A Nature Lover's Paradise: 6-Day Itinerary in Almaty
Friday, October 20: Arrival and City Exploration
Start your trip by exploring the beautiful city of Almaty. In the morning, visit the Central State Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan. Afterward, head to Panfilov Park, home to the iconic Zenkov Cathedral and the Memorial of Glory. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush greenery. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the vibrant Green Bazaar, where you can find a variety of fresh produce and local goods. In the evening, indulge in delicious Kazakh cuisine at a traditional restaurant.
Central State Museum: Cost estimate - Free, Time spent - 2 hours
Green Bazaar: Cost estimate - Varies, Time spent - 2 hours
Traditional Restaurant: Cost estimate - $20 per person, Time spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Sarbaz restaurant, known for its wide selection of traditional Kazakh dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
For a satisfying lunch, head to Dolce Vita, a cozy cafe offering a variety of European and Kazakh fusion dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 KZT per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Urkerek, a fine dining restaurant specializing in modern Kazakh cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 8000 KZT per person.
Saturday, October 21: Charyn Canyon
Embark on a day trip to the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon's little brother." Marvel at the stunning rock formations and vibrant hues as you hike along the canyon trails. Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the canyon's beauty. In the afternoon, visit the Valley of Castles, a unique area with towering rock formations that resemble medieval fortresses. Witness the sunset at the canyon before returning to Almaty in the evening.
For breakfast, head to Cafe de la Paix, a cozy little cafe with a charming atmosphere and delicious pastries. Their breakfast menu offers a variety of options from croissants to omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
For lunch, try Navat Restaurant, serving traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist. Their menu includes mouth-watering dishes such as beshbarmak and kuyrdak. Enjoy the cozy ambience and average cost for a meal is about 5000 KZT per person.
For dinner, visit Zheti Kazyna, a popular restaurant showcasing the best of Kazakh cuisine. From hearty dishes like pilaf and shashlik to fragrant soups and salads, you'll find a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. Average cost for a meal is about 8000 KZT per person.
Sunday, October 22: Medeu and Shymbulak
Start your day by visiting Medeu, the highest mountain skating rink in the world. Take a leisurely walk around this picturesque area and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Afterward, head to Shymbulak Ski Resort, where you can ride the cable car up to the Talgar Pass for panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks. Indulge in a warm cup of tea or coffee at one of the cozy mountain cafes before returning to Almaty.
Shymbulak Ski Resort: Cost estimate (including transportation and cable car) - $30, Time spent - 4 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe de la Paix. This charming restaurant offers a wide range of breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries, eggs, and coffee. The average cost for a meal is about 1200 KZT per person.
For lunch, head to Navat Restaurant, known for its traditional Kazakh cuisine. Enjoy flavorful dishes such as beshbarmak and shashlik while admiring the beautiful mountain views. The average cost for a meal is about 3000 KZT per person.
For dinner, experience the culinary delights at Cafe Central Asian. This cozy restaurant serves a variety of Central Asian dishes, including plov and manty. The average cost for a meal is about 2500 KZT per person.
Monday, October 23: Big Almaty Lake
Escape to the serene beauty of Big Almaty Lake, nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains before reaching the turquoise-blue lake. Take a leisurely hike around the lake, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and bask in the tranquility of nature. Pack a picnic lunch to savor at one of the peaceful lakeside spots. After spending the day in nature's embrace, return to Almaty in the evening.
Big Almaty Lake: Cost estimate (including transportation) - $40, Time spent - 8 hours
Tuesday, October 24: Kok Tobe and Almaty Botanical Garden
Start your day by visiting Kok Tobe, a hill offering panoramic views of Almaty. Take a ride on the cable car to reach the top and enjoy the stunning cityscape below. Explore the Kok Tobe Park, home to various attractions, including the Beatles Monument and the famous Almaty TV Tower. In the afternoon, visit the Almaty Botanical Garden, where you can stroll amidst a vast collection of plant species from around the world. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and relax before heading back to the city center.
Breakfast: Start your day with a visit to Cafe Dodo, located near Kok Tobe. This cozy cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast options, including freshly baked pastries and hearty omelettes. Enjoy a satisfying meal for around 1000 KZT per person.
Lunch: For a tasty lunch option, head to Good Old Times restaurant. This charming eatery serves traditional Kazakh dishes, as well as international cuisine. Treat yourself to a delicious meal for approximately 2500 KZT per person.
Dinner: Indulge in a gastronomic experience at Rakhat Palace Restaurant. With its elegant decor and a menu featuring a fusion of Kazakh and European flavors, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. Expect to spend around 5000 KZT per person for a memorable dinner.
Wednesday, October 25: Assy Plateau and Tamgaly Tas
Embark on a day trip to the Assy Plateau and Tamgaly Tas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the ancient petroglyphs etched onto the rocks, depicting scenes from the Bronze Age. Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of these rock carvings. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural surroundings before returning to Almaty in the evening.
Assy Plateau and Tamgaly Tas: Cost estimate (including transportation and guided tour) - $80, Time spent - 10 hours
Restaurants
For a delicious breakfast, head to Cafe asyl arna, a cozy restaurant that offers a variety of traditional Kazakh dishes such as baursaks and kurt. The average cost for a meal is about 1500 KZT per person.
When it comes to lunch, Kishlak Restaurant is a great choice. Located in a picturesque setting, this restaurant serves mouthwatering Uzbek cuisine including plov and kebabs. The average cost for a meal is about 3000 KZT per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, visit La Grenouille, a French restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and delectable dishes. Indulge in fine dining and enjoy classic French cuisine such as foie gras and coq au vin. The average cost for a meal is about 8000 KZT per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For nature enthusiasts looking to explore off the beaten path, the Ile-Alatau National Park is a must-visit. This vast wilderness offers stunning mountain landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous hiking trails. Don't miss the beautiful Turgen Waterfalls, located within the park, where you can witness the cascading waters amidst lush greenery. Another hidden gem is the Altyn-Emel National Park, known for its unique rock formations and the famous Singing Dune. This natural phenomenon creates a melodic sound as the wind passes through the sand. Explore these hidden gems to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Almaty.