Between mystical lands and natural wonders

Set off to discover a land of a thousand contrasts, where breathtaking landscapes meet a rich historical heritage and heartfelt encounters. From the spectacular rock formations of Mangystau to the turquoise lakes nestled in the Almaty mountains, and the majestic traces of the Silk Road, this journey immerses you in a realm of adventure and spirituality. Endless steppes, blazing canyons and sacred sites will shape an authentic exploration, far from the beaten track.

Day 1: Aktau Airport(Meals: —; transport: 30 minutes)
Upon arrival at Aktau Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our local team. We then head to our seaside hotel for some well-deserved rest…

Day 2: Zhygylgan, Sultan-epe, Shakpak-ata & Kapamsai (Meals: BLD; transport: 3 hours)
For this first day of safari, we set off to explore the Zhygylgan Gorge, also known as the “Fallen Earth” – an impressive circular depression formed by a massive landslide. Here, we will discover ancient rock paintings, mysterious caves and fossilised footprints….

Day 3: Torysh, Kokala, Sherkala & Airakty (Meals: BLD; transport: 2 hours)
This morning, we set out to explore the Torysh Valley, nicknamed the “Valley of the Stone Balls.” This remarkable site is home to strange spherical rock formations, reminiscent of gigantic dinosaur eggs, sparking both curiosity and wonder…

Day 4: Mount Karadermen & Tuzbair Salt Lake (Meals: BLD; transport: 2 hours)
We begin the day discovering the astonishing stone mushrooms, a hallmark of Mount Karadermen. Next, we continue to our main destination: Tuzbair Salt Lake, a true paradise for photographers. Its vast stretches of white salt, bordered by impressive cliffs, stretch as far as the eye can see. After rain, the area transforms into a liquid mirror, spectacularly reflecting the sky…

Day 5: Bozzhira & Tiramisu Canyon (Meals: BL-; transport: 3 hours 30 minutes)
On this final day of the safari, spectacular new landscapes await us. We begin at Bozzhira, a true jewel of Mangystau. Located at the western edge of the Ustyurt Plateau, it is famed for its towering limestone cliffs…

Day 6: Departure for Almaty (Meals: B–; transport: 3-hour flight)
According to the cultural programme, it is possible to attend an opera, ballet or traditional music concert (optional and not included).

We set off for Almaty, the true cultural heart of Kazakhstan. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan mountains, Almaty—originally named “Almaly,” meaning “apple orchard” in Kazakh—is the country’s largest city. Both modern and deeply rooted in tradition, the city charms with its wide boulevards, shaded parks, and spectacular views of the surrounding peaks…

Dat 7: Visit of Almaty (Meals: B–; transport: 30 minutes)
We set out to explore Almaty’s city centre, beginning with Kok Bazar, the iconic market where colours, scents and local specialties mingle. This vibrant place reflects Kazakhstan’s rich cultural diversity, a country home to nearly 130 ethnic groups…

Day 8: Altyn Emel National Park – Singing Dune(Meals: B-D; transport: 1 hour)
Today, we set out to explore Altyn Emel National Park, located about 250 km from Almaty. This vast natural reserve, one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular, reveals a great diversity of landscapes, ranging from arid mountains to steppes and dunes…

Day 9: Altyn Emel National Park – Mounts Aktaou (Meals: BLD; transport: 4 hours 30 minutes)
We begin the day with a stroll through the heart of the colourful Aktaou Mountains, featuring stunning layers of clay and sandstone in shades ranging from white to red. This unique landscape bears witness to an ancient seabed.

We then leave Altyn Emel Park to explore the Bestamak Canyons…

Day 10: Kolsai Lakes (Meals: BLD; transport: 5 hours 30 minutes)
After breakfast with our hosts, we set off to discover the Kolsai Lakes, known as the “Pearl of the Tianshan.” Nestled in the heart of the mountains, these lakes boast deep blue waters, surrounded by pine forests and spectacular scenery…

Day 11: Kaindy Lake (Meals: B–; transport: 6 hours)
We begin the day by exploring Lake Kaindy, nestled at 2,000 metres altitude. Born from an earthquake in 1911, this lake submerged a forest of fir trees, whose trunks still rise today from its turquoise waters, creating a mysterious and unique atmosphere.

We then change scenery by discovering the Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon for its impressive rock formations…

Day 12: Shymbulak (Meals: B–; transport: 2-hour drive + night on a sleeper train)
Today, we head to Shymbulak, Almaty’s iconic ski resort, nestled in the Tianshan mountains…

Late in the day, we board the sleeper train to Shymkent. It’s the perfect opportunity to admire the sunset over the steppe and enjoy a convivial moment sharing tea in the dining carriage.

Day 13: Aksu Canyon – Sairam Village – Kazgurt (Meals: —; transport: 4 hours 30 minutes)
We continue our journey to Sairam, formerly known as Ispidahab. Founded as a military fortress in the 9th and 10th centuries, this city was once one of the most beautiful Eastern cities, nicknamed “The White City.” It held a strategic position as a starting point for the Kazakh sector of the Silk Road. Merchants from Bukhara, Merv and Samarkand had their own caravanserais here, highlighting its key role as a trading crossroads. We visit the mausoleum of Abd al Aziz Bab, a revered figure for his role in spreading Sufi spirituality in the region, as well as the minaret of the Prophet Khizr’s mosque.

Finally, we conclude our day with a visit to the summit of the sacred Kazygurt Mountain, a place of great spiritual significance.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Otrar Oasis – Arystan Bab Sanctuary – Turkestan (Meals: B–; transport: 4 hours 30 minutes)
We leave Shymkent for the ancient oasis of Otrar, once a major commercial and intellectual centre on the Silk Road. We explore the ruins of the mosque, palace and Sufi retreat, bearing witness to the region’s rich cultural and religious past. Otrar is also known as the birthplace of Farabi, a renowned philosopher and scientist of the Islamic world.

We continue our journey by visiting the Arystanbab sanctuary, a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the spiritual master Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The adjacent mosque, with its serene atmosphere, enhances the sacred character of this place.

Next, we head to Turkestan, where we have the opportunity to explore an ancient hammam and the underground Hilvet Mosque. The highlight of our visit is the majestic mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built in the 14th century under the patronage of Tamerlane, this monument is a true masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

At the end of the day, we return to our hotel — evening and dinner at leisure.

Day 15: Shymkent – Airport (Meals: B–; transport: depending on your return journey)
Today marks your final day in the country.

Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time to stroll around, do any last-minute shopping, or simply relax before your final transfer to the airport.