Exploring Astana on a day tour offers a unique blend of modern architecture and rich Kazakh culture, showcasing the city’s futuristic skyline and historical landmarks.

ASTANA KAZAKHSTAN DAY TOUR

DAY TOUR (FROM $150)

Duration: Full day tour
Price from 150 USD p.p
Availability: Four seasons
Begin and end: Astana capital city
Tour type: City tour

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Highlights:

– National Museum of Kazakhstan

– Visit Astana Grand Mosque

– Hike from Baiterek to Khan Shatyr

OVERVIEW

Astana has been the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997. Today it is one of the largest and most modern cities in Central Asia. Astana is located in the heart of Sary Arkha (the endless steppe of Kazakhstan) on the banks of the Ishim River.

Our expedition team will provide you with a best-planned day tour of Astana that includes the city’s best attractions. Astana has a population of over 1.5 million, making it the second largest city in Kazakhstan after Almaty.

Astana holds the Guinness World Record for the capital city with the most name changes in modern times. Let’s go through all the names the city has had.

In the 1830s it was founded as Akmola (White Cemetery) and in 1832 it was renamed to the Russian version Akmolinsk. In the 1961s it was called Tselinograd and in 1991, after Kazakhstan’s independence, it regained its original name of Akmola.

In 1997, the city was proclaimed the capital of the country and renamed Astana, which literally means ‘capital’. In 2019, the capital was renamed Nur-Sultan in honour of the country’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Finally, in 2022, the name changed back to Astana.

In the last quarter of a century the capital has undergone a huge transformation from a typical Soviet city with many 4 and 5 storey buildings to a new modern metropolis with some great architectural wonders.

The old city is mainly located on the right bank of the Ishim River and the new capital is mostly concentrated on the left bank. Here you can enjoy a symbol of Astana the Baiterek Monument and many other main attractions of the city such as Akh-Orda, Khan Shatyr, Expo City, Astana Grand Mosque, National Museum of Kazakhstan and many others.

Your Astana Day Tour includes the main attractions of our capital city. Of course, we will not only visit the main attractions, but we will also take you on a great tour where you will have the opportunity to learn more about Kazakhstan’s history and experience its amazing culture and traditions.

Kazakhs are descendants of nomads and like all nomads we are very hospitable. The Astana day tour also includes to experience a traditional meal and drink. So, we offer you great attractions, enjoyable walks, historical knowledge, ancient traditions and positive atmosphere with a local guide. Hope to see you soon!

Tour Itinerary:

ITINERARY

Pick up at 9:00 am

Our Astana guide will pick you up at your location. Here we go! The first attraction is a National Museum of Kazakhstan, where our guide will give you a brief history of our country and share some interesting facts with you. The museum tour takes about 1.5 hours and the next attraction is a Baiterek Monument. This 97 metre high building is a symbol of the capital. From the top of Baiterek you can enjoy a great view of Astana.

Take a great walk along the park from Baiterek to Khan Shatyr. This is one of the best routes that includes the main architectural buildings of the capital such as KazMunaiGaz, KTZH, Opera Teathre and many others.

Khan Shatyr is one of the largest tension structures in the world. Built in 2010, the 90 metre high tent covers an area of 140,000 square metres (10 football stadiums) and is one of Astana’s main entertainment centres. Let’s have lunch here.

The next attraction is the Astana Grand Mosque. This is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the top 10 in the world. The total capacity is 230,000. The main hall of the mosque is designed for 30,000 prayers at the same time. we kindly ask you to respect local beliefs and wear appropriate clothing.

The next attraction is optional and could be a visit to the EXPO city or other attractions in Astana. The tour continues with a traditional meal at one of Astana’s best restaurants. Most traditional meals include meat, so if you are vegetarian or vegan please let us know in advance. In this case we will offer you the best options we have.

At the end of the tour we will take you back to your hotel! Thank you for coming!

Everything You Need To Know

Tour information

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Tour Price includes

Transportation + fuel
Experienced driver
English speaking guide
All permits and fees
Lunch and Dinner
All activities

Tour price excludes

Personal needs
Alcoholic beverages
Gratitude

Please Come & Enjoy the Best-planned Kazakhstan Adventure

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About Astana:

Admire the city’s modern architecture

Astana architecture is mixed with eastern and western influences but it is also inspired by diverse cultural traditions, and most parts of the city are relatively new. In 1998 acclaimed Japan-based architect Kisho Kurokawa was commissioned to create a masterplan that integrated elements and existing buildings to create a dynamic design environment.

Discover Kazakhstan’s national treasure

Visiting Astana museums is mandatory. It offers an accessible way to discover Kazakh’s rich cultural heritage from the Bronze Age to the present time. The best-known of these numerous exhibitions may be the Hall of Gold, which features glittering treasure guarded by the life-size Golden Man dressed with the armor of a brave warrior from a nomadic Saka tribe.

Look to the future at the Nur Alem museum

Contrary to many museums devoted largely to the past, the Nur Alem Future Energy Museum offers a glimpse into the future. The imposing space of the building is a massive structure centered around a lively business district, but it actually represents a cleverly repurposed venue for the 2017 International Exhibitions. Currently, it’s a new venture into renewable energy and sustainable lives.

So, Ladies and Gentlemen! The Discover Altai team is looking forward to meeting you and providing unforgettable expeditions to this remote corner of the world!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Astana Kazakhstan known for?

Astana is Kazakhstan’s capital and is a modern and stylish place. It stands along the river Iishim, which separates it between the right and the left.