Morning: Arrive at Almaty International Airport and take a short taxi ride to your centrally‑located hotel. After checking‑in, freshen up and enjoy a quick coffee at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Stroll through Panfilov Park, admire the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, and visit the historic Almaty Museum for a glimpse of Kazakh heritage.
Evening: Dine on traditional dishes such as beshbarmak at a local restaurant, then wander along the lively Arbat Street for street performances and souvenir shopping.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to the high‑altitude Medeu Ice Skating Rink for a scenic walk, then continue to the turquoise Big Almaty Lake for a short hike around the shoreline.
Afternoon: Take the cable car up to Shymbulak Resort, enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant, and explore the alpine trails or simply relax with panoramic views.
Evening: Return to Almaty and ride the funicular to Kok‑Tobe Tower, where a sunset over the city provides a perfect photo opportunity.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early on a guided tour to the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called “Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon,” and begin exploring the dramatic “Valley of Castles.”
Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the red rock formations, then continue hiking to the less‑crowded Besshatyr section for stunning vistas.
Evening: Return to Almaty, unwind at your hotel, and perhaps sample a hot Kazakh tea in the hotel lounge.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch a short domestic flight to Nur‑Sultan, check into a modern downtown hotel, and freshen up before heading out.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Bayterek Tower for panoramic city views, then explore the futuristic Khan Shatyr Shopping Center, an architectural marvel shaped like a giant tent.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant along the Ishim River promenade, then take a leisurely walk to admire the illuminated skyline.
Find HotelsMorning: Tour the striking Palace of Peace and Reconciliation and the elegant Hazrat Sultan Mosque**, taking time to appreciate the modern Islamic architecture.
Afternoon: Discover Kazakh history at the National Museum of Kazakhstan and visit the historic Ascension Cathedral, a beautifully restored wooden church.
Evening: Transfer to the airport for your departure, carrying memories of Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending the trip by adding a day in the scenic Burabay (Borovoe) National Park or a visit to the unique Altyn‑Emel desert to see the “Singing Dunes.” Conversely, to shorten the itinerary, you can skip the Charyn Canyon day and spend the extra time exploring more of Almaty’s museums or enjoying a relaxed day at Shymbulak before flying to Nur‑Sultan.