Homestay & Overnight Mountain Village In Kazakh Family
About this tour
2-day homestay and overnight with a Kazakh family in the mountain village of Kaskasu, 70 km from Shymkent. Kaskasu is a small Kazakh mountain village located at the foot of the Western Tien Shan mountains, not far from the famous Sairam-Ugam National Park with its high-mountain lakes, rivers, gorges, and canyons.Two days in a family of ordinary Kazakhs. Getting to know the life of simple people in a village without excesses. The real life of Kazakhs with all its pros and cons that you won't see in the city.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Shymkent to Kascasu village
Day 1 8 am – pick up from a hotel and drive to Sayram-Ugam National Park from Shymkent (70 km). Short stop in Sayram town and visit to local green bazaar. 10 am – arrival in the mountain village of Kaskasu. Brief introduction to a Kazakh family. Tea with the family. Introduction to the family farm: cattle yard, apple orchard, river in the garden, cows, sheep, horses, chickens. Visit to the milking site in the village to try the famous mare's milk (kumys). Kumys is a natural energy drink and a cure for many diseases. Lunch with the family. Rest. In the afternoon, a tour of the village and an easy walk to the Kyryk Kyz hill – a local landmark and a secluded place for the local youth of the village. Descent to the village. Visit to the local school and meetings with Kazakh children. Meetings with people in the village. Dinner with the family. Overnight at the family house.
Day 2: Kascasu village to Shymkent
Day 2 Wake up and have breakfast with the family. Free time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the house. Then a 4 km hike along the Kaskasu River to the Sairam-Ugam National Park. Descent to the village. Farewell to the family and transfer to Shymkent. On the way back, visit the old Christian Orthodox Church (19th century) in the neighboring village. A holy natural spring and pilgrims coming for healing. A mixture of old Kazakh traditions, the disappearing Soviet way of life and the remnants of Russian culture. Lunch in the city of Sairam. Transfer to the city of Shymkent. End of the tour.
What's included
English- speking guide, car with driver. Homestay and overnight in the village with two meals. Homestay is possible for several days.
Horseback riding is possible in the village for additional price.
What to know
Any time
Route & locations
Shymkent to Kascasu village