Budget-Friendly 7-Day Almaty Itinerary

Day 1: City Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Zheti Qazyna

Start your day with a budget-friendly traditional Kazakh breakfast at Zheti Qazyna, known for its delicious local dishes.
Zheti Qazyna is located in the city centre and can be easily reached by walking or a short taxi ride from most hotels.
£5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Panfilov Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Panfilov Park, home to the colorful Zenkov Cathedral and the War Memorial dedicated to the fallen soldiers.
Panfilov Park is within walking distance from Zheti Qazyna, allowing you to enjoy the city sights on foot.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Green Bazaar

Head to Green Bazaar for a budget-friendly lunch experience, sampling local street food and fresh produce.
Green Bazaar is a short walk from Panfilov Park, offering a variety of food stalls and vendors.
£7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Explore the history and culture of Kazakhstan at the Central State Museum, showcasing artefacts and exhibitions.
The museum is located near the city centre and can be reached by public transport or a short taxi ride.
£3, 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Navat

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner at Navat, offering traditional Kazakh dishes in a cozy setting.
Navat is located in the city centre, making it convenient to end your day with a satisfying meal.
£10, 1-2 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a quick breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for a day trip to Big Almaty Lake.
Take a shared taxi from Almaty city centre to Big Almaty Lake. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Big Almaty Lake

Spend the morning exploring the stunning mountain scenery and turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake.
You can hike around the lake or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings before heading back to the city.
£2 (entrance fee), 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Have a simple lunch at a local cafe near Big Almaty Lake, enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains.
There are a few budget-friendly cafes near the lake where you can grab a quick meal.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Almaty

Take a shared taxi back to Almaty city centre, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive back.
Shared taxis are readily available near Big Almaty Lake and will take you back to the city in about 1.5 hours.
£3, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dastarkhan

End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at Dastarkhan, known for its delicious Kazakh cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Dastarkhan is located in the city centre, offering a convenient dining option after a day of exploration.
£8, 1-2 hours
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon Excursion

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a quick breakfast at your accommodation before embarking on a day trip to Charyn Canyon.
Join a budget-friendly group tour or hire a shared taxi to Charyn Canyon, located about 200 km from Almaty.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Spend the morning exploring the unique rock formations and scenic viewpoints of Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon.
You can hike along the canyon rim or descend into the valley to get closer to the rock formations.
£3 (entrance fee), 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning natural landscapes of Charyn Canyon, taking in the beauty of the surroundings.
There are designated picnic areas within the canyon where you can relax and have a meal.
£5, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty in the afternoon, enjoying the scenic drive through the Kazakh countryside.
Shared taxis or group tours will take you back to the city, with the journey lasting about 3 hours.
£5, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Beshbarmak

Try the traditional Kazakh dish Beshbarmak for dinner at a local restaurant, known for its hearty and flavoursome preparation.
Beshbarmak restaurants can be found in the city centre, offering an authentic dining experience.
£10, 1-2 hours
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Day 4: Altyn Emel National Park

Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation before heading out for a day trip to Altyn Emel National Park.
Book a budget-friendly group tour to Altyn Emel National Park, located about 4 hours from Almaty.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

12:00PM

Explore Singing Dunes

Visit the iconic Singing Dunes in Altyn Emel National Park, known for the sound they produce when the sand is disturbed.
You can climb the dunes and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscapes.
£2 (entrance fee), 2 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch near the Singing Dunes, immersing yourself in the unique natural environment of the park.
There are designated picnic spots with facilities where you can relax and have a meal.
£5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Aktau Mountains

Explore the colourful rock formations of the Aktau Mountains, showcasing unique geological features and vibrant hues.
Hike along the designated trails to witness the beauty of the Aktau Mountains up close.
£2 (entrance fee), 2 hours

7:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty in the evening, reflecting on the natural wonders you experienced at Altyn Emel National Park.
The group tour will take you back to the city, with the journey lasting about 4 hours.
£5, 4 hours
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Day 5: City Relaxation

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Bolek

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Cafe Bolek, known for its cosy atmosphere and delicious pastries.
Cafe Bolek is located in the city centre, offering a relaxing start to your day.
£5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Almaty Zoo

Spend the morning exploring Almaty Zoo, home to a variety of animals and a popular attraction for families.
The zoo is located near the city centre and can be easily reached by public transport or taxi.
£2, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vstrecha Cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at Vstrecha Cafe, offering a mix of local and international dishes in a casual setting.
Vstrecha Cafe is a short walk from the zoo, providing a convenient dining option after your visit.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kok Tobe Hill

Take a trip to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, accessible by a cable car ride.
You can reach Kok Tobe Hill by taking the cable car from the city centre, enjoying the scenic ride up the hill.
£3 (cable car ride), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gakku Restaurant

Indulge in a budget-friendly dinner at Gakku Restaurant, known for its fusion cuisine and relaxed ambience.
Gakku Restaurant is located near the cable car station, offering a convenient dining option with city views.
£10, 1-2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Coffeedelia, a popular cafe serving freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries.
Coffeedelia is located in the city centre, offering a cosy setting to kickstart your day.
£5, 1 hour

11:00AM

Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Explore the rich musical heritage of Kazakhstan at the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, showcasing unique instruments and traditions.
The museum is within walking distance from Coffeedelia, providing an insightful cultural experience.
£2, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Adai

Have a budget-friendly lunch at Adai, offering traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist in a vibrant setting.
Adai is located near the museum, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal after your cultural exploration.
£7, 1 hour

3:00PM

Ascension Cathedral

Visit the Ascension Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church with stunning architecture and historical significance.
The cathedral is a short walk from Adai, allowing you to admire the architectural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Free, 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Belvedere

End your day with a budget-friendly dinner at Belvedere, offering a mix of European and Kazakh dishes with panoramic city views.
Belvedere is located in the city centre, providing a scenic dining experience to conclude your cultural exploration.
£12, 1-2 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Aksai Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at Aksai Cafe, known for its charming atmosphere and freshly brewed coffee.
Aksai Cafe is a popular spot in the city centre, perfect for a leisurely start to your final day in Almaty.
£6, 1 hour

11:00AM

Almaty Central Park

Spend the morning exploring Almaty Central Park, a green oasis in the city with walking paths, gardens, and attractions.
Central Park is easily accessible from Aksai Cafe, offering a relaxing environment for a morning stroll.
Free, 1-2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Urkaly

Have a farewell lunch at Urkaly, a budget-friendly restaurant serving a mix of international and Kazakh dishes with a cosy vibe.
Urkaly is located near Central Park, providing a convenient dining option before your departure.
£8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Last Minute Shopping

Spend your afternoon exploring local markets and souvenir shops in Almaty for last-minute gifts and souvenirs.
You can walk to the Zelyony Bazaar or take a short taxi ride to Panfilov Street for shopping opportunities.
Variable, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mamamia

End your trip with a delicious dinner at Mamamia, a budget-friendly Italian restaurant offering a variety of pizzas and pasta dishes.
Mamamia is located in the city centre, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal before your departure.
£10, 1-2 hours
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