Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel, where you'll first experience Kazakhstan: leafy avenues, broad streets, and the magnificent Trans-Ili Alatau rising along the southern horizon. Old architectural influences mingle with contemporary cafés and busy neighbourhoods, giving Almaty a character quite different from the wilderness that surrounds it.

Spend the evening at your own pace, perhaps with a neighbourhood walk or a first taste of Kazakh cuisine. Warm baursak, hearty local dishes, and the aroma of freshly brewed tea make for a welcoming start. Beyond the streets, the mountain skyline remains almost constantly in view, an extraordinary backdrop to an otherwise ordinary evening in the city.

The landscape around Almaty opens into the alpine setting of Big Almaty Lake, where steep mountain slopes surround water known for its striking seasonal colours. The journey continues through the forested country of Ayusai and Alma-Arasan, with streams, wooded hillsides, and deep gorges revealing the northern Tian Shan. So close to the city, the mountain wilderness feels remarkably expansive.

Kazakhstan's longstanding tradition of hunting with birds of prey brings another dimension to the day at Sunkar Falcon Farm. Eagles and falcons are remarkable to observe, especially against the mountains, where their strength and precision are immediately apparent. The encounter offers a memorable introduction to a tradition that remains an important part of Kazakh cultural heritage.

The day begins in the mountains surrounding Almaty, where the dramatic landscapes of the Tian Shan offer a striking contrast to the city below. At Medeu, discover the famous high-altitude ice skating rink, before continuing uphill to Shymbulak Ski Resort, known for its mountain views, cable car rides and outdoor atmosphere. The journey also takes you towards Left Talgar Gorge, where wooded slopes, open valleys and rugged mountain scenery reveal another side of the region.

Back in Almaty, the experience shifts to the city’s cultural and urban character. Take in sweeping views from Kok Tobe Hill, then explore the lively Green Bazaar, where local produce, traditional delicacies and everyday city life come together. The tour also includes Zenkov Cathedral, an architectural landmark set within Panfilov Park, known for its colourful exterior and distinctive wooden construction. Together, these stops offer a well-rounded introduction to Almaty, from its mountain surroundings to its historic and everyday city life.

An early start takes you into the spectacular landscapes east of Almaty, where the terrain changes from open steppe to dramatic canyon country. Charyn Canyon is the day’s first major highlight, with towering red sandstone walls, unusual rock formations and deep passages carved over millions of years. The surrounding landscape reveals further contrasts at Black Canyon and Moon Canyon, each with its own distinctive colours, textures and geological formations. Together, these canyons showcase a strikingly different side of Kazakhstan’s natural beauty.

The journey then continues towards the mountain lakes of the Kolsai region. Lake Kaindy is particularly remarkable for its submerged forest, with the trunks of spruce trees rising through its clear, turquoise waters, creating an almost surreal landscape. At Kolsai Lake, forested mountain slopes meet calm alpine waters, offering a more tranquil setting beneath the surrounding peaks. From rugged canyon walls to extraordinary mountain lakes, this excursion brings together some of the most memorable natural landscapes around Almaty.

The day begins with a journey into the landscapes east of Almaty, where the foothills of the Tian Shan gradually give way to wide mountain valleys and open alpine scenery. At Assy Plateau, enjoy the vast high-altitude grasslands, distant mountain peaks and sweeping views that make this region particularly striking. The journey offers a glimpse of Kazakhstan’s quieter countryside, far removed from the bustle of the city.

Continue towards Bear Waterfall, where water cascades through a forested mountain setting, before making your way to Issyk Lake. Surrounded by steep, forest-covered slopes, the lake’s striking blue-green waters create a beautiful setting for a leisurely stop and photographs. Together, these landscapes offer a rewarding day among the mountains, combining open plateaus, woodland trails and the tranquil beauty of an alpine lake.

After several days exploring the countryside, spend time getting to know Almaty itself. Start at the Green Bazaar, with stalls of dried fruits, nuts, spices, and local produce that reflect the city's Central Asian food traditions. Near Panfilov Park, the colourful Ascension Cathedral adds another chapter to Almaty's architectural and cultural history.

The afternoon can unfold around cafés, museums, and pedestrian streets, or you can head to Kok Tobe for views across the city. Almaty's restaurants offer plenty to discover, from beshbarmak and baursak to lagman, manty and other regional favourites. Choose the experiences that appeal most, leaving enough time to enjoy the city's atmosphere without a fixed sightseeing schedule.