5-Day Adventure Road Trip Itinerary in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de France

Start your day with a delicious French breakfast at Café de France, where you can enjoy freshly baked croissants and espresso.
Located at Tole Bi Street 102.
KZT5000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Green Bazaar

Head over to the Green Bazaar, a vibrant market where local produce, spices, and crafts abound.
Take a 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Ascend to Kok Tobe Hill

Enjoy a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill, offering panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains.
Drive 20 minutes to the cable car station.
KZT1000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at the Skyline Restaurant

Relish a lovely lunch with a view at the Skyline Restaurant on Kok Tobe Hill, featuring traditional Kazakh dishes.
Onsite at Kok Tobe.
KZT7000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Panfilov Park

Stroll through Panfilov Park, where you can visit the stunning Zenkov Cathedral and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Drive back to the city center in 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Rakhat Restaurant

Savor traditional Kazakh cuisine at Rakhat Restaurant, known for its manti and plov.
A short 10-minute drive from Panfilov Park.
KZT8000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Charyn Canyon Adventure

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Aaru Restaurant

Fuel your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Aaru Restaurant, featuring a variety of local options.
Head back towards the city center and find Aaru on Abai Avenue.
KZT5000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Charyn Canyon, a jaw-dropping geological marvel.
Travel approximately 200 km eastward along the A2.
Fuel Cost KZT3000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Hike in Charyn Canyon

Enjoy a guided hiking experience through the canyon's unique rock formations and breathtaking landscapes.
Go to the Dzungarian Gate entrance.
KZT1500, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch Picnic at Charyn

Have a packed lunch amidst nature, taking in the views of the extraordinary canyon.
Bring your own packed food or pre-order from the hiking guide.
KZT3000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the Canyon Further

Continue exploring other viewpoints and taking stunning photographs of the canyon's impressive formations.
Follow the guided route.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Drive back to Almaty

Head back to Almaty as the sun sets over the beautiful scenery.
Retrace your route back to Almaty.
Fuel Cost KZT3000, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Epocha

Unwind with dinner at Epocha, a cozy restaurant focusing on traditional Kazakh comfort food.
Located in the city center.
KZT6000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Big Almaty Lake Discovery

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Moka Coffee

Start your day with a delightful cup of coffee and a fresh pastrami sandwich at Moka Coffee.
Located near your accommodation.
KZT4500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Big Almaty Lake

Travel through the surrounding mountains for about an hour to reach the stunning Big Almaty Lake.
Take the A-351 road.
Fuel Cost KZT2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike Around Big Almaty Lake

Explore the scenic trails around the lake and experience its breathtaking turquoise waters against a mountain backdrop.
Follow the marked trails around the lake.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Riverside Café

Enjoy lunch at a rustic riverside café nearby, offering grilled meat and fresh salads.
Drive a short distance to reach the café.
KZT7000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit the Almaty Mountain Observatory

Check out the Almaty Mountain Observatory for a unique perspective on the surrounding wildlife and landscape.
A short drive from the café to the observatory.
KZT1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax at the Lake

Spend some leisure time by the lake, perhaps indulging in some photography or just unwinding with nature.
Stay in the same area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Drive Back to Almaty

Enjoy the ride back to Almaty, soaking in more beautiful views of the mountains.
Retrace your route back.
Fuel Cost KZT2000, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Alasha

Feast on a delicious dinner featuring traditional dishes at Alasha, famous for its kebabs and lagman.
Located near the city center.
KZT8000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Medeo and Shymbulak

Medeo, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hill's Restaurant

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at Hill's Restaurant, known for its hearty portions and variety.
A drive up to the mountains from the city.
KZT5000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Medeo Ice Rink

Tour the famous Medeo Ice Rink, an exceptional outdoor skating facility surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Located a short drive from Hill's Restaurant.
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Go up to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take the gondola lift to Shymbulak Ski Resort to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Almaty mountains.
Gondola station is adjacent to the Medeo Rink.
KZT3000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Shymbulak

Savor a mountain meal at Shymbulak restaurant, offering both local and international cuisines with spectacular views.
Onsite at Shymbulak.
KZT7000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike the Surrounding Trails

Explore the surrounding hiking trails, taking in the beautiful mountain air and stunning vistas.
Follow marked hiking routes near the resort.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Almaty

Drive back down to Almaty, reminiscing about the stunning views and fresh air.
Drive back the same way.
Fuel Cost KZT2000, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Zheti-zhargan

Dine at Zheti-zhargan, specializing in traditional Kazakh dishes served in a cozy atmosphere.
Located in the city center.
KZT7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Final Day in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at City Cafe

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at City Cafe with a variety of options from fresh juices to omelets.
Located downtown.
KZT5000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Almaty Central Mosque

Discover the beauty of the Almaty Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan.
A short 10-minute drive from the café.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Museum of Kazakhstan

Hone your historical perspective by visiting the Museum of Kazakhstan, which showcases the country's rich past.
Just a 5-minute drive from the mosque.
KZT1500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dastarkhan

Satisfy your appetite with a lunch of traditional Kazakh dishes at Dastarkhan, known for their delicious baursaks.
Located nearby the museum.
KZT7000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll at First President's Park

Take an afternoon stroll in First President's Park, a beautifully designed green space perfect for relaxing.
A 10-minute drive away.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Almaty Tower

Finish your adventure by heading to Almaty Tower, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Drive to the tower in about 30 minutes.
KZT2000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Villa dei Fiori

End your trip on a high note with a farewell dinner at Villa dei Fiori, renowned for its exquisite Italian dishes.
Located within the city.
KZT10000, 2 hours
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