May getaway? Discover Kazakhstan’s top 5 relaxing retreats
Spend your weekends in May unwinding with family or taking a short adventure. To help you make the most of the upcoming holidays, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular travel routes for the May holidays in Kazakhstan.
Boguty Mountains (Red Mountains)
Train Tour: Cities of the Great Silk Road
May 2025 holiday schedule:
- May 1 (Thursday): Day of Unity of the People of Kazakhstan.
- May 3-4 (Saturday-Sunday): Regular weekend.
- May 7 (Wednesday): Defender of the Fatherland Day.
- May 9 (Friday): Victory Day.
- May 10-11 (Saturday-Sunday): Regular weekend.
Weekend getaways from Almaty
Turkestan
A city rich in history, Turkestan is home to numerous architectural and spiritual landmarks. The must-see highlight is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby, the Altyn Samuryq (Golden Simurgh) immersive theater brings history to life with modern effects. In the evening, stroll through Karavansaray and enjoy the captivating «Kyz Zhibek and Tolegen» water show.
Don’t miss a side trip to the ancient ruins of Otrar or a visit to the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab, spiritual mentor to Yasawi.
Tour duration: From 2 days.
Cost: Starting from approx. $115 per person (includes bus travel and hotel stay).
Boguty Mountains (Red Mountains)
Millions of years ago, volcanic activity shaped the stunning landscape of the Boguty Mountains, also known as the Red Mountains. These surreal formations feature jagged peaks and fantastical rock shapes that shift in color from vivid red to deep burgundy, even purple in places.
Tour duration: 1 day.
Cost: Starting from $40 per person.
Train Tour: Cities of the Great Silk Road
Explore the historic cities of Turkestan, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent in one unforgettable train journey. No need to worry about logistics — everything from accommodations to excursions is included. The tour departs Almaty on April 30 and returns on May 7, giving you eight full days to walk in the footsteps of Silk Road traders.
Tour duration: 8 days.
Cost: From approx. $500 per person (includes transportation, lodging, meals and excursions).
Nicknamed Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon features breathtaking views, strange rock formations and fossils of ancient plants and prehistoric creatures. After exploring the scenery, you can relax beside a mountain river under the gentle shade of poplars.
Tour duration: 1 day.
Cost: From $17 per person.
Tucked away in the Northern Balkhash area, Bektau Ata is a little-known natural wonder. Wind and time have carved these lava-formed rocks into mysterious pyramid-like shapes, with seasonal rainwater pooling into mirrored lakes.
Tour duration: 3 days.
Cost: From $210 per person (includes transport, meals and two nights in a tent).
Tour operators such as Azimut Travel, Grand Voyage, GreenX and Tau Komek Travel are offering trips departing in early May for both Almaty residents and visitors.
