Almaty & Surroundings Adventure – 16 Oct – 26 Oct 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Morning: Land at Almaty International Airport and take a pre‑booked shuttle to your city‑center hostel. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a light coffee at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Stroll through Almaty City Center, absorbing the Soviet‑era architecture and lively street scenes. Stop by Panfilov Park to see the iconic Zenkov Cathedral and the World War II memorial.

Evening: Dine on traditional Kazakh cuisine at a local restaurant, trying dishes like beshbarmak and kumis. Take a relaxed walk along Arbat Street to feel the city’s night vibe.

Day 2: Urban Highlights & Mountain Views

Morning: Head to the famous Medeu Ice Skating Rink for a brisk walk around the high‑altitude arena and optional short skate session.

Afternoon: Ride the cable car up to Kok‑Tobe Hill, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding foothills. Visit the quirky Kok‑Tobe TV Tower and souvenir shops.

Evening: Return to the city for dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the illuminated skyline, then relax back at the hostel.

Day 3: Big Almaty Lake & Shymbulak

Morning: Drive to Big Almaty Lake, a crystal‑blue alpine lake framed by snow‑capped peaks. Take a short hike along the lakeshore for photo opportunities.

Afternoon: Continue upward to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Even in October, the cable car ride offers stunning vistas, and you can explore the resort’s hiking trails.

Evening: Descend back to Almaty, stop at a mountain‑side café for a warm tea, and enjoy a leisurely evening in the city.

Day 4: Charyn Canyon Expedition

Morning: Depart early for the 3‑hour drive to Charyn Canyon. Upon arrival, begin the guided walk through the “Valley of Castles” for dramatic rock formations.

Afternoon: Explore the canyon’s viewpoint platforms and take a short trek to the nearby Ush-Tobe Canyon. Picnic lunch with canyon views.

Evening: Stay overnight at a modest guesthouse near the canyon, enjoying a campfire dinner and starlit sky.

Day 5: Return to Almaty via Sairam

Morning: After breakfast, drive back toward Almaty, stopping at the historic town of Sairam for a quick cultural stroll.

Afternoon: Arrive in Almaty and revisit any missed city sites, such as the Central State Museum for a deeper look at Kazakh history.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a modern Kazakh bistro and unwind in the hostel.

Day 6: Kolsai Lakes – Day 1 of Trek

Morning: Drive to the Kolsai Lakes region and begin a guided trek to the first lake, soaking in the alpine meadow scenery.

Afternoon: Hike along the lakeshore, spot local wildlife, and set up camp near the second lake. Picnic lunch by the water.

Evening: Campfire cooking, stargazing, and sharing stories with fellow trekkers.

Day 7: Kolsai Lakes – Day 2 and Return

Morning: Continue the trek to the third and largest Kolsai Lake, enjoying breathtaking reflections of surrounding peaks.

Afternoon: Descend back to the base village, where a local guide drives you back to Almaty, allowing time for a brief rest.

Evening: Treat yourself to a hearty meal at a traditional yurt‑style restaurant, reflecting on the trek’s highlights.

Day 8: Turgen Gorge & Issyk Lake

Morning: Journey to Turgen Gorge, famed for its turquoise river and waterfalls. Walk the scenic trail to the gorge’s viewpoint.

Afternoon: Continue to nearby Issyk Lake, a serene high‑altitude lake ideal for a relaxing lakeside lunch and optional paddle‑boarding.

Evening: Return to Almaty, stop at a roadside tea house, and enjoy a low‑key evening back in the city.

Day 9: Altyn‑Emel National Park – Singing Dunes

Morning: Early departure for the 4‑hour drive to Altyn‑Emel National Park. Upon arrival, explore the famous Singing Dunes and watch the sand “hum” as you walk.

Afternoon: Visit the ancient petroglyphs at the “Tamgaly” site and enjoy a packed lunch amid the desert landscape.

Evening: Head back to Almaty, arriving late night; unwind with a warm drink at the hostel.

Day 10: Free Day – Culture & Markets

Morning: Explore the bustling Green Bazaar to sample fresh fruit, nuts, and local delicacies.

Afternoon: Visit the Central State Museum (if missed earlier) and the Almaty Botanical Garden for a leisurely walk.

Evening: Celebrate the trip’s conclusion with a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant, enjoying the city lights.

Day 11: Departure

Morning: Pack belongings and enjoy a final coffee at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Transfer to Almaty International Airport for your flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

Evening: Reflect on the adventure as you board your flight home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Almaty City Center – 2 hrs – $0
• Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral – 1 hr – $0
• Medeu Ice Skating Rink – 2 hrs – $10
• Kok‑Tobe Hill (cable car) – 2 hrs – $8
• Big Almaty Lake – 3 hrs – $5
• Shymbulak Ski Resort (cable car) – 4 hrs – $20
• Charyn Canyon – 5 hrs – $15
• Kolsai Lakes 2‑day trek (guide & permits) – 2 days – $30
• Turgen Gorge – 3 hrs – $5
• Issyk Lake – 2 hrs – $0
• Altyn‑Emel National Park (Singing Dunes) – 6 hrs – $12
• Central State Museum – 2 hrs – $3
• Green Bazaar – 2 hrs – $0
• Total Estimated Cost: $108

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending the Kolsai Lakes trek to include the nearby Lake Kaindy for its surreal underwater forest, or add a visit to Lake Issyk‑Kul in Kyrgyzstan for a cross‑border adventure. To shorten the trip, combine Day 8 and Day 9 by visiting Turgen Gorge and Altyn‑Emel on the same day (early start), and replace the two‑day Kolsai trek with a day‑trip to Alpine Meadow Park for a taste of the high‑altitude scenery. Always check weather forecasts, especially for mountain passes, and carry cash for remote area fees where cards may not be accepted.