Silk Road - Kazakhstan: Across The Kazakh Steppe
Silk Road - Kazakhstan: Across The Kazakh Steppe
10 Days Starting and ending in ALMATY
Visiting: Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park Almaty Office, Altyn Emel National Park, Altyn Emel St, Saty, Charyn Canyon National Park, Turkistan, Ozero Kaindy, Shymkent, Nur-Sultan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KAZ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
The world’s largest landlocked country, Kazakhstan is undoubtedly the most economically advanced of the Central Asian ‘stans’. Rich in oil and minerals, the country has undergone a transformation in recent years that has seen it emerge from the windblown steppes of Asia to become the dominant presence in the region.
Beyond its booming cities, though, lies a country still steeped in the traditions of its past. Here, amongst the high mountains, green valleys, vast steppe and desert, it is a land of stunning natural beauty. Home to a number of rare and endangered animals, its national parks hide a wealth of historical treasures and at the heart of its modern cities lie traditions and cultures that can be traced back to the ancient trading routes of the Silk Road.
This incredible 10-day adventure takes in the staggeringly rich diversity of a land of quite unique and authentic charm.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Almaty
Location: Almaty
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Sapphire Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
The tour will officially start around lunchtime today in Almaty, giving those who have arrived on the overnight flight the chance to freshen up before taking an afternoon tour of the city. Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and we’ll begin with a walking tour to visit Panfilov Park, before taking in the striking Zenkov Cathedral, which lays claim to being one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. We’ll also visit the Central Museum and the Independence Monument before driving to Kok-Tobe Mountain, the highest point in the city, to enjoy some breath-taking panoramas of the city.
Day 2: Almaty - Altyn Emel National Park
Location: Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park Almaty Office
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Departing the city after breakfast this morning, we’ll drive towards Altyn Emel National Park. We’ll first stop en route at the Ili River, famed for the Genghis Khan crossing. We also visit Tamgaly Tas to see traces of the Buddhist past – beautiful images of Buddha and Burhans (Bodhisattvas) painted on the canyon rocks. Continuing our journey to Altyn Emel, we’ll stop to climb the ‘singing sands’ of the Barchan Dunes before heading to a local guesthouse in the village of Basshi, which will be our base for the next two nights. Driving distance 340km, 6-7 hours approx.
Day 3: Altyn Emel National Park
Location: Altyn Emel National Park
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sandwiched between the Ili River and the Ak-Tau Mountains, the Altyn Emel National Park encompasses some 4,600 square kilometres of largely desert and rock. A uniquely sculpted landscape of ancient volcanoes, it is home to the colourful Katutau Mountains. It is also a haven for a range of wildlife, some of it very rare, including Central Asian gazelles and Turkmenian kulan (wild ass). Following breakfast we’ll set off to fully explore the Ak-Tau and Katutau coloured mountains. There’ll be opportunities for some easy but rewarding walks in the area and we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to our welcoming guesthouse.
Day 4: Altyn Emel - Charyn Canyon - Saty
Location: Altyn Emel St, Saty, Charyn Canyon National Park
Accommodation: Homestay, Homestay/Guesthouse
Accommodation Name: Homestay/Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we leave Basshi and drive on towards the Charyn Canyon, located along the Charyn River and close to the Chinese border. Likened to the much larger Grand Canyon, Charyn drops down some 300 metres in parts and is filled with a spectacular collection of colourful formations, including the impressive Valley of Castles where we’ll enjoy a scenic walk. We’ll continue later to the village of Saty where we spend the night. This afternoon we’ll visit the beautiful Kolsai Lake and there’ll be an opportunity here to take a boat trip. Driving distance 420km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 5: Kaindy Lake - Almaty - Turkestan
Location: Turkistan, Ozero Kaindy, Almaty
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We’ll begin the day with a visit to nearby Kaindy Lake. A relatively young natural feature, the lake appeared suddenly in 1911 after an earthquake caused a huge landslide. Improbably turquoise in colour, the lake is famous for its forest of submerged spruce trees which, bizarrely, still retain their foliage. Later we will drive on to Esyk to visit the museum and burial mounds here, where the famous ‘Golden Man’ was discovered. The museum contains a replica and other exhibits of the Scythian period. We then drive back to Almaty, arriving in time to enjoy dinner before we catch the overnight train on to Turkestan. Driving distance 320km, 4-5 hours approx.
Day 6: In And Around Turkestan
Location: Turkistan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Khanaka Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arriving in Turkestan late this morning, we will have a short time to freshen up and have lunch before visiting the UNESCO site of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Commissioned by Timur in 1389, it was intended to replace an earlier 12th century mausoleum but remains unfinished. In spite of this, it still draws pilgrims from across Central Asia and is considered one of the best-preserved of all the Timurid constructions. Later this afternoon we drive to the ancient city of Sauran to explore its historical treasures. Returning to Turkestan for the evening, we have a chance to enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner in the home of a local family.
Day 7: Turkestan - Shymkent
Location: Shymkent, Turkistan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Shymkent Grand Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast today we’ll first drive to the ancient ruins of Otrar and also visit the Arystan Bab Mausoleum before continuing on to Shymkent. The third largest city in Kazakhstan in terms of inhabitant numbers, Shymkent is one of its most ancient cities; founded in the 12th century at the intersection of the trade routes to European Russia, Central Asia, West Siberia and China. This afternoon our sightseeing will begin with one of the best historical museums in Central Asia, which tells the ancient and cultural history of South Kazakhstan. We’ll also have time to visit the thriving market where you can find various local goods and feel the vibe of an Eastern bazaar. Driving distance 240km, 4 hours approx.
Day 8: Shymkent - Astana
Location: Nur-Sultan, Shymkent
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kazzhol Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transferring to the airport after breakfast this morning, we fly on to Nur-Sultan (Astana) next – the recently renamed Kazakh capital. Arriving around midday we’ll drive to a local restaurant for lunch, after which we’ll join our guide on a tour of the city. Beginning in the old part of the city, formerly Akmola, we’ll take a walk along the riverside to absorb the city’s astonishing skyline and view some of its most important architectural highlights. A visit to the National Museum then provides a chance to see the famous ‘Golden Man’, before finishing with the remarkable Temple of Peace and Accord and the Nur-Astana Mosque.
Day 9: Astana
Location: Nur-Sultan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kazzhol Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Just a short drive out of the city lies the ALZHIR Memorial, a museum founded in 2007 and dedicated to the injustices and hardships faced by the wives of political prisoners during the Soviet era. One of the largest camps in the old Soviet Union, the Akmola Camp for Wives of Traitors of the Motherland was opened in 1938 and once housed more than 18,000 prisoners of 62 different nationalities. Following our visit we then head on to the village of Sofievka, whose residents retain many Kazakh traditions, including eagle hunting. We’ll enjoy a traditional Kazakh lunch, along with musical entertainment and handicraft demonstrations, before driving back to Nur-Sultan late this afternoon. This evening we will head out into the city for our final dinner in this fascinating and increasingly important country.
Day 10: Tour Ends In Astana
Location: Nur-Sultan
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends this morning after breakfast.
What's Included
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MEALS
9 x Breakfasts9 x Lunches9 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, 4WDs, an overnight train and a domestic flight, as well as optional boat rides
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Kazakhstan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
It should be noted that the accommodation in Altyn Emel and Saty is very welcoming but rather basic - please be sure that you’ve read the Accommodation section above for more details.
There will be opportunities to undertake some easy walks in all the National Parks and although not obligatory, you should be prepared for such walks in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip in its entirety.
There are some long drives on bumpy roads involved in this tour due to the distances we need to cover, but the changing scenery should make these an interesting aspect of the trip.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights in hotels, but not when staying in Basshi, Saty or on the overnight train. When it comes to the overnight train, we will be
using 4 berth cabins. You might be sharing with
others in the group or other travellers on the train.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. If you choose to purchase the Wild Frontiers bespoke policy through Travel & General (currently available to UK residents only) then please note for this trip the minimum required level of cover will be the Standard policy. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Kazakhstan.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements. -
What is the maximum group size?
12
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.