1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan

1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds

Outty Ranking 5012 hoursFrom $348
Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

50/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds worth booking?

1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds is a 12-hour experience in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from $348 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
50 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
12 hours
From
$348 per person

Unique Historical tour to feel real nomadic and medieval atmosphere of ancient Kazakh people. Besshatyr is located 195km to the north from Almaty. Translated as “five hills” from Kazak, it looks like ancient necropolis and remains the main ethnographic and archaeological site of Altyn Emel National Park. A huge valley on the north bank of Ili river is used for the thousands of years by different generations of nomads: being a sacred place for ancient people, Bes Shatyr had been also chosen as a burial site by Saki (Scythe) tribes.

What you get

    About this experience

    Unique Historical tour to feel real nomadic and medieval atmosphere of ancient Kazakh people. Besshatyr is located 195km to the north from Almaty. Translated as “five hills” from Kazak, it looks like ancient necropolis and remains the main ethnographic and archaeological site of Altyn Emel National Park. A huge valley on the north bank of Ili river is used for the thousands of years by different generations of nomads: being a sacred place for ancient people, Bes Shatyr had been also chosen as a burial site by Saki (Scythe) tribes.

    What's included

    Included

    • English speaking guide
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    What you'll see and do

    1. Almaty Region

      Castle of nomads was built as a decoration for the film “Nomad”, which was released in 2005. Now this city is often called the “Nomad Fortress”, and thousands of tourists flock to this tourist site every year. It is located on the banks of the Ili River, just 30 km from Kapchagai.

      120 minutes here

    2. Altyn-Emel National Park

      Besshatyr is located 195km to the north from Almaty. Translated as “five hills” from Kazakh, it looks like ancient necropolis and remains the main ethnographic and archaeological site of Altyn Emel National Park.

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ru, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Explore Kazakhstan

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds in Almaty, photo 21 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds in Almaty, photo 31 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds in Almaty, photo 4

    Good to know

    Duration
    12 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $348 to $656
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Explore Kazakhstan, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.6.

    See everything Explore Kazakhstan runs

    Why this scores 50

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)39
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Almaty.

    How much does 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds cost?

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    Prices start at $348 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Almaty usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds take?

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    Plan for about 12 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Almaty is not rushed.

    Is 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Almaty, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 12-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds?

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    Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Almaty can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Almaty and add a light layer if any part of the 12-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Almaty within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Almaty?

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    On Outty we rank every Almaty experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour, Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour, Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Almaty?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Almaty?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds?

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    Included: English speaking guide; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 80 listed pickup locations in and around Almaty. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds offered in?

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    It is offered in Russian and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Almaty. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 1 Day Tour: Castle of Nomads & Besshatyr Burial Mounds.

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