Kazakhstan 10‑Day Itinerary for an Indian Couple (3‑Star Hotels)

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty & City Introduction

Morning: The flight lands at Almaty International Airport, where a pre‑booked transfer takes you to your 3‑star hotel in the city centre. After settling in, enjoy a light Indian‑style breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk to the historic Almaty Central Square and explore the nearby Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden marvel that offers panoramic city views.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant serving Kazakh dishes such as beshbarmak, while sampling a selection of regional wines and teas.

Day 2: Almaty – Parks, Mountains & Nightlife

Morning: Visit Panfilov Park and its iconic War Memorial, then head to the Museum of Kazakh History for a quick cultural immersion.

Afternoon: Ride the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill, where you can enjoy stunning views of Almaty, a small amusement park, and a tea house.

Evening: Explore the vibrant Arbat Street area, sampling street food and enjoying live Kazakh music at a nearby café.

Day 3: Day Trip to Charyn Canyon

Morning: Depart early by minibus for the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”.

Afternoon: Hike along the canyon’s “Valley of Castles”, take photos, and enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the red sandstone cliffs.

Evening: Return to Almaty, relax at the hotel, and have a quiet dinner featuring Indian‑Kazakh fusion dishes.

Day 4: Transfer to Astana (Nur‑Sultan)

Morning: Check out and take a short domestic flight to Astana (Nur‑Sultan), the futuristic capital of Kazakhstan.

Afternoon: After hotel check‑in, start with a guided walk around the Presidential Palace and the impressive Ak Orda government complex.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Ishim River, tasting local grilled meats and fresh salads.

Morning: Ascend the Bayterek Tower for panoramic city vistas and learn the legend of the mythical tree of life.

Afternoon: Visit the massive Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a transparent tent shopping mall with indoor beach and aquapark.

Evening: Stroll along the riverfront promenade, stopping at a café for a cup of traditional Kazakh tea.

Day 6: Day Trip to Borovoe (Lake Borovoe)

Morning: Depart for the scenic Lake Borovoe, known as the “Pearl of Kazakhstan”, surrounded by pine forests.

Afternoon: Enjoy a boat ride, optional kayaking, and a lakeside lunch featuring fresh fish.

Evening: Return to Astana and relax with a light dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: Train to Karaganda

Morning: Board a comfortable overnight train to Karaganda, a historic mining city.

Afternoon: Arrive, check in, and explore the KarLag Museum, a former Soviet labor camp turned memorial.

Evening: Sample local cuisine at a family‑run restaurant and enjoy a quiet evening walk in the city park.

Day 7: Karaganda to Turkestan

Morning: Fly from Karaganda to Turkestan, the spiritual heart of Kazakhstan.

Afternoon: Check into a boutique 3‑star hotel, then visit the awe‑inspiring Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Evening: Attend a traditional music performance and enjoy a dinner featuring pilaf and local sweets.

Day 8: Turkestan Cultural Immersion

Morning: Explore the intricate interiors of the Yasawi Mausoleum and its surrounding gardens.

Afternoon: Wander the bustling Turkestan Bazaar, perfect for buying handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Evening: Relax at the hotel’s rooftop terrace, watching the sunset over the historic cityscape.

Day 9: Return to Almaty via Flight

Morning: Take a short domestic flight back to Almaty for a final day of leisure.

Afternoon: Visit the Green Bazaar for last‑minute shopping and enjoy a light lunch of kebabs and fresh fruit.

Evening: Pack, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with views of the Tian Shan mountains, and prepare for departure.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Check out of the hotel and transfer to Almaty International Airport.

Afternoon: Board your international flight home, carrying memories of Kazakhstan’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality.

Evening: Arrive back in India.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Almaty City Center (Day 1) – 3 hrs – INR 1,200
• Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral (Day 2) – 2 hrs – INR 800
• Kok Tobe Hill (Day 2) – 3 hrs – INR 1,500 (cable car)
• Charyn Canyon (Day 3) – Full day – INR 4,500 (transport & guide)
• Bayterek Tower (Day 5) – 2 hrs – INR 600
• Khan Shatyr (Day 5) – 3 hrs – INR 1,200 (shopping optional)
• Lake Borovoe (Day 6) – Full day – INR 3,800 (transport & boat)
• KarLag Museum (Karaganda) – 2 hrs – INR 500
• Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (Turkestan) – 3 hrs – INR 1,000
• Turkestan Bazaar (Day 8) – 2 hrs – INR 700
• Green Bazaar (Almaty, Day 9) – 2 hrs – INR 600
• 3‑Star Hotel (10 nights) – 10 nights – INR 50,000
• Domestic Flights (Almaty‑Astana, Astana‑Turkestan, Turkestan‑Almaty) – 3 flights – INR 24,000
• Train Karaganda (overnight) – 1 journey – INR 4,000
• Meals (Indian & Kazakh cuisine) – 10 days – INR 12,000
• Local Transfers & Minibus Tours – INR 10,000
• Entry Fees & Guides – INR 5,000
• Miscellaneous (tips, internet, insurance) – INR 5,000
• Total Estimated Cost: INR 122,200

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Almaty to explore the nearby Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Karaganda leg and fly directly from Astana to Turkestan, saving both travel time and about INR 4,000 in train costs.