10-Day City Experiences Itinerary for Almaty, Kazakhstan

1. Day 1: Zenkov Cathedral
   20 minutes (11.4 km) from Almaty International Airport

   Marvel at the unique wooden architecture of the Zenkov Cathedral, the only wooden cathedral in the world.

2. Day 2: Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
   13 minutes (4.7 km) from Zenkov Cathedral

   Explore the beautifully curated exhibits showcasing the history and culture of Kazakhstan.

3. Day 3: Medeu Skating Rink
   31 minutes (16 km) from Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

   Experience the world's highest and largest ice-skating rink and take in the mountainous views of Shymbulak Ski Resort.

4. Day 4: Big Almaty Lake
   51 minutes (28 km) from Medeu Skating Rink

   Take a hike around the stunning turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake, surrounded by the craggy mountains of the Ile-Alatau National Park.

5. Day 5: Kazakhstan National Museum of Arts
   37 minutes (18 km) from Big Almaty Lake

   Discover Kazakhstan's rich art history through its impressive collection of both modern and traditional artworks.

6. Day 6: Ascension Cathedral
   14 minutes (5.3 km) from Kazakhstan National Museum of Arts

   Wander through the stunning stained-glass interior of this Russian Orthodox cathedral, and take in the views of the city from its bell tower.

7. Day 7: Kok-Tobe Hill
   16 minutes (7.9 km) from Ascension Cathedral

   Ride the cable car to the top of this hill for panoramic views of the city, and enjoy the park's attractions, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

8. Day 8: Khazret Sultan Mosque
   25 minutes (8.2 km) from Kok-Tobe Hill

   Visit the largest mosque in Central Asia and admire the intricate Islamic designs that adorn its interior and exterior.

9. Day 9: Dostyk Plaza
   18 minutes (5.8 km) from Khazret Sultan Mosque

   Experience luxury shopping, entertainment, and fine dining at this glamorous mall, the largest in Central Asia.

10. Day 10: Arasan Baths
    15 minutes (5.3 km) from Dostyk Plaza

    Relax in the historic thermal baths of Arasan, complete with Turkish, Finnish, and Russian saunas, and a variety of massage and spa services.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Zenkov Cathedral (1 hour, Free)
• Central State Museum of Kazakhstan (2-3 hours, 1500 KZT)
• Medeu Skating Rink (3-4 hours, 3000 KZT)
• Big Almaty Lake (6-8 hours, Free)
• Kazakhstan National Museum of Arts (2-3 hours, 1000 KZT)
• Ascension Cathedral (1-2 hours, Free)
• Kok-Tobe Hill (2-3 hours, 4000 KZT round trip cable car ticket)
• Khazret Sultan Mosque (1-2 hours, Free)
• Dostyk Plaza (2-4 hours, Free)
• Arasan Baths (2-3 hours, 4000 KZT)
Total Estimated Costs: 13500 KZT ($32 USD)

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider day trips to the Charyn Canyon or the Tamgaly Petroglyphs. For those with less time, skip the Arasan Baths or reduce your time at Dostyk Plaza.