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5-Day Adventure Itinerary in Almaty in July 2023

  1. Day 1: Medeu Skating Rink
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Almaty city center

    In the morning, visit Medeu Skating Rink, an Olympic-size ice rink located in the mountains. Take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Shymbulak Ski Resort, which offers activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner at the Kishlak restaurant.

  2. Day 2: Charyn Canyon
    3 hours (135 miles) from Almaty city center

    Visit Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder that features stunning rock formations. Take a hike through the canyon for scenic views and photo opportunities. In the afternoon, visit the Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient rock carvings. In the evening, have dinner at the Turgen waterfall.

  3. Day 3: Big Almaty Lake
    1 hour (14 miles) from Almaty city center

    Visit Big Almaty Lake, a beautiful glacial lake located in the Tian Shan mountains. Take a hike around the lake or go horseback riding. In the afternoon, visit the Kazakhstan National Park, which features diverse flora and fauna. In the evening, have dinner at the Baursak restaurant, which serves traditional Kazakh cuisine.

  4. Day 4: Kok-Tobe Hill
    20 minutes (5 miles) from Almaty city center

    Visit Kok-Tobe Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. Take a ride on the Kok-Tobe cable car and visit the Kok-Tobe Tower, a popular observation deck. In the afternoon, visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, which features exhibits on Kazakhstan's history and culture. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the Daredzhani restaurant, which serves Georgian cuisine.

  5. Day 5: Kolsai Lakes
    4 hours (175 miles) from Almaty city center

    Visit the Kolsai Lakes, a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kungey-Alatau National Park. Take a hike around the lakes or go fishing. In the afternoon, visit the Kaindy Lake, another stunning lake that features sunken trees. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Kaganat restaurant, which serves Uzbek cuisine.

Recommendations

Make sure to visit the Altyn Emel National Park, which features diverse landscapes such as sand dunes and rocky mountains. You can also take a side trip to the city of Bishkek in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, which features beautiful architecture and a lively bazaar. To maximize your fun, consider booking a guided hiking tour or renting a car to explore the surrounding areas. Lastly, don't forget to try the traditional Kazakh drink, kumis, which is made from fermented mare's milk.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Medeu Skating Rink (3 hours, 2000 KZT)
  • Charyn Canyon (6 hours, 5000 KZT)
  • Big Almaty Lake (4 hours, 3000 KZT)
  • Kok-Tobe Hill (4 hours, 1500 KZT)
  • Kolsai Lakes (8 hours, 7000 KZT)
  • Total Estimated Costs (5 days): 18,500 KZT
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