Kazakhstan Steppe Horse Riding & Cultural Adventure Retreat

The retreat runs out of Taiburyldyn Shabysy Ranch in Kabanbai Batyr village, about 15-20km from Astana's airport. The property sits on the edge of the steppe with views of open grassland and the Nura River nearby. You'll be riding most days — sometimes twice a day — on terrain that ranges from flat, easy steppe to longer treks that build your skills over the week.

Alima owns the ranch and leads most of the rides herself. She studied and worked abroad before returning to Kazakhstan, and now teaches at the local university alongside running the retreat. Reviews consistently mention her as attentive, funny, and flexible with the schedule. The horses are well cared for and rotated between rides so they can rest. Beginners get calm, steady mounts; more confident riders can request something with more pace.

The cultural side is hands-on, not just sightseeing. You'll shepherd mares out to pasture in the morning, learn to milk horses and make kumis, and cook traditional dishes like manty (steamed dumplings), lagman (hand-pulled noodles), and baursaks (fried bread). One day includes watching kokpar, a fast, physical game played on horseback — it's a bit like rugby but everyone's on a horse.

Astana day trips break up the ranch time. You'll visit the National Museum, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Bayterek Tower, and Khan Shatyr mall. One evening includes an opera performance. The city is modern and architecturally striking — a contrast to the quiet of the steppe — and the ranch team handles all transport.

Accommodation is either in a guesthouse with private rooms and ensuite bathrooms, or in a traditional yurt for a couple of nights. There's a sauna on site for post-ride recovery, and meals are made by a ranch chef using local ingredients. Past guests have called the food 'incredible' and 'delicious and plentiful.'

What's included

- Airport pickup and drop-off - 11 nights accommodation (guesthouse, private rooms, or traditional yurt) - 3 daily meals (traditional homemade Kazakh food) - All horseback riding with experienced guides - Horses matched to your skill level (Kazakh horses, Orlov trotters, English Thoroughbreds) - Horseback tours to local lakes, Nura and Ishim rivers, and Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum - Guided tours of Astana (National Museum, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr) - Kokpar traditional horseback game viewing - Private sauna sessions - Cooking classes (manty, lagman, baursaks, kaymak, kurt) - Nature hikes with a guide - Group excursions and activities - Luggage storage - Free parking - English-speaking host and team

What's not included

- International flights - Visa fees - Additional spa treatments - Activities not listed in the itinerary - Personal expenses - Travel insurance