Kazakhstan, Between Desert and Celestial Mountains
From the Charyn Canyon to the dunes of Mangystau, a journey through Kazakh steppes and remnants of the Silk Road.
Duration
23 days
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 carved by millennia of erosion. At Kaindy Lake, spruce trunks still emerge from turquoise waters, ghosts of a forest engulfed in 1911 by a landslide. The Tian Shan mountains outline the horizon while the songs of golden eagles resound in 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 recall the grandeur of the Silk caravans. At Otrar, only the foundations of raw brick 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 immensity of the steppe.
This Kazakhstan reveals Central Asia of Kazakh nomadic 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 introductory 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 visit to 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 Kazakh 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 take the road towards the Bears' 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.
To Almaty
Lunch is planned en route. At the end of the day, return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
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 the stalls are brimming 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 the castles in the Charyn canyon. The walk in 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 the 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 at a guest house.
Kaindy and Kolsay on foot
In the morning, you head towards Kaindy Lake, known for its tree trunks in the middle of the water. A walk 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 little-known and spectacular part of Charyn canyon: Temirlik canyon, with its sculpted reliefs and striking mineral colors. The journey 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 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 dine in town and spend the night at the hotel.
Route, track and walk
Jarkent → Basshiy
You leave the city of Jarkent heading 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 terrain, gradually announcing the entrance to one of the country's most beautiful natural spaces.
You then continue on tracks through the heart of the park. This four-wheel drive vehicle crossing allows for a gradual immersion in spectacular and unspoiled landscapes, between vast deserts and mineral reliefs.
Picnic lunch during the day.
The final stage of the day, a beautiful 3-hour hike allows you to discover the surrounding area in greater 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 of Altyn-Emel National Park: the singing dune. The track 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 takes you through desert landscapes and progressively more urban scenery as you approach the metropolis. Arrival in Almaty in the 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 Koktobé 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 Kazakhstani metropolis.
Driving
You then head to the Saïran Reservoir promenade, a pleasant relaxation area set up 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 towards Tamgaly, a site inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004. This vast rock sanctuary is home to nearly 4,000 petroglyphs, representing hunting scenes, animals and ritual figures, exceptional testimonies of the nomadic cultures of Central Asia.
A walking tour is planned on the site, for an estimated duration between 1h30 and 2 hours.
To Taldykorgan
After lunch, planned as a picnic or en route, you resume your journey towards Merki. Over the kilometers, the vast plains gradually give way to the first foothills of the Kirghiz Alataou. This pleasant stage, 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 ancient central square of the city. Archaeological excavations have revealed 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 Aïcha 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 is distinguished by its remarkable conical dome, unique in Central Asia.
To Merki
In late afternoon, you continue your journey to Aksou-Jabagly, Central Asia's oldest nature reserve. Nestled at the foot of the western Tian Shan mountains, this village serves as a privileged gateway to pristine nature and the magnificent hikes planned for the next day.
Cascade Kaindy and Chymkent
After breakfast, you head 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 drive towards Chymkent (approximately 2 hours). Once there, you can visit the pedestrian street and Independence Park.
Dinner in town, then night 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 lush valley, following a mountain river and crossing luxuriant vegetation before reaching the Kaindy waterfall, nestled in the heart of a preserved natural environment.
Walking tour
You take the same route back down at a leisurely pace, enjoying the landscapes of the reserve one last time.
To Chymkent
You then drive to Chymkent. Upon arrival, you can discover the pedestrian street and the 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 head back to the road towards Chymkent for lunch.
From Chymkent
In the afternoon, you will visit the mysterious White Mosque cave, also known as the "Dragon's Cave". After climbing a fairly steep staircase, you will 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
After 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 us today to imagine the importance of this former 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 facade, its two slender minarets and its elegant domes.
To Turkistan
You then join Turkistan, spiritual capital of the Turkic-speaking world and a 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 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Nicknamed the "second Mecca of the Orient", Turkestan has held a major place in the history and spirituality of Central Asia for centuries.
Bride Mountain and Turkestan
From Turkistan
After breakfast, you leave Turkestan heading towards the Bride Mountain, a natural site surrounded by local legends. A pleasant walk 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
In the late afternoon, you join Turkestan station to board the night train heading to Aktau.
Dinner, then night aboard the train (departure scheduled around 6 p.m., final schedules communicated at the end of the week).
Train journey
Turkistan → Aktau
This day takes place on board the train heading to Aktau, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. This long railway crossing allows you to discover the vastness of Kazakhstan, between endless steppes, desert landscapes and isolated villages.
Aktau and Kapamsay Canyon
To Aktau
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.
From Aktau
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.
To Kapamsay canyon
You then continue towards Kapamsay Canyon. Access is via isolated tracks in the heart of an impressive mineral landscape, between cliffs sculptured by erosion and spectacular rock formations. Camp is set up 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
From Kapamsay canyon
You leave Kapamsay canyon and cross the vast desert expanses of the Mangystau plateau to reach the famous ball valley, 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.
Driving
You continue towards the Kok-Kala gorge, remarkable for its Jurassic clay formations with purple and ochre hues. The visible geological strata testify to the ancient history of this region once covered by the sea.
Driving
You then reach the Sherkala mountain, an iconic 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.
To Airakty
Last stage of the day with the discovery of 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 Mine
Airakty → Sor Tuzbair
After breakfast, you continue exploring the grandiose landscapes of Mangystau by heading to the spectacular Tuzbaïr Salt Flat. 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. While more modest than the famous Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Tuzbaïr captivates with its wild character and the immensity of its landscapes. You have time to stroll across the salt flat 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 site, set in the heart of nature in a preserved desert environment.
Lunch is planned as a picnic.
Tuzbair, Shopan-Ata, Bozzhira
From Sor Tuzbair
Early in the morning, you enjoy the sunrise over the Tuzbaïr Salt Flats, when the first light illuminates the chalk cliffs and vast salt expanses. After breakfast, you resume the track 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 in a 4×4 towards the spectacular Bozzhira Canyon, undoubtedly the most emblematic landscape of Mangystau. The tracks cross a mineral desert before revealing an exceptional panorama of the immense white chalk cliffs, rocky pinnacles 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
To Kyzyl Kup
You start the day with the sunrise over the Bozzhira Canyon, when the chalk cliffs take on golden hues. After breakfast, you head towards the Kyzyl kup Valley. There you discover the spectacular Mount Bokty, 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 wildest and most spectacular regions.
Aktau, free day
You have a free day to discover Aktau, Kazakhstan's unique major port city. You can take a 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 your last shopping before the end of the trip.
See you soon in Kazakhstan!
Driving
According to your flight schedule, you are transferred to Aktau International Airport for your return flight.
End of your adventure in Kazakhstan, rich in grandiose 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
- Airport round-trip transfers
- Meals from D1 to D22 (except see exclusions)
- Accommodations during the stay
- The entrance fees 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.
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
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Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 30 jours au Kazakhstan sans visa. Un passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée suffit. Pour un séjour plus long, un visa s'obtient auprès du consulat du Kazakhstan. Vérifiez les conditions à jour avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 130 et 210 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et guide francophone. Les vols internationaux (500-900 euros A/R) sont en supplément. Le Kazakhstan offre des paysages grandioses et une hospitalité chaleureuse.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
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
