How many days do you need in Almaty?

This itinerary covers 7 days in Almaty, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Almaty?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to Almaty. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Almaty 7-Day Adventure and Nature Itinerary

Day 1: Park and Hill

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Central Park

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Central Park, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers.

Cost of breakfast varies., 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Kok Tobe Hill

Take a cable car ride up Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and enjoy family-friendly activities like the Ferris wheel and mini-zoo.

Ticket for cable car: 2000 KZT per person., 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Head back down and have lunch at a local cafe in the city, trying traditional Kazakh dishes.

Cost of lunch varies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit a Museum or Art Gallery

Spend the afternoon exploring one of Almaty's museums or art galleries to learn about the city's culture and history.

Entrance fees vary., 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant serving delicious Kazakh cuisine, ending the day with a satisfying meal.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

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Day 2: Lake Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day of exploring Big Almaty Lake.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Big Almaty Lake

Embark on a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise reservoir surrounded by mountains, perfect for family picnics and nature walks.

Entrance fee: 700 KZT per person., 3-4 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch by the Lake

Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch by the tranquil waters of Big Almaty Lake, soaking in the breathtaking natural beauty.

Cost of picnic supplies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Hike around the Lake

Explore the hiking trails around the lake, taking in the fresh mountain air and serene surroundings.

Free activity., 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Head back to the city and have dinner at a local restaurant, sharing stories of the day's adventures.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

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Day 3: Canyon Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a day trip to Charyn Canyon.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Embark on a scenic drive to Charyn Canyon, a natural wonder with unique rock formations resembling the Grand Canyon.

Transportation cost varies., 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a picnic lunch with a view of the canyon, surrounded by stunning geological formations and vast landscapes.

Cost of picnic supplies., 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Canyon

Embark on a hike through Charyn Canyon, marvelling at the unique rock shapes and colours carved by the Charyn River.

Free activity., 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner and Stargazing

Head back to Almaty for dinner at a local restaurant before ending the day with stargazing at your accommodation or a nearby observatory.

Cost of dinner varies., 2 hours

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Day 4: Lake Serenity

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a journey to Kolsai Lakes for a day of serenity and nature.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Kolsai Lakes

Explore the three stunning Kolsai Lakes, nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, offering tranquil waters and scenic hiking trails.

Entrance fee: 1000 KZT per person., 4-5 hours

2:00PM

Picnic Lunch by the Lake

Have a picnic lunch by the crystal-clear waters of Kolsai Lakes, surrounded by the beauty of the mountain landscape.

Cost of picnic supplies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Hiking and Photography

Embark on a scenic hike around the lakes, capturing the stunning views of the mountains reflected in the calm waters.

Free activity., 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Lakeside Cafe

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a lakeside cafe, savouring the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunset over the mountains.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

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Day 5: Ski Resort Adventure

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Shymbulak Ski Resort for a day of winter adventure.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Shymbulak Ski Resort

Experience skiing, snowboarding, or simply enjoy the snowy landscape at Shymbulak Ski Resort, a popular winter destination.

Ski pass: 8000-10000 KZT per person., 4-6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Resort

Refuel with a hearty lunch at one of the resort's restaurants, offering delicious meals with mountain views.

Cost of lunch varies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Snow Tubing and Sledging

Have fun with snow tubing and sledging activities at the resort, perfect for families and adventure seekers of all ages.

Equipment rental fees apply., 2-3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Mountain Cafe

End your day with dinner at a cosy mountain cafe, enjoying warm drinks and the scenic views of the snowy landscape.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

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Day 6: Mountain Retreat

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day of relaxation and nature at a nearby mountain retreat.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Nature Walk and Meditation

Embark on a peaceful nature walk around the mountain retreat, taking time for meditation and mindfulness amidst the serene surroundings.

Free activity., 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Mountain Cafe

Have lunch at a mountain cafe, enjoying fresh air, scenic views, and local dishes made from fresh ingredients.

Cost of lunch varies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Spa and Wellness

Indulge in a spa treatment or wellness session at the mountain retreat, rejuvenating your mind and body with relaxation.

Cost of spa treatment varies., 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Retreat

Enjoy a peaceful dinner at the retreat, savouring the tranquillity of the mountain setting and reflecting on your day of relaxation.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

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Day 7: Ice Skating Fun

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Medeu Ice Skating Rink for a day of ice skating fun.

Cost of breakfast at the hotel., 1 hour

10:00AM

Ice Skating at Medeu

Experience ice skating at Medeu Ice Skating Rink, the highest located outdoor rink in the world, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Skate rental: 2000 KZT per person., 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Rink Cafe

Refuel with lunch at a cafe near the rink, enjoying warm beverages and hearty meals after your ice skating session.

Cost of lunch varies., 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Medeu Dam

Take a leisurely walk to Medeu Dam, a historical site with a picturesque view of the dam and the surrounding mountains.

Free activity., 1-2 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner

End your 7-day adventure with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about your memorable experiences in Almaty.

Cost of dinner varies., 1-2 hours

Find Hotels in Almaty

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Almaty 7-Day Adventure and Nature Itinerary

Day 1: Park and Hill

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Lake Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Canyon Exploration

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Lake Serenity

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 5: Ski Resort Adventure

8:00AM

10:00AM

2:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Mountain Retreat

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 7: Ice Skating Fun

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

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