20-Day Epic Luxury Journey Across Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a land of vast contrasts, where futuristic skylines rise from ancient steppe lands and glacial peaks overlook cosmopolitan boulevards. This 20-day journey is meticulously designed for those who seek the thrill of the wild without sacrificing the comforts of world-class luxury.
From the chic cafes of Almaty to the otherworldly landscapes of the Mangystau desert, you will traverse the ninth-largest country in the world via business-class domestic flights and executive private transfers. Expect five-star hospitality, exclusive cultural access, and fine dining that rivals the best of Europe.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & Sky-High Dining
VIP Arrival at Almaty International Airport
Enjoy a seamless fast-track entry and private chauffeur transfer to your city-center hotel.
Check-in at The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty
Settle into your suite overlooking the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, situated in the prestigious Esentai Tower.
Private Walking Tour of Golden Quarter
Explore the historic heart of the city, including the Zenkov Cathedral and Panfilov Park with a private historian.
Dinner at Seven Bar & Restaurant
Dine on the 28th floor with panoramic city views and a fusion of international and local gourmet cuisine.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - City Panoramas & Local Culture
Green Bazaar Gourmet Experience
A guided tasting of local delicacies, including premium horse meat, honey, and seasonal fruits with a culinary expert.
Cable Car to Kok Tobe Hill
Take the private gondola to the city's highest point for breathtaking views and a visit to the Beatles monument.
Museum of Arts - A. Kasteyev
Discover the finest collection of Kazakh art and tapestries on a private guided gallery tour.
Evening at Almaty Opera House
Witness a world-class ballet or opera performance in the historic Abay Opera House.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Alpine Luxury at Medeu & Shymbulak
Medeu High-Altitude Skating Rink
Visit the world's highest speed-skating rink, nestled in a dramatic mountain gorge.
Gondola to Shymbulak Ski Resort
Ascend to 3,200 meters for crisp mountain air and a private lunch at the highest restaurant in the CIS.
Spa Treatment at Wellness Club Lux
Indulge in a traditional sauna and massage session overlooking the snow-capped peaks.
Dining at Chalet
Enjoy a rustic yet refined dinner featuring wild game and local mountain herbs by a roaring fireplace.
Day 4: Almaty, Kazakhstan - The Grand Charyn Canyon Expedition
Luxury 4x4 Journey to Charyn Canyon
Depart in a private Land Cruiser with a dedicated guide for a comfortable 3-hour drive to the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia'.
Valley of Castles Guided Hike
Walk through the spectacular red sandstone formations while your guide shares the geological history of the region.
Riverside Gourmet Picnic
Enjoy a catered multi-course lunch set up exclusively for you by the banks of the Charyn River.
Scenic Return to Almaty
Relax during the drive back as the sun sets over the golden Kazakh steppe.
Day 5: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy Exclusive
Private Flight or Helicopter Tour
Opt for a private helicopter charter to view the sunken forest of Lake Kaindy from above—the ultimate luxury experience.
Lake Kolsai Boat Ride
Take a private wooden boat across the pristine alpine waters of the 'Pearls of the Tien Shan'.
Lakeside Tea Ceremony
Experience a traditional nomadic tea service with views of the crystal-clear water and pine forests.
Return to Almaty
Dine at the stylish Villa dei Fiori, Almaty’s premier destination for fine Italian dining.
Day 6: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Southern Silk Road Transition
Business Class Flight to Shymkent
Depart Almaty for a short flight to the warmer, sun-drenched south of Kazakhstan.
Check-in at Rixos Khadisha Shymkent
The city's most opulent hotel, featuring neoclassical architecture and an expansive spa.
Shymkent Regional Museum
Explore the history of the southern tribes and the Great Silk Road on a private tour.
Dinner at Kazakhasia
Enjoy a premium fusion of Central Asian and Pan-Asian flavors in an elegant setting.
Day 7: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Ancient Otrar & Spiritual Sites
Archaeological Ruins of Otrar
Explore the remains of the city that once stood as a major Silk Road hub before the Mongol invasion.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum
Visit the sacred 14th-century mausoleum, a key pilgrimage site for Central Asian Muslims.
Local Pottery Workshop
Participate in a private session with a master craftsman to learn the ancient art of southern Kazakh ceramics.
Evening Stroll in Independence Park
See the city lights and the singing fountains before a late dinner at a local steakhouse.
Day 8: Turkestan, Kazakhstan - The Pearl of the Steppe
Transfer to Turkestan
A private 2-hour drive through the steppe to the historic spiritual capital of Kazakhstan.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Timurid masterpiece, featuring the largest brick dome in Central Asia.
Museum of Turkestan
Discover the history of the city as a center of Sufism and regional trade.
Dinner at Karavansaray Complex
Dine at one of the upscale restaurants within the new 'Flying Theatre' complex.
Day 9: Turkestan, Kazakhstan - The Modern Silk Road Experience
Karavansaray Canal Boat Ride
Take a private gondola tour through the artificial canals of the modern resort complex.
Ethno-Village Interactive Tour
Experience traditional yurt life and crafts in a high-end, curated cultural setting.
Afternoon Spa & Hammam
Relax in the traditional Turkish-style baths at the Rixos Turkestan.
Night Show at the Amphitheatre
Watch a theatrical performance depicting the legend of the sacred Kyz-Zhibek.
Day 10: Astana, Kazakhstan - Journey to the Capital
Business Class Flight to Astana
Travel north from Turkestan to the futuristic capital of Kazakhstan.
Check-in at The St. Regis Astana
Enter the city's most prestigious address, located on the banks of the Ishim River.
Bayterek Tower Private View
Ascend the iconic monument for sunset views over the Nur-Zhol Boulevard.
Dinner at Selfie Astana
Taste innovative contemporary cuisine at this top-floor restaurant in the Talan Towers.
Day 11: Astana, Kazakhstan - Futuristic Architecture Tour
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Explore the world's largest tent, designed by Norman Foster, featuring an indoor beach and luxury boutiques.
National Museum of Kazakhstan
A private tour focusing on the 'Golden Man' and the country's ancient Scythian history.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Visit one of the largest mosques in Central Asia, a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture.
Dinner at Qazaq Gourmet
The only restaurant in Astana dedicated to elevated, fine-dining versions of traditional Kazakh dishes.
Day 12: Astana, Kazakhstan - EXPO Legacy & Future Visions
Nur Alem Future Energy Museum
Explore the world's largest spherical building, a legacy of EXPO 2017, focusing on sustainable technology.
Lunch at the EXPO District
Dine at a trendy urban bistro in the heart of the capital’s most modern neighborhood.
Astana Opera Private Backstage Tour
Go behind the scenes of one of the most technologically advanced opera houses in the world.
Evening Ishim River Cruise
A private boat tour to see the illuminated skyline reflected in the river.
Day 13: Astana, Kazakhstan - Diplomatic Tea & Cultural Arts
St. Regis Afternoon Tea
Experience the signature St. Regis tea ritual in the elegant Drawing Room.
AIFC Finance District Tour
A guided tour of the modern financial hub, showcasing the city's economic ambition.
Art Shopping at Has Sanat
Browse and purchase contemporary Kazakh art in one of the city's most respected galleries.
Farewell Astana Dinner at The View
Celebrate your stay in the north with high-end international cuisine and 360-degree views.
Day 14: Aktau, Kazakhstan - To the Caspian Shores
Flight to Aktau
Fly west across the country to the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Check-in at Rixos Water World Aktau
The first and only luxury all-inclusive resort on the Caspian coast of Kazakhstan.
Caspian Sea Beach Relaxation
Enjoy the private beach or the infinity pool at your resort.
Seafood Dinner at the Resort
Freshly caught Caspian fish prepared by international chefs.
Day 15: Aktau, Kazakhstan - Coastal Cliffs & Sunset Sails
Rock Trail Promenade Walk
A leisurely walk along the unique cliffside path carved into the rocks above the sea.
Lunch in Aktau City Center
Explore the local harbor and enjoy lunch at a high-end waterfront cafe.
Private Yacht Charter
Rent a private yacht for a 3-hour cruise to watch the sunset over the Caspian horizon.
Fine Dining at Le Petit Belge
An upscale European-style dining experience in the heart of Aktau.
Day 16: Mangystau, Kazakhstan - Bozzhyra Valley Expedition
Off-Road Journey to Bozzhyra
A full-day 4x4 expedition to the white chalk cliffs of the Ustyurt Plateau, resembling a lunar landscape.
Bozzhyra Viewpoint Picnic
Dine on a luxury picnic spread while overlooking the 'Mars-like' jagged peaks.
Photography Session
Capture the stark contrast of white limestone and blue desert skies at the region's most famous spots.
Return to Aktau
Relax with a late-night spa session after the long day in the desert.
Day 17: Mangystau, Kazakhstan - Valley of Balls & Sherkala
Torysh - The Valley of Balls
Visit the mysterious field of giant spherical rock concretions scattered across the desert.
Sherkala Mountain Exploration
See the solitary mountain that resembles a giant yurt or a sleeping lion from different angles.
Underground Mosque of Shakpak-Ata
Visit this ancient spiritual site carved directly into the limestone cliffs.
Traditional Feast in a Luxury Yurt
End your desert journey with a private, high-end nomadic dinner under the stars.
Day 18: Almaty, Kazakhstan - The Return & Retail Therapy
Return Flight to Almaty
Fly back to the southern capital for your final two days in the country.
Esentai Mall Personal Shopping
Browse luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Dior at Almaty’s premier shopping destination.
Artistic Coffee Break
Visit a boutique coffee roastery in the trendy Upper Almaty district.
Dinner at Parmigiano
Indulge in high-end Italian cuisine in an atmosphere of quiet, sophisticated luxury.
Day 19: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Restoration & Wellness
Arasan Wellness & Spa
Experience the famous Arasan Baths in a private VIP suite, featuring Finnish, Russian, and Turkish saunas.
Healthy Lunch at Raw Almaty
Refuel with organic, high-end plant-based cuisine in a stylish setting.
Final Souvenir Hunt
Visit the 'Empire' souvenir boutique for high-end gifts inspired by Kazakh history and culture.
Grand Finale Dinner at Barmaglot
Celebrate the end of your epic journey at Almaty's most exclusive speakeasy and fine-dining spot.
Day 20: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Final Farewell
Gourmet Breakfast at Paul
Enjoy a final French-style pastry and coffee on the terrace at Esentai.
Private Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will ensure a smooth arrival for your international departure.
VIP Lounge Relaxation
Spend your final hour in Kazakhstan relaxing in the business lounge before your flight.
Departure
Board your international flight, carrying memories of an epic journey across Central Asia.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time for this luxury journey is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October. During these months, the weather is mild across the country, perfect for both the mountain hiking in Almaty and the desert expeditions in Mangystau. If you are a winter sports enthusiast, Almaty is a premier luxury destination from December to March, though the northern regions like Astana can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -30°C.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). In major cities like Almaty and Astana, credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, high-end restaurants, and luxury boutiques. However, for desert expeditions or local market visits, carrying cash is advisable. Tipping is generally expected in upscale establishments; usually, a 10% service charge is included in the bill, but an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is highly appreciated by the staff.
Getting Around Kazakhstan
Given the immense size of Kazakhstan, the only way to cover this itinerary comfortably in 20 days is via domestic flights. Air Astana offers a world-class business class service that connects all major cities. For intercity travel where flights aren't available, the 'Tulpar-Talgo' high-speed trains offer comfortable Grand Class cabins with private showers. For local city transport, always opt for private chauffeur services or business-class tiers on the Yandex Go app, as public transport can be crowded and less convenient for luxury travelers.
