A Week of Adventure in Kazakhstan

Day 1: City Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Navat Restaurant

Start your day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at Navat Restaurant, known for its delicious local dishes.
Navat Restaurant is located in the city center, easily accessible by taxi or public transportation. It takes around 20 minutes to get there from most hotels in Almaty.
15 USD, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Panfilov Park

Walk through Panfilov Park, home to the Zenkov Cathedral and the WWII Memorial. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and historical landmarks.
Panfilov Park is a short walk from Navat Restaurant. It takes about 10 minutes to reach on foot.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Zheti Qazyna

Savor a delicious lunch at Zheti Qazyna, a restaurant offering a mix of Kazakh and Central Asian cuisine.
Zheti Qazyna is located near Panfilov Park, just a 5-minute walk away.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Explore the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan at the Central State Museum. Don't miss the Golden Man exhibit.
The museum is a short taxi ride from Zheti Qazyna, taking approximately 15 minutes to reach.
10 USD, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gakku

Indulge in a fusion of Kazakh and international flavors at Gakku for dinner.
Gakku is located in the city center, easily accessible by taxi. It takes around 20 minutes to get there from the museum.
25 USD, 2 hours
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Day 2: Charyn Canyon Exploration

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive to Charyn Canyon, known for its unique rock formations and breathtaking views.
Take a private car or join a tour for the approximately 4-hour journey from Almaty to Charyn Canyon.
100 USD (round trip), 4 hours

12:30PM

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning landscape of Charyn Canyon. Take in the beauty of the rock formations.
Find a picturesque spot within the canyon for a relaxing lunch break.
10 USD, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike in Charyn Canyon

Embark on a hike through the canyon to explore its unique geography and natural beauty up close.
Follow the designated hiking trails in Charyn Canyon, allowing you to discover various viewpoints and formations.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local guesthouse or campsite near Charyn Canyon. Experience the tranquility of the canyon at night.
Your accommodation for the night will provide dinner options. Relax and unwind in the natural surroundings.
50 USD (accommodation), Ongoing
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Day 3: Kolsai Lakes Adventure

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Transfer to Kolsai Lakes

Travel to the stunning Kolsai Lakes, a series of three alpine lakes known for their crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Take a private car or arrange for transportation to Kolsai Lakes from Charyn Canyon. The journey takes about 3 hours.
150 USD (round trip), 3 hours

11:00AM

Hiking and Boating

Embark on a hike around the lakes or opt for a scenic boat ride to explore the pristine beauty of Kolsai Lakes.
Choose your preferred activity upon arrival at Kolsai Lakes. Hiking trails offer panoramic views, while boat rides provide a different perspective of the lakes.
10 USD, 4 hours

3:00PM

Picnic by the Lakes

Enjoy a peaceful picnic by the lakeshore, surrounded by the tranquility of nature and the majestic Tien Shan mountains.
Find a scenic spot by the lakes to relax and enjoy your picnic. Take in the beauty of the landscape.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back to your accommodation near Kolsai Lakes for a relaxing evening and dinner.
Travel back to your guesthouse or lodge for a cozy evening in the mountains.
50 USD (accommodation), Ongoing
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Day 4: Altyn Emel National Park Exploration

Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Journey to Altyn Emel National Park

Embark on a journey to Altyn Emel National Park, known for its diverse landscapes, including sand dunes and rocky formations.
Take a private car or join a guided tour for the approximately 5-hour drive from Kolsai Lakes to Altyn Emel National Park.
200 USD (round trip), 5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Visitor Center

Enjoy a hearty lunch at the visitor center of Altyn Emel National Park before starting your exploration of the park.
Stop at the visitor center upon arrival for a delicious meal and to gather information about the park's attractions.
20 USD, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Singing Dunes

Visit the iconic Singing Dunes in Altyn Emel National Park and witness the phenomenon of sand dunes producing musical sounds.
Drive to the Singing Dunes area within the park to experience this natural wonder up close.
10 USD, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Aktau Mountains

Head to the Aktau Mountains to witness a mesmerizing sunset over the colorful rock formations of Altyn Emel National Park.
Drive to the Aktau Mountains viewpoint for a stunning sunset experience. Don't forget your camera!
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner and Overnight Stay

Enjoy dinner under the starlit sky at your accommodation in Altyn Emel National Park. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the wilderness.
Return to your lodge or campsite for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay amidst the natural beauty of Altyn Emel National Park.
50 USD (accommodation), Ongoing
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Day 5: Big Almaty Lake Excursion

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Travel to Big Almaty Lake

Embark on a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning alpine reservoir surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
Take a private car or taxi for the approximately 3-hour journey from Altyn Emel National Park to Big Almaty Lake.
100 USD (round trip), 3 hours

11:00AM

Hike around the Lake

Explore the picturesque surroundings of Big Almaty Lake with a leisurely hike along the designated trails.
Start your hike from the lake's parking area, where various trails offer different vantage points of the reservoir and mountains.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Picnic with a View

Enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the tranquil waters of Big Almaty Lake and the majestic peaks of the Tian Shan mountains.
Find a scenic spot near the lake to relax and savor your picnic lunch amidst nature's beauty.
15 USD, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Almaty Observatory

Head to the Almaty Observatory for a unique stargazing experience and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Drive to the observatory for a guided tour and telescope viewing session. Learn about the night sky from expert astronomers.
15 USD, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Samal Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious dinner at Samal Restaurant, offering a mix of local and international cuisine with a scenic view.
Drive back to the city center of Almaty and dine at Samal Restaurant for a memorable culinary experience.
30 USD, 2 hours
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Day 6: Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs

Tamgaly Tas, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Depart for Tamgaly Tas

Embark on a journey to Tamgaly Tas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock carvings and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
Take a private car or join a tour for the approximately 2-hour drive from Almaty to Tamgaly Tas.
80 USD (round trip), 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Petroglyphs

Discover the ancient rock art at Tamgaly Tas, depicting scenes of hunting, rituals, and daily life from prehistoric times.
Follow the marked trails to explore the various petroglyphs scattered across the site. Take your time to admire the historical significance.
5 USD, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tamgaly Tas

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the ancient petroglyphs, immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of Tamgaly Tas.
Find a shaded spot near the rock carvings to relax and have your picnic lunch while surrounded by history.
10 USD, 1 hour

2:30PM

Hike to Tamgaly Gorge

Embark on a hike to Tamgaly Gorge, a picturesque canyon near the petroglyphs site, offering stunning natural scenery.
Follow the hiking trail leading to Tamgaly Gorge from the petroglyphs area. Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty in the late afternoon, reminiscing about the ancient history and natural beauty you experienced at Tamgaly Tas.
Drive back to Almaty, enjoying the scenic views along the way. Reflect on the day's adventures.
100 USD (round trip), 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bosphorus Restaurant

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Bosphorus Restaurant, known for its Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine.
Head to Bosphorus Restaurant in Almaty for a relaxing dinner with a diverse menu and a cozy ambiance.
25 USD, 2 hours
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Day 7: Nur-Sultan Exploration

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Flight to Nur-Sultan

Take a domestic flight from Almaty to Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan, known for its modern architecture and cultural attractions.
Arrive at Almaty Airport and board a flight to Nur-Sultan. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
200 USD (one way), 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bayterek Tower

Start your exploration of Nur-Sultan at Bayterek Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Take a taxi from Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport to Bayterek Tower for a memorable introduction to the city.
10 USD, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Enjoy a traditional Kazakh meal at Hazrat Sultan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia known for its stunning architecture.
Take a short taxi ride from Bayterek Tower to Hazrat Sultan Mosque for a cultural dining experience.
20 USD, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Nurzhol Boulevard

Stroll along Nurzhol Boulevard, a modern promenade lined with shops, cafes, and futuristic buildings, showcasing the city's contemporary side.
Walk from Hazrat Sultan Mosque to Nurzhol Boulevard to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nur-Sultan.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mamma Mia Restaurant

Indulge in Italian cuisine at Mamma Mia Restaurant, offering a blend of traditional and fusion dishes in a cozy setting.
Head to Mamma Mia Restaurant for a delightful dinner experience, combining flavors from Italy and Kazakhstan.
30 USD, 2 hours
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