Back to Kazakhstan Kazakhstan

Published on January 22, 2026

10-Day Kazakhstan Itinerary: Desert, Mountains & Cultural Highlights

Kazakhstan, the ninth-largest country in the world, offers an incredible tapestry of experiences, from futuristic cities and ancient Silk Road sites to breathtaking natural landscapes. This 10-day itinerary is designed to immerse you in the diverse beauty of this Central Asian gem, exploring its vibrant culture, majestic mountains, and unique desert-like formations.

An Overview of Your Kazakh Adventure

This itinerary balances urban exploration with natural wonders, starting in the leafy southern capital of Almaty, venturing into the dramatic canyons and pristine lakes of the southeast, delving into ancient Silk Road history in Turkestan, and concluding in the futuristic capital city of Astana. Expect a journey filled with stunning contrasts and unforgettable moments.

The 10-Day Kazakhstan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty – The Garden City

Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA) and transfer to your accommodation. Spend your first day getting acquainted with Almaty, a city renowned for its green spaces and mountain backdrop. Begin with a stroll through Panfilov Park, home to the striking Zenkov's Cathedral, a vibrant wooden Russian Orthodox church built without nails. Afterwards, explore the bustling Green Bazaar, where you can sample local delicacies and buy souvenirs.

  • Morning:Arrive in Almaty, check into hotel.
  • Afternoon:Visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov's Cathedral.
  • Evening:Explore the Green Bazaar, enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Day 2: Almaty – Mountain Escapes

Today is dedicated to the natural beauty surrounding Almaty. Head to the Medeu skating rink complex, nestled in a picturesque mountain valley. From Medeu, take a cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort. Even outside of winter, the views are spectacular, and you can enjoy hiking or simply taking in the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, visit Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise alpine reservoir (note: access can sometimes be restricted due to weather or environmental reasons, so check local conditions).

  • Morning:Visit Medeu and take the cable car to Shymbulak.
  • Afternoon:Excursion to Big Almaty Lake.
  • Evening:Dinner in Almaty, preparing for the road trip.

Day 3: Journey to Charyn Canyon National Park

Embark on a scenic drive east of Almaty towards Charyn Canyon National Park, often referred to as a "Grand Canyon's little brother." This magnificent natural wonder boasts dramatic red rock formations carved by wind and water over millennia. Spend the afternoon exploring the "Valley of Castles," hiking down to the Charyn River, and marveling at the unique geological landscape. Consider an overnight stay near the canyon in a guesthouse or yurt camp for a full desert-like experience.

Travel Tip:The drive to Charyn Canyon takes approximately 3-4 hours. It's advisable to arrange transport or join an organized tour for this leg of the journey.

  • Morning:Drive from Almaty to Charyn Canyon National Park.
  • Afternoon:Hike and explore the "Valley of Castles."
  • Evening:Overnight near Charyn Canyon (optional, otherwise return to Almaty or stay in Saty village).

Day 4: Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes

Today, continue your exploration of Kazakhstan's natural beauty by visiting Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes.Kaindy Lake is famous for its submerged forest, with spruce trees rising out of its turquoise waters, a result of an earthquake-induced landslide. The Kolsai Lakes, often called "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan," are three stunning alpine lakes nestled amidst forested mountains. Enjoy hiking, photography, and the serene environment. Overnight in Saty village, the gateway to these lakes.

  • Morning:Visit Kaindy Lake.
  • Afternoon:Explore Kolsai Lakes.
  • Evening:Overnight in Saty village.

Day 5: Return to Almaty & Travel to Shymkent

Enjoy a final morning in the mountain region, perhaps with a short hike around Saty, before driving back to Almaty. Upon arrival in Almaty, head directly to the airport for an evening flight to Shymkent, a major city in Southern Kazakhstan and your gateway to Turkestan. Alternatively, you can opt for an overnight train journey from Almaty to Turkestan directly, which saves on a flight and accommodation for one night.

  • Morning:Drive back to Almaty from Saty.
  • Afternoon:Transfer to Almaty airport for a flight to Shymkent.
  • Evening:Arrive in Shymkent, check into hotel.

Day 6: Turkestan – Silk Road Splendor

From Shymkent, take a morning drive to Turkestan, one of Central Asia's oldest cities and a spiritual center. The highlight here is the magnificent Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece from the Timurid era. Spend your day exploring the mausoleum complex, which includes a medieval bathhouse, a historic citadel, and other ancient structures, immersing yourself in the rich history of the Silk Road.

  • Morning:Drive from Shymkent to Turkestan.
  • Afternoon:Explore the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and surrounding historical sites.
  • Evening:Return to Shymkent for the night or stay in Turkestan.

Day 7: Travel to Astana – The Futuristic Capital

Today involves a domestic flight from Shymkent to Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan). Astana is a stark contrast to the historical cities and natural landscapes you've experienced, boasting striking modern architecture and futuristic designs. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely evening walk along the Ishim River, enjoying the illuminated cityscape.

  • Morning:Fly from Shymkent to Astana.
  • Afternoon:Arrive in Astana, check into hotel.
  • Evening:Relax and enjoy an evening stroll along the Ishim River.

Day 8: Astana – Architectural Wonders

Dedicate your day to exploring Astana's unique architectural marvels. Start with the iconic Baiterek Tower, a symbol of modern Kazakhstan, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Visit the stunning Hazret Sultan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, and marvel at its pristine white marble. Later, explore the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped building designed by Norman Foster, and the Presidential Park. Conclude your day at the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a giant transparent tent housing shops, restaurants, and an indoor beach.

Day 9: Astana – Culture and Leisure

Spend your final full day in Astana delving deeper into its cultural offerings or revisiting your favorite spots. You might visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan to learn more about the country's history and nomadic heritage, or explore the Museum of the First President. Alternatively, enjoy some leisure time shopping or relaxing in one of Astana's many parks. In the evening, consider attending a performance at the Astana Opera or a local concert.

  • Morning:Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan.
  • Afternoon:Explore the Museum of the First President or enjoy leisure time.
  • Evening:Optional: Attend a cultural performance.

Day 10: Departure from Astana

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final Kazakh breakfast, do some last-minute souvenir shopping, or revisit a favorite spot. Transfer to Astana International Airport (NQZ) for your departure, taking with you memories of Kazakhstan's incredible diversity.

  • Morning:Breakfast, last-minute shopping.
  • Afternoon:Transfer to Astana International Airport (NQZ) for departure.

Practical Tips for Your Kazakhstan Journey

  • Visa:Many nationalities can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. Always check current visa requirements for your nationality before travel.
  • Transportation:Domestic flights are efficient for covering long distances between Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana. For regional excursions (e.g., to Charyn Canyon), consider renting a car with a driver or joining organized tours. Public transport within cities is generally good.
  • Accommodation:A range of options is available, from international hotel chains in major cities to guesthouses and yurt stays in rural areas. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular natural sites.
  • Language:Kazakh and Russian are the official languages. English is becoming more common in tourist areas, but learning a few basic Russian phrases can be very helpful.
  • Currency:The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities, and credit cards are accepted in many establishments.
  • Best Time to Visit:Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for both city exploration and outdoor activities. Summers can be hot, especially in the south, while winters are very cold with heavy snowfall.
  • Internet & Connectivity:Mobile data is affordable and widely available in populated areas. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes.

Conclusion

This 10-day itinerary offers a comprehensive taste of Kazakhstan's incredible diversity, from the majestic peaks of the Tien Shan mountains and the dramatic formations of Charyn Canyon to the ancient heritage of Turkestan and the futuristic marvels of Astana. Prepare to be amazed by the hospitality, the vast landscapes, and the rich cultural tapestry of this Central Asian gem.