Three days off without a long holiday.
TripTech Travel
Nauryz: short trips for the 21–23 March break
Nauryz is celebrated in Kazakhstan on 21, 22 and 23 March, three days in a row that often join the weekend to make a longer break. For many families it is a time for visits, a full dastarkhan and travelling to relatives in another city.
At a glance
If you would rather spend the holiday on the road, a short trip inside Kazakhstan or to a neighbouring country fits well. Below are routes for two to five days, notes on transport and food, and ways to avoid overpaying. The final cost is confirmed before payment.
- Nauryz falls on 21–23 March, giving three days off for a short trip or a family visit.
- Inside Kazakhstan, Turkestan, Almaty, Astana and Shymkent are popular; short foreign routes include Uzbekistan, Georgia and Turkey.
- Transport sells out early around the holiday: train and flight prices rise, and the final cost depends on dates, hotel and season.
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Nauryz on 21–23 March: making the most of the break
Nauryz is one of Kazakhstan's main holidays, and three consecutive days off are a rare chance to combine family gatherings with a trip. Cities host fairs, concerts and traditional games, while courtyards and ethno-villages prepare nauryz kozhe.
If you plan to travel, keep the trip to two or four days: the journey takes part of the break, and it is better to return with time to spare. Families with children should choose one destination without long transfers or overnight flights.
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Kazakhstan: Turkestan, Almaty, Astana and Shymkent
Within the country, Nauryz is a good reason to see the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, walk through springtime Almaty, or watch how the holiday is marked in Astana and Shymkent. Domestic flights and trains are busy on these dates, so book tickets early.
A domestic route is easy for families: no visa, no currency exchange and no long packing, and the trip can include visiting relatives. Book accommodation early too — popular cities have fewer free rooms during the holiday.
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Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent
Uzbekistan is a short flight from Almaty and Astana, and trains make it easy to move between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Nauryz is marked there as well, and spring weather is good for walking around historic sites.
Citizens of Kazakhstan usually do not need a visa, but the rules and permitted stay are checked before booking. Holiday train tickets sell out quickly and Samarkand hotels get more expensive, so early booking matters here.
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Georgia and Turkey: short trips for the holiday
Georgia is still cool for the beach at Nauryz, but Tbilisi and Batumi suit food, walks and short excursions. In Turkey the Mediterranean coast is mild in late March, while Istanbul works well for a city break and a family stay.
Citizens of Kazakhstan usually need no visa for either country, but entry rules can change. Flights cost more on holiday dates, so compare the days either side and factor in the transfer to the hotel. The final price is confirmed before payment.
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Family, food and tradition: how to mark Nauryz
The centrepiece dishes are nauryz kozhe, beshbarmak, baursak and sweets, and the dastarkhan is a place to welcome relatives and neighbours. If you are away for Nauryz, look for city celebrations, ethno-villages and fairs — they give a sense of the holiday without the home cooking.
Respect local customs: Uzbekistan and Turkey have their own traditions and cuisine, while in Kazakhstan Nauryz remains a family holiday. With children, pair a city walk with a festive programme and avoid overloading the day with long excursions.
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Transport, prices and booking for Nauryz
Demand for tickets rises before Nauryz: trains between major cities and flights to Uzbekistan, Georgia and Turkey sell earlier than usual. Plan transport several weeks ahead, and if the dates are flexible, compare flying just before or after the holiday.
The cost depends on dates, hotel, meals and transport; prices are above average during the holiday. We check availability and the contents of the trip, and confirm the final cost before payment. Visa and entry rules are checked before payment as well.
Why travelers use TripTech
A festive atmosphere and family visits at home or away.
Short routes inside Kazakhstan and to neighbouring countries.
Help with transport and accommodation on holiday dates.
How it works
Step 1. Say whether you want to visit relatives or take a short trip.
Step 2. Receive two or three routes for two to five days with transport and hotel.
Step 3. Check the tickets, accommodation, meals and entry rules.
Step 4. Confirm the trip and receive your documents.
Step 5. Stay in contact with the manager until you return.
Who this is for
Families celebrating Nauryz who want to combine the holiday with a trip.
Travellers with three free days who need a short route.
Couples and friends interested in culture, food and cities.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nauryz in Kazakhstan?
It is celebrated on 21, 22 and 23 March. These are public holidays, and any shifts or extra days off depend on the calendar for the year.
Where can I go for three days at Nauryz?
Inside Kazakhstan, try Turkestan, Almaty, Astana or Shymkent; abroad, short options include Uzbekistan, Georgia and Turkey. The right choice depends on transport and the party.
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan or Georgia?
Citizens of Kazakhstan usually do not, but the permitted stay and entry rules can change. We check them before payment and again before departure.
Is Nauryz a good time to travel with children?
Yes, if the route is short and avoids overnight travel. In Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan families combine festive events with walks; confirm meals, accommodation and insurance.
How do I get to Samarkand and Bukhara?
Fly from Almaty or Astana to Samarkand or Tashkent, then take a train. Book holiday tickets well in advance.
How much does a Nauryz trip cost?
It depends on the destination, dates, hotel and transport. Holiday dates cost more than an ordinary weekend; the final price is confirmed before payment.
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