Arrive at Almaty International Airport and take a pre-booked taxi or hotel transfer to your central Almaty hotel for check-in and rest; many hotels accept late check-ins. Check your hotel’s 24-hour reception and confirm late arrival policies.
Start gently with coffee and a western/European breakfast at Coffeemania (popular in Almaty) or your hotel — good for recovering from an overnight flight. Check opening times (usually from 8:00).
Walk through Panfilov Park to see the colourful Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral and memorials — a peaceful introduction to the city’s history and architecture. Cathedral grounds are open daily; interior opening times can vary so check on arrival.
Wander the bustling Green Bazaar to taste local fruit, nuts and breads and sample quick street bites — ideal for a market-style lunch and souvenir food purchases. Bazaar typically opens early and runs through the evening; confirm specific stall hours.
Try plov, beshbarmak or lagman at Navat near the centre for a pleasant introduction to Kazakh and Central Asian cuisine; the restaurant is popular so allow time for a table. Check current opening hours (usually midday onward).
Visit the Central State Museum to learn Kazakhstan’s history and ethnography; it's a compact, informative collection and good on your first afternoon. Typical opening hours are ~10:00–18:00; closed days vary, so check ahead.
Return to the hotel to rest or book a session at Arasan Baths for a traditional bath/sauna experience and massage — a relaxing way to shake off travel fatigue. Arasan usually opens from early morning until late evening; reserve in advance.
Enjoy a hearty steak or local grilled dishes at Line Brew, a long-standing favourite for meat lovers; it’s lively and central. Typical dinner hours run until late; reservations recommended for evening.
Take the Kok-Tobe cable car for sunset and city lights views from the hilltop with cafés and a viewing platform — an easy nightcap. Cable car hours vary seasonally (often 10:00–23:00); check operating hours the day you arrive.
Have an early hotel breakfast or pick up packed snacks — you’ll depart for Big Almaty Lake soon and food options are limited on the mountain road. Hotels usually serve breakfast from 7:00; confirm earlier service if needed.
Drive (~40–60 minutes) south into the Zailiyskiy Alatau to Big Almaty Lake for clear alpine views and short walks; perfect for photos and light hiking. The road is usually open in autumn but can close in bad weather — check local road conditions and park access.
Walk along the lakeshore and short trails to enjoy the turquoise reservoir surrounded by peaks; it’s scenic and relatively easy but weather can be cold and windy — bring layers. The site is open year round but facilities are minimal.
On the way back stop at Medeu (high-altitude skating rink) then take the cable car up to Shymbulak ski resort for mountain views and a late lunch; cable car hours are typically ~10:00–17:00, but check seasonal timetables.
Eat at one of the Shymbulak mid-mountain restaurants for soups, grills or simple local dishes with panoramic views — good value and warming after the mountain air. Restaurants operate during cable car hours; opening times vary by season.
Enjoy Georgian cuisine — khachapuri and grilled meats are excellent here — a cosy option after mountains. Most restaurants open through the evening; reservations advised on weekends.
Leave early (3–4 hour drive each way) for Charyn Canyon to maximise time at the site; organised tours depart early or you can hire a driver. Road and weather conditions may affect timing — confirm with your driver or tour operator.
Explore Charyn’s dramatic rock formations on the Valley of Castles trail for scenic hikes and photo ops; the main area is reachable by short walks from the car park. The canyon is open year-round but sun exposure is high — bring sun protection and water.
Have a packed picnic at the canyon or eat at a local café by the roadside; facilities are basic so plan accordingly. If travelling with a tour, lunch options are often included or arranged locally.
Walk down to the Charyn River or explore lesser-used trails for quieter views; allow time to relax before the return drive. Check return times with your driver to avoid driving late at night.
Begin the return journey to Almaty, arriving in the city in the late evening depending on traffic and stops. Expect fatigue after a long day — plan a light evening.
Choose a casual late dinner near your hotel — simple soups or kebabs — as you’ll likely be tired after the long day. Many city cafés stay open late but check hours.
Enjoy a Kazakh-style or mixed breakfast at Zhety Kazyna to try local breads and tea in a friendly setting; a good way to fuel for a city day. Opening times typically from 8:00–9:00 onwards.
If you didn’t visit on Day 1, go to the Central State Museum; alternatively, visit the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments to hear and see traditional instruments. Museums normally open ~10:00–18:00; check closed days.
Try a popular café for sandwiches, salads and local pastries — easy, mid-priced and near central sights. Cafés typically open all day; check closing times if you plan a late lunch.
Spend the afternoon at Esentai or Dostyk Plaza for modern shopping, boutique stores and a mall experience — good for clothes, gifts and air-conditioned comfort. Malls typically open ~10:00–22:00.
Stroll the pedestrian road lined with cafés, artisans and street performers for a relaxed late-afternoon atmosphere and souvenirs. Shops and stalls have varying hours; many close by evening.
Choose Tanuki for Japanese-Russian fusion or a local gastro pub for international dishes — a flexible dining option for a city night. Restaurants generally operate into the late evening; reservations suggested for popular spots.
If there’s a concert or opera on, attend a performance at the Abay Opera House — check the schedule and book tickets in advance. Performance times vary; check the cultural calendar.
Have breakfast at your hotel and depart east for Turgen Gorge (approx 1–1.5 hour drive) to visit Kairak Waterfall and local hiking trails. Roads are generally open; check local traffic and weather before leaving.
Hike the well-marked trail to the Kairak Waterfall for forested valley scenery and photographing cascades; the walk is moderate and lovely in autumn. The trail is open year-round, but can be slippery after rain — wear good footwear.
Enjoy a home-style lunch at a guesthouse or roadside café near the gorge for local flavours and simple hospitality. Many small cafés open daytime only; confirm they will be open on the day.
Explore nearby cultural spots, small villages or petroglyphs if available with your driver — a quieter cultural complement to the natural sights. Access to smaller sites varies; ask your driver/local guide about permissions.
Drive back to the city and take an early evening rest before dinner; traffic depends on weekend travel. Allow buffer time for the return leg and potential rest stops.
Have a relaxed dinner sampling Central Asian dishes — a good chance to revisit favourites from earlier in the trip. Restaurants usually open late; check before going.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast sampling local pastries from a bakery near your hotel — a low-key morning to recover from day trips. Bakeries typically open early (07:00–08:00).
Book a wellness session at Arasan Baths to relax in saunas, steam rooms and enjoy a massage — a classic Almaty experience. The baths generally operate 07:00–23:00 but reserve in advance for preferred time slots.
Pick a café by the small city rivers or a neighbourhood restaurant for a calm midday meal and people-watching. Many cafés are open all day; confirm closing times if you want a late lunch.
If you missed evening views earlier, head back to Kok-Tobe during daylight, or visit local contemporary art galleries and creative spaces. Gallery opening hours typically 11:00–18:00; check each gallery schedule.
Enjoy sunset cocktails or non-alcoholic drinks at a rooftop bar to take in city views before dinner — a relaxed pre-dinner option. Rooftop bars vary in opening times; many open in the late afternoon.
Treat yourself to a higher-end Kazakh tasting menu or modern Central Asian cuisine for a special evening. Book ahead, as fine-dining spots can fill up on weekends.
Grab breakfast on Zhibek Zholy (Arbat) to enjoy street life and a casual meal before last-minute shopping. Many cafés open from 08:00; confirm times for weekend hours.
Return to the Green Bazaar to pick up dried fruits, sweets, and local spices as take-home gifts — the best place for edible souvenirs. Bazaar hours usually run from early morning to evening; buy earlier for best selection.
Use this window for any last short hike, a final Kok-Tobe cable car ride, or to visit an overlooked museum; aim to be back at the hotel by mid-afternoon to pack. Check service hours (cable car and trails) before heading out.
Enjoy a final relaxed lunch trying dishes you loved earlier or sample something new — pick a café near your hotel for convenience. Most cafés open through lunchtime; confirm closing times if you plan a late meal.
Return to your hotel to finish packing, check flight details and pre-book the airport transfer for your early departure; many hotels will store luggage securely if you need extra time. Confirm pick-up time with the hotel.
Have a final celebratory dinner at a favourite spot from earlier in the week or choose a recommended local restaurant to end the trip on a high note. Reserve a table to avoid disappointment.
Return to the hotel for final rest and set alarms; confirm your airport transfer for the 01:00 departure and keep travel documents to hand. Many hotels offer late-night check-out arrangements; confirm any extra charges.
Check out and meet your pre-booked transfer at the arranged lobby time — international flights should be checked in at least 2 hours prior, but confirm airline requirements for early morning departures. Ensure passports and boarding passes are ready.
Arrive at the airport for your scheduled flight departure; allow time for security and immigration as required. Airport facilities may be limited overnight, so plan accordingly.