Private, on your own dates · CIS, Kazakhstan
Highlights Of Almaty
A 6-day Kazakhstan tour combining Almaty city sights, Kok Tobe, Medeu and Shymbulak, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, Altyn Emel, Big Almaty Lake, and a falcon show.
The journey
3 cities.
Starts Almaty International Airport, ends Almaty International Airport. Meet and greet followed by transfer to the hotel.
Spend six days exploring Almaty and the landscapes that make southern Kazakhstan so distinctive. This journey begins in the city itself, where tree-lined boulevards, mountain backdrops, and lively local markets set the pace for the trip. A first evening ride on the Kok Tobe cable car gives you a wide view over Almaty and an easy introduction to the city’s hilltop atmosphere.
The itinerary then moves through Almaty’s cultural landmarks, including Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, Republic Square, the Green Bazaar, and the Rakhat Chocolate Factory. From there, the route climbs into the mountains to Medeu and Shymbulak, where a gondola ride opens up clear views of the Tien Shan range and gives the trip a stronger alpine feel without demanding a strenuous pace.
The later days take you beyond the city into some of Kazakhstan’s best-known natural settings. Charyn Canyon brings dramatic rock formations and wide desert colours, while Kolsai Lake adds a calmer contrast with pine-covered slopes and mirror-like water. Altyn Emel National Park introduces the Singing Dunes and the varied terrain of Aktau and Katutau, creating one of the most memorable long-driving days in the itinerary.
Back in the Almaty region, Big Almaty Lake provides a quieter mountain finale with clear turquoise water and high-altitude scenery. A traditional eagle and falcon show adds a strong cultural layer, linking the journey to Kazakhstan’s nomadic heritage before time is left for shopping and a relaxed final evening in the city. With city touring, scenic drives, mountain viewpoints, and well-spread day trips, this package suits travellers who want a full Almaty experience in one trip.
- 01Ride the Kok Tobe cable car for panoramic views over Almaty
- 02See Almaty’s main city sights, markets, and chocolate stop in one guided day
- 03Visit Medeu Ice Rink and Shymbulak with included gondola access
- 04Take a full-day excursion to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake
- 05Explore Altyn Emel National Park and the Singing Dunes
- 06Visit Big Almaty Lake for high-altitude mountain scenery
- 07Enjoy a traditional eagle and falcon show linked to Kazakh nomadic culture
- 08Balance city time with long scenic drives through canyons, lakes, and mountain landscapes
Day by day
Open a day for the written plan, then switch to the hour-by-hour breakdown.
Arrive at Almaty International Airport, meet your representative, and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
In the evening, take the Kok Tobe cable car for your first views over the city before exploring the hilltop viewpoints and souvenir market.
- First panoramic views of Almaty
- Easy opening evening with a city landmark
Arrival transfer included
Evening sightseeing starts with Kok Tobe cable car
What the fare covers
And what it does not. Read the right-hand column before you budget.
- Hotels5 nights accommodation in Almaty
- TransfersReturn airport transfers
- MealsDaily breakfast at the hotel
- GuidesProfessional English-speaking guide on sightseeing days
- SightseeingGuided sightseeing of Almaty’s main attractions
- SightseeingVisit to Medeu and Shymbulak with gondola tickets
- SightseeingFull-day guided excursion to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lake
- SightseeingFull-day guided excursion to Altyn Emel National Park and the Singing Dunes
- SightseeingScenic excursion to Big Almaty Lake
- EntrancesEntry to the Kazakh falcon and eagle show
- EntrancesAll entrance fees as per the itinerary
- ExperiencesBottled water during tours
- TaxesAll taxes and service charges
- FlightsInternational air travel is not part of this fare. The record lists no air component.
- VisaVisa fees for Kazakhstan
- InsuranceTravel insurance
- MealsLunches and dinners unless specified
- Personal ExpensesLaundry, phone calls, minibar, and similar costs
- TipsTips for guide and driver
- Optional ToursOptional activities or tours not mentioned in the itinerary
- TaxesAny taxes not explicitly listed as included
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
Meet and greet followed by transfer to the hotel.
Want this trip a little different?
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.
Where you go in
Not every landmark on the list is one you walk into — this separates them.
When to Go
Weather by month for the places this trip actually visits.
Kazakhstan
Summer (Jun–Aug) is the main travel season. Spring is pleasant for the steppe landscapes.
Before you go
The essentials first — they are also the ones that can stop a booking.
Passport and visa requirements
- Guests are responsible for ensuring their passport is valid for travel.
- Visa requirements depend on nationality and should be checked before departure.
- Any required vaccinations or entry documents must be arranged by the traveller.
Travel insurance is required
- Travel insurance must be purchased before departure.
- Coverage should suit sightseeing tours, long drives, and mountain excursions.
- Keep policy details available during travel.
Pack for changing temperatures
- City weather can differ from mountain and canyon areas on the same trip.
- Bring layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a light outer layer.
- A small day bag is useful for water and personal items on excursions.
Scenic driving days are part of the itinerary
- Several excursions involve long road journeys between Almaty and natural attractions.
- Travel times can vary depending on weather and road conditions.
- Departure times for full-day tours may be early in the morning.
Hotel nights are based in Almaty
- The tour uses Almaty as the base for the full trip.
- Early check-in and late check-out are not included unless confirmed separately.
- Similar-standard hotel substitutions may be used if required.
Breakfast is included daily
- Lunches and dinners are not included unless specifically stated.
- Guests with dietary requirements should advise in advance where possible.
- Some excursion days may include local guesthouse or packed meal arrangements if mentioned.
Carry local spending money
- Personal purchases, tips, and any extra meals are payable separately.
- Some markets and smaller stops may prefer cash.
- Any costs outside the published inclusions remain the traveller’s responsibility.
Optional items are not covered
- Activities not listed in the itinerary are not part of the package.
- If you add extra sightseeing or services, these will be at your own cost.
- Check with the operator before arranging independent add-ons.
Respect local culture and traditions
- Travellers should follow local laws and customs in Kazakhstan.
- The falcon show and market visits are cultural highlights, so modest and respectful behaviour is appreciated.
- Photography rules may vary at individual sites.
Is this Almaty tour suitable for first-time visitors to Kazakhstan?
Yes. It covers the city’s main landmarks plus the best-known mountain and desert day trips, which makes it a strong first visit to the region.
How demanding is the itinerary?
The tour includes several full-day excursions and scenic drives, but the pace is balanced with hotel nights in Almaty throughout the trip.
Are entrance tickets included?
Entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included, including the Shymbulak gondola and the falcon show entry.
What kind of weather should I expect?
Almaty can vary by season, and mountain areas are often cooler than the city, so layered clothing is advisable.
Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, and travellers should check requirements before booking.
Policies & booking terms
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
50% refund between 30-15 days before departure.
No refund within 15 days of departure.
TripClub standing booking terms
- Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
- Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
- Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
- The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
- All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
- The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
- All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
- Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
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