4-Day Southern Kazakhstan Cultural Tour with Tekeli and Lake Issyk

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore contemporary art, street culture, and panoramic views in Almaty
• 02 Visit Tekeli and the historic Kumbez Mausoleum, and witness the majestic Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall
• 03 Experience rural life on a family-run eco-dairy farm with cheese-making and seasonal activities
• 04 Immerse yourself in Kazakh traditions with horse shows, yurt visits, baursak-making, kumys tasting, and a scenic stop at Lake Issyk

Explore the vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and traditional lifestyle of southern Kazakhstan on this four-day journey from Almaty. Discover contemporary art in the city, stroll along scenic trails, and visit historical monuments. Experience the tranquil mountain town of Tekeli, marvel at the majestic Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, and engage with local farming life at family-run eco-dairy farms. Immerse yourself in Kazakh customs with horse shows, traditional games, and authentic cuisine, rounded off with a scenic visit to Lake Issyk.

Experience the tranquil mountain town of Tekeli, marvel at the majestic Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, and engage with local farming life at family-run eco-dairy farms.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Premium

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Languages Arabic, English, French, Italian, Kazakh, Korean, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Contemporary Art and Unusual Sights of Almaty

• Visit the K. Smagulov Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Stroll along the Terenkur Trail by the Esentai River.
• Enjoy lunch at a riverside café.
• Explore Almaty's street art and unusual cultural sites.
• Climb Kok-Tobe for panoramic city views.
• Dinner at Yurta restaurant.
• Take an evening stroll around Independence Square.

2

Day 02

Tekeli, Kumbez Mausoleum, and Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall

• Depart from Almaty for Tekeli.
• Explore the streets and local scenery of Tekeli.
• Visit the 15th-century Kumbez Mausoleum.
• Discover Burkhan-Bulak Waterfall, the highest in Kazakhstan.
• Enjoy dinner in Tekeli and an overnight stay at a guesthouse.

3

Day 03

Eco-Dairy Farm and Ethnographic Experience

• Visit the Miya family-run eco-dairy farm.
• Participate in animal care and a cheese-making masterclass.
• Taste fresh farm produce, including kumys and cottage cheese.
• Take part in seasonal activities such as harvesting Aport apples, herbs, and vegetables.
• Enjoy lunch in yurts and cottages.
• Return to Almaty for dinner and an overnight stay.

4

Day 04

Ethnic Show and Lake Issyk Excursion

• Depart for Guuny ethno-village.
• Enjoy shashu, baursaks, and hot tea.
• Attend an equestrian show and traditional games.
• Join a baursak-making masterclass and kumys tasting.
• Take a leisurely horseback ride.
• Visit Lake Issyk for a picnic, walk, and photo stop.
• Return to Almaty for dinner at Sandyk restaurant.
• Take an evening stroll along Arbat Street to conclude the tour.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Airport meet and greet with driver
• Comfortable transfer throughout the tour
• Daily drinking water provided
• Lunch boxes during picnics and traditional sweets
• Guide as part of a shared group in Russian, Arabic, or English
• Accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels or guesthouses
• Access to cultural master classes as scheduled
• Rental of national costume for photos
• Hiking tour with difficulty level of your choice plus picnic as scheduled

What's Not Included

• Enduro tour through mountains and canyons - 540 USD
• Quad bikes or buggy tours - 520 USD
• Horse riding by reservation - 50 USD
• Personal photographer and videographer - 600 USD
• Accommodation in unique places - 600 USD
• Personalized gastro dinners - 280 USD
• Private guide and translator - 300 USD
• VIP transport - 420 USD
• Shopping accompaniment - 100 USD
• Night excursions and astrotourism - 220 USD
• Tea ceremony with dombra - 180 USD
• Master classes and cultural experiences - 115 USD
• Wellness treatments or baths - 500 USD
• Nanny services - 115 USD
• Archery - 28 USD

What to bring

• Take a good mood with you, and we will take care of the rest.

Know before you go

• SIM card is optional.
• You may join evening walks or excursions.
• Private transfer can be booked for an additional fee.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Almaty, Казахстан

Tour start

Tekeli, Kazakhstan

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.