and are filled with gold adornments, weapons and armour.

The Aktau Canyon is located in the Altyn Emel National Park, surrounded by colourful chalky hills which are formed from blue-grey sandstone and red clay, interspersed with jasper and white quartz. The Aktau Mountains that form the canyon are one of the world's largest paleontological deposits and a walk through this maze provides spectacular scenery.
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Day 7 : Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon

Visit the singing sand dune in Altyn Emel National Park then drive to Charyn Canyon National Park in the afternoon. Hike along the bottom of the canyon and watch the sunset in the Valley of Castles. Overnight in Charyn Canyon.

Overnight in Yurt Camp, Charyn Canyon

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The Singing Dune in the Altyn Emel National Park is a natural phenomenon that occurs when you slide or run down the sand. This national park is one of the few places on earth where this happens. The conditions have to be dry for the low rumbling, like the humming of an engine, to sound and the dunes sing louder with more movement of sand - whether it is the wind or people sliding down.

Charyn Canyon lies in the open plains of Almaty. The red sandstone was cracked open and enlarged by the Sharyn River. After many years of weathering and erosion, the striking canyon and its impressive rock formations were formed. Visitors can walk, raft and take jeep tours through the distinct landscape. Part of the canyon is known as the Valley of Castles for its unusual rock formations.

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Day 8 : Charyn Canyon - Kolsay Lakes

In the morning drive to Kolsay Koldery National Park in the Kungey Alatau Mountain Range. Hike around the park, visiting Kaindy lake and Kolsai lake. Overnight in Kolsay.

Overnight in Kolsai Lake View, Kolsay Koldery National Park

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The ​Kolsay Koldery (Kolasi Lakes) National Park is located on the north slope of the Tian Shan mountains. The park's main feature are the Kolsay Lakes (a natural reservoir formed by landslides fromed by mountains that block the Kolsay River) and the scenic Kaindy Lake, known for its mirror smooth reflection and strands of dead spruce trunks rising from the water.

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Day 9 : Kolsay Lakes - Almaty

Drive to Almaty and then take a city tour in the afternoon. Visit the opera and ballet theatre, Panfilov Park with the Russian Orthodox cathedral. Take a cable car up to the panoramic Kok Tobe hill. Overnight in Almaty.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Almaty, formerly known as 'Alma-Ata', is the largest city in Kazakhstan. It is located in the foothills of the Trans-lli Alatau mountain and has become the major commercial and cultural hub for the country. 

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Karakol was built in 1872. The original stone cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake and later rebuilt in wood. During the turbulent history of the region, the church has been used as an educational centre, a theatre and even a dance hall after the revolution of 1917. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and independence of Kyrgyzstan in 1991, the building was restored as a church.

The hill of Kok-Tobe towers over the city of Almaty. Standing at 1,100 metres above sea level it provides panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. 

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Day 10 : Almaty Ethno Tour

Visit to the Oriental Green Bazaar in the morning and drive to the Nomad village for an Ethno show. In the afternoon visit the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments before a farewell dinner in Ethno Restaurant. Overnight in Almaty.

Overnight in Hotel Kazhol, Almaty

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

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Day 11 : Depart

Transfer to the airport in the morning for your departure flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

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Grand Nur Plaza

Aktau (1 night)

Located in the centre of Aktau, the Grand Nur Plaza is modern and stylish with balcony rooms and a large outdoor swimming pool. The Sultan restaurant serves fine Russian and European food, and there is a lounge bar as well as a traditional beer house pub that shows sports events.

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Mobile Camp

Bozjira (2 nights)

Camp out under the stars in these mobile tents. Shared facilities will be available in the camp.

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Hotel Kazhol

Almaty (4 nights)

Forming part of the contemporary, 4* hotel chain similarly located in Astana, Hotel Kazhol features completely modem room amenities, and also includes fantastic onsite services such as a spa centre equipped with a large swimming pool, sauna and fitness room and authentic, oriental restaurant serving central Asian and European cuisine. 

Visit hotel's site
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Aigaikum

Altyn Emel National Park (1 night)

The Aigaikum guesthouse is a comfortable and convenient place to base yourself for exploring the Altyn Emel National Park. Local cuisine is provided for lunch and dinner, and eggs and porridge are served at breakfast.

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Yurt Camp

Charyn Canyon (1 night)

Stay in a traditional Kazakhstan yurt in a camp set up in Charyn Canyon. The interior is basic but comfortable and colourful, and there are shared facilities in the camp. Each Yurt is shared by upto 4 people and a private Yurt can be booked at a supplement.

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Kolsai Lake View

Kolsay Koldery National Park (1 night)

With stunning views over the Kolsai Lake, this guest house provides comfortable and clean rooms each with lake views and standard amenities.

Extensions

Baikonur Cosmodrome & Soviet Space History (5 days)

Extend your trip to the Baikonur Cosmodrome

Five Stan Odyssey (along the Silk Road) (30 days)

Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'

Journey Through The 4 Stans (18 days)

History and landscapes of the Stans beyond Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan Explorer (11 days)

Impressive clay canyons, singing sand dunes, and hiking.

Kazakhstan Rocket Launch (11 days)

Get blown away with a mix of rockets, culture, and national parks.

Highlights of Kazakhstan (7 days)

Vast steppe landscapes, traditional culture and eagle hunters!

Reviews

A fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.

Anthony Twohig , Journey Through the 4 Stans & Central Asia extension

I would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !

Julie Crank , Journey Through the 4 Stans

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans

Just back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.

Brendan Fitzgerald , Journey Through the Stans
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