7-Days of Horseback Adventures, Ranch Life & Astana Exploration

DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE RANCH AND SCENIC HORSE TOUR TO KABANBAI BATYR MAUSOLEUM. You will be picked up from your location in Astana and brought to the ranch. Meet your instructors and horses and settle into the ranch's welcoming atmosphere. Learn the basics of horsemanship and enjoy your first ride, exploring the peaceful surroundings of the ranch. Savor a traditional Kazakh lunch inside an authentic yurt during the summer, or dine at the Ranch in other seasons. Then, embark on a scenic horse tour to the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum. Conclude your day with a delicious traditional Kazakh dinner, accompanied by warm company and captivating cultural stories. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a serene evening ride across the steppe, soaking in the golden hues of the landscape. Back at the ranch, unwind with a soothing sauna session, a delightful homemade dessert, and a revitalizing cup of tea. Afterward, settle in for a peaceful night's sleep in the cozy accommodations at the ranch.

DAY 2: IMMERSION IN RANCH LIFE AND RIVER NURA EXPLORATION. 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. 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 traditional Kazakh dinner. After dinner, 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.

DAY 4: ASTANA EXPLORATION, YURT STAY, AND KAZAKH COOKING. 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.

DAY 3: IMMERSION IN RANCH LIFE, SHEPHERDING HORSES, AND KAZAKH COOKING. 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 shepherd 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.

DAY 5: SHEPHERDING HORSES, CULTURAL DISCOVERIES AND SKILL WORK IN THE SCENIC STEPPE. 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. 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.

DAY 6: ADVANCED RIDING, DAIRY CRAFTING, AND THE THRILL OF TRADITIONAL GAME OF KOKPAR. 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 shepherding 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.

DAY 7: MASTERING SKILLS AT THE HIPPODROME AND ASTANA'S ARCHITECTURE. 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 (horse 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). Share stories over tea and desserts before retiring for the night in the guesthouse.