Discovering Almaty in 5 Days

Day 1: City Center Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Navat

Start your day with a delicious Kazakh breakfast at Navat, known for its traditional dishes like Baursaki and Kurt.
Navat is located in the city center near Panfilov Park.
2000 KZT, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Panfilov Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Panfilov Park, home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful wooden church with colorful domes.
Panfilov Park is a short walk from Navat.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gakku

Enjoy a hearty lunch at Gakku, a cozy restaurant offering a mix of Kazakh and international cuisine.
Gakku is located in the city center, a short taxi ride from Panfilov Park.
3000 KZT, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Green Bazaar

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Green Bazaar, where you can shop for local products and souvenirs.
Green Bazaar is within walking distance from Gakku.
Depends on purchases, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Ascension Cathedral

Admire the stunning architecture of Ascension Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church with a unique turquoise facade.
Ascension Cathedral is a short taxi ride from Green Bazaar.
Free entry, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Adai

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Adai, known for its modern twist on Kazakh cuisine and elegant ambiance.
Adai is located in the city center, close to Ascension Cathedral.
5000 KZT, 2 hours
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Day 2: Mountain Adventure

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Doppa

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at Doppa, offering a mix of European and Kazakh dishes with a view of the mountains.
Doppa is located in the foothills of the mountains, accessible by taxi.
2500 KZT, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike in the Tian Shan Mountains

Embark on a scenic hike in the Tian Shan Mountains, known for their stunning beauty and diverse flora and fauna.
Take a taxi to the trailhead of your chosen hiking route.
500 KZT for entrance, 4-6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Ski Resort

Head to Shymbulak Ski Resort for a delicious lunch with a panoramic view of the mountains.
Shymbulak Ski Resort is a short drive from the hiking trails.
4000 KZT, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Ride the Medeu Gondola

Experience a breathtaking gondola ride at Medeu, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains and Almaty city.
Take a taxi to Medeu Gondola station from Shymbulak Ski Resort.
2000 KZT, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Assorti

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Assorti, a restaurant known for its diverse menu and relaxed atmosphere.
Assorti is located in Medeu district, near the gondola station.
3500 KZT, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Coffeebean

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at Coffeebean, a popular cafe offering a variety of coffee blends and pastries.
Coffeebean is located in the city center.
1500 KZT, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Central State Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan at the Central State Museum, housing a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits.
Central State Museum is a short walk from Coffeebean.
800 KZT for entrance, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zheti Kazyna

Enjoy a traditional Kazakh lunch at Zheti Kazyna, known for its authentic cuisine and cozy ambiance.
Zheti Kazyna is located near the museum.
3500 KZT, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Arbat Street

Take a leisurely walk along Arbat Street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers, offering a glimpse of local life.
Arbat Street is a short walk from Zheti Kazyna.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Visit Abay Opera House

Attend a performance or take a guided tour of the impressive Abay Opera House, a cultural landmark in Almaty.
Abay Opera House is a short taxi ride from Arbat Street.
Varies based on show or tour, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Belvedere

Savor a gourmet dinner at Belvedere, a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of European and Kazakh culinary delights.
Belvedere is located near the Opera House.
6000 KZT, 2 hours
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Day 4: Nature Retreat at Ile-Alatau National Park

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Altyn Orda

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Altyn Orda, offering a variety of local and continental dishes.
Altyn Orda is located in the city center.
2000 KZT, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Ile-Alatau National Park

Embark on a scenic drive to Ile-Alatau National Park, known for its stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and diverse wildlife.
Rent a car or hire a taxi for the approximately 1-hour drive from the city.
Varies based on transportation, 1 hour

11:00AM

Hiking in the Park

Explore the picturesque trails of Ile-Alatau National Park, surrounded by lush forests, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Begin your hike from the park entrance.
500 KZT for entrance, 3-4 hours

3:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the natural beauty of the park, with fresh local produce and mountain views.
Find a scenic spot along the hiking trail for your picnic.
1000 KZT, 1 hour

4:30PM

Wildlife Spotting

Keep an eye out for wildlife such as marmots, deer, and various bird species that call the park home.
Explore different trails within the park for wildlife viewing.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty in time for a relaxing evening in the city after a day in nature.
Drive back to the city or arrange for transportation back to Almaty.
Varies based on transportation, 1 hour
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Day 5: Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes Excursion

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Rixos

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Rixos, enjoying a wide selection of dishes to fuel your day.
Rixos is located in the city center.
2500 KZT, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder with unique rock formations resembling the Grand Canyon.
Rent a car or join a guided tour for the approximately 3-hour drive from Almaty.
Varies based on transportation, 3 hours

12:00PM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike through the majestic Charyn Canyon, marveling at the red rock formations and enjoying panoramic views of the canyon.
Follow the marked trails in the canyon for the best viewpoints.
500 KZT for entrance, 2-3 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Continue your journey to Kolsai Lakes, a series of three stunning alpine lakes known for their clear waters and surrounding pine forests.
Drive for approximately 2 hours to reach Kolsai Lakes from Charyn Canyon.
Varies based on transportation, 2 hours

5:00PM

Hike around Kolsai Lakes

Explore the peaceful surroundings of Kolsai Lakes, taking in the tranquility of nature and capturing the beauty of the lakes.
Choose a hiking trail around the lakes based on your preference for distance and difficulty.
500 KZT for entrance, 2-3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Lakeside Cafe

Enjoy a scenic dinner at a lakeside cafe near Kolsai Lakes, savoring local dishes as you unwind in nature's embrace.
Head to one of the cafes by the lakes for a relaxing dining experience.
3500 KZT, 2 hours
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