+852 9345 4083
Take China Group Tours in 2026 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
How to Spend 7 Days in Kazakhstan? 3 Routes Compared
| Route | Best For | Highlights | Difficulty | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (Almaty & Astana) | First-time visitors | Two major cities, easy logistics, mix of urban and nature | Easy | Year-round |
| Nature Lover's Route | Outdoor enthusiasts | National parks, mountains, lakes, camping | Moderate | April-November |
| Culture & History Route | History buffs | UNESCO sites, Silk Road ruins, local culture | Easy | Year-round |
Option 1: The Classic Route (Almaty & Astana) – Best for First Timers
This is the route I recommend if you've never been to Kazakhstan before. You'll see the country's two most important cities and get a taste of both urban life and natural beauty.
It's well-organized, comfortable, and gives you a solid overview of what Kazakhstan is all about.
Day 1-2: Astana Arrival & City Tour (Modern Architecture and Museums)
Astana (officially called Nur-Sultan from 2019-2022, but locals still use both names) is unlike any city you've seen before. The government moved the capital here in 1997, and they went all-out with futuristic architecture that looks like something from a sci-fi movie.
Start your first morning at the National Museum of Kazakhstan. The Golden Man exhibit is incredible – it's a Scythian warrior's gold armor from 2,500 years ago.
Next, walk along the Millennium Axis, which is basically the main ceremonial boulevard of the city. You'll pass:
- Independence Square with its 91-meter monument
- Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – a glass pyramid designed by Norman Foster
- Baiterek Tower – the symbol of Astana. Take the elevator up for city views
- Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center – the world's largest tent structure, also by Norman Foster
Then visit the Hazret Sultan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. It's beautiful and open to visitors (dress modestly). The white marble and blue domes are stunning, especially in the morning light.
Day 3-4: Almaty City Highlights (Museums, Mosque, and Green Bazaar)
On day three, you'll travel from Astana to Almaty. You have two options here, which I'll explain in detail later: a 90-minute flight or an overnight train. Most people fly because it's quick.
Almaty feels completely different from Astana. It's older, more relaxed, with tree-lined streets and mountains rising behind the city. It was the capital until 1997, and it still feels like the cultural heart of Kazakhstan.
Day four is your full day to explore. Start at 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park. Inside the park you'll find:
- Ascension Cathedral – a colorful wooden Orthodox cathedral built without a single nail in 1907
- Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (closed Mondays) – see traditional Kazakh instruments like the dombra
Next, walk to Green Bazaar, which is my favorite place in Almaty. This is where locals shop for everything from fresh produce to dried fruits to horse meat sausages. The dried fruit section will blow your mind. Try some kuraga (dried apricots) and grab some honey.
From here Central Mosque – it's new but impressive, with a capacity for 7,000 worshippers. End your day at Kok-Tobe Hill. Take the cable car up for sunset views over the city with the mountains in the background.
How to Get from Astana to Almaty? (Train, Flight & Bus)
Day 5: Big Almaty Lake Day Trip (Alpine Scenery and Hiking)
This is the picture you see on Instagram. The water is a crazy turquoise color.
Big Almaty Lake is a stunning turquoise alpine lake sitting at 2,500 meters elevation, about 28 kilometers south of Almaty. The lake supplies drinking water to the city, so swimming isn't allowed, but the scenery makes up for it.
Pack a picnic lunch because there are no restaurants up there. Bring warm layers too—even in summer, it can be 10-15°C cooler than in the city.
On your way back, stop at the Sunkar Falcon Farm if your driver or tour includes it. This rehabilitation center for birds of prey does flying demonstrations that are honestly amazing.
You'll see golden eagles, falcons, and vultures soaring overhead. The show runs twice daily (usually 11 AM and 3 PM). You'll be back in Almaty by early evening.
Day 6-7: Charyn Canyon Full-Day Trip (Valley of Castles Hike)
Charyn Canyon is Kazakhstan's answer to the Grand Canyon. Okay, it's smaller, but it's still impressive – and a lot less crowded than its famous American cousin. The canyon is about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, so this is a long day trip.
The main attraction is the Valley of Castles, where erosion has carved the red rock into towers and formations that look like castle walls.
The hike down into the canyon takes about 30 minutes, and you can walk along the canyon floor for another hour or two. The Charyn River runs through here, and there are shady spots to rest.
If you have an extra day, some tours combine Charyn with Kolsay Lakes, but it makes for a very long day. I'd rather spend more time at Charyn and save Kolsay for the next itinerary.
How to Get from Almaty to Charyn Canyon? (5 Options for 2026)
7 Days Kazakhstan Nature Lover's Route (Almaty Region Deep Dive)
If you hate big cities and love wild landscapes, skip Astana. Focus all 7 days on the "Golden Triangle" of the Almaty region. This is where the real adventure is.
Day 1-2: A Almaty City Essentials
You'll spend the same two days in Almaty as described in the classic route above. Hit the main sights: Central Museum, Central Mosque, Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, and Kok-Tobe Hill.
This gives you time to adjust to the time zone, stock up on supplies, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 3: Almaty - Basshi Village (Kalinino)
You'll head northeast toward Altyn Emel National Park, one of Kazakhstan's most spectacular protected areas. It's about 250 kilometers from Almaty, so plan for a 4-5 hour drive.
Stop along the way at the Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient rock carvings dating back 3,500 years.
By afternoon, you'll reach Altyn Emel National Park. The star attraction here is the Singing Dune – a 150-meter-high sand dune that makes a humming sound when the wind blows across it.
Stay overnight in Basshi Village (also called Kalinino), where local guesthouses offer simple but comfortable rooms.
Day 4: Basshi Village - Chundzha Village
Today you'll explore more of Altyn Emel. The Aktau Mountains look like they belong on Mars – white, pink, and red striped hills formed from ancient seabeds.
The colors are stunning, especially in late afternoon light. You can hike around the formations for a couple of hours.
Nearby are the Katutau Mountains, volcanic formations in deep red and black. The contrast between the two mountain ranges is amazing.
By late afternoon, drive to Chundzha Village and treat yourself to the hot springs there. After two days of dusty hiking, a soak in the natural hot pools feels amazing.
Day 5: Charyn Canyon & Kaindy Lake (Sunken Forest)
Start early and head to Charyn Canyon (described above in the classic route). Spend a couple of hours hiking the Valley of Castles.
In the afternoon, continue to Kaindy Lake, one of the most unusual places in Kazakhstan. An earthquake in 1911 triggered a landslide that dammed a river, creating a lake.
The forest was flooded, but the trees didn't rot – they still stand in the water, creating this eerie "sunken forest." You can walk around the lake and take photos.
Day 6-7: Kolsai Lakes & Return to Almaty
The Kolsay Lakes are called "the pearls of the Northern Tian Shan," and for good reason. There are three lakes at different elevations, surrounded by pine forests and mountains. Most people visit the Lower Kolsay Lake, which is the easiest to reach.
The trail circumnavigating the lake takes about 2-3 hours and offers beautiful views. If you're feeling ambitious and have arranged horses, you can ride up to the Middle Kolsay Lake (3-4 hours each way).
The area is perfect for nature photography, bird watching, or just sitting by the water and soaking in the peace and quiet. It's one of the most serene places in Kazakhstan.
On day seven, you have enough time to enjoy a good meal and shopping time in the city before your flight home.
Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary: Almaty & Turkestan (For Culture Lover)
If you are interested in the Silk Road, Sufism, and Islamic architecture, this is the route for you.
Day 1–2: Almaty Arrival & City Explore
Same as the previous itineraries – spend two days getting to know Almaty. Visit the museums, Green Bazaar, and main sights. Use this time to prepare for the journey south.
Day 3-4: Shymkent & Ancient Ruins
Take a morning flight or overnight train to Shymkent, Kazakhstan's third-largest city in the south. It's closer to Uzbekistan than to Almaty and has a distinctly Central Asian feel.
Shymkent itself is worth half a day of exploring. The old city has a traditional feel with narrow streets and tea houses. Visit the Ordabasy Square and the regional history museum.
But the real attraction is about 45 kilometers east: the Akyrtas Palace ruins. This is one of Central Asia's great mysteries. The ruins date from the 8th-10th centuries, and no one knows exactly who built it or why. Some call it the "Versailles of the Steppe."
Day 5: Turkestan – The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Turkestan is one of Kazakhstan's most important cities from a historical and religious perspective. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most significant Islamic monument in Kazakhstan.
The mausoleum you see today was built by Timur (Tamerlane) in the late 14th century. It's massive – the main dome is 44 meters high – and beautifully decorated with blue tiles.
Inside, you'll find the massive bronze cauldron (said to hold 3,000 liters of water), ornate prayer halls, and the tomb of Yasawi himself. The complex also includes museums explaining Sufism and Yasawi's teachings.
Day 6: The Ancient City of Otrar
About 80 kilometers from Turkestan are the ruins of Otrar, one of the great Silk Road cities. Otrar was huge in its time – home to 200,000 people at its peak.
It was here in 1219 that the governor killed Genghis Khan's envoys, which triggered the Mongol invasion that devastated Central Asia.
Today, Otrar is an archaeological site. You'll see the outlines of walls, mosques, and residential areas. It's not as visually impressive as Akyrtas, but the historical significance is immense. This was a major center of Islamic learning and trade for centuries.
There's a small museum on-site explaining the history and displaying artifacts found during excavations.
Day 7: Return to Almaty/Departure
Turkestan now has an international airport, so you might be able to fly out directly. If not, fly back to Almaty for your connection home.
Getting from Astana to Almaty: Flight vs Overnight Train
Since most people do the Classic Route, the Astana-Almaty connection is important to understand.
Flying takes 1.5 hours and costs $60-100 on Air Astana or SCAT Airlines. Flights run several times daily. This is the obvious choice if you value time and comfort. Book directly on airline websites.
The overnight train takes 12-18 hours (yes, the variation is real—different trains take different routes) and costs $30-60 for a comfortable four-berth sleeper compartment. The train is an experience—Soviet-era carriages.
But let's be honest: 18 hours is a long time. Take the train if you love train travel or want to save money.
How to Get from Astana to Almaty? (Train, Flight & Bus)
Where to Stay in Kazakhstan: Best Hotels for 7-Day Trip
Accommodation in Kazakhstan is generally good value.
In Astana, stay near Nurzhol Boulevard for easy access to major sights. The Hilton Garden Inn Astana ($70-100) or Beijing Palace Soluxe Hotel Astana ($50-80) are solid mid-range options with English-speaking staff.
In Almaty, the best area is around Republic Square or Panfilov Park. Try the Rixos Almaty ($150-200) if you want luxury, or Saraishyq Hotel ($40-60) for comfortable mid-range. Budget travelers should look at Almaty Backpackers ($15-20 per bed).
In Turkestan, options are limited. The Turkestan Hotel ($30-50) near the mausoleum is basic but acceptable for a night or two.
In the Villages (Saty/Basshi): You will mostly find Guesthouses. They are simple. You usually sleep on the floor on thick mattresses (korpe) or simple beds.
How Much Does a 7-Day Kazakhstan Trip Cost?
Kazakhstan is very affordable for Western tourists. The currency is the Tenge (KZT).
Budget travelers: $50-80 per day total (hostels, trains, shared tours, local food)
Mid-range travelers: $100-150 per day total (3-star hotels, flights, private tours, mix of restaurants)
Upscale travelers: $200+ per day total (4-5 star hotels, private cars, fine dining).
Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary FAQ (3 Common Questions)
Is 7 Days Enough for Kazakhstan?
Seven days gives you a solid introduction to Kazakhstan, but it's definitely not enough to see everything.
With a week, you can realistically do one of two things: explore one region deeply (like the Almaty area) or see two major cities plus one natural area (like the classic route). You won't feel rushed, but you also won't see everything.
If you only have seven days, I recommend the classic route for first-timers. It gives you the best overview of what Kazakhstan offers. You can always come back for the nature or culture routes later.
For a more comprehensive trip, 10-14 days would be ideal. That gives you time to combine routes or travel at a more relaxed pace.
What If I Only Have 5 Days in Kazakhstan?
Focus on the Almaty region only. Here's what I did:
- Days 1-2: Almaty city
- Day 3: Charyn Canyon (Overnight at Saty)
- Day 4: Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake
- Day 5: Departure
This is easily the most famous attraction in Kazakhstan. If you are visiting in winter, you can skip the lakes. Instead, spend your time at the ski resorts.
Looking for a detailed 5-day plan? You can use the itinerary from our own trip in November 2025 as a guide.
Do I Need A Visa for 7 Days in Kazakhstan?
Most travelers get visa-free entry for 30 days. This includes citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and many others.
When you arrive, immigration will stamp your passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
A few countries still need visas – check the Kazakh embassy website for your specific country. But chances are, you're fine without one.
Explore Kazakhstan With Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Skip the stress of language barriers and complex logistics. Asia Odyssey Travel handles everything—from professional drivers to English-speaking guides—so you can focus on the "all-round" surprise of Central Asia.
Check out our top-rated options:
- ✅ Kazakhstan Group Tours – The best-value choice. Enjoy 4-star comfort, safety, and authentic experiences in guaranteed small groups (1-16 people).
- ✅ Kazakhstan Tour Packages – Flexible private or group itineraries covering Almaty’s alpine nature (Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes) and Astana’s futuristic architecture.
- ✅ Central Asia Grand Tours – Epic multi-country journeys (up to 26 days) that extend your adventure across the "5 Stans" of the Silk Road.
Data in submission...
