Route: Astana → (flight) Turkistan → Sauran & Otrar → Sayram → Shymkent → (flight) Almaty
Two faces of Kazakhstan in one week. Astana, built almost from scratch on the steppe since 1997, amazes with bold architecture by Norman Foster and Kisho Kurokawa, from the Baiterek tower to the giant tent of Khan Shatyr. A short flight takes you back many centuries to Turkistan, the spiritual heart of the Turkic world.
There you visit the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, whose turquoise dome was built on the orders of Timur, then explore the ruins of Otrar – where the Mongol invasion of Central Asia began – and the fortified walls of Sauran. The journey ends in Almaty, green and cosmopolitan beneath the mountains. Domestic flights save long drives, so the pace stays comfortable.
Meet your guide at Astana International Airport and transfer to the hotel. In the late afternoon walk along the Nurzhol Boulevard, the city's main axis, and ride up the 97-metre Baiterek tower for a panorama of the skyline. Welcome dinner in a restaurant serving Kazakh cuisine.
A full day in the capital. Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster, the Hazret Sultan Mosque – one of the largest in Central Asia – and the National Museum with its Golden Hall of Scythian treasures. In the afternoon see the Nur Alem sphere from EXPO 2017 and the giant transparent tent of Khan Shatyr.
Morning flight to Turkistan (about 2 hours). After lunch visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Timurid architecture, together with the mausoleum of Rabiga Sultan Begim and the underground Hilvet mosque. In the evening stroll through the Keruen Saray complex and watch the light and water show on the canals.
Drive north-west to Sauran, a medieval city whose massive clay walls still rise from the steppe. Continue to the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, the teacher of Yasawi, by tradition visited before Turkistan. Then explore the archaeological site of Otrar, once a great caravan city and the place where Genghis Khan's campaign into Central Asia began in 1219. Return to Turkistan for the evening.
Drive south to Shymkent (about 2.5 hours), stopping in Sayram, one of the oldest towns in Kazakhstan, to see the Ibrahim Ata mausoleum and the Khyzyr Paygambar minaret. In Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city, visit the colourful Central Bazaar and the Ordabasy Square. Evening at leisure – try the local speciality, Shymkent-style shashlik.
Morning flight to Almaty (about 1.5 hours). Discover the city's green centre: Panfilov Park with the colourful wooden Ascension Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and the Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments. Before sunset drive up to the Medeu skating rink in the mountains, then enjoy a farewell dinner.
Breakfast at the hotel and free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your flight home.
Prices per person in USD. The final price is confirmed with your booking. Child (2–11 years): −20%.
The cancellation terms for this tour are confirmed in writing together with your booking, before you pay anything.
Read our cancellation & refund policySpring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). In July and August southern Kazakhstan is often above 40 °C.
Yes, economy flights Astana – Turkistan and Shymkent – Almaty with 20 kg of luggage. If schedules change, we adjust the programme or use an overnight train.
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