Kazakhstan Tour Packages

Kazakhstan tour packages are quickly becoming one of Central Asia’s most intriguing travel destinations. It has vast open landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and cities that feel both modern and rooted in tradition. The country welcomed 15.3 million foreign guests recently, reflecting its growing appeal among global travellers. In 2026, the country is drawing more global attention, thanks to improved connectivity, eased visa policies, and a growing interest in offbeat adventures.

It's an opportunity to see something unique, whether it's the colourful streets of Almaty, the dramatic cliffs of Charyn Canyon, or the peaceful beauty of the steppe.

This guide is intended to help you plan your trip with ease. From the best time to visit to what to do and where to go, it has everything you need to know to make the most of your Kazakhstan tour packages.

Kazakhstan: The Land of the Wanderers

Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country and one of the most underappreciated tourist destinations. But that is changing. In 2026, visitors are flocking to Kazakhstan for its stunning natural landscapes, distinct cultural blend, and a tourism scene that is still authentic and largely unspoiled by mass tourism. Whether you prefer remote mountain lakes or futuristic cities, Kazakhstan provides a unique blend of adventure, heritage, and space to breathe. Many travellers pair Kazakhstan tours with Azerbaijan tour packages for a broader Central Asia and Caucasus experience.

Here's why it deserves to be on your travel itinerary.

Experience Nature on a Grand Scale

Kazakhstan is made for those who enjoy the outdoors. The country’s landscapes are incredibly diverse: alpine lakes like Lake Kaindy (famous for its submerged forest), dramatic formations in Charyn Canyon, and the snow-covered Tien Shan Mountains near Almaty. You can go hiking in the Altai region, see desert landscapes in Mangystau, or drive across the open steppe for hours without seeing another person. It represents nature at its most raw and expansive.

Discover a Rich Nomadic Heritage

Kazakhstan's history is based on nomadic culture, and you can still see traces of it today. Stay in a traditional yurt in the countryside, watch eagle hunting demonstrations in the Altyn Emel region, and try local dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) and kymyz (fermented mare's milk). Many festivals and cultural shows take place in cities such as Almaty and Shymkent, showcasing music, clothing, and crafts passed down through generations. Azerbaijan tour packages add a mix of old cities and modern skylines that balance Kazakhstan’s wide landscapes.

Explore Cities That Balance Past and Future

Kazakhstan's cities provide an unexpected contrast to its natural landscapes. In Astana (Nur-Sultan), futuristic buildings such as the Khan Shatyr, a tent-shaped shopping mall, and the Baiterek Tower represent a modern and ambitious national identity. Meanwhile, Almaty—the former capital—blends Soviet-era charm, leafy streets, and a growing café culture with mountain views just 30 minutes away. These cities provide access to modern comforts without losing their sense of place. Combining Kazakhstan with Azerbaijan tour packages works well for multi-country travel plans.

Travel Without the Crowds

One of the biggest draws of Kazakhstan holiday packages is its lack of overtourism. Even major attractions such as Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes receive far fewer visitors than comparable destinations in Western Europe or Southeast Asia. Roads are open, there are a few lines, and you're more likely to share a trail with locals rather than tour groups. This is a significant advantage for travellers who prefer space, quiet, and a slower pace.

Accessibility Is Better Than Ever

As of 2026, Kazakhstan has made significant improvements in infrastructure and entry policies. People from more than 70 countries can now travel without a visa for up to 30 days. New flights connect Almaty and Astana to major international hubs, and high-speed rail and better roads make it easier to travel within the country. There are more and more signs in English in popular tourist spots, and the tourism industry is becoming more and more focused on visitors from other countries.

A Unique Cultural Crossroads

Kazakhstan is in the middle of Central Asia and has been shaped by Russian, Turkey, Persian, and Mongol cultures. You won't find this unique mix of cultures anywhere else. You will hear Kazakh and Russian spoken in everyday life, see mosques next to buildings from the Soviet era, and learn about both eastern and western building and cooking styles. It's a place where different cultures are not only seen, but also encouraged. For extended trips, Azerbaijan tour packages often fit smoothly alongside Kazakhstan packages.

Top Cities to Explore in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's cities reflect its diverse culture and landscape. Each city has its own story, from futuristic skylines and Soviet architecture to leafy boulevards and Silk Road history. Kazakhstan's major cities offer something for everyone, whether you want to explore, experience culture, or go outdoors.

Here are the top cities to visit while on your Kazakhstan holiday packages.

Almaty: Cultural Capital and Mountain Gateway

Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, has a modern way of life and is easy to get to the outdoors. It used to be the former capital of the country and it is still the centre of culture and business.

Astana (Nur-Sultan): The Futuristic Capital

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997, is known for its bold, modern buildings and well-planned city layout. Some of its most famous landmarks are the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Baiterek Tower, and Khan Shatyr, a shopping and entertainment centre shaped like a tent.

Shymkent: Warm Weather and Southern Hospitality

Shymkent is one of Kazakhstan's oldest cities. People say it's friendly, has good street food, and is easy to get to the historical sites. It goes to the old city of Turkistan and the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, which is on the UNESCO list. Shymkent is slower than Almaty or Astana and has markets, parks, and a slower pace.

Aktau: The Caspian Coastline Experience

Aktau is on the Caspian Sea and has both desert and beach landscapes that are unlike any other place. Even though it's an industrial area, it's a great place to start exploring Mangystau's strange landscapes, like Bozzhira Canyon, Torysh Valley (Valley of Balls), and an underground mosque. Aktau is a great place for people who like to travel off the beaten path and love nature.

Karaganda: Industrial Past, Soviet Legacy

Karaganda is known for its mining history and Soviet-era character. While not as picturesque as other cities, it reveals Kazakhstan's 20th-century past. Visit the KarLag Museum to learn about Stalin-era labour camps, or stroll through the city's old neighbourhoods with Soviet architecture and monuments.

Turkistan: Spiritual and Historic Heart

Turkistan is one of Kazakhstan’s most historically important cities, dating back over 1,500 years. The highlight is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a key pilgrimage site and architectural masterpiece of the Timurid era. 

Natural Wonders You Can’t Miss

One of the most surprising things about Kazakhstan holiday packages is how beautiful it is. This Central Asian country has untouched landscapes that range from alpine lakes and dramatic canyons to deserts, steppes, and forests at high altitudes. It is far away from the crowds of traditional tourist spots.

Here are the top natural wonders you shouldn't miss during your Kazakhstan vacation.

Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon

Charyn Canyon, located about 200 kilometres from Almaty, is frequently compared to the Grand Canyon; despite its smaller size, it is equally impressive. The Valley of Castles section is particularly well-known for its wind-sculpted rock formations. Visitors can hike down into the canyon, camp overnight, or simply admire the panoramic views from the top.

Kolsai Lakes: Mountain Lakes in the Tien Shan

Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes, a group of alpine lakes in the northern Tien Shan mountains, are both popular tourist spots. The area is great for hiking, horseback riding, and camping because pine forests and high peaks surround it. The trail that connects Kolsai Lakes 1 and 2 is a popular multi-day hike for people who like to have fun.

Big Almaty Lake: Turquoise Waters Near the City

Just a short drive from Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of over 2,500 metres. The lake changes colour with the seasons, shifting from deep blue to icy white. Though swimming is prohibited (as it supplies the city’s drinking water), it’s a perfect spot for half-day excursions, photography, and mountain picnics.

Altai Mountains: Untouched Northern Wilderness

The Altai Mountains in the far northeast serve as a border between Kazakhstan, Russia, China and Mongolia. Wildlife, glacial rivers, and petroglyphs abound in this remote area. It has fewer visitors than the southern mountains, but Katon-Karagay National Park provides excellent trekking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Mangystau Region: Desert Landscapes and Canyons

Entering the Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan is like entering a different world. There are the chalky white cliffs of Bozzhira Canyon, the Valley of Balls (Torysh) with its perfectly round rock formations, and underground mosques carved into the desert rock. It's best to explore it by 4x4 or with a local guide because it's so far away.

Cultural Experiences Not to Miss

Kazakhstan's culture has been shaped by its long history of nomadic life, trade along the Silk Road, its time as part of the Soviet Union, and its rise as a global power. When you travel here, you don't just see the sights. You also connect with living people, stories, and traditions. From yurt stays and folk music to traditional cuisine and spiritual heritage, the country's rich culture enriches each journey.

Here are the top cultural experiences to enjoy during your Kazakhstan holiday packages.

Stay in a Traditional Yurt

A night in a Kazakh yurt provides insight into the country's nomadic roots. These portable round tents, constructed of felt and wooden frames, are used in rural areas and cultural festivals. Many tour operators and eco-camps near Altyn Emel or Kolsai Lakes provide yurt stays with local cuisine, stargazing, and storytelling.

Try Traditional Kazakh Cuisine

Food is central to Kazakhstan tour packages and hospitality. Dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), kazy (horsemeat sausage), and lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup) reflect the country's nomadic past and Central Asian influences. For a more in-depth experience, take a home-cooked meal tour or visit a bazaar such as Almaty's Green Bazaar to sample local delicacies.

Watch Folk Music and Dance Performances

Traditional music in Kazakhstan is frequently performed on instruments such as the dombra (a long-necked lute) and kobyz. Many cultural centres and festivals in Almaty, Astana, and Turkistan offer live folk performances of Kazakh songs, throat singing, and ceremonial dances.

Visit Silk Road Heritage Sites

Kazakhstan tour packages have stops on the Silk Road, and several towns still bear witness to this legacy. Turkistan's ancient city is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Exploring caravanserai ruins, mosques, and old trade towns demonstrates the country's significance as a cultural crossroads.

Experience Local Festivals and Holidays

If you visit during Nauryz (Kazakh New Year in March), you'll see the country come alive with street performances, traditional games, wrestling matches, and special cuisine. It's one of the best times to enjoy Kazakh traditions in a festive setting. Other activities include Eagle Hunting Festivals, Ethno Villages, and summer nomad camps held in national parks.

Explore Museums and Cultural Centres

Kazakhstan's museums provide important context for its history and identity. Notable museums include the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Astana, the Central State Museum in Almaty, and the KarLag Museum in Karaganda, which focuses on the legacy of Soviet labour camps. These are must-see destinations for travellers seeking more than just surface-level sightseeing.

What to Eat in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's cuisine is based on its nomadic heritage, with meat-heavy dishes, Central Asian staples, and influences from Russian, Uyghur, and Middle Eastern cooking. Expect hearty meals with bold flavours and cuisine that reflects the country's vast geography and rich history.

Here are the dishes and food experiences you should try if you visit Kazakhstan in 2026.

Beshbarmak: The National Dish

Kazakhstan's national dish, beshbarmak, or "five fingers," is traditionally eaten by hand. It consists of boiled horse or lamb meat served over wide noodles in an onion broth. It exemplifies Kazakh culture's hospitality and communal spirit, and is frequently served at family gatherings and cultural events.

Manty and Lagman: Central Asian Staples

Manty are big steamed dumplings that are filled with ground meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions. People often eat them with sour cream or vinegar sauce. Lagman is a dish of hand-pulled noodles with meat and vegetables in a rich, spicy broth. You can get both meals at restaurants, markets, and roadside cafes all over Central Asia.

Kazy and Shuzhuk: Traditional Meats

Kazy is a horsemeat sausage made with salt and spices and served cold in slices, usually as part of a special meal. Shuzhuk, a beef version of the same sausage, is commonly used in festive dishes. While horsemeat is uncommon in many countries, it has a strong cultural significance in Kazakh cuisine.

Baursak and Other Breads

Baursak are deep-fried dough balls that resemble doughnuts but are less sweet. They are frequently served with tea at family meals and celebrations. Other breads, such as lepyoshka (round, flat Uzbek-style bread), are available in markets and bakeries throughout the country.

Dairy and Fermented Drinks

Nomadic culture places a strong emphasis on dairy. Popular drinks include:

• Kymyz – fermented mare’s milk, slightly sour and mildly alcoholic
• Shubat – fermented camel’s milk
• Airan – a salty yoghurt-based drink, perfect for hot days

These are often an acquired taste but are important elements of Kazakh food traditions.

Sweets and Tea Culture

Kazakhstan has a strong tea culture, typically black tea served with milk, sugar, and sweets. Desserts include chak-chak (fried dough with honey), irimshek (dried cottage cheese snacks), and locally made chocolates or jams. Tea is offered at nearly every meal and is central to Kazakh hospitality.

Book Your Kazakhstan Tour Packages with EaseMyTrip

Kazakhstan is a destination that goes far beyond expectations—mountains, culture, deserts, and cities all rolled into one. Whether you're wandering the streets of Almaty, sleeping under the stars in a yurt, or hiking through untouched canyons, the experience is both unique and deeply satisfying. With the right Kazakhstan tour packages, your journey will be smoother, more immersive, and perfectly timed.

Ready to begin planning your 2026 adventure? Book your trip with EaseMyTrip and enjoy no convenience fees, flexible itineraries, and 24-hour customer service—travel made simple, the way it should be.