Family Adventure: 6-Day Itinerary for Almaty, Kolsai, and Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan on August 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Navat

Start your trip with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at Navat, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious local dishes.

KZT3500, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Green Bazaar

Explore this vibrant market to experience local culture, taste fresh fruits, and buy souvenirs. It’s an excellent introduction to Kazakhstan for the family.

Free entry, 1h0m

11:30am

Almaty Botanical Garden

Enjoy a family-friendly walk in the botanical garden offering beautiful flora, ideal for kids to explore nature safely.

KZT500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Line Brew Almaty

Relax with a family meal at this child-friendly restaurant known for hearty Kazakh and European dishes.

KZT7000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Kok Tobe Cable Car

Take a scenic cable car ride offering panoramic views of Almaty; a perfect spot for family photos and playgrounds for the children.

KZT3000, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Daredzhani

Enjoy Georgian cuisine at this family-friendly restaurant with spacious seating and a welcoming atmosphere.

KZT8000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Travel to Kolsai Lakes

Kolsai, Kazakhstan on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your accommodation before driving to Kolsai Lakes.

Included with hotel, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Begin a 3-hour drive to the stunning Kolsai Lakes. The journey is scenic and family-friendly with ample stop options.

Cost of car rental approx. KZT20000/day, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kolsai Lakes Visitor Centre

Have a casual lunch with picnic options close to the lake shores; enjoy beautiful surroundings ideal for kids to explore safely.

KZT3500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Lower Kolsai Lake

Walk along the lakeside, suitable for all ages, including young children. The area offers incredible natural views and opportunities for bird watching.

KZT700, 2h0m

3:30pm

Check-in at guesthouse near Kolsai

Settle into comfortable family-friendly accommodation to relax after lake exploration.

Approx. KZT15000/night, N/A

6:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Enjoy a home-cooked meal with local ingredients, perfect to fuel up for the next day’s adventure.

Included or approx. KZT5000, 1h0m

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Day 3: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

Kolsai & Kaindy, Kazakhstan on August 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early breakfast to prepare for exploration of upper Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake.

Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Hike to Upper Kolsai Lake

A relatively gentle hike suitable for children, offering spectacular views. Carry water and snacks for the family.

KZT700, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic at Upper Kolsai Lake

Enjoy your packed lunch by the lake, surrounded by pristine nature.

Cost for picnic supplies approx. KZT2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Kaindy Lake

Short 40-minute drive to the famous Kaindy Lake, known for its submerged forest and turquoise waters.

KZT2000 parking fee, 40m

2:30pm

Explore Kaindy Lake

Walk along the trail for around 1.5-2 hours to see the sunken trees and enjoy the fairy-tale scenery – perfect for family photos.

KZT700, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Kolsai accommodation

Drive back and rest after an active day.

N/A, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at guesthouse

Second night dining with warm, local cuisine in a cosy environment.

Approx. KZT5000, 1h0m

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Day 4: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on August 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Breakfast before leaving Kolsai for the drive back to Almaty.

Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive back to Almaty

Enjoy another picturesque 3-hour drive back to the city where you can explore more family-friendly locations.

N/A, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Enjoy a relaxing lunch with international and local dishes in a child-friendly atmosphere in Almaty.

KZT6000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Central State Museum

This museum is informative and engaging for all ages, featuring Kazakhstan’s history and culture; good for the kids to learn.

KZT1500, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax in Panfilov Park

Take a leisurely stroll or enjoy the children’s playground in this central city park.

Free entry, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Zheti Kazyna

savour traditional Kazakh dishes in a setting designed to welcome families, with options suitable for children.

KZT8000, 1h30m

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Day 5: Almaty Sightseeing & Leisure

Almaty, Kazakhstan on August 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up to enjoy the last full day in Almaty with a comfortable hotel breakfast.

Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

Visit the high-altitude Medeu rink and take the cable car to Shymbulak for easy nature walks and stunning views. Both spots have child-friendly facilities.

KZT4000 for cable car per adult, children cost less, 4h0m