Horse riding from Astana to Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum

The mausoleum most visitors never reach sits at the end of a full day of riding, eating and warming up in a private sauna.

Spend a full day at Taiburyldyn Shabysy Ranch, a working horse farm outside Astana, riding across the steppe to the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum and back. The ranch produces all three meals from scratch on-site. You ride in the morning and afternoon with an English-speaking guide, visit the mausoleum's interior, and finish in the sauna before dinner. Beginners and non-riders are welcome. Children from age 2 can join. Service animals are permitted.

The experience

The day starts with pickup around 9:30 from Astana and a drive to Taiburyldyn Shabysy Ranch, where you'll eat a traditional Kazakh breakfast of farm eggs, homemade bread, butter, berry jams and fire-brewed tea. After meeting your instructors and the horses (Orlov Trotters, Thoroughbreds or traditional Kazakh breeds, each matched to your experience level), you'll help feed the animals and take your first ride exploring the peaceful steppe along the river.

Lunch is another traditional Kazakh meal made at the ranch kitchen. The afternoon ride takes you to the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum, dedicated to one of Kazakhstan's most significant historical figures. Your guide will explain exactly who Kabanbai was and why the country cherishes his deeds. Entry to the inside of the mausoleum is included. By the time you return to the ranch, the sauna is already warm. Dinner (a Kazakh feast of comforting dishes, fresh bread, desserts and tea) comes before the drive back to Astana, ending a day that leaves you tired in the best possible way.

The ranch team speaks fluent English and Russian. All three horse breeds are calm and well-trained. The guide will match you to the right one whether you've ridden before or never have. Non-riders can still join the day and experience the meals, sauna and mausoleum visit. The full day runs about 10 hours from pickup to return.

What’s included

• Three traditional Kazakh meals made fresh at the ranch.
• morning and afternoon horseback rides across the steppe with an experienced English-speaking guide.
• a horse matched to your riding level.
• entry to the inside of the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum with historical explanation.
• a private sauna session.
• pickup and return transport from Astana.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (16 to 60 years) · Youth (2 to 15 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Taiburyldyn Shabysy: Horse Tours and Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride horses and reach the mausoleum of Kabanbai Batyr in one day. Most Astana tours stay in the city, and the 10-hour commitment means you can't combine this with other activities the same day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (2 to 15 years): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I ride if I've never been on a horse before?

Yes. Beginners are welcome, and your guide will match you to a calm, well-trained horse suited to your level. The ranch instructors will help you settle in before the first ride.

What happens if I don't want to ride?

Non-riders can join the full day at the ranch, enjoying all three meals, the sauna, and the visit inside the Kabanbai Batyr Mausoleum with your guide's explanation of its history.

Who was Kabanbai Batyr?

Kabanbai Batyr is one of Kazakhstan's most significant historical heroes. Your guide will explain his deeds and why the country cherishes his memory when you visit his mausoleum.

What meals are included?

Three meals are included: a traditional Kazakh breakfast of farm eggs, homemade bread, butter and jams; a traditional Kazakh lunch; and a Kazakh dinner of comforting dishes, fresh bread and desserts. All are made fresh at the ranch kitchen.

Is the sauna included?

Yes. After the afternoon ride, you'll have time to relax and recharge in the private sauna before dinner.