This 9-day Kazakhstan Grand Circuit takes you on an unforgettable journey through the country's most iconic cities, cultural centers, and natural wonders. Starting in the vibrant city of Almaty, you'll explore alpine lakes and mountain resorts before flying west to Aktau on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The itinerary then takes a spiritual turn in Turkistan, home to the UNESCO-listed Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, followed by historical explorations in Taraz and Shymkent. You'll then fly to the futuristic capital Nur-Sultan (Astana), where modern architecture meets national identity, before traveling to Karaganda, a city rich in Soviet-era history. The final leg of the journey explores eastern Kazakhstan, with visits to Semey, known for its literary and atomic legacy, and Oskemen, a scenic riverside city where your adventure concludes. With a mix of flights and overland travel, and carefully planned overnight stays in key cities, this itinerary captures the diverse spirit of Kazakhstan in just 9 days.
ποΈ Highlights:
Almaty – Big Almaty Lake, Shymbulak Resort, city tour & cultural landmarks
Aktau – Caspian Sea views, Mangystau desert landscapes, Valley of Balls
Turkistan – Explore the UNESCO-listed Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
Taraz & Shymkent – Visit ancient mausoleums and experience southern heritage
Nur-Sultan (Astana) – Discover the futuristic capital’s architecture & museums
Karaganda – Learn Soviet history at the Karlag labor camp and memorials
Semey – Abay Museum, nuclear history, and Irtysh River bridge
Oskemen – Scenic riverside city and gateway to East Kazakhstan
Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arrival in Almaty β Welcome to Kazakhstan
Almaty
Arrive at Almaty International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, begin your city tour with visits to Panfilov Park, the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, and the vibrant Green Bazaar. Walk along Arbat Street, visit Republic Square, and enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner. Overnight stay in Almaty.
Day 2 :
Almaty β Big Almaty Lake & Medeu/Shymbulak Excursion
Almaty
Early in the morning, after breakfast, head into the mountains to visit Big Almaty Lake, known for its turquoise waters and scenic views. On the return, stop at Medeu Skating Rink and take the cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Return to the city in the afternoon and enjoy free time or an optional visit to Kok-Tobe Hill. Return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Almaty.
Day 3 :
Flight to Aktau β Explore the Caspian Coast
Aktau
Early in the morning, after breakfast, check out from your hotel and take a domestic flight to Aktau, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. In the afternoon, explore the city’s coastal promenade, visit the underground mosque of Beket-Ata (optional), or take a short excursion to the surreal desert formations of Torysh (Valley of Balls). Overnight stay in Aktau.
Day 4 :
Flight to Turkistan β UNESCO Heritage & Spiritual History
Turkistan
Early in the morning, after breakfast, check out and fly from Aktau to Turkistan, one of Kazakhstan’s most spiritual and historically significant cities. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Visit the iconic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the old city and local markets. Overnight stay in Turkistan.
Day 5 :
Drive to Shymkent via Taraz β Southern Kazakhstanβs Heritage
Shymkent
Early in the morning, check out after breakfast and begin your drive to Taraz, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Visit the historic Aisha Bibi and Babaji Khatun mausoleums. Afterword, continue on to Shymkent. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Enjoy the evening exploring the local bazaar or tasting southern Kazakh cuisine. Overnight stay in Shymkent.
Day 6 :
Flight to Nur-Sultan (Astana) β Modern Capital Tour
Nur-Sultan
Early in the morning, after breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Nur-Sultan (Astana), the modern and striking capital of Kazakhstan. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin your city tour. Visit Bayterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr shopping complex, and Hazrat Sultan Mosque. Enjoy dinner with views of the futuristic skyline. Overnight stay in Nur-Sultan.
Day 7 :
Nur-Sultan to Karaganda β Soviet History & Memorials
Karaganda
Early in the morning, after breakfast, check out and drive to Karaganda (approx. 3 hours), a city known for its Soviet heritage and mining history. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. Visit the Karlag Museum, a former Soviet labor camp, and explore the Eternal Flame memorial and local museums. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Karaganda.
Day 8 :
Flight to Semey & Explore East Kazakhstan
Semey
Early in the morning, check out early and take a morning flight to Semey, a historic city near the Russian border with strong literary and political history. On arrival, check in to your hotel and explore sights such as the Abay Museum, Semipalatinsk Test Site Memorial, and the Suspension Bridge over the Irtysh River. Learn about the city’s deep ties to Kazakh culture and nuclear history. Overnight stay in Semey.
Day 9 :
Drive to Oskemen & Departure
Semey
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to Oskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk), a scenic city at the meeting point of the Irtysh and Ulba rivers (approx. 3–4 hours). Depending on your flight time, you may visit the Regional History Museum or walk along the riverside promenade. Transfer to Oskemen Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your 9-day Kazakhstan adventure.
Kindly note that names of hotels mentioned in the proposed hotels only indicate that our rates have been based on the usage of these hotels, and it is not to be construed that accommodation is confirmed at these hotels until we convey such confirmation to you. We reserve the right to change the same due to availability issues with the hotel or unavoidable circumstances. In that case, we may provide alternative similar accommodation and shall pass on the difference of rates (supplement/reduction whatever applicable) to you.
Our offer is based on the usage of base category rooms at the mentioned hotels (unless specified otherwise). If this category of rooms is not available, we shall try to confirm accommodation in the next available higher category of rooms and shall advise supplementary cost involved while conveying the status.
π½οΈ MEALS:
The menus are pre-set menus provided for breakfast/lunch/dinner on the tour as mentioned under each Tour itinerary and inclusions and exclusions as committed at the time of confirmation.
In standard/Budget category of hotels, the meals preferences are veg meals unless specified and in Deluxe/Super Deluxe and Luxury category of hotels/resort the meals are a mixture of veg and non-veg preferences.
Mostly buffet meals are served during the tour, but depending upon the less occupancy and group size Ala Carte meals may be served by the hotels. No claim can be made for the meal which guest has missed and not utilized.
π ITINERARY CHANGES:
For the comfort and convenience of guests, there could be some changes or amendments in the itinerary. We will try to advise you of these amendments prior to the start of the tour or on tour. In the event a guest misses any part of the sightseeing tour or any such tour due to delay on their part, they will not be entitled to claim a refund of the same.
The timings mentioned in the day schedule in the itinerary may vary depending upon the road conditions, particular destination visits en route, meals, climatic conditions, particular health conditions of the guests, and timings of sightseeing places and monuments.
π TRANSPORT:
We normally use A/C Sedan such as Etios/Desire Innova/Crysta/Tempo Travellers/2X2 A/C Coaches for our tours depending upon the group size and preferences of the travel. The drivers of the vehicles are bound by specific rules like maximum driving hours within a day, rest period per day, etc. Clients will have to strictly adhere to the prescribed timetable for the day so that the driver can complete the travel. In case any of the sightseeing schedules are missed due to delays caused by the client, the same will not be refunded to the client under any circumstances.
Please note that AC will not work in Hills and no claims to this regard shall be entertained.
π³Payment Terms And Methods:
• Deposit of 35% of the package cost at the time of booking.
•Need 50% payment of the package cost, 30 days prior to departure date
•Need 100% payment of the package cost, 15 days prior to departure date
πCancellation AndRefund Policy:
•25% of full tour cost - 60 days prior to arrival.
•50% of full tour cost - between 30 days prior to tour.
•75% of full tour cost - between 29 & 16 days prior to tour
•100% - within 15 days prior to tour.
•50% advance to be deposited at the time of booking confirmation.
•Balance 50% before 15 days from the Tour Starts.
•Check In / Check out time at all the properties would at 1200 hrs (Noon)
•All the above-mentioned rates are per person rates on twin sharing
•For Cancellation, please refer to our Terms and Conditions available at our booking office.
•Rooms holding shall be for a period of 72 hours only.
•The above rates are applicable strictly for resident Indian citizens only.
Package Code:MY339594
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