Kazakhstan is enormous, extraordinary, and still beautifully off the beaten path. Stretching across an area larger than Western Europe, this Central Asian giant offers everything from snow-capped mountain peaks and infinite steppe horizons to cosmopolitan cities buzzing with energy. If you are looking for a destination that combines natural wonders, rich nomadic culture, and modern luxury — Kazakhstan is your answer.
Whether you are a thrill-seeker, a culture lover, or simply someone chasing landscapes unlike anything you have ever seen, this guide — put together by the team at Vostok, Kazakhstan’s specialist Destination Management Company — will help you plan the perfect trip.
Why Kazakhstan Should Be on Every Traveller’s Bucket List in 2026
Most people think of Kazakhstan and picture endless flat steppe. What they do not expect is the dramatic contrast: glacial alpine lakes that shimmer turquoise, ancient Silk Road ruins rising from the desert, ski slopes just 30 minutes from a city of two million people, and local cuisine that tells the story of centuries of nomadic life.
Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area, yet it receives a fraction of the international tourism of its neighbours. That means fewer crowds, more authentic experiences, and a genuine sense of discovery at every turn. In 2026, with improved international connectivity and growing global interest in Central Asia, there has never been a better time to visit.
💡 Pro Tip: The best time to visit Kazakhstan is late May through September for outdoor adventures, or December through March for world-class skiing at Shymbulak Resort.
The 6 Best Tours in Kazakhstan You Cannot Miss
1. Almaty City & Mountains Day Tour
Start your Kazakhstan journey in Almaty, the country’s cultural capital and most visited city. A guided Almaty day tour typically covers the vibrant Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park with its stunning Zenkov Cathedral, and the fascinating Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments. Tours then head into the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains for sweeping city panoramas at Kok-Tobe hill, often rounded off with the iconic Medeu skating rink.
This is the perfect introduction to Kazakhstan — a mix of Soviet history, nomadic culture, and jaw-dropping mountain scenery all in a single day. Vostok operates this tour year-round with private and group options available.
2. Charyn Canyon Trekking Tour
Often called the ‘Grand Canyon of Central Asia,’ Charyn Canyon sits about 200 kilometres east of Almaty and is one of Kazakhstan’s most spectacular natural landmarks. On a guided trekking tour, you will descend into the Valley of Castles — a labyrinth of rust-red rock formations carved by millions of years of erosion. The scale is humbling, the colours are vivid, and the silence is absolute.
Most Vostok day tours from Almaty combine Charyn with a stop at the beautiful Kolsai Lakes, making for one of the most scenic drives in the entire country.
💡 Pro Tip: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The canyon floor can be surprisingly hot even on cool days.
3. Kolsai Lakes & Kaindy Lake 2-Day Tour
The Kolsai Lakes are three interconnected mountain lakes in the Northern Tian Shan range. Their crystal-clear waters and forested surroundings feel almost impossibly pristine. But the real showstopper is nearby Kaindy Lake — a forest submerged by a 1911 earthquake, its ghostly spruce trunks still rising from the turquoise water over a century later.
Vostok’s 2-day tour gives you time to fully soak in both lakes, do light trekking, camp under the stars, and witness landscapes that make Kazakhstan one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world.
4. Astana Modern Architecture & City Tour
Kazakhstan’s futuristic capital, Astana, is a city that defies expectations at every turn. Built largely from scratch in the 1990s on the frozen steppe, it is now a showcase of bold contemporary architecture. A guided city tour takes you to the iconic Bayterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the striking Khan Shatyr entertainment centre, and the EXPO 2017 globe-shaped centrepiece.
Astana is the perfect companion to an Almaty itinerary — giving you the full spectrum of Kazakhstan from alpine nature to architectural ambition. Vostok offers combined Almaty + Astana packages with domestic flights included.
5. Shymbulak Ski & Mountain Resort Tour
Just 25 kilometres from Almaty’s city centre, Shymbulak is one of the best ski resorts in Central Asia. In winter, its slopes welcome skiers and snowboarders of all levels amid stunning mountain scenery. In summer, the cable cars run for hikers and paragliders experiencing the Tian Shan peaks without heavy gear.
A Shymbulak day tour with Vostok is one of the easiest ways to experience Kazakhstan’s legendary mountain landscape, with private transfers, equipment rental, and guided skiing all available on request.
6. Turgen Gorge Waterfall & Wild Nature Tour
Just east of Almaty lies Turgen Gorge — a lush, green valley home to seven distinct waterfalls, wild apple trees, and an abundance of birdlife. This tour feels genuinely off the tourist trail: you walk through wild forests, discover cascading waterfalls hidden around every corner, and breathe some of the freshest air you will ever encounter.
How to Choose the Right Tour for You
- First time in Kazakhstan? Start with the Almaty City Tour + Charyn Canyon combination.
- Nature and hiking lover? Kolsai Lakes + Kaindy Lake is unmissable.
- Visiting in winter? Shymbulak Ski Resort is your go-to.
- Architecture enthusiast? Combine Almaty and Astana for maximum contrast.
- Want something truly unique? Ask the Vostok team about custom steppe and nomad culture experiences.
Practical Travel Tips for Kazakhstan — 2026
- Visa: Citizens of over 60 countries can enter Kazakhstan visa-free. Check the latest list at the official Kazakhstan e-visa portal before travelling.
- Currency: The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Language: Kazakh and Russian are both official. English is increasingly spoken in tourist areas.
- Getting Around: Domestic flights connect Almaty and Astana quickly. For mountain tours, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended — Vostok provides all transfers.
- Safety: Kazakhstan is consistently rated one of the safest destinations in Central Asia.
Book Your Kazakhstan Tour with Vostok
As a specialist DMC operating throughout Kazakhstan, Vostok builds fully customised itineraries that go beyond the typical tourist trail. From private day tours in Almaty to multi-week cross-country expeditions, our team handles every detail so you can focus on the experience.