Kazakhstan, Between the Silk Road and Heavenly Mountains
From Charyn Canyon to Turkestan, a journey between Kazakh steppes and Silk Road remnants.
Duration
17 days
From
€3,400/pers.
Ideal seasons
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
The red escarpments of Charyn Canyon crumble in the wind, revealing a valley of castles carved by millennia of erosion. At Lake Kaindy, spruce trunks still emerge from the turquoise water, ghosts of a forest engulfed in 1911 by a landslide. The Tian Shan mountains trace the horizon while the songs of golden eagles resonate through the alpine gorges.
The itinerary then crosses the thousand-year-old cities of Taraz and Turkestan, where the turquoise domes of the Khodja Ahmad Yasawi mausoleum evoke the grandeur of the silk caravans. In Otrar, only the foundations of sun-dried brick bear witness to this city destroyed by the Mongols in the thirteenth century.
This Kazakhstan reveals Central Asia of the nomadic Kazakh peoples and Sufi mystics, between Islamic sanctuaries and the lunar landscapes of the desert. A journey that engraves 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, embark on a discovery of Kazakhstan's largest city during a first orientation tour.
You start with the park of the 28 Panfilov Heroes, where you will find the Ascension Cathedral and the memorial dedicated to World War II. You continue your visit with 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 take your meals in a local restaurant to discover the flavors of Kazakhstani cuisine. At the end of the day, you return to your hotel for your first night in Almaty.
Waterfalls and Birds of Prey
From Almaty
After breakfast, you head towards the Little Bears Gorge, a natural site located at the gates of Almaty. A pleasant hike will take 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.
To Almaty
Lunch is planned along the way. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for dinner and the night.
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 gates of 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 exploring the Uyghur village of Baiseit. You take time to stroll through its small market, where the stalls are brimming with local products and traditional specialties, offering a beautiful glimpse into 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 Castle Valley in the Charyn Canyon. A walk through the valley lasts about 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 Kolsaï Lakes.
You spend the night and have dinner at 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 hour 30 minutes 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 heading towards the Jarkent region. Along the way, you stop in the lesser-known and spectacular part of the Charyn canyon: the Temirlik canyon, with its sculpted reliefs and striking mineral colors. The route crosses vast steppe and mountain landscapes, offering a beautiful transition towards the east of the country. Lunch is planned en route.
After discovering the canyon, you continue driving towards Jarkent, a border town located near China. Upon arrival, settle in and discover two emblematic 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 have dinner in town and spend the night at the hotel.
Route, track and hiking
Jarkent → Basshiy
You leave the city 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 most beautiful natural spaces in the country.
You then continue on tracks in the heart of the park. This journey by all-terrain vehicle allows for a gradual immersion into spectacular and preserved landscapes, between desert expanses and mineral reliefs.
Picnic lunch during the day.
Last stage of the day, a beautiful 3-hour hike allows you to discover the surroundings in more depth and to fully enjoy the peace and quiet of the places.
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 trail crosses desert and mineral landscapes before reaching this immense sandy formation, known for the sound it emits when the wind or footsteps make it vibrate. A walk is planned on site to fully enjoy the location.
La Dune Chantante → Almaty
You then leave the dunes and 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 have dinner in the city and return to your hotel.
Koktobé, Saïran and souvenirs
From Almaty
You start the day by discovering Koktobe Hill, one of the emblematic sites of Almaty. Perched above the city, this hill offers a magnificent panorama over the Tian Shan mountains and the Kazakh metropolis.
Driving
You then join the Saïran Reservoir promenade, a pleasant relaxation area arranged around an artificial lake, embellished with a waterfall and paths conducive to leisurely strolls.
To Almaty
You return to Almaty where you then have free time to browse the shops and markets of the city 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 to Tamgaly, a site classified 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 of nomadic cultures in Central Asia.
A walking tour is planned on the site, for an estimated duration between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours.
To Taldykorgan
After lunch, which will be a picnic or a meal on the road, you continue your journey towards Merki. As you drive, the vast plains gradually give way to the first foothills of the Kirghiz Alataou. This pleasant stop, nestled at the foot of the mountains, offers a peaceful atmosphere before the cultural and natural discoveries of the following days.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Taraz, Registan and Mausoleums
From Merki
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 a beautiful panorama of the city and the banks of the Talas River.
You continue with the discovery of the Registan of Taraz, a reconstruction of the city's ancient central square. Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of the medieval city, testifying to the importance of Taraz on Central Asian trade routes. Lunch is scheduled in the city.
On the outskirts of the city, you visit the mausoleums of Mausoleum of Aysha Bibi and Mausoleum of Babadja Khatoun, two masterpieces of architecture from the 11th and 12th centuries. The first is famous for its delicate sculpted terracotta decoration, while the second stands out for its remarkable conical dome, unique in Central Asia.
To Merki
In the late afternoon, you continue your journey towards 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 unspoilt nature and the magnificent hikes planned for the following day.
Cascade Kaindy and Chymkent
After breakfast, you head out on foot towards Kaindy waterfall, covering a distance of 7 km. The round trip takes approximately 6 to 6.5 hours. Lunch is provided as a picnic.
Next, you take the road 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.
From Aksou Jabagly
You join the starting point of the hike, in the heart of the Aksou-Jabagly Nature Reserve.
Walking tour
The trail gradually descends into a verdant valley, running alongside a mountain river and crossing lush vegetation before reaching the Kaindy waterfall, nestled in the heart of a pristine natural environment.
Walking tour
You take the same route to return leisurely to the starting point, enjoying the reserve's landscapes one last time.
To Chymkent
You then head to Chymkent. Upon arrival, you can discover the pedestrian street and Independence Park before heading to your hotel.
Ritual Rock and Cave
From Chymkent
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 guardian of the place 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.
To Chymkent
You resume your journey towards Chymkent for lunch.
From Chymkent
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 steeped in mystery, which is the subject of many local legends. This visit is not recommended for people susceptible to vertigo.
To Chymkent
At the end of the visit, you return to Chymkent.
Dinner in town, then you return to your hotel.
Otrar, Arystan Bab, Turkestan
From Chymkent
After breakfast, you leave Chymkent to reach the ruins of Otrar, one of the most prestigious cities of the Silk Road. Founded over 2,000 years ago, this prosperous city occupied a strategic position at the heart of exchanges between the East and the West. The ruins and reconstructions allow visitors today 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 stands out for its imposing façade, its two slender minarets and its elegant domes.
To Turkistan
You then join Turkistan, spiritual capital of the Turkophone world and former essential stop on the Silk Road. The city is world-renowned for hosting the Mausoleum of Khodja Ahmad Yasawi, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture inscribed in UNESCO's World Heritage. Nicknamed the "second Mecca of the East", Turkestan has occupied for centuries a major place in the history and spirituality of Central Asia.
Bride Mountain and Turkestan
From Turkistan
After breakfast, you leave Turkestan heading towards Bride 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.
To Turkistan
Late in the afternoon, you join Turkestan station to board the night train heading to Aktau.
Dinner, then night on board the train (departure scheduled around 6 p.m., final schedules communicated at the end of the week).
Return to Chymkent
See you soon in Kazakhstan!
Driving
According to your flight schedule, you are transferred to Chymkent 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
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
- Airport transfers round-trip
- Meals from D1 to D22 (except see exclusions)
- Accommodations during your stay
- Entrance fees to 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.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant au Kazakhstan dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer au Kazakhstan, votre passeport doit être valide au minimum six mois après la date d'entrée dans le pays et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques au Kazakhstan.
Cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 30 jours par entrée sur le territoire. Le cumul des séjours ne doit généralement pas dépasser 90 jours sur une période de 180 jours. Tout séjour dépassant cette durée nécessite l'obtention d'un visa auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Kazakhstan avant le départ.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour,
une confirmation de réservation d'hébergement.
Enregistrement auprès des autorités locales
Tout voyageur séjournant au Kazakhstan est tenu de s'enregistrer auprès des autorités locales dans les trois jours ouvrables suivant son arrivée.
Cet enregistrement est généralement effectué automatiquement par l'hôtel ou l'établissement d'hébergement. En cas de logement chez un particulier ou dans une location privée, la démarche doit être réalisée par l'hôte auprès du bureau des migrations compétent ou via le portail en ligne des services d'immigration kazakh.
Il est conseillé de conserver une preuve d'enregistrement pendant toute la durée du séjour, celle-ci pouvant être demandée lors du passage à la frontière au moment de quitter le territoire.
Santé et vaccins
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer au Kazakhstan en provenance de l'EEE, de la Suisse ou du Canada. Cependant, il est recommandé de s'assurer que les vaccinations courantes sont à jour (diphtérie, tétanos, poliomyélite, rougeole).
Selon les régions visitées et la saison, des précautions supplémentaires peuvent être conseillées, notamment contre :
l'hépatite A et l'hépatite B,
la rage pour les séjours en zones rurales ou reculées,
l'encéphalite à tiques pour les randonneurs et les voyageurs en zones boisées.
Consultez un médecin ou un centre de vaccination internationaux plusieurs semaines avant votre départ pour un avis personnalisé.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat du Kazakhstan de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
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.
— Atrau
