Astana Unbridled: 12 Days of Riding, History and Hospitality in the Capital of Kazakhstan

Start your day with a hearty traditional Kazakh breakfast featuring freshly baked bread, homemade jams, and warm tea. Then, embark on an extended trail ride through the picturesque steppe landscapes, putting your newly learned riding skills into practice. Complete the morning by feeding and bonding with the horses, deepening your connection with these magnificent animals.

Savor a delicious lunch of authentic Kazakh dishes, such as savory pilaf or tender beshbarmak, accompanied by refreshing salads and kumis. Afterward, dive into authentic ranch work, learning the essentials of horse care, grooming, and the rhythms of daily ranch operations. Then, set out on a scenic tour along the tranquil Nura River, soaking in the serene beauty of the countryside.

End the day with a sumptuous traditional Kazakh dinner. After dinner, embark on an enchanting evening ride into the sunset, marveling at the serene steppe under a golden sky. Back at the ranch, relax in the soothing warmth of the sauna, indulge in a decadent dessert, and sip revitalizing tea. Unwind and recharge, readying yourself for tomorrow's exciting adventures.

Start your day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast of baursaks, creamy butter, and aromatic tea. Participate in the morning horse feeding and horse care, deepening your connection with the animals. Embark on a horseback ride to shepard the young mares to the vast steppe.

Back at the ranch, indulge in a flavorful Kazakh lunch. Afterward, feed the horses that are still at the ranch and explore the stunning landscapes on another scenic ride, absorbing the steppe's tranquility as you bring back the horses from their grazing grounds.

Join in the evening horse feeding and horse care before a comforting dinner. Learn to make your first traditional Kazakh dish: manty (steamed dumplings). End the day with dessert and tea, sharing stories around the table before resting for the night.

After breakfast and the morning horse feeding, transfer to Astana and visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan, exploring exhibits on nomadic history, Astana's creation, and Kazakh art.

Enjoy a fusion-style Kazakh lunch in the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the left bank of Astana, marveling at its modern architecture and landmarks like Bayterek Tower.

Return to the ranch to feed and care for the horses before a relaxing sunset ride. Participate in a cooking session to prepare baursaks (fried dough), followed by a delicious Kazakh dinner and a peaceful night in a cozy yurt under the starry sky.

Wake up to a hearty breakfast and join the morning horse feeding. Head out into the steppe to shepherd horses and cows alongside local herders, learning their traditional skills and ways of life.

After a delicious lunch, participate in milking cows and horses. Learn to make kumis (fermented mare's milk), essential traditional Kazakh dairy products. Afterwards, tour Astana's right bank, the city's historic area. Visit the museum of the most notable Kazakh author Saken Seiffulin. Explore Soviet-era architecture and vibrant local markets.

Return to the yurt for a traditional dinner, enjoying the tranquility of the steppe and the warmth of Kazakh hospitality.

Start the day with breakfast and morning horse feeding. Participate in an advanced horseback ride, practicing more challenging maneuvers as you bond with your horse.

Enjoy a lunch of plov before learning to make kaymak (creamy dairy spread) from the cows that you shepherd around the ranch. Spend the rest of the afternoon experiencing Kokpar by watching a friendly match between local teams, the exhilarating traditional horseback game.

Feed and care for the horses, then savor a traditional Kazakh dinner. Relax in the sauna and reflect on the day's adventures before resting in the guesthouse.

Begin with breakfast and horse care before joining the morning milking session. Continue the day with a skill-building session at the hippodrome, focusing on riding techniques and horse communication.

Enjoy a hearty Kazakh lunch featuring tandyr nan (clay oven bread) and kazy (meat sausage). Head into the steppe for a peaceful horseback ride while shepherding livestock, embracing the nomadic way of life.

After feeding the horses, prepare dinner together, learning to make lagman (hand-pulled noodles). After dinner and a short ride, head to the capital's city center to enjoy the local food markets. Astana in the summer is radiant! Share stories over tea and desserts in one of the popular bars/coffees, before heading back to the ranch and retiring for the night in the guesthouse.

After breakfast and horse care, take a gentle horse ride through the countryside before visiting a an award winning jeweler to witness the intricate art of Kazakh jewelry-making.

After lunch, tour the majestic Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asian, marveling at its architectural grandeur.

Return to the ranch for a relaxed evening with a hearty Kazakh dinner, celebrating the cultural experiences of the day.

Start with breakfast and morning horse feeding. Continue the day with hands-on equestrian challenge in a long distance ride to the steppe with the famous Kazakh hunting dog breed in a traditional hunt. Focus on refining your riding techniques, guided by experienced trainers, in a serene and supportive environment. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch at the steppe.

In the evening, transition to exploring Astana’s iconic architectural landmarks. Marvel at the futuristic designs of buildings like Bayterek Tower and the shimmering facade of Khan Shatyr, an urban oasis under a tent-like structure.

Enjoy a dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant, sampling authentic dishes like beshbarmak and kazy while reflecting on the day’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Kick off the day with a nourishing breakfast before heading to the hippodrome for advanced horseback riding lessons. Work on mastering advanced maneuvers like galloping and precise turns, building confidence and communication with your horse.

After lunch, join an advanced riding session to practice galloping and precision turns. Afterwards at the ranch, you will learn how to make kurt (dried cheese balls), a staple of Kazakh nomadic diets.

Conclude the day with shepherding livestock back from the vast steppe for the night, experiencing rural traditions up close. Relax in the sauna or enjoy stargazing before retiring for the night.

Discover Astana’s rich heritage with visits to the Presidential Center of Culture and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Learn about Kazakhstan’s history and its vision for unity through interactive exhibits and modern architecture.

After a sumptuous lunch, spend leisure time shopping in local markets and artisan boutiques. Seek out traditional souvenirs or enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s shopping districts.

Conclude the day with an elegant evening at the opera, experiencing Kazakhstan’s performing arts at their finest. Afterward, gather for a celebratory dinner, savoring the cultural highlights of your journey.

Begin your last day with breakfast, horse feeding, and a reflective ride through the steppe, taking in the serene landscapes.

After lunch, bid farewell to the horses and hosts. Participate in final grooming or feeding sessions, cherishing your bond with the animals.

End your journey with a heartfelt dinner, sharing stories and experiences before transferring to Astana for your onward journey.