Astana Unbridled: Seven Days of Culture and Adventure

This tour offers an immersive experience in Kazakhstan’s stunning landscapes, blending outdoor adventures with cultural discovery. It’s designed for travelers eager to connect with the land and its traditions through horseback riding, ranch life, and visits to iconic sites in Nur-Sultan.

What we love about this experience is the chance to ride through open steppe sights while staying in authentic yurts, the hands-on ranch work that deepens the connection with horses, and the opportunity to learn about Kazakhstan’s unique cultural landmarks. The only thing to consider is that the schedule is quite packed, with long riding days and varied activities—so it’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a busy itinerary.

This tour appeals to adventure lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing Kazakhstan beyond the usual city sights. If you’re looking for an authentic, hands-on journey with a focus on horsemanship and traditional life, this might be just what you need.

Good To Know

• Authentic Ranch Life: Hands-on experience in caring for and guiding horses, along with ranch work.
• Cultural Landmarks: Visits to sites like Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum and the National Museum of Kazakhstan.
• Scenic Horseback Rides: Enjoy riding through steppes, rolling hills, and along the Nura River.
• Local Cuisine: Daily Kazakh meals prepared by local chefs, including traditional dishes like beshbarmak and kumis.
• Overnight Stays: Cozy yurts and guesthouses under the stars versus urban hotels.
• Active and Cultural: Perfect for travelers who want a balance of adventure and cultural insight.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome and Scenic Horse Ride to Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum

The journey begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Nur-Sultan, whisked away to a welcoming ranch environment. You’ll meet your guides and horses, getting a quick introduction to basic horsemanship. This initial ride is gentle but sets the tone, offering tranquil views of the countryside.

Later, you’ll enjoy your first taste of Kazakh hospitality with a traditional lunch inside a yurt, a perfectly atmospheric way to start your adventure. The highlight is riding to the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum, a significant cultural site, where you can soak in the regional history and legends surrounding the famed hero Batyr.

This short yet meaningful ride introduces you to Kazakhstan’s landscape and cultural pride, perfect for easing into the week ahead.

Day 2: Ranch Life and Nura River Exploration

The second day continues the ranch immersion with a hearty traditional breakfast—think freshly baked bread and homemade jams—that fuels your day. The riding begins with a longer trail through the steppe, giving you a chance to practice your riding skills amid sweeping natural scenery.

The ranch work involves grooming and caring for horses, which can be surprisingly engaging—especially if you’re new to equine tasks. Afterwards, a scenic tour along the Nura River adds a peaceful waterway element to your adventure, offering beautiful views and a moment to relax.

Guests appreciate the authenticity here: “The ranch work was unexpectedly fun, and the views along the river were breathtaking.” It’s a full day that combines skill-building with authentic ranch life, perfect for those eager to understand nomadic traditions.

Day 3: Shepherding and Kazakh Cooking

Today is all about hands-on horse care—feeding, grooming, and guiding young mares across the steppe. This day emphasizes a deep bond with the horses, as you try your hand at shepherding, a core element of Kazakh pastoral life.

Lunch features local flavors, and later, you’ll take another scenic ride to bring the horses back from grazing, witnessing the tranquility of the open plains. In the evening, there’s a chance to participate in traditional horse feeding again, reinforcing your connection with these noble animals.

A highlight is the opportunity to learn and practice Kazakh cooking skills, like preparing traditional dishes, which helps deepen your understanding of local culture.

Day 4: City Exploration, Museum Visits, and Yurt Stay

After a morning of ranch chores, you’ll transfer to Nur-Sultan for a change of scenery. The city’s striking modern architecture is showcased through visits to landmarks like the National Museum of Kazakhstan and Bayterek Tower. These sites offer insight into the nation’s history, urban development, and future.

In the city, you’ll enjoy a fusion-style Kazakh lunch before returning to the ranch for a sunset ride. The day culminates with a fun cooking session, where you learn to make baursaks—deep-fried dough snacks—before settling into a cozy yurt for the night under the stars. This blend of city and rural life offers a well-rounded experience.

Day 5: Shepherding and Cultural Discovery

Early morning, you’ll join local herders to shepherd horses and cows, gaining a true taste of nomadic life. Participants often mention how rewarding it is to learn traditional herding skills firsthand.

In the afternoon, you’ll tour the right bank of Astana, exploring Soviet-era architecture and vibrant markets, contrasting with your rural experiences. Returning to the yurt, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, appreciating the quiet and simplicity of steppe life.

Day 6: Advanced Riding and Kokpar

This day is for those ready to take their riding to a higher level. You’ll practice more challenging maneuvers at the hippodrome, focusing on communication with your horse and improving your technique.

Post-lunch, you’ll learn to make kaymak, a creamy dairy spread, from the cows you shepherded earlier. The afternoon is dedicated to watching or participating in Kokpar, a traditional horseback game similar to polo, which is both exhilarating and a great cultural insight.

Evenings often include traditional Kazakh dinners and relaxing in a sauna, a perfect way to unwind after active days.

Day 7: Skills Practice and Final Adventures

Your last full day combines skill refinement at the hippodrome with a peaceful journey shepherding livestock across the steppe. The morning starts with a milking session, offering a close-up look at traditional dairy practices.

Lunch features tandyr nan (clay oven bread) and kazy (horse sausage), giving you a hearty taste of local cuisine. The day ends with preparing a traditional dish, lagman (hand-pulled noodles), sharing stories over tea, and enjoying the final evening in your guesthouse or yurt.

What Does the Price Include and What Doesn’t?

Included in the tour are all the main meals—breakfast, lunch, dinner—plus snacks and beverages like tea and soda. Transportation between locations and the guidance of a certified local guide are also covered, ensuring a smooth experience.

Not included are alcohol drinks, which you can purchase at nearby stores at your convenience. This allows flexibility for those who prefer to moderate their alcohol intake or stick to non-alcoholic beverages.

The Transport and Group Dynamics

Transportation is private, making your journey comfortable and efficient. The tour is designed for most travelers, with the flexibility to accommodate vegetarians but not vegans, so be sure to specify dietary needs in advance.

Group sizes aren’t explicitly mentioned but are likely manageable, given the personalized nature of ranch visits and activities. The tour runs from September through June, offering flexibility across seasons but with varying weather conditions to keep in mind.

Authenticity and Cultural Insights

Many reviews highlight how genuine and unscripted the experience feels. Guests appreciated the chance to learn real horsemanship and participate in traditional activities like milking cows or making kumis. The combination of rural ranch life with city sightseeing provides a well-rounded understanding of Kazakhstan’s heritage.

The opportunity to stay in yurts under the stars is a highlight for many, providing a memorable connection to nomadic traditions. The guides, like Taiburyldyn Shabysy, are praised for their knowledgeable and friendly approach, making sure guests feel comfortable and engaged.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Dress in layers, especially if visiting outside summer months, as temperatures can vary.
• Wear comfortable, durable footwear suitable for riding and ranch activities.
• Carry sun protection—hat, sunscreen, sunglasses—since much of the day is outdoors.
• Bring a camera or smartphone with a good zoom for capturing the scenic landscapes and cultural sites.
• Inform the guide about dietary restrictions—vegetarian options are available, but vegan is not.

The Sum Up

Astana Unbridled offers an authentic, hands-on look at Kazakh nomadic life, combining horseback riding, ranch work, and cultural sightseeing in a way that few tours can match. It’s ideal for travelers who want more than just city tours—those eager to see the land from horseback, learn traditional skills, and stay overnight in yurts under the stars.

While the schedule is packed, each activity is crafted to give a genuine experience, not just a tourist spectacle. The mix of natural beauty, engaging activities, and cultural insights makes it a worthwhile investment for adventure seekers and cultural explorers alike.

This tour’s value lies in its authenticity and the unique opportunity to connect with Kazakhstan’s land and people on a meaningful level. If you’re looking for a memorable, active journey that balances adventure with cultural discovery, this experience is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is the tour?
The tour lasts for approximately 8 days, covering a mix of ranch activities, city sightseeing, and cultural experiences.

Is transportation included?
Yes, private transportation is provided throughout the tour, ensuring comfortable travel between ranches, city sites, and other stops.

Are meals included?
All main meals—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—are included, featuring traditional Kazakh dishes prepared by local chefs. Snacks and beverages like tea and soda are also covered.

Can vegetarians participate?
Yes, vegetarians are accommodated. However, the tour does not cater to vegans.

What is the accommodation like?
Guests stay in cozy yurts or guesthouses, experiencing traditional Kazakh lodging, especially under the stars on ranch nights.

Is this suitable for children or families?
While most activities are active and outdoor, the tour’s pace and physical requirements suggest it’s best suited for adults or older children comfortable with riding and ranch work.

Do I need riding experience?
No prior riding experience is necessary. The guide provides an introduction, and rides are generally gentle, focusing on beginners and enthusiasts alike.

What should I bring?
Bring layers of clothing, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a camera, and any personal essentials. Be sure to communicate dietary preferences in advance.

To sum it up, if you’re seeking an adventure that combines scenic rides, culture, and a taste of nomadic life, Astana Unbridled offers a compelling package. Its authentic approach and focus on hands-on activities make it stand out among Kazakhstan tours, delivering both excitement and meaningful cultural insights.