Tours to Astana

Astana: A Capital of Two Histories

Astana stands on the Ishim River in the very heart of the Kazakh steppe, roughly 1,200 kilometres north of Almaty. The city sits about 350 metres above sea level on a flat plain of dry grassland, which is why winters here are long, windy and severe, while summers are short but genuinely warm. For a traveller arriving from Almaty, the contrast is immediate: tree-lined boulevards give way to wide avenues, glass towers and a horizon that never ends. This is a city that was rebuilt twice in living memory — once as a Soviet regional centre called Tselinograd, and again from 1997 onward as the new capital of independent Kazakhstan.

That double history is exactly what makes sightseeing here interesting. Old wooden houses and Soviet-era apartment blocks stand a few hundred metres from futuristic towers designed by international architects. The left bank of the Ishim holds the new administrative and business district; the right bank keeps the older, low-rise, greener face of the city. Almost every tour below crosses the river at least once, because the two banks tell two different stories.

Below you will find the eight tours we actually operate in Astana and the surrounding region, with the real durations, formats and prices. Everything else in this article is background: geography, climate, seasons, what you see along the way, how to prepare and who each route suits. No invented extras, no imaginary discounts.

Where Astana Sits and Why It Matters

The city lies in the Akmola region on the Ishim River, which flows north toward Siberia and eventually joins the Irtysh. The surrounding landscape is steppe — flat, treeless in places, with birch groves and small lakes scattered across it. Because there are no mountains to block the wind, weather changes fast: a clear morning can turn into a grey, gusty afternoon within a couple of hours.

This flatness is also an advantage for visitors. Distances inside the city are manageable, and the horizon is visible from almost anywhere, which makes sunsets and night panoramas unusually dramatic. In winter the steppe is covered with snow and the river freezes solid; in summer the grass turns golden and the days stretch past 9 p.m.

Administratively the city is divided into districts, but for a visitor the useful division is simpler: the left bank (new city) and the right bank (old city). Most of the landmarks on our tours are on the left bank, with the older quarters and the central bazaar area on the right.

How to Get Here from Almaty

The distance between Almaty and Astana is about 1,200 kilometres by road, which translates to roughly 18 to 20 hours of driving in good conditions. Most travellers fly instead: the flight takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and there are multiple daily departures. Trains run overnight and take between 13 and 20 hours depending on the service.

All of our tours start in Astana itself: you make your own way there from Almaty — by plane or by train — and we recommend arriving the day before. The Borovoe and Burabay day trips leave from the centre of Astana by bus. The meeting point is confirmed at booking.

Because Astana is 1,200 kilometres north of Almaty, its climate is noticeably more continental. Almaty has mountains and mild winters; Astana has open steppe and real frost. Pack accordingly, even for a short trip.

What the Eight Tours Cover

Our Astana programme ranges from a two-hour walking route along Nurzhol Boulevard at $20 per person to a four-hour private tour of the city's main symbols at $187 per person. In between there are short city overviews, a mosque visit, two night tours and two full-day trips out of the city: to Borovoe with a maral (red deer) farm and to Burabay National Park.

Some tours are individual (private car and guide), others are group tours on foot or by bus. Durations run from 2 to 16 hours. All of them are marked "check dates" because departure days vary by season and demand — we confirm the exact date when you book.

The table below compares all eight tours side by side. Use it as a starting point, then read the detailed sections further down.

Short Astana Tours: Three and Four Hours

Short tours are the best introduction to Astana if you have limited time or you are in the city on business. They stay within the left bank and cover the main squares, monuments and one or two interior visits. Both of the tours in this section are individual, meaning a private car and guide work on your schedule.

The pace is comfortable: three to four hours is enough for four or five stops with walking in between. You will not be rushed, but you also will not see everything — the city is spread out, and some landmarks sit several kilometres apart.

Dress for the season. In winter the wind on the open squares is the main challenge; in summer the sun is strong and there is little shade. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else.

Astana in 3 Hours: Main Sights and Space

This three-hour individual car tour is the shortest overview we offer. The route touches Palace Square, the Dry Fountains and the National Space Centre, and along the way the guide explains how Astana turned from a steppe town into a capital of glass and steel. The driving distance is modest — a few kilometres between stops — so most of the time is spent on foot at each location.

Palace Square is one of the largest open plazas in the country, and on windy days you feel every metre of it. The Dry Fountains are a landscaped water feature that runs without standing water, which makes them usable year-round. The National Space Centre is a reminder that Kazakhstan has been at the centre of spaceflight history since the Soviet era, with the Baikonur cosmodrome still operating in the south of the country.

Three hours is tight but realistic. If you want more breathing room and additional stops, the four-hour tour described below is the natural upgrade. Both are private, so the guide can adjust the order of stops to avoid crowds.

Main Symbols of Astana in 4 Hours

The four-hour individual car tour covers the signature monuments and modern buildings of the capital at a relaxed pace. You will see the landmark tower, the presidential and government quarter, the main square and several architectural set pieces on the left bank. The extra hour compared with the three-hour tour is spent mostly on additional stops and longer walks.

Astana's architecture is deliberately symbolic: shapes echo the steppe, the sun, the eagle and the yurt. Guides point out the references, which are easy to miss if you simply walk past. The buildings are also recent — most of the left bank was built after 1997 — so this is a tour about modern design rather than ancient history.

Because the route is by car, you cover more ground than on foot and can include one or two stops on the right bank if time allows. The tour suits first-time visitors who want a complete picture without spending a whole day.

Who These Short Tours Suit

Short tours are ideal for travellers with a layover, a free afternoon, or a first day in the city before a longer trip. They also work well for families with young children, since the car provides shelter and rest between stops.

They are less suitable for visitors who want deep museum time or long walks along the river. If that is your goal, combine a short tour with the Nurzhol Boulevard walk described below.

Age and weight restrictions for car tours are confirmed at booking. Child seats can be requested in advance.

Astana Walking Tours: Nurzhol Boulevard and the Main Mosque

Astana is not a classic walking city — it is spread out and the weather is often harsh — but two areas work beautifully on foot. Nurzhol Boulevard is a pedestrian axis through the new administrative district, and the area around the main mosque is compact enough to explore without a car.

Both walking tours in this section are short: two hours each. One is a group tour, the other individual. Neither requires special fitness, but you should be ready to stand and walk for the full duration.

In winter, walking tours depend on the weather. In extreme cold we may adjust the route to include more indoor stops, or reschedule. We confirm this with you before the tour.

Nurzhol Boulevard: Architectural Heart of the Capital

Nurzhol Boulevard runs through the left bank as a pedestrian spine lined with fountains, gardens and some of the most photographed buildings in the country. The two-hour group walking tour offers a choice of two routes, so you can pick the one that matches your interests — one leans toward architecture and city planning, the other toward symbols and public spaces.

The boulevard is about 2 kilometres long in its main stretch, and walking it end to end at an easy pace takes roughly 40 minutes without stops. With commentary and photo pauses, two hours is comfortable. The ground is flat and paved, so ordinary shoes are fine.

This is the cheapest tour in our Astana programme at $20 per person, which makes it a good add-on to any other tour or a stand-alone introduction to the new city. Group size is limited, and the meeting point is confirmed at booking.

The Main Mosque of Astana: Grandeur and Meaning

This two-hour individual walking tour visits one of the ten largest mosques in the world. The building is finished in white marble, topped with a vast sky-blue dome and flanked by four minarets. The guide explains both the architecture and the role of the mosque in the life of the city.

Inside, the space is calm and bright, with intricate calligraphy and a large prayer hall. Visitors are asked to dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, women usually with a headscarf, which can be provided on site. Shoes are removed before entering the prayer area.

The tour is walking-only and stays within the mosque complex and its immediate surroundings. Two hours allows time for the interior, the courtyard and questions. Photography rules inside the prayer hall are explained by the guide on arrival.

Practical Notes for Walking Tours

Astana's weather is the main variable. Summer days can reach 30 °C and above, so bring water and a hat. Winter days often fall below −20 °C, and wind makes it feel colder, so thermal layers, gloves and a hood are essential.

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for walking, but they are also short — roughly April to May and September to early October. Snow can fall as early as October and as late as April.

If you have mobility limitations, tell us at booking. The boulevard is step-free in most places, but some mosque areas have thresholds and carpeted floors.

Astana Night Tours: The City in Lights

Astana after dark is a different city. The glass towers are lit from inside and out, the fountains are illuminated, and the traffic thins out after 9 p.m. Both night tours in this section run in the evening and finish late, which means you should plan a light dinner beforehand rather than after.

One tour is individual by car and includes a tea break with Kazakh sweets; the other is a group walking tour with a local guide. The car tour covers more ground; the walking tour is slower and more atmospheric.

Nights in Astana are cool even in summer, and cold for most of the year. A jacket is a good idea in every season.

Night Astana: Lights and Tea

This three-hour individual car tour takes you to the main illuminated locations of the capital: panoramic viewpoints, the signature square, and the riverside. The tour ends with tea and Kazakh sweets, which is a good way to warm up after being outside. The car means you cover several kilometres without walking far.

Tea in Kazakhstan is more than a drink — it is a ritual, usually served with baursak (fried dough), dried fruit, nuts and chocolate. The guide will explain the customs around pouring and sharing. This stop is included in the tour, not an extra.

Because the tour is private, the order of stops can be adjusted to catch the best light or avoid traffic. Three hours is enough for four or five locations plus the tea break.

Night Tour of Astana with a Guide

The four-hour group walking tour explores the illuminated landmarks on foot with a local guide. It is the longest night option and the most atmospheric: instead of driving between stops, you walk and watch the city change from dusk to full night. The route stays in the central left bank area, where the lighting is concentrated.

Four hours on foot in the evening is a real walk — expect several kilometres at an easy pace with frequent stops. Comfortable shoes and a warm layer are essential, even in July. In winter, this tour runs only on milder nights, and we may shorten the route.

The group format keeps the price at $70 per person, which is roughly half the cost of the private night car tour. If you prefer flexibility and a tea stop, choose the car option; if you prefer walking and a group atmosphere, choose this one.

What to Bring on a Night Tour

• A warm jacket or windproof layer, even in summer
• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
• A fully charged phone or camera for night photos
• A small bottle of water
• Cash in tenge for personal purchases

Night photography in Astana is rewarding because the buildings are brightly lit and the streets are relatively empty. A phone with a night mode is enough for most shots; a small tripod helps if you want sharp long exposures.

If you are combining a night tour with a daytime tour on the same day, leave at least two hours of rest in between. Astana's dry air and wind tire visitors more than they expect.

Day Trips from Astana: Borovoe and Burabay

Two of our tours leave Astana entirely and head into the hills and lakes of northern Kazakhstan. Borovoe (Burabay) is a national park about 250 kilometres north of Astana, reachable in roughly three to three and a half hours by road. The landscape changes from flat steppe to low granite hills, pine forests and a chain of clear lakes.

The park is a popular weekend destination for locals, and in summer the beaches fill up. In winter the lakes freeze and the forest turns white, which gives the area a completely different character. Both day trips in this section are long — 14 and 16 hours — so an early start is required.

These trips are for travellers who want nature rather than architecture, and who do not mind spending several hours in a vehicle.

Borovoe and Maral Farm in a Day

This 14-hour group bus tour combines the main sights of Borovoe with a visit to a maral (red deer) farm. You will see the lakes, walk to a viewpoint in the hills, spend time on a beach, and learn how maral deer are kept and why their antlers are valued in traditional medicine. Everything listed in the programme is included in the $63 price.

The drive north takes about three hours each way, so the day is split roughly into six hours of travel and eight hours of activities and meals. The bus is comfortable for a group, and stops are made for rest and photos. The maral farm visit is guided by staff who work with the animals.

Borovoe's lakes — Borovoe, Shchuchye, Bolshoye Chebachye and Maloye Chebachye — sit among granite outcrops that rise 200 to 300 metres above the water. The most famous rock, Okzhetpes, is a short climb from the shore and gives a wide view over the lake. The water is clean and cool even in August.

Burabay: Nature and History in a Day

This 16-hour group bus tour focuses on the national park itself: its landscapes, its legends and its older history. Burabay has been a sacred and recreational place for centuries, and the guide will explain the stories attached to the rocks and lakes. The bus leaves Astana at 06:00 and is back at about 22:00, which leaves time for the eco-trail, the museum and a boat ride on the lake in one day.

The park covers around 83,000 hectares and contains forests, steppe, lakes and granite hills. Wildlife includes roe deer, foxes, hares and many bird species; larger animals are shy and rarely seen. The highest points in the park reach about 500 to 700 metres above sea level, so the walking is gentle rather than mountainous.

At $72 per person it costs a little more than the Borovoe and maral farm day ($63), because a boat ride on the lake and the park museum are included. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more detailed look at the park rather than a beach-focused outing.

What to Bring to Borovoe and Burabay

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip for rocky paths
• Swimwear and a towel if you plan to use the beach in summer
• Sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent in warm months
• Warm layers and a windproof jacket in spring and autumn
• Water and snacks for the road
• Cash in tenge for personal expenses

Mobile coverage in the park is good near the main villages but patchy in the forest and on some trails. Tell someone at home roughly when you expect to be back, since the return to Astana is late in the evening.

In winter, roads to Burabay can be affected by snow and ice, and the day may be shortened or rescheduled. We confirm conditions with you before departure.

Astana Seasons, Weather and When to Go

Astana has a sharply continental climate: very cold winters, warm but short summers, and brief transitional seasons. The table below summarises what to expect month by month. It applies to both the city and the Burabay area, though the park is slightly cooler and wetter because of the lakes and forest.

Because our tours are marked "check dates", the practical advice is simple: decide what weather you can handle, then contact us to confirm which dates are available in that period. We do not operate every tour in every season.

Regardless of the month, wind is a constant in Astana. It shapes how the city feels far more than the thermometer reading alone.

Winter in Astana

Winter is the season Astana is famous for, and it is genuinely harsh. Daytime temperatures often sit between −10 and −20 °C, and night frosts below −30 °C are not unusual in January. Daylight lasts only about eight hours, with sunrise around 8:30 a.m. and sunset before 5 p.m.

Despite the cold, winter has advantages: the city is decorated with lights, the night tours are at their most striking, and Burabay becomes a quiet white landscape. Indoor stops — the mosque, the space centre, cafés — become more important, and guides adjust routes accordingly.

If you travel in winter, invest in proper clothing: a down jacket, thermal base layers, insulated boots, gloves, a hat and a scarf that covers your face. Frostbite is a real risk on exposed skin during long walks.

Summer and the Steppe

Summer days in Astana are long — in June the sun sets close to 10 p.m. — and temperatures can reach 35 °C. The air is dry, so heat is more tolerable than in humid regions, but dehydration and sunburn happen quickly. Carry water and use sunscreen even on cloudy days.

This is the best season for the Burabay day trips, when the lakes are warm enough for swimming and the forest is green. It is also the busiest, especially at weekends, so early departures help avoid crowds at the main viewpoints.

Evenings cool down noticeably after sunset, so a light jacket is useful for the night tours. Mosquitoes appear near the lakes in July and August, so repellent is worth packing for Burabay.

Spring and Autumn: The Shoulder Seasons

May and September are arguably the most pleasant months for sightseeing. Temperatures sit in a comfortable range, the light is clear, and the steppe is either green or golden. These are also the months when walking tours are easiest to enjoy.

March and November are the least predictable. Snowmelt in March turns paths muddy, and November brings the first snow and grey skies. City tours still run, but day trips to Burabay may be adjusted depending on road conditions.

Whatever the season, check the forecast a few days before your tour and pack layers rather than a single heavy garment. Astana's weather can change within hours.

How to Prepare for Astana: What to Expect

Preparation for Astana tours is mostly about clothing, timing and expectations. The city is modern, safe and easy to navigate, but the climate is demanding and the distances between sights are larger than they look on a map. A little planning makes a big difference.

All tours are guided in the language confirmed at booking. Meeting points, pickup times and any special requests are arranged in advance. If you have dietary needs for the tea stop, tell us when you book.

Below are the essentials to sort out before you travel, followed by practical notes on money, health and local customs.

Documents, Money and Practicalities

Kazakhstan uses the tenge (₸). Cards are widely accepted in Astana's shops, cafés and museums, but cash is useful for small purchases, markets and tips. ATMs are common in the city centre and at the airport.

Visitors from many countries can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short stays, but rules change, so check the current requirements for your passport before booking flights. Carry your passport or an ID document with you, as it may be requested at hotels.

Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially in winter. Medical facilities in Astana are modern, but treatment costs are higher than many visitors expect, and insurance removes that worry.

Health, Fitness and Comfort

None of the tours require special fitness. The walking tours cover a few kilometres at an easy pace, and the day trips involve short walks on uneven ground. If you can walk for two hours with breaks, you can join any of them.

Age and weight restrictions, where they apply, are confirmed at booking. If you have heart, respiratory or mobility conditions, tell us in advance so the guide can plan rest stops and indoor alternatives.

The dry air of the steppe can cause dehydration and dry skin, so drink more water than usual and bring lip balm in winter. In summer, protect against sun and insects.

Customs and Etiquette

Kazakhstan is a secular country with a majority Muslim population, and customs are generally relaxed. In the main mosque, modest dress is expected: covered shoulders and knees, and a headscarf for women. Shoes are removed in prayer areas.

Tea is central to hospitality. Accepting a cup and letting your host pour is polite; leaving before at least one cup can seem abrupt. Sweets and baursak are usually offered alongside.

Photography is welcome in most public places, but ask before photographing people, and follow the guide's instructions inside religious and government buildings. Some sites restrict tripods and professional equipment.

Choosing the Right Astana Tour

With eight options, the choice comes down to three questions: how much time you have, whether you prefer a private or group format, and whether you want the city or nature. Short city tours and the mosque visit fit into a half day; night tours take an evening; Burabay and Borovoe require a full day.

Price is not always a guide to value. The $20 boulevard walk is the cheapest and one of the most enjoyable if the weather is good, while the $72 Burabay trip adds a museum visit and a boat ride to a full day in the national park.

If you are unsure, tell us your dates, interests and how much walking you are comfortable with, and we will suggest a combination. Many visitors pair a daytime city tour with a night tour, or a short city tour with a Burabay day trip.

Our Tours at a Glance

• Shortest and cheapest: Nurzhol Boulevard walking tour, 2 hours, $20 per person
• Best overview by car: Astana in 3 Hours, 3 hours, $134 per person
• Most complete city tour: Main Symbols of Astana, 4 hours, $187 per person
• Best for architecture and religion: Main Mosque of Astana, 2 hours, $78 per person
• Best evening by car: Night Astana: Lights and Tea, 3 hours, $134 per person
• Best evening on foot: Night Tour with a Guide, 4 hours, $70 per person
• Best value nature day: Borovoe and Maral Farm, 14 hours, $63 per person
• Most detailed nature day: Burabay: Nature and History, 16 hours, $72 per person

All prices are per person and are the ones shown on the tour cards. Any extras, such as personal purchases or optional services, are paid separately and their cost is confirmed at booking.

Dates for every tour are confirmed individually. Contact us with your travel window and we will match you with the tours that are running.

Combining Tours into an Itinerary

A comfortable two-day programme in Astana might start with a short car tour on day one, followed by a night tour in the evening, and a Burabay or Borovoe day trip on day two. This covers the city, the lights and the surrounding nature without rushing.

If you have only one day, choose either a city overview plus a night tour, or a full-day nature trip. Trying to do both a long day trip and a night tour on the same day is possible but tiring, especially in winter.

For a three-day visit, add the mosque and the boulevard walk, and leave one afternoon free for the city's museums and cafés, which are not part of our tours but are worth your time.