Kazakhstan, Between Desert and Celestial Mountains
From Charyn Canyon to the Mangystau dunes, a journey between Kazakhstani steppes and Silk Road remnants.
Duration
23 days
From
€5,300/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The red escarpments of Charyn canyon crumble in the wind, revealing a valley of castles sculpted by millennia of erosion. At Lake Kaindy, spruce trunks still emerge from turquoise waters, ghosts of a forest engulfed in 1911 by a landslide. The Tian Shan mountains draw the horizon while the songs of golden eagles resound in the alpine gorges.
The itinerary then crosses the ancient cities of Taraz and Turkestan, where the turquoise domes of the Khodja Ahmad Yasawi mausoleum recall the grandeur of the silk caravans. At Otrar, only the foundations of sun-dried bricks testify to this city destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century. Further on, the trails of Mangystau lead to the underground necropolises of Shopan-Ata and the limestone formations of Bozzhira, where white plateaus contrast with the vastness of the steppe.
This Kazakhstan reveals Central Asia of the nomadic Kazakh peoples and Sufi mystics, between sanctuaries of Islam and lunar landscapes of the desert. A journey that etches in memory the silence of the steppes and the echo of lost civilizations.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Almaty, city tour
Aéroport International D'Almaty → Almaty
Upon your arrival in Almaty, you are welcomed by your guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel. After settling in, set out to discover Kazakhstan's largest city during an initial orientation tour.
You start with the park of the 28 Panfilov Heroes, where you'll find the Ascension Cathedral and the memorial dedicated to World War II. You continue your visit to the Green Bazaar, a true local institution, before heading to Republic Square, the political heart of the city. The discovery continues with a visit to the Central Museum, which traces the history and traditions of Kazakhstan, before a stop in the old Cossack quarter, a witness to the city's rich past.
You will have your meals in a local restaurant to discover the flavors of Kazakh cuisine. At the end of the day, you return to your hotel for your first night in Almaty.
Waterfalls and Birds of Prey
Almaty → Medvezh'Ye
After breakfast, you head towards the small Bear Gorge, a natural site located at the gates of Almaty. A pleasant hike takes you to two waterfalls nestled in the heart of a lush valley.
In the afternoon, you attend an impressive show featuring birds of prey, an ancestral tradition of the nomadic peoples of Central Asia.
Medvezh'Ye → Almaty
Lunch is planned along the way. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
This day is interchangeable with day 9.
Cascade, Uyghur village and market
Almaty → Baiseit
After breakfast, you leave Almaty to reach the Baiseit region, at the gateway to the Tian Shan mountains. A beautiful hike takes you to a waterfall nestled in the heart of a preserved valley.
Walking time: approximately 5 to 6 hours (round trip)
After the hike, you continue your discovery in the Uyghur village of Baiseit. You take time to stroll through its small market, where stalls are filled with local products and traditional specialties, offering a beautiful glimpse of Uyghur culture.
At the end of the day, you settle into your guesthouse. Dinner and overnight stay on site.
Valley of Castles and Charyn Canyons
Baiseit → Canyon de Charyn
After breakfast, you head towards the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon. The walk through the valley lasts approximately 3 hours.
As you continue towards the mountain lakes, you make several stops to admire the Black Canyon and the Lunar Canyon, two other remarkable areas of Charyn Canyon. A short walk of 30 to 50 minutes allows you to fully enjoy these spectacular landscapes.
In the evening, you reach the village of Saty; located near the Kolsaï lakes.
You spend the night and have dinner in a guesthouse.
Kaindy and Kolsay on foot
In the morning, you head towards Lake Kaindy, known for its tree trunks in the middle of the water. A walking tour is planned, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
You then return to the guesthouse for lunch.
Return to the village, then dinner and night at the guesthouse.
Temirlik and arrival in Jarkent
After breakfast, you leave the village of Saty towards the Jarkent region. Along the way, you make a stop in the lesser-known and spectacular part of the Charyn canyon: the Temirlik canyon, with its sculpted reliefs and striking mineral colors. The journey crosses vast landscapes of steppes and mountains, offering a beautiful transition towards the east of the country. Lunch is planned en route.
After discovering the canyon, you continue on the road towards Jarkent, a border town located near China. Upon arrival, settle in and discover two iconic sites: the Jarkent Mosque, remarkable for its Chinese-inspired architecture, as well as the Orthodox Church, a testament to the multicultural history of the region.
You will have dinner in town and spend the night at the hotel.
Route, track and hike
Jarkent → Basshiy
You leave the town of Jarkent towards the village of Basshiy, gateway to the Altyn-Emel National Park. The road crosses changing landscapes, between open plains, semi-desert areas and mountainous reliefs, gradually announcing entry into one of the country's most beautiful natural spaces.
You then continue on tracks in the heart of the park. This all-terrain vehicle crossing allows for a gradual immersion into spectacular and preserved landscapes, between desert expanses and mineral reliefs.
Picnic lunch during the day.
Last step of the day, a beautiful 3-hour hike allows you to discover the surroundings in more depth and fully enjoy the tranquility of the place.
Altyn Emel → Basshiy
Arrival at the village at the end of the day where you have dinner and spend the night.
Singing Dune
Basshiy → La Dune Chantante
You depart from Basshiy to reach one of the most emblematic sites in Altyn-Emel National Park: the singing dune. The track crosses desert and mineral landscapes before reaching this immense sand formation, known for the sound it emits when wind or footsteps make it vibrate. A walk is planned on site to fully enjoy the site.
You then leave the dunes to head towards Almaty. The journey gradually crosses desert landscapes and then increasingly urban scenery as you approach the metropolis. Arrival in Almaty in late afternoon or evening. You dine in the city and return to your hotel.
Koktobé, Saïran and Souvenirs
Almaty → Koktobe
You begin the day with the discovery of Koktobé Hill, one of Almaty's emblematic sites. Perched above the city, this hill offers a magnificent panorama of the Tian Shan mountains and the Kazakh metropolis.
Koktobe → Sairan Reservoir
You then head to the Saïran Reservoir promenade, a pleasant relaxation area arranged around an artificial lake, enhanced with a waterfall and paths conducive to leisurely strolls.
You return to Almaty where you then have free time to browse the city's shops and markets to buy some souvenirs from your trip. Then you return to your hotel.
This day is interchangeable with day 2.
UNESCO Petroglyphs and Soviet City
From Almaty
You leave Almaty early in the morning heading towards Tamgaly, a site listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004. This vast rock sanctuary is home to nearly 4,000 petroglyphs, depicting hunting scenes, animals and ritual figures, exceptional testimonies to the nomadic cultures of Central Asia.
A walking tour is planned on the site, for an estimated duration of between 1.5 and 2 hours.
After lunch, planned as a picnic or along the way, you resume your journey towards Merki. As you travel, the vast plains gradually give way to the first foothills of the Kirghiz Alataou. This pleasant stopover, nestled at the foot of the mountains, offers a peaceful atmosphere before the cultural and natural discoveries of the coming days.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Taraz, Registan and Mausoleums
After breakfast, you head towards Taraz, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it was a major stop on the Silk Road and retains a rich historical heritage. You begin your visit with the Tekturmas hill, which offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and the banks of the Talas river.
You continue with the discovery of the Registan of Taraz, a reconstruction of the ancient central square of the city. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of the medieval city, testifying to the importance of Taraz on Central Asian trade routes. Lunch is planned in the city.
On the outskirts of the city, you visit the mausoleums of Aicha Bibi Mausoleum and Babadja Khatoun Mausoleum, two masterpieces of architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries. The first is famous for its delicate hand-carved terracotta decoration, while the second is distinguished by its remarkable conical dome, unique in Central Asia.
To Merki
In late afternoon, you continue your journey to Aksou-Jabagly, the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. Nestled at the foot of the western Tian Shan mountains, this village is a privileged gateway to pristine nature and the magnificent hikes planned for the following day.
Kaindy Waterfall and Shymkent
After breakfast, you set off on foot towards Kaindy waterfall, covering a distance of 7 km. The round trip takes approximately 6 to 6 hours 30 minutes. Lunch is planned as a picnic.
Next, you drive towards Chymkent (approximately 2 hours). Once there, you can visit the pedestrian street and Independence Park.
Dinner in the city, then overnight at the hotel.
Aksou Jabagly → Entrée De La Vallée De Kaindy
You join the starting point of the hike, in the heart of the Aksou-Jabagly Nature Reserve.
The trail gradually descends into a verdant valley, running alongside a mountain river and crossing through lush vegetation before reaching the Kaindy waterfall, nestled in the heart of a pristine natural environment.
You take the same route back down at a leisurely pace, enjoying the reserve's landscapes one last time.
You then head towards Chymkent. Upon arrival, you can discover the pedestrian street and Independence Park before heading to your hotel.
Ritual Rock and Cave
You leave Chymkent to reach the mysterious rock nicknamed "The 40 Angels", also known as Adam and Eve. A short walk, accessible to everyone, leads to this impressive rock formation. On site, the site's guardian shares the legends surrounding this pilgrimage site, where many visitors come to cross a narrow crevice in the rock, a ritual associated with various local beliefs.
You head back to Chymkent for lunch.
Chymkent → Grotte De La Mosquée Blanche
In the afternoon, you join the mysterious White Mosque cave, also called the "Dragon's Cave". After climbing a fairly steep staircase, you enter this natural cavity filled with mystery, which is the subject of many local legends. This visit is not recommended for people prone to vertigo.
Grotte De La Mosquée Blanche → Chymkent
At the end of the visit, you return to Chymkent.
Dinner in town, then you return to your hotel.
Otrar, Arystan Bab, Turkestan
After breakfast, you leave Chymkent to reach the ruins of Otrar, one of the most prestigious cities on the Silk Road. Founded over 2,000 years ago, this prosperous city occupied a strategic position at the heart of exchanges between East and West. The ruins and reconstructions today allow you to imagine the importance of this ancient caravan metropolis.
You then continue with a visit to the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, one of the country's main pilgrimage sites. According to tradition, Arystan Bab was the spiritual master of Khodja Ahmad Yasawi. The complex is distinguished by its imposing façade, its two slender minarets and its elegant domes.
You then head to Turkistan, the spiritual capital of the Turkophone world and a former essential stop on the Silk Road. The city is world-renowned for hosting the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmad Yasawi, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nicknamed the "second Mecca of the Orient," Turkestan has occupied a major place in the history and spirituality of Central Asia for centuries.
Bride's Mountain and Turkestan
Turkistan → Montagne De La Fiancée
After breakfast, you leave Turkestan heading towards the Bride's Mountain, a natural site surrounded by local legends. A pleasant walking tour allows you to discover the surrounding landscapes and admire the rock formations that have shaped the reputation of this place. Lunch is planned along the way.
Montagne De La Fiancée → Turkistan
In late afternoon, you join Turkestan railway station to board the night train heading to Aktau.
Dinner, then overnight aboard the train (departure scheduled around 6 pm, final schedules communicated at the end of the week).
Train Journey
Aktau and Kapamsay Canyon
Early morning arrival at Mangystau Station around 06:00. You are welcomed and transferred to Aktau, located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Hotel check-in and breakfast in the city.
After breakfast, you leave the coast to venture into the desert landscapes of Mangystau. The road crosses limestone plateaus, dry canyons and spectacular rock formations.
You make several stops to discover emblematic sites in the region, including the Karaman-Ata necropolis, an important pilgrimage site characterized by its stone tombs and unique spiritual atmosphere.
You then continue towards Kapamsay Canyon. Access is via isolated tracks in the heart of an impressive mineral landscape, between cliffs sculpted by erosion and spectacular rock formations. Camp setup in the canyon at the end of the day.
Dinner and night under canvas in an isolated natural environment.
Valley of the Balls and Aïrakty
You leave Kapamsay canyon and cross the vast desert expanses of Mangystau plateau to reach the famous Valley of Balls, known as Torysh Valley. This fascinating geological site is covered with hundreds of spherical sandstone concretions, formed millions of years ago, which give the landscape an almost supernatural atmosphere.
Torysh → Gorge De Kokkala
You continue towards the Kok-Kala gorge, remarkable for its formations of Jurassic clays with purple and ochre hues. The visible geological strata bear witness to the ancient history of this region, once covered by sea.
Gorge De Kokkala → Mont Cherkala
You then head to Mount Sherkala, an emblematic isolated formation in Mangystau, often compared to a yurt or a lion's head depending on the viewing angle. This impressive site dominates the surrounding desert and is one of the most photographed landscapes in the region.
Final step of the day with the discovery of the Airakty valley, nicknamed the "castle of the plains". Its rock formations with the silhouettes of towers and natural walls create a spectacular setting, particularly at sunset.
Tuzbaïr Salt Mines
After breakfast, you continue exploring the grandiose landscapes of Mangystau by heading to the spectacular Tuzbaïr Salt Lake. This vast salt depression, bordered by white chalk cliffs, offers striking panoramas where the dazzling white of the salt contrasts with the ochre tones of the desert. Although more modest than the famous Salar d'Uyuni in Bolivia, Tuzbaïr captivates with its wild character and the immensity of its landscapes. You have time to stroll across the salt lake and enjoy this unique setting.
Then, at the end of the day, you continue your itinerary across the tracks of Mangystau before reaching your bivouac, set in the heart of nature in a preserved desert environment.
Lunch is planned as a picnic.
Tuzbaïr, Shopan-Ata, Bozzhira
Early in the morning, you enjoy the sunrise over the Tuzbaïr Salt Lake, when the first light illuminates the chalk cliffs and vast salt expanses. After breakfast, you resume the track heading towards the Shopan-Ata Underground Mosque. Carved into the rock, this mosque is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Mangystau. It is surrounded by a vast necropolis where many generations of nomads rest.
Lunch is planned as a picnic.
You then continue your adventure by 4×4 towards the spectacular Bozzhira Canyon, arguably the most emblematic landscape of Mangystau. The trails cross a mineral desert before revealing an exceptional panorama of the immense white chalk cliffs, rocky spires and plateaus shaped by millions of years of erosion. Several stops and short walks allow you to admire this grandiose setting from different angles.
Bozzhira, Kyzylkup, return to Aktau
Canyon De Bozhira → Kyzyl Kup
You start the day with the sunrise over the Bozzhira Canyon, when the chalk cliffs are adorned with golden hues. After breakfast, you head towards the Kyzyl kup Valley. There you discover the spectacular Bokty Mountain, whose successive layers of red, white and ochre rocks earn it the nickname "Tiramisu" because of its stratified appearance.
Kyzyl Kup → Aktau
You then continue your return to Aktau. Along the way, the desert landscapes of Mangystau gradually give way to the shores of the Caspian Sea, marking the end of this immersion in the heart of one of Kazakhstan's most wild and spectacular regions.
Aktau, free day
You have a free day to discover Aktau, Kazakhstan's unique major port city. You can stroll along the waterfront, wander through the parks and lively squares of the city center, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this sea-facing city. Depending on your preferences, you can also relax on the beach, discover local cafés and restaurants, or do some last-minute shopping before the end of your trip.
See you soon in Kazakhstan!
To Aéroport International D'Aktau
According to your flight schedule, you are transferred to Aktau International Airport for your return flight.
End of your adventure in Kazakhstan, rich in magnificent landscapes, nomadic traditions and unforgettable encounters. See you soon for a new journey!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
Included
- Round-trip airport transfers
- Meals from Day 1 to Day 22 (except see exclusions)
- Accommodations during your stay
- The entrances to the sites
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Kazakhstan for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend verifying this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry into the country and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa-exempt tourist stay
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Kazakhstan.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days per entry into the territory. The total duration of stays must generally not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period. Any stay exceeding this duration requires obtaining a visa from the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate before departure.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward connection),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation booking.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveler staying in Kazakhstan must register with the local authorities within three business days following arrival.
This registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation establishment. In the case of staying with a private individual or in a private rental, the process must be carried out by the host with the competent migration office or via the Kazakh immigration services online portal.
It is advisable to keep proof of registration throughout your stay, as this may be requested when crossing the border when leaving the territory.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Kazakhstan from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, it is recommended to ensure that routine vaccinations are up to date (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles).
Depending on the regions visited and the season, additional precautions may be advised, particularly against:
hepatitis A and hepatitis B,
rabies for stays in rural or remote areas,
tick-borne encephalitis for hikers and travelers in wooded areas.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination center several weeks before your departure for personalized advice.
Traveling with children
Minors must have their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the Kazakhstan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Complementary Credit Card Coverage
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims notification procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in Kazakhstan, a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry is required. A visa exemption exists for short-term stays. For longer stays, a visa must be obtained from the Kazakhstani consulate. Check with the Kazakhstani consular authorities for the conditions applicable to your nationality before booking your trip.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 130 and 210 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and English-speaking guide. International flights (500-900 euros return) are additional. Kazakhstan offers stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Almaty Tian Shan
Founder & Director, based in Alamaty
Kazakhstan is a land you carry within you: in the silence of the steppes, the strength of the mountains and the generosity of those who live there. Sharing it is sharing a part of my story.
— Victoria
