Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Esentai, located near Medeu. Enjoy a variety of freshly baked pastries, savory omelettes, and aromatic coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 KZT per person.
For lunch, head over to Restaurant Alasha in the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Indulge in traditional Kazakh cuisine such as beshbarmak and kazy. The cozy atmosphere and stunning mountain views make for a delightful dining experience. Average cost for a meal is about 2000 KZT per person.
End your day with a fine dining experience at The Peak Restaurant, situated at the top of Shymbulak Ski Resort. Savor a variety of international dishes while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. Average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Barmen. This cozy cafe offers a variety of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries and hearty omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For lunch, head to Sultan Restaurant for a taste of authentic Kazakh cuisine. Try their mouth-watering traditional dishes such as beshbarmak and manty. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
End your day with a delightful dinner at Sky Lounge Restaurant, located at Shymbulak Ski Resort. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains while indulging in their gourmet international dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Restaurants
The Breakfast Spot: A charming cafe that serves delicious breakfast dishes such as fluffy pancakes and eggs benedict. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Taste of Asia: A delightful lunch spot offering a variety of Asian cuisines like sushi, noodles, and fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Mountain View Grill: A cozy dinner restaurant with panoramic views of the mountains. Enjoy hearty steak and seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
Restaurants
For breakfast, check out the cozy Cafe Astana. They serve delicious traditional Kazakh dishes such as baursak and kazy. The average cost for a meal is about 1000 KZT per person.
For lunch, head to Terrace Restaurant located in Medeu. They offer a wide variety of international cuisines, along with stunning views of the mountains. The average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
For dinner, indulge in a delightful meal at Mamamia Restaurant in Shymbulak Ski Resort. They specialize in Italian cuisine, offering a range of pizzas and pastas. The average cost for a meal is about 8000 KZT per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Alma located near Medeu. They offer a variety of freshly baked pastries and a hearty breakfast menu. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Shymbulak Restaurant at Shymbulak Ski Resort. They serve a range of international and local dishes with stunning panoramic views. Average cost for a meal is about 4000 KZT per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Alasha located within Shymbulak Ski Resort. They specialize in traditional Kazakh cuisine and offer a cozy atmosphere. Average cost for a meal is about 6000 KZT per person.
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Almaty. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options including traditional Kazakh dishes and international breakfast favorites. The average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Restaurant Central Asian Cuisine. Indulge in flavorful Central Asian dishes such as plov, shashlik, and lagman. The average cost for a meal is about 2000 KZT per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Samal. This elegant dining establishment offers a diverse menu of international and Kazakh cuisine, accompanied by stunning panoramic views. The average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
Thursday, August 31: Arrival in Almaty
Welcome to Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan! Start your trip by exploring Panfilov Park in the morning. This beautiful park is home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a stunning wooden Orthodox church. In the afternoon, visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan to learn about the country's rich history. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Arbat Street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe de Paris. This charming cafe offers a variety of fresh pastries and coffees. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 KZT per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Navat. This restaurant serves traditional Kazakh dishes prepared with local ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about 4000 KZT per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner at Sky Lounge Restaurant. Located on the top floor of a skyscraper, this elegant restaurant offers panoramic views of the city along with a gourmet menu. Average cost for a meal is about 8000 KZT per person.
Friday, September 1: Charyn Canyon
Embark on a day trip to Charyn Canyon, often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia." Spend the morning hiking along the canyon's trails, marveling at the breathtaking rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch with panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit the Valley of Castles, a unique part of the canyon with eroded rock formations resembling ancient castles. Return to Almaty in the evening.
Hiking in Charyn Canyon: Cost Estimate - $10 (transportation), Time Spent - 6-7 hours
Valley of Castles: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Pushkin. This cozy cafe offers a variety of options such as omelettes, pancakes, and freshly baked pastries. The average cost for a meal here is about 1500 KZT per person.
For lunch, head to Zheti Kazyna Restaurant. Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine including beshbarmak, manty, and kazy. The restaurant has a warm ambiance and the average cost for a meal here is about 3000 KZT per person.
In the evening, dine at Mukam Palace Restaurant. Indulge in a wide selection of dishes from Uzbek, Uighur, and Kazakh cuisines. The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with live music performances. The average cost for a meal here is about 5000 KZT per person.
Saturday, September 2: Medeu & Shymbulak
Start your day by visiting Medeu, the highest mountain sports complex in the world. Take a stroll around the ice skating rink and enjoy the scenic mountain views. In the afternoon, head to Shymbulak Ski Resort, situated in the Tian Shan Mountains. Take a cable car ride to enjoy the magnificent alpine landscapes and maybe even try skiing or snowboarding. End the day with a cozy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants.
Take a morning flight to Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan. Begin your exploration by visiting the Bayterek Tower, an iconic symbol of Astana. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the futuristic architecture of the Nur-Astana Mosque and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Finish the day with a leisurely stroll along the Ishim River.
Nur-Astana Mosque & Palace of Peace and Reconciliation: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Monday, September 4: Turkestan
Embark on a day trip to Turkestan, a historic city with significant cultural and architectural heritage. Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is an impressive example of Timurid architecture. Explore the ancient city walls and the historic marketplace. Immerse yourself in the rich history and spirituality of this cultural gem.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi: Cost Estimate - $10 (transportation), Time Spent - 5-6 hours
Ancient City Walls & Marketplace: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Tuesday, September 5: Big Almaty Lake
Embark on a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake, located in the Ile-Alatau National Park. Enjoy the morning surrounded by the stunning turquoise lake and the picturesque mountain landscape. Take a hike around the lake or simply relax in nature's tranquility. In the afternoon, visit the Almaty State Museum of History and Ethnography to deepen your understanding of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage.
Big Almaty Lake: Cost Estimate - $20 (transportation), Time Spent - 4-5 hours
Almaty State Museum of History and Ethnography: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Breakfast: Start your day with a delicious meal at The Blue Cow Restaurant, known for their hearty breakfast options. Enjoy their fluffy pancakes and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
Lunch: For a satisfying lunch, head to The Green Garden Restaurant which offers a variety of international cuisines. Try their mouthwatering grilled chicken with a side of fresh salad. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Golden Fork Restaurant, renowned for their exquisite menu and elegant ambiance. Treat yourself to their perfectly cooked steak accompanied by a glass of fine wine. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Wednesday, September 6: Kok Tobe
Conclude your trip with a visit to Kok Tobe, a recreational area located on a hill overlooking Almaty. Take a ride on the famous Kok Tobe cable car and enjoy panoramic views of the city. Explore the park, visit the Beatles Monument, and indulge in local cuisine at the restaurants and cafes available. As the sun sets, witness the stunning view of Almaty's city lights.
For off the beaten path adventures, consider visiting the Altyn-Emel National Park, home to the singing sand dunes and the unique Aktau and Katutau mountains. Another hidden gem is the Kolsai Lakes, a series of beautiful mountain lakes offering hiking opportunities and pristine natural beauty. Locals also love exploring the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
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