3 Days Almaty Escape
- Almaty city, Panfilov Park & Green Bazaar
- Kok-Tobe hill & Medeu cable car
- Perfect long-weekend city break
Discover Kazakhstan — the vast heart of the Silk Road — with expertly designed holiday packages from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The snow-capped Tian Shan above green Almaty, the red cliffs of Charyn Canyon, the sunken forest of Kaindy Lake and futuristic Astana — all with flights, hotels, transfers and visa help handled end-to-end.
Why Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country — a place of snow-capped Tian Shan peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, red-rock canyons, singing sand dunes and futuristic cities. For UAE residents it's a fresh, uncrowded escape: flights are around 4 hours from Dubai, many nationalities enter visa-free, halal food is easy to find, and prices are wonderfully low.
Whether you want the green city of Almaty beneath the mountains, the dramatic Charyn Canyon and Kolsai & Kaindy lakes, the space-age skyline of Astana, or the Silk Road heritage of Turkestan — Gulliver Travels designs the whole trip around you: return flights, hand-picked hotels, private transfers, guided tours and visa assistance, all bookable on WhatsApp from Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Many nationalities — including UAE and GCC citizens — enter Kazakhstan visa-free, with a simple e-Visa for others. We confirm your exact route.
Direct flights from Dubai to Almaty and Astana mean a short, comfortable hop to a whole new world.
As a Muslim-majority country, halal food is easy to find, making Kazakhstan comfortable and stress-free for UAE families.
The Tian Shan mountains, Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake and Kaindy's sunken forest are truly world-class.
Shymbulak and the Medeu ice rink above Almaty offer superb skiing and skating from December to April.
Escape the UAE heat in the mountains and lakes around Almaty while the steppe cities stay pleasant.
Silk Road cities and the UNESCO Yasawi Mausoleum sit alongside Astana's space-age Bayterek and Khan Shatyr.
Meals, taxis, tours and quality hotels cost far less than the UAE — your dirham goes a long way.
Featured holiday packages
Every package includes return flights, hand-picked hotels, airport transfers, guided sightseeing and visa assistance. Mix, match or fully customise — just tap WhatsApp for a tailored quote.
*Starting prices are indicative, per person on twin-sharing, and vary by season, airline and hotel category. Send your dates on WhatsApp for a live, all-inclusive quote tailored to your group.
Destination guide
From green Almaty beneath the Tian Shan to red canyons, alpine lakes, Silk Road shrines and space-age Astana — here are the places we build your itinerary around.
Kazakhstan's leafy former capital, cradled by the snow-capped Tian Shan. Wander Panfilov Park and the wooden Zenkov Cathedral, browse the Green Bazaar, and ride up Kok-Tobe hill for city views.
Just above Almaty, the Medeu high-altitude skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort are reached by scenic cable car — superb for skiing, snowboarding and mountain views in every season.
A breathtaking turquoise reservoir high in the Tian Shan, ringed by 3,000-metre peaks just an hour from the city. One of Kazakhstan's most photographed natural wonders.
The dramatic "Valley of Castles" — towering red-rock spires carved over millions of years, often compared to Arizona's Grand Canyon. A stunning day trip from Almaty.
A trio of emerald mountain lakes and the surreal Kaindy Lake, where a sunken birch forest rises eerily out of crystal-clear water — a bucket-list photo spot.
Kazakhstan's futuristic capital, a skyline of bold architecture: the golden-orbed Bayterek Tower, the tent-shaped Khan Shatyr, the elegant Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace.
The spiritual heart of the Kazakh steppe — the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a magnificent turquoise-domed Timurid monument and a key Silk Road pilgrimage site.
Nicknamed "Kazakh Switzerland" — a resort of clear lakes, pine forests and dramatic granite rocks like the Zhumbaktas "sphinx", a favourite summer escape north of Astana.
A vast national park of coloured mountains and the famous "Singing Dunes" — a 150-metre sand ridge that hums in the wind. Wild, remote and unforgettable.
The world's oldest and largest space launch facility, where Yuri Gagarin began humanity's first flight. A once-in-a-lifetime tour for space lovers — arranged with advance permits.
Things to do
Add any of these to your package — we book the tickets, guides and transfers so you just show up and enjoy.
Holidays for every traveller
Families, couples, thrill-seekers or those who want five-star comfort — every Kazakhstan package is shaped around you.
Easy, relaxed and full of things for kids to love.
Romance among mountains, lakes and big skies.
For travellers who want the adrenaline turned up.
Five-star comfort from arrival to departure.
Sample itineraries
A taste of how your trip could flow. Every itinerary is fully customisable — add lakes, canyons, Astana or extra nights on WhatsApp.
Airport pickup and hotel check-in. Guided tour of Almaty — Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar and the Kok-Tobe hill cable car for sweeping city views.
Ride the cable car up to the Medeu skating rink and the Shymbulak ski resort for spectacular Tian Shan scenery, mountain air and (in winter) snow fun.
Last-minute shopping for souvenirs and Kazakh sweets, then your transfer to the airport.
Pickup, check-in and a guided Almaty tour — Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar and Kok-Tobe hill.
Cable car to the Medeu ice rink and Shymbulak ski resort, high in the Tian Shan mountains above the city.
Drive out to the dramatic Charyn Canyon and hike the red-rock "Valley of Castles", one of Kazakhstan's most iconic landscapes.
A scenic mountain drive to the turquoise Big Almaty Lake, ringed by snowy peaks — perfect for photos and fresh alpine air.
Free morning for the bazaar and cafés, then your airport transfer.
Airport pickup, check-in and an evening stroll through the city's leafy boulevards and cafés.
Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral, the Green Bazaar, Kok-Tobe hill and the city's museums.
Cable car into the Tian Shan for the Medeu rink and Shymbulak resort, with panoramic mountain views.
A full day at the "Valley of Castles" — hiking among towering red cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
Emerald mountain lakes and the surreal sunken forest of Kaindy, where bare trees rise from clear water. Overnight near the lakes.
A short domestic flight to the futuristic capital — the Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, the Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace.
Free time in Astana, then your airport transfer for the flight back to the UAE.
Where you'll stay
From five-star city landmarks to cosy mountain lodges and lakeside stays — we match your hotel to your budget and style.
Luxury
★★★★★Landmark hotels in Almaty and Astana such as The Ritz-Carlton, Rixos, InterContinental or St. Regis — spa, fine dining and prime locations. (Or similar.)
Premium
★★★★Reliable, central 4-star hotels with breakfast, great service and easy access to sights, bazaars and transfers.
Character
★★★★Design-led boutique hotels in Almaty's charming districts, full of character and close to the cafés and parks.
Family
★★★★Spacious family rooms, pools and kid-friendly facilities in the cities and near the mountains.
Value
★★★Clean, well-located 3-star hotels that keep your trip affordable without sacrificing comfort.
Mountains & Lakes
★★★★Ski-in comfort at Shymbulak and cosy guesthouses or eco-lodges near the Kolsai Lakes and Charyn for nature trips.
Exact hotels are confirmed at booking based on your dates, budget and availability. Named brands are examples only.
Getting there
Quick, comfortable and affordable — we book the best flight to Almaty or Astana for your dates and budget as part of your package.
~4h direct flight time
flydubai & Air Astana fly direct to Almaty (ALA)
~4.5h direct flight time
Air Astana flies direct to the capital (NQZ)
Convenient connections
Easy one-stop options from the other emirates
Kazakhstan is GMT+5 — only one hour ahead of the UAE, so there's virtually no jet lag.
Fly straight into Almaty or Astana from Dubai, with easy connections from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
We compare airlines and dates to lock in the best value — economy or business class.
Kazakhstan visa guide
Kazakhstan is easy to enter from the UAE. Many nationalities travel visa-free, and others use a simple online e-Visa — we confirm your exact route and help you prepare.
Tell us your passport and UAE residency. Many nationalities — including UAE and GCC citizens — enter visa-free for short stays, while others qualify for the online e-Visa. We confirm your exact route.
Passport valid 6+ months, confirmed return flights, hotel bookings and travel insurance. We provide the booking confirmations you need.
Where a visa is needed, Kazakhstan's e-Visa is a straightforward online application on the official government portal. Our team can guide you through it.
Carry your documents, clear the quick immigration on arrival and start your holiday. We're on WhatsApp 24/7 if anything comes up.
Visa rules depend on your nationality and residency and can change. This is general guidance only — always confirm current requirements with us or the official Kazakhstani authorities before travelling.
Plan the perfect month
Kazakhstan is a true four-season destination. Here's a quick guide to help you pick the right time for your trip from the UAE.
| Season | Weather | Snow / Ski | Crowds | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, snowy; crisp blue-sky mountain days | Peak ski | Moderate | Shymbulak skiing, Medeu skating, snow |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Thawing, green steppe & wildflowers | Late ski | Quiet | City tours, canyons, great value |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm; ideal for lakes & high mountains | None | Busy | Lakes, hiking, canyons, escaping UAE heat |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Crisp, golden forests & canyons | Late snow | Moderate | Photography, hiking, city tours |
Good to know
Everything UAE travellers ask before they fly — currency, language, connectivity, food and getting around.
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Cards are widely accepted in cities and ATMs are easy to find. Keep some cash for bazaars, mountains and rural areas.
Kazakh and Russian are both widely spoken, and English is common in tourist areas and hotels — your guide bridges any gap.
Cheap local SIMs (Kcell, Beeline, Tele2) and eSIMs at the airport. Fast 4G/5G in the cities and free Wi-Fi in most hotels and cafés.
220V, European Type C/F sockets. Bring a universal adapter — the same you'd use for most of Europe.
Kazakhstan is a safe and welcoming destination for tourists and families. Normal city precautions apply. Emergency number: 112.
As a Muslim-majority country, halal food is easy to find. Try beshbarmak, plov, manti, shashlik and baursak — hearty and delicious.
Your package includes private transfers and a driver-guide. In Almaty, the metro and taxis (via the Yandex Go app) are cheap, and quick domestic flights link Almaty and Astana.
Almaty's Green Bazaar for dried fruit, nuts and sweets; felt and wool crafts, honey and souvenirs. Astana's Khan Shatyr is a striking tent-shaped mall.
Loved by UAE travellers
Booked the 5-day Highlights package from Dubai. Almaty under the snowy Tian Shan is beautiful, and Charyn Canyon blew us away. Gulliver handled flights, hotel and transfers perfectly — completely stress-free.
Travelled with three kids and it was wonderful. The cable car up to Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe and easy halal food kept everyone happy. Comfortable and stress-free for a Muslim family. Highly recommend.
Our honeymoon around Almaty and the lakes was magical. Big Almaty Lake was unreal, and the boutique hotel and private tours were perfect. Thank you Gulliver Travels for making it so special.
First time seeing snow for my kids! Shymbulak was perfect — ski lessons, snow play and the Medeu rink. Coming from the UAE heat it felt like another world. Booked entirely over WhatsApp.
Quick weekend trip to Almaty and it was flawless. They sorted my tickets and answered every question on WhatsApp within minutes. Green, clean and great value. Very professional team.
The Kolsai and Kaindy lakes were the highlight of our summer — the sunken forest is like nothing I've seen. Cool mountain air, lovely lodge and every transfer on time. A perfect escape from Dubai's heat.
Almaty then a flight to Astana — the futuristic skyline and Bayterek Tower were amazing, and the guide knew everything. Booking from Abu Dhabi was simple and the price beat every other quote I got.
Seven days across Almaty, the canyon, the lakes and Astana — brilliantly planned with a great balance of city and nature. Responsive, honest and genuinely helpful team. Will book again.
Came with friends for the adventure package — Charyn Canyon, the lakes and 4x4 driving were incredible. Everything booked and paid smoothly. Great for group trips from Dubai.
The luxury package exceeded expectations — a 5-star hotel, private chauffeur and VIP airport meet. Seamless from start to finish. Worth every dirham and beautifully organised.
Really good trip and great service. One day had rain but the team quickly rearranged our plan around the museums and city. Very flexible and easy to deal with. Would recommend.
From the first WhatsApp message to landing back home, everything was smooth. Clear pricing, no hidden costs and lovely hotels. Kazakhstan surprised us — such a beautiful, uncrowded escape from the UAE.
Kazakhstan travel FAQs
Everything UAE travellers ask about Kazakhstan holiday packages. Still unsure? Message us on WhatsApp — we reply fast.
Kazakhstan packages from the UAE typically start from around AED 2,499 per person for a short Almaty break and rise with duration, hotel category and season. Your final price depends on travel dates, number of travellers and inclusions — message us on WhatsApp for a live, all-inclusive quote.
Packages usually include return flights, hotel accommodation, airport transfers, guided sightseeing and visa assistance. We can also add mountain excursions, canyon and lake tours, experiences and upgraded hotels — just tell us what you'd like.
Many nationalities — including UAE and GCC citizens — can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short stays, while others qualify for a simple online e-Visa. We confirm your exact requirement based on your passport before you pay.
A direct flight from Dubai to Almaty takes about 4 hours, and to Astana around 4.5 hours. It's a short, comfortable hop for a completely different kind of holiday.
flydubai and Air Astana operate direct flights from Dubai to Almaty, and Air Astana flies direct to Astana. There are also convenient one-stop options from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. We find the best fare and timing for you.
Almaty is the green, mountain-backed cultural hub and the base for canyons, lakes and skiing, while Astana is the futuristic capital with bold modern architecture. On a 7-day trip you can comfortably enjoy both with a short domestic flight.
Kazakhstan is a year-round destination. Visit December to April for snow and skiing, spring and autumn for mild sightseeing, and summer for the mountains and lakes — a refreshing escape from the UAE heat.
Yes. Shymbulak, above Almaty, is a superb ski resort with modern lifts and slopes for all levels, and the nearby Medeu is one of the world's highest skating rinks — great value from roughly December to April.
Absolutely. In winter the Tian Shan mountains around Almaty are covered in snow, perfect for skiing, sledging and a first snow experience for families close to home.
Very. Cable cars, Kok-Tobe hill, easy day trips, family rooms and a relaxed pace make Kazakhstan great for children — and as a Muslim-majority country, halal food is easy to find.
Kazakhstan is a safe and welcoming destination, with warm hospitality and low crime in the main tourist areas. Normal city precautions apply, and the national emergency number is 112.
Yes — mountain-view hotels in Almaty, romantic alpine lakes, dramatic canyons and stylish city dining make Kazakhstan a beautiful, affordable and refreshingly different honeymoon. We add romantic touches on request.
The Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Cards are widely accepted in cities and ATMs are easy to find, though it's handy to carry some cash for bazaars, mountains and rural areas.
No — Kazakhstan is very affordable for UAE travellers. Meals, taxis, tours and quality hotels generally cost much less than in the UAE, so your budget goes a long way.
Yes — as a Muslim-majority country, halal food is easy to find across Kazakhstan, which makes dining comfortable and stress-free for UAE families. You'll find plenty of local and international options.
Don't miss beshbarmak (the national dish of meat and noodles), plov, manti dumplings, shashlik kebabs and baursak fried dough, followed by tea and local sweets. Kazakh cuisine is hearty and delicious.
Kazakh and Russian are both widely spoken, and English is common in tourist areas and hotels. Your guide will help with any communication throughout the trip.
Yes. Affordable local SIM cards (Kcell, Beeline, Tele2) and eSIMs are available at the airport, with fast 4G/5G in the cities. Most hotels, cafés and restaurants also offer free Wi-Fi.
Pack layers — comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for the mountains and sunscreen. For winter bring proper warm, waterproof clothing; for summer light clothes plus a jacket for cool alpine evenings.
3–4 days suit Almaty and the nearby mountains, 5 days add Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake, and 7 days let you include the lakes and Astana. We'll match the length to your interests.
Top picks include Almaty and the Shymbulak/Medeu mountains, Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, futuristic Astana and the UNESCO Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkestan.
Your package includes private transfers and a driver-guide for tours. In Almaty, the metro and taxis (via the Yandex Go app) are cheap, and quick domestic flights connect Almaty and Astana.
Yes, all our packages include private airport pickup and drop-off, so you're looked after from the moment you land until your departure.
Every itinerary is fully customisable. Add or remove destinations, upgrade hotels, extend your stay or include specific experiences — we build the trip around you.
Yes, we can arrange travel insurance for your trip and recommend it for peace of mind. It's also useful documentation when required for entry.
Kazakhstan is GMT+5, just one hour ahead of the UAE — so there's virtually no jet lag to slow down your holiday.
Yes. We serve travellers across the UAE — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the northern emirates — and arrange flights from the airport most convenient for you.
Simply message us on WhatsApp with your dates and group size. We'll send a tailored quote and itinerary, then guide you through secure payment and confirmations.
Yes. We arrange group tours, family gatherings and corporate/incentive trips to Kazakhstan with special group rates and dedicated coordination.
Yes. Where a visa is required, our team guides you through the online e-Visa application and provides the flight and hotel confirmations you'll need, so it's quick and hassle-free.
Charyn Canyon is a spectacular gorge of towering red-rock formations — its most famous section is the "Valley of Castles" — often compared to the Grand Canyon. It's one of the best day trips from Almaty.
Kaindy Lake was formed by an earthquake that flooded a valley, leaving a submerged spruce forest whose bare white trunks still rise dramatically out of the crystal-clear turquoise water — a surreal, world-famous sight.
Explore Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral, browse the Green Bazaar, ride up Kok-Tobe hill, take the cable car to Medeu and Shymbulak, and enjoy Almaty's leafy streets, cafés and museums.
Yes, if you love striking modern architecture. Astana's Bayterek Tower, the tent-shaped Khan Shatyr, the Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace make for a fascinating, futuristic city break.
Yes, but Baikonur is a restricted facility that requires special permits arranged well in advance, and launch-day tours book up early. We can help organise a visit for genuine space enthusiasts as a bespoke add-on.
Turkestan is home to the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a magnificent turquoise-domed Timurid monument and one of Central Asia's most important Silk Road pilgrimage sites.
Summers are warm and sunny, ideal for the mountains and lakes around Almaty, which stay pleasantly cool. It's a refreshing break from the peak UAE heat.
Winters are cold with plenty of snow and often crisp, blue-sky days in the mountains — perfect for skiing at Shymbulak, skating at Medeu and enjoying the snow.
Yes, there are direct flights from Dubai to both Almaty and Astana, plus convenient connections from Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. We book the most convenient routing for you.
Children travel on their own passports and follow the same entry rules as adults based on nationality. We'll confirm exactly what your family needs before you book.
Kazakhstan uses 220V with European Type C and F sockets. Bring a universal travel adapter — the same type you'd use across most of Europe.
Yes. Almaty's Green Bazaar is famous for dried fruit, nuts, honey and Kazakh sweets, alongside felt and wool crafts and souvenirs. In Astana, the tent-shaped Khan Shatyr is a landmark mall.
Yes. Shymbulak has gentle beginner slopes and a ski school with instructors, so it's a great place to learn while more advanced skiers enjoy the higher runs and off-piste terrain.
Charyn Canyon is roughly 200 km east of Almaty — around a 3-hour drive each way — usually done as a full-day trip, and easily combined with the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes over two days.
Entry rules vary by nationality — some travellers enter visa-free while others use the online e-Visa. Send us your passport details and we'll confirm your exact requirement before you pay.
Our 5 Days Kazakhstan Highlights is the most popular for first-timers — it balances Almaty, the Shymbulak mountains, Charyn Canyon and Big Almaty Lake, giving you the best of the country in one trip.
Yes. Multi-country Central Asia tours combining Kazakhstan with neighbouring Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan are popular and easy to arrange. Ask us for a combined itinerary and quote.
Our team is on WhatsApp 24/7 to help rebook flights, adjust transfers and update your hotel if travel is disrupted, so you're never left stranded.
We're a licensed UAE travel agency with Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, a 4.9-star rating, transparent pricing and end-to-end service — flights, hotels, tours and visa help — all bookable instantly on WhatsApp.
Get your free quote
Tell us a few details and we'll send a tailored itinerary and best price to your WhatsApp. No obligation.
Let's turn your Kazakhstan dream into a booked, worry-free holiday. Get a free, tailored quote from Gulliver Travels today — flights, hotels, tours and visa, all in one place.
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