Kazakhstan · TOURS IN ASTANA

The 15 Best Astana Tours and Day Trips

28 tours  ·  from $49 a head

The capital is walkable along one axis and enormous in every other direction. These 15 cover the left bank on foot, the museums, and the lakes at Burabay four hours north, with prices and pickup points.

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup - Bayterek Tower gives you the classic Astana view
Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

1.Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · from $149Our pick

Spend 6 to 7 hours exploring Astana in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide such as Zhalgas, Bauyrzhan, or Kadyrbek. Visit Bayterek Tower, major mosques, Khan Shatyr, the National Museum, and more. Lunch is included, and you can add a tasting of Kazakh wines.

“The tour was comprehensive and offered a comfortable experience to someone travelling for the first time to Astana. There were many sights in the city and this tour had allowed me to cover as many places as possible within a short span Read more”

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Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide - Hotel pickup begins the evening with little fuss
Evening Experiences, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide

2.Astana City Tour: Explore Night City with a Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · 4 hours · from $49Best value

Spend four hours seeing Astana after dark with a local English or Russian-speaking guide. Damir, Arsen, Abay, and other guides lead small private-style groups by air-conditioned vehicle, stopping at Baiterek Tower, the Grand Mosque, Khan Shatyr, and more. Hotel pickup, drinks, Wi-Fi, and return transport are included.

“A superb and pleasant tour experience, one of the best ones so far. The guide is very knowledgeable, kind and has a lot of stories to tell! Highly recommended!”

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Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity - The BolekTau climb and its wide views
Burabay National Park Tours, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

3.Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 75 reviews · from $249

Travel from Astana to Burabay National Park with a private guide such as Madi, Damir, Kadyrbek, or Amir. Hike BolekTau, eat traditional Kazakh food beside a pine forest, then choose a boat ride on Burabay Lake or horseback riding in the forest. Pickup, lunch, and a bonus activity are included.

“I had a marvelous experience. The tour manager engaged with me about many topics while he had hired a driver. We passed steppes and forests until we reached the park. We had an invigorating 20 minute hike up a hill to see fantastic viRead more”

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Astana: Burabay National Park Tour with Lunch and Pickup - Horseback riding through the forest
Burabay National Park Tours, Lunch Experiences, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana: Burabay National Park Tour with Lunch and Pickup

4.Burabay National Park Tour with Lunch and Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · 1 day · from $165

Travel privately from Astana to Burabay National Park with an English or Russian-speaking guide such as Omar, Nura, Abzal, or Zhalgas. Expect a lakeside walk, Bolektau Peak hike, traditional lunch, Abylay Khan Meadow, a natural spring, and either a boat ride or horseback outing. Both activities cost an extra $20 per person.

“It was a very nice trip with Darmen, who was an excellent guide. We saw wonderful places, ate a traditional Kazakh meal and enjoyed a relaxing boat trip on the lake. Don't miss it!”

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Private Half-Day City Tour of Astana in Comfort - The Grand Mosque and Hazret Sultan Mosque
Half-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Private Half-Day City Tour of Astana in Comfort

5.Private Half-Day City Tour of Astana in Comfort

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $80

Explore Astana with a private guide and driver in an air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll visit the Grand Mosque, Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, Hazret Sultan Mosque, Ak Orda, and the Palace of Peace. Guides such as Abzal, Darman, Beq, Kadyrbek, Sultan, and Nura have led past tours, with schedules adapted to your interests.

“Great city tour for those that want a quick introduction to the city of Astana. Sultan was a great guide!”

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Guided, Museums, Soviet History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana: Back to USSR – Gulag Museum with Certified Guide

6.Back to USSR – Gulag Museum with Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 32 reviews · 1 day · from $169

Travel from Astana to Karaganda and Dolinka with an English-speaking guide such as Abzal, Kadyrbek, or Sultan. Visit the KarLag Museum for a two-hour account of Stalin-era forced labor camps, eat a traditional Russian lunch, and see Soviet monuments linked to coal mining, space travel, and political history.

“As a whole I think this tour is well planned and very convenient for travellers staying in Astana and wishing to see Karlag. My friendly guide and driver Abzal was very informative and great company for the drive to Karagandy. Once at the Museum my tour guide Maria took great care in delivering highly detailed and well researched information about the camp and the people who were held there. She answered every question I had, even the very tricky ones. After the museum Abzal joined for lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant and we toured the city stopping to view sold Soviet era statues. I would highly recommend this tour…”

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Half-Day Tour ( 4 hours) - Bayterek Tower and the best city view
Half-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Half-Day Tour ( 4 hours)

7.Half-Day Tour ( 4 hours)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $95

Spend 4 to 5 hours exploring Nur-Sultan, formerly Astana, with a private guide and driver. Walk the Millennium Axis, ride up Bayterek Tower, visit Hazret Sultan Mosque, and stop at Khan Shatyr, Ak Orda, Astana Opera, the Main Square, and the Triumphal Arch. Guides such as Nazerke, Nargiz, Zhanel, and Dariya bring the city’s modern story into focus.

“I had a private tour. We saw the highlights of the city. We went up the observation tower, had tea at the famous mall, and entered the Central Mosque.”

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Full Day (6 hours) City Tour in Astana - Inside Nur-Astana Mosque
Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Full Day (6 hours) City Tour in Astana

8.Full Day (6 hours) City Tour in Astana

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 22 reviews · from $149

Spend 6 to 7 hours touring Astana, also called Nur-Sultan, with a private guide and pickup. Visit Bayterek Tower, two major mosques, Astana Opera, Khan Shatyr, Nazarbayev University, the National Museum, and Zeleny Bazar. Guides such as Damir, Zhanna, Timur, Max, and Gers have led this route, though vehicle quality and timing can vary.

“Gers was a fantastic guide and I enjoyed very much seeing through big sites and learning about the fascinating history of the country and the city. I also took the optional extra banya experience to round the day off which I would definitely recommend as a memorable experience...and to warm up from the freezing early Spring temperature outside!”

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Astana: KarLag and Karaganda - Private USSR history tour - The two-and-a-half-hour road from Astana
Historical Tours, Private, Soviet History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana: KarLag and Karaganda – Private USSR history tour

9.KarLag and Karaganda – Private USSR history tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · from $199

Travel from Astana to Karaganda with a private guide such as Amir, stopping at Soviet-era theaters, mining monuments, and the Gagarin memorial before visiting the KarLag Museum in Dolinka. Expect a 10 to 11 hour day, about five hours of driving, a Russian restaurant lunch, and a serious look at Stalin’s labor camp system.

“Very good trip, well planned and well worth it. It was a long day, but we saw everything we wanted. Karlag Museum visit was very thorough; Karaganda stops - quick for the photos; lunch very delicious in a Russian restaurant. Our guide Amir was very good and knowledgable. Children enjoyed the trip as well.”

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Astana City Tour: Authentic Private Full Day with Lunch + Pickup - Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Full-Day, Lunch Experiences, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana City Tour: Authentic Private Full Day with Lunch + Pickup

10.Astana City Tour: Authentic Private Full Day with Lunch + Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews · from $149

See Astana with a private guide and air-conditioned transport, starting at the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and continuing to Bayterek Tower, the National Museum, Grand Mosque, Khan Shatyr, and more. You’ll get Uzbek lunch, snacks, water, WiFi, and entrance to Bayterek and the museum. Guide Damir has earned special praise for his clear history lessons and family-friendly pace.

“Very good and thorough tour of the capital city. Would definitely recommend the full day as there is so much to see. Our guide Damir was very lovely and knowledgeable about history and places we saw. Children also enjoyed it as it was moving at the right pace for them.”

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Private Yurt Tour with Horses: Immerse into Kazakh Culture - Inside the traditional yurt
Horses, Kazakh Culture and Ethno Village Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Private Yurt Tour with Horses: Immerse into Kazakh Culture

11.Private Yurt Tour with Horses: Immerse into Kazakh Culture

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $199

Travel from Nur-Sultan to BalQaragai for a private half-day introduction to Kazakh culture. Your English-speaking guide explains local traditions inside a traditional yurt, serves Kazakh snacks, and leads you on a scenic horseback ride before lunch in the city. Pickup and drop-off are available.

“Such a great Guide! We had an amazing day. He speaks perfect english and has a lot of knowledge about his country and its history. He can make indivdual tours to cater your wishes. We did the National Tour with Horseriding. We had snaRead more”

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Astana: Back to USSR Gulag Museum with Certified Guide - The road from Astana to Dolinka
Guided, Museums, Soviet History Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana: Back to USSR Gulag Museum with Certified Guide

12.Back to USSR Gulag Museum with Certified Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 1 day · from $165

Travel from Astana to Dolinka with guide Damir or another English or Russian-speaking guide for a thoughtful look at Karlag, the USSR’s second-largest Gulag camp. After the 2.5-hour museum visit, tour Karaganda’s Soviet landmarks, see Lenin’s statue, and stop for lunch before returning.

“Simply great. This was my 3rd tour with the company, which completed everything that should be seen in and near Astana. A very smooth ride to the museum, where I got a chance to learn a lot about the system of Gulags. Then Damir gave a tour of Karaganda city, which a combination of a fairly modern and Soviet city. Our lunch at a Russian restaurant was the cherry on top. Many thanks to Damir and Discover Astana!”

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Astana City Tour: Certified Guide+Winetasting+All Inclusive - Assumption Cathedral and a change of visual mood
Almaty Food and Drink Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana City Tour: Certified Guide+Winetasting+All Inclusive

13.Astana City Tour: Certified Guide+Winetasting+All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 14 reviews · 8 hours · from $129

Spend eight hours touring Astana with an English- or Russian-speaking guide, usually Damir, in a private vehicle. Visit Bayterek Tower, the National Museum, the Grand Mosque area, Atyrau Bridge, Assumption Cathedral, and more. Lunch is included, and the flexible final stop may include a winery or a short trip beyond the city.

“A day full of stories about the history and culture of Kazakhstan. The chance to visit the local winery is especially charming! On top of that Damir’s driving during the day felt seamless and very comfortable unlike the local taxis haha. Recommended!”

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Astana Unveiled: A City Comfort tour with Lunch and Winetasting - Ak Orda and the political heart of the city
Almaty Food and Drink Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Astana Unveiled: A City Comfort tour with Lunch and Winetasting

14.Astana Unveiled: A City Comfort tour with Lunch and Winetasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · from $179

Explore Astana by private air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Timur, Damir, or Nurmerey. Visit the Grand Mosque, National Museum, Ak Orda, Atyrau Bridge, major monuments, and Astana Opera, then add an optional Arba Wine tasting. Lunch, water, WiFi, transport, and entrance fees are included.

“Our guide Nurmerey was good company as he navigated us around Astana and he answered all our questions very thoughtfully. Lunch was included and he helpfully suggested some Kazakh specialties. Two things to note when bookingRead more”

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Trip to Kazakh family of Eagle hunters in Astana (6 hours) - Beshbarmak lunch with shorpo and horse meat
Kazakh Culture and Ethno Village Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Astana, Tours in Kazakhstan

Trip to Kazakh family of Eagle hunters in Astana (6 hours)

15.Trip to Kazakh family of Eagle hunters in Astana (6 hours)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 12 reviews · from $290

Spend about six hours with a traditional Kazakh family outside Astana. Guide Yerlan helps you meet a kusbegi, watch a Berkut eagle display, make baursak and kurt, eat beshbarmak, try archery, and enjoy dombra music. The private format suits curious visitors who want culture, food, and family hospitality in one day.

“5 others and I went on this excursion and really enjoyed ourselves. If you’re looking to experience authentic Kazakhstani culture this is for you.”

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New in Tours in Astana

★ 5.0The Old City TourFrom $933 reviews
★ 4.0Astana Private Custom Walking Tour with A Local GuideFrom $533 reviews
★ 5.0Half Day Private Astana City Tour in ComfortFrom $905 reviews
★ 5.0Private Astana City tour: Gude & Food & WinetastingFrom $1304 reviews
★ 5.0Old City Tour, Imperialistic and Soviet ArchitectureFrom $504 reviews
★ 3.92-Day 1-Night Ranch Stay & Tour Historic MausoleumFrom $3153 reviews
★ 4.5Tour to Burabay National ParkFrom $2496 reviews

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