Exploring Almaty in 5 Days

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Day 1: City Center

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Visit Panfilov Park

Start your day with a peaceful walk among the trees, and see the wooden Zenkov Cathedral – a colorful architectural gem.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Green Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, where locals buy and sell fresh produce, traditional crafts, and spices.
Variable, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Navat

Savor delicious Kazakh cuisine in a cozy setting. Don't miss the beshbarmak, a traditional meat and pasta dish.
3000 KZT, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Almaty Central State Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan through fascinating exhibitions and artifacts.
800 KZT, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zheti Kazyna

Indulge in a refined dinner, and try the dastarkhan, a variety of Kazakh dishes served as a dining ritual.
5000 KZT, 2 hours

Day 2: Medeu and Shymbulak

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Marvel at the world's highest and largest outdoor skating rink, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
1500 KZT, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Ski Resort

Enjoy a hearty meal with panoramic mountain views at this renowned ski resort's restaurant.
2500 KZT, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Ride Shymbulak Gondola

Soar to the top of the mountain for breathtaking vistas of the Alatau range and the city below.
2000 KZT, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Kok-Tobe Hill

Unwind at the highest point in the city, taking in the sunset and exploring the leisure park's attractions.
1000 KZT, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Old Golden Melody

Experience a cozy dinner atmosphere with live music and enjoy tasty European and Kazakh fusion dishes.
4000 KZT, 2 hours

Day 3: Big Almaty Lake

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Drive to Big Almaty Lake

Embark on an early morning journey to this stunning alpine reservoir, nestled in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
500 KZT (fuel), 2 hours

11:00AM

Hike around the Lake

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the azure waters and take in the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding the lake.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Unwind with a scenic picnic amidst the mountainous landscape, savoring local delicacies and enjoying the serenity.
2000 KZT, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Big Almaty Observatory

Explore the observatory and learn about astronomical studies while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains.
1000 KZT, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kishlak

Relish a dinner featuring Central Asian cuisine in a warm, traditional atmosphere with cultural live performances.
3500 KZT, 2 hours

Day 4: Charyn Canyon

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Embark on an early morning scenic drive to experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of Charyn Canyon.
3000 KZT (car rental and fuel), 4 hours

12:00PM

Hike through the Canyon

Embark on a guided hike through the dramatic red rock formations and unique geological features of the canyon.
1000 KZT (guide), 3 hours

4:00PM

Picnic on the Canyon Rim

Enjoy a picturesque picnic with panoramic views of the canyon, savoring local snacks and refreshing beverages.
1500 KZT, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Asian Café Dastarkhan

Savor a fusion of Asian flavors with a modern twist, complemented by a relaxed dining ambiance.
4000 KZT, 2 hours

Day 5: Almaty Zoo and Botanical Garden

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Explore Almaty Zoo

Discover diverse wildlife from around the world and enjoy educational exhibits in a picturesque zoo setting.
1000 KZT, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Botanika

Delight in a delightful lunch amidst lush greenery, offering a range of international and local culinary delights.
3000 KZT, 1 hour

2:00PM

Stroll through Central State Botanical Garden

Relax and unwind in this serene oasis while admiring the diverse plant collections and enchanting landscapes.
500 KZT, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Botanical Illustration Workshop

Participate in a hands-on workshop and unleash your creativity by sketching the beautiful flora in the garden.
2500 KZT, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Adai

Indulge in a fusion of Central Asian and European cuisine while enjoying the relaxed and elegant ambiance.
4500 KZT, 2 hours

Travel Requirements

Travelers visiting Almaty should ensure they have a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining and may need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. It's advisable to check with the Kazakhstani consulate or embassy in your country for the latest visa requirements. Additionally, it's recommended to stay updated on vaccination requirements and travel advisories for Kazakhstan. Entry restrictions for foreign visitors may change, so it's important to consult official government sources or travel agencies before planning your trip.

Local Sayings

When visiting Almaty, it's useful to learn some basic Kazakh and Russian phrases. The locals appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language. Helpful resources for learning basic words and expressions include language learning apps like Duolingo, as well as phrasebooks and online language tutorials. Common phrases to know include greetings like 'Salam' (hello) in Kazakh and 'Zdravstvuyte' (hello) in Russian, as well as 'Spasibo' (thank you) and 'Da' (yes) in both languages.