Kazakhstan: Adventure into The Heart of Eurasia
This video is a brief representation of Kazakhstan and does not represent the exact itinerary that is stated in the sign up article below
This video is a brief representation of Kazakhstan and does not represent the exact itinerary that is stated in the sign up article below
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, spans 2.7 million square kilometers of Central Asia's diverse wonders. From endless steppes to majestic Tien Shan and Altai Mountains, and the surreal beauty of Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan offers a rich tapestry of landscapes. Embrace nomadic traditions and pristine wilderness in places like the Altai Mountains and Kolsai Lakes. Its modern cities, like Almaty and Nur-Sultan, blend tradition with progress.
Kazakhstan is a place where the allure of the unknown promises new discoveries, where the beauty of diverse landscapes captivates the senses, and where the warmth and resilience of its people leave an indelible mark on your soul. Join us on an expedition through Kazakhstan, where you'll experience the breathtaking transformation of landscapes, immerse yourself in the rich history and culture, and have the unique opportunity to witness the harmonious convergence of tradition and modernity in this vast and enchanting land.
Day 1: Welcome to Almaty, the City of Apples!
Having sat in a long flight to Almaty International Airport Almaty International Airport, it’s time to get some fresh air. Lucky for you, Almaty has the freshest air Kazakhstan has to offer. With beautiful skies and tall mountain peaks, crisp air will hit you the moment you step foot into this cultural haven.
Awaiting your arrival will be your friendly tour guide, ready to show you the adventures around Kazakhstan; but first, you will be transported to a hotel, which is an approximately 1 hour drive, assuming traffic conditions are favourable. From the time of your arrival till evening, it’s the perfect time for you to rest and relax, unwind, unload your baggage and prepare for the feast that lies at the restaurant. A quaint restaurant with a cosy interior, an eatery that will make you feel as if you’re in paradise. There, dinner is served, with a huge plethora of options for you to choose from. What a great way to start your trip in Almaty, am I right?
After a hearty dinner, the rest of the night is downtime for you. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the vicinity. Walking along the streets of Almaty, you would realise that there are dozens of shops, restaurants, and even casinos that contribute to Kazakhstan’s bustling life.
Before you know it, it’s time to head to bed. Lying on your bed with butterflies in your stomach, we at Beyond Expeditions are here to reassure you that these butterflies are good, for the surprises that await you will definitely make you wish you lived here.
Day 2: Chamberlain Country Club
Rise and shine, folks! Today’s itinerary requires you to channel your inner countrygirl/countryboy, for we’ll be heading to Chamberlain Country Club. Chamberlain Country Club is located at the foot of Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. A beautiful and unique place home to the happiest animals, this 10.5 hectares of land serves as the perfect sanctuary for the animals that reside there.
There, only the best of the best is given to these animals, a destination brilliantly created for the majestic animals to run free; and for guests to have the perfect leisurely day there. Coupled with many amenities — club house, a park, a spa, sports field, playground and restaurant — just to name a few, it has everything you need. Excited? Me too!
Waking up for an energising breakfast in the morning, you will then meet your tour guide in the hall of the hotel in the morning before embarking on your excursion to Chamberlain Country Club. After a short 4.8km drive, you would’ve reached Chamberlain Country Club. The main highlight of today’s excursion would be walking along the “Paradise in Levada” trail. During this trail, you will have the opportunity to learn interesting facts and legends about horses, the history and origin of domestication, as well as stories about the more than 20 unique breeds of horses in the country club. Time flies when you’re having fun. Before you know it, an hour has passed miraculously and it’s time to move on to the next segment of the day: retreat with the horses. In this activity, get ready to be astounded by the majestic beauty of these maned ethereal beings. In case you didn’t know, horses are known to be very hospitable hosts, with their gentle eyes and welcoming personalities capturing your heart the moment it locks eyes with you. For the next hour and a half, you will be able to immerse yourself in their company, interacting with these horses and enjoying the moment.
By now, I’m guessing your stomach might be grumbling. That’s why it’s time for lunch! Up until 3pm, the afternoon is all yours, giving you ample time to grab lunch and explore the wonders of Chamberlain Country Club more. You will then be wowed by a spectacular showing by the National Archery of Kazakhstan, showcasing the history of Kazakhstan’s ancestors. As the day comes to an end, if time and weather allows for it, there will be a picnic by the fire followed by dinner at a restaurant, an eatery that serves delicious traditional central Asian cuisine.
Day 3: Turgen Gorge, Ethno-Village
A very good morning to you! Today is an exciting day for all you culture enthusiasts out there, for you will be taking a trip downtown to Ethno Village, a village filled with all the cultural wonders of Almaty. Starting the day right with a nutritious breakfast, you will then meet with your tour guide afterwards to head towards the village. Unlike the previous days, today’s travel time will be a bit longer.
With approximately 69km of road to cover, this 1.5 hour roadtrip is the perfect time for you to either look out and admire the Almaty scenery, or to lay back and take a good food-coma nap before reaching the village.
Alas, welcome to Ethno Village, where an exciting program awaits. Connecting Kazakhstan’s rich cultural past with its future, this program was carefully crafted and put together for our participants, such as yourself. The program includes cultural shows and a master class of your choice.
On top of the above, in the middle of the day, you will also be transferred to an accommodation in Turgan to put your luggages down before continuing on with the day. At about evening Kazakhstan time, you’ll be checking in to the accomodation, known as Tau Zhanashar, in Turgen Village. There, you’ll be spending the night in a yurt, which is a traditional shepherd's home, learning about the traditional culture of the shepherd and immersing yourself into the ethnic beauty of Kazakhstan. Dinner commences in the evening, where an array of traditional Kazakhstan cuisine will be prepared to fill your stomach to the brim.
Day 4: Plateau Assy
Day 4 commences early with breakfast and a 43km drive to Assy-Turgen Observatory, located at Plateau Assy. The Assy-Turgen Observatory is an astrophysical observatory used by scientists to analyse and observe symbiotic stars and binary systems with an x-ray component.
The road to Plateau Assy is not an easy one, especially when it’s located 100km East from Almaty. Fret not, for your very experienced tour guide knows how to get there with ease. Using the Assy pass, a great view appears: a ginormous valley that spans across 40km appears. Filled with greenery and remote flocks of sheep and horses, this valley is also filled with a rich history that’s longer than the valley itself. If you look close enough, you will also be able to see rock engravings and stone-made sacrificial altars used in ancient rituals. The valley is also home to secret pyramids that are hidden underneath the valley’s crevices and have yet to be discovered by archaeologists.
After a satisfying lunch, it’s time for a trek to burn all the calories away. Embarking on a trek at Charyn Canyon is a good way to both burn calories and admire the view. The Charyn Canyon, formed almost 12 million years ago, is a geological structure that was formed natural, although we must admit, it’s physical features look so complex that many find it hard to believe. It was formed during the Paleogene era and greatly resembles the Grand Canyon of Colorado in North America in terms of its rock formation. A perfect combination of hydrological weathering and aerial processes have led to the formation of this geographical beauty, with every different layer of rock indicating a different type of sedimentary rock. Every pillar is unique in its own way, and you’ll never get tired of looking at the gorgeous waves of colour.
The day comes to an end when you arrive in the village of Saty, where you’ll be staying in a guest house. There, dinner will be provided, where you can taste most of the delicacies of Kazakhstan and fill your stomachs up.
Day 5: Kolsai Lakes
Rise and shine, it’s time to commence Day 5 of our Kazakhstan Tour!
Breakfast starts in the morning, where you will then be driven to the lower end of Lake Kolsai. From there, that’s where the fun begins. You’ll be embarking on a hike towards the middle of Lake Kolsai.
Despite the incline and fatigue, you won’t get too tired as you’ll be constantly refreshed by the crystal clear skies, luscious greenery and clean, enticing lake water. Walking along the lake, you will find that Lake Kolsai is habitat to many trouts. Fun fact: trouts are very particular about the waters they live in, and only choose to stay in places with ultra-clean waters. Hence, seeing many trouts in Lake Kolsai, I think we can all agree how clean and unpolluted Lake Kolsai’s waters are!
Lunch is served once you’ve reached the middle of Lake Kolsai, and you’ll get to eat lunch with a view! The tall hills that embrace Lake Kolsai make you feel like you’re somewhere in paradise, away from every responsibility in the world and in a safe haven. After lunch, it’s time to trek back towards the lower lake, where you will then be transferred back to Saty Village where dinner will be served. Afterwhich, you will have time to yourself for the rest of the night afterwards to rest and relax.
Day 6: Lake Kaindy
Congratulations on making it halfway through your expedition! As you prepare for breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to your fellow hosts as you check out of the guest house. Till early afternoon, a group of majestic horses awaits your arrival to bring you on a journey to Lake Kaindy. This adventure involves a brief horse ride of approximately 20 minutes, making it perfect for beginners as well. The horses are domesticated and accustomed to carrying tourists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The interesting history of how Lake Kaindy came about was that in 1911, a strong earthquake resulted in a landslide that created a natural dam, with water flooding in it and becoming a lake. After an exhilarating horse ride journey and admiring the refreshing view of the lake, you might hear a low, rumbling sound. No, it’s not an earthquake, it’s your stomach grumbling! That means it’s time to have lunch!
As soon as you’re energised, it’s time to hit the road. Onward to the observation deck at Bestamk Canyon! Bestamak Canyon is actually a subset of Charyn Canyon, spanning 100km and is one of the three lower segments of Charyn Canyon. However, compared to the segment of Charyn Canyon which you saw the previous day, you would probably realise that the colour of the Bestamak Canyon is very different. This is because of the sediment component the Bestamak Canyon comprises. Unlike the middle reach of the Charyn Canyon, Bestamak Canyon consists of mainly volcanic rocks, such as basalt and lava. These sediments, when cooled, form a light dusty brown colour. All these beautiful features can be seen from the observation deck. Before you know it, it’s time to go. Hopping into the vehicle, be prepared to be transported to a magnificent hot spring resort accommodation at Hotel Karadala, where dinner will be served at and the rest of the night is off.
Hopping into bed after a good swim/soak in the warm swimming pool, you close your eyes and slowly let sleep take over you…
Day 7: Altyn Emel
7 days into your Kazakhstan Tour and you’re probably thinking: I’ve probably already seen all that Kazakhstan has to offer. Well, I implore you to think again. Starting with breakfast, you will depart for Altyn Emel National Park, and will have lunch there. Until mid-afternoon, it’s free and easy for you while you check in to your accommodation before your next excursion to… drumroll please… Aktau, Katutau Mountains!
With multi-coloured sediment rocks, this geologic creation has baffled geologists due to the mixture of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, a phenomenon not commonly found in geographical structures. Long ago, instead of these ethereal rock structures, was a salt sea. There, bones of ancient animals, such as dinosaurs, were buried, but have now resurfaced with the drying up of the salt sea.
The Kututau Mountains hold many fantasies and legends to those who dream and believe in it. One of them would be your tour guide! Whenever you’re feeling up for solving the riddles strewn across the Kututau Mountains, feel free to check in with your tour guide and he/she will be happy to share more about the mysteries of Kututau Mountains with you!
The day comes to an end when the sun sets and dinner is served. Once your stomach has been satisfied, you can head back to your accommodation, taking a relaxing and rejuvenating shower while thinking about all the fun you’ve had so far.
Day 8: Singing Dune
The Sun’s rays prance into your room, it’s warmth waking you up on this beautiful day in Kazakhstan. A hearty breakfast to start the day, your excursion to the Singing Dunes commences. I bet you’re probably wondering why it’s called the Singing Dunes. Well, this 120m high and 3km long sand beauty made out of the world’s finest, purest, sand, creates a whistling sound that sounds like an organ when there are wind gusts along the desert plains.
If you’re lucky, there might be some wind throughout your morning excursion that will allow you to experience mother nature’s melodious voice in the form of the singing dunes.
Once the afternoon sun starts to peek through the clouds of Kazakhstan, it’s time to head back to Almaty. A long 309km drive awaits, where you can spend your time interacting with your tour guide, looking through photographed memories or just closing your eyes and taking a nap.
Alas, we have arrived in Kunayev City! There, you will have a quick lunch before heading to visit a Vintage Car Museum. Not only are there soviet cars but also motorbikes as well. The sleek edges of every car, together with its exquisite craftsmanship, will leave your mouth agape the whole journey. Even the president of Kazakhstan’s car was kept there!
Day 8 comes to an end once you’ve reached Almaty and are checked back into Kazzkhol Hotel. Dinner is available at the hotel on this day and the rest of the night is left untouched, for you to relax, recharge and rejuvenate.
Day 9: Almaty City Tour
Finally, a chance to tour Almaty! On Day 9 of this expedition, your amazing tour guide will be showing you around the beautiful Almaty. Some places to keep a lookout for would be the pedestrian Panfilov Street which leads up to the Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Abai, a poet, composer and a theologian philosopher.
Be prepared to be astounded by the architectural beauty of the building, and learn about the rich history that every corner of the building holds.
Following that, you will also be visiting the oldest park in Almaty — Central Park. There lies the Holy Ascension Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and The Eternal Flame, all of which were named after 28 Panfilov Guards who were fighters who fell for the freedom and independence of the country. To top it off, you will also be visiting the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, named after Ykhlas which is also located in Central Park.
Craving some chocolate? You’ve come to the right place. You will get the opportunity to visit the Green Market and Chocolate Factory called “Rakhat Lotte”. Dinner will be at Georgian Restaurant, Darejani. Serving authentic Georgian cuisine, it’s sure to leave you asking for more as every plate gets devoured.
Day 10: The Icy Breath of Mountains
Good morning, fellow adventurers! Welcome to your last day of your adventure. Even though this is your last day here in Kazakhstan, the fun still continues. Starting with a scrumptious breakfast, you will then meet with your tour guide and head to Medeo Ice Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort.
With snowy peaks, century-old forests and mountain peaks that soar through the clouds, you will easily be amazed, but this is just the beginning. Once you’ve reached the viewing platform, that’s where the real adventure starts. As the fresh air hits you so hard that you might feel dizzy, you will see the ski resort in its entirety, a whole area the size of 3 Vatican cities, all for this modern ski resort.
On the way back, you will be stopping by the Falcon Farm, a place where huntsmen and their specially trained hawks, vultures, eagles, owls reside and train day and night. A spectacular show awaits you, showcasing the art of hunting — one of the most unique features in the Kazakh’s way of life. During this show, you will be able to see many spectacular segments which show how fast, sharp and agile these hawks are. With every breed of hawk, comes a specific special talent as well. All of which you will only know if you join us on our Kazakhstan Tour Programme.
Before you know it, it’s time to have dinner. Sad that the day has come to end so quickly? Well, fret not. The rest of the evening will be spent at shopping center Mega, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Kazakhstan with anything and everything for all your needs.
Day 11: Home Sweet Home
It’s time to say goodbye to Kazakhstan.
Terms & Conditions
Upon payment of 50% non-refundable deposit, you will secure a spot for 1x Kazakhstan group expedition (May to mid-October). The total price for the trip is S$7,990 nett inclusive of flights. The remaining 50% is to be paid 8 weeks prior to trip commencement.
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Round-trip economy flights from Singapore to Almaty, Kazakhstan (check-in up to 23kg and carry-on up to 7kg)
Airport transfers
Accommodation for all nights (three-star twin-sharing hotel rooms in the capital, guesthouse, homestays, camping tents in the countryside)
All-terrain expedition support vehicle, driver and petrol
English-speaking, experienced local expedition guide
All meals stated (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) and a bottle of water per day
All staff costs including their fees, insurance and equipment
All national park fees and government/local taxes
All activities stated including horse-riding
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Excess luggage and hand carry fees for flights
Additional incurred costs during layover
Personal expenses
Tips (optional)
Personal travel insurance
Emergency rescue flights (if needed)
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