6-Day Nature Itinerary in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pinta

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Pinta, known for its delicious omelettes and fresh pastries.
Located centrally, easily accessible by taxi.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Panfilov Park

Explore the lush greenery and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden marvel that dates back to the early 20th century.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from Pinta.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Line Brew

After your park visit, enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes at Line Brew, famous for its meat dishes.
Only 5 minutes away by taxi from Panfilov Park.
KZT 4500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Ascend to Kok Tobe

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Kok Tobe for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
15-minute taxi ride to the cable car station.
KZT 1500, 2 hours

3:30PM

Walk in the Green Bazaar

Stroll through the bustling Green Bazaar and sample local delights like sweets and dried fruits.
Return to central Almaty by taxi, around 20 minutes.
Free to browse, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The 1000 and One Nights

Finish your day with a dinner at The 1000 and One Nights, offering a mix of Central Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Located near the city centre, about 10 minutes by taxi.
KZT 6000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Daredzhani

Fuel up with Georgian pastries and coffee before a day of adventure.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride.
KZT 3500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Big Almaty Lake

Set off for Big Almaty Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for hiking and photography.
Drive 30 minutes from the city.
KZT 10000 (taxi), 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking around Big Almaty Lake

Spend the morning exploring trails and enjoying the picturesque landscape around the lake.
Self-guided trails available.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at the Lake

Enjoy a packed or purchased lunch with the stunning view of the lake in front of you.
Find a scenic spot around the lake.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Research Station

Learn about the local ecology at the nearby astronomical observatory.
A short 10-minute walk from your picnic spot.
KZT 1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Almaty

Travel back to the city in the afternoon.
30-minute drive back.
KZT 10000 (taxi), 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Alasha

Savor traditional Kazakh dishes for dinner in a warm setting.
Close to the city centre, about 15 minutes by taxi.
KZT 5000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon Adventure

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at The ARK

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast before an exciting day of exploration.
10 minutes by taxi from your accommodation.
KZT 4000, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Hit the road early to reach the stunning Charyn Canyon, known for its unique rock formations.
Approximate 3-hour drive from Almaty.
KZT 12000 (taxi), 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Wander through the canyon and admire its breathtaking views, perfect for photography.
Guided tours can offer additional information.
KZT 2000 (entry fee), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Charyn River

Have a packed lunch along the Charyn River amidst nature.
Find a scenic spot at the riverbank.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Almaty

Leave Charyn Canyon and head back to Almaty.
3-hour drive back.
KZT 12000 (taxi), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Doza

Enjoy modern Kazakh cuisine in a stylish setting to wrap up the day.
Short drive back to the city centre, about 15 minutes.
KZT 6000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Medeu and Shymbulak

Medeu, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 108

Start your morning with a warm breakfast and freshly brewed coffee.
Easily reachable from your accommodation in 10 minutes.
KZT 3500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Head to Medeu Skating Rink

Make your way to the famous Medeu Skating Rink, surrounded by lofty mountains.
Local taxi will get you there in 20 minutes.
KZT 2000 (entry fee), 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a short ride up the cable car to the Shymbulak Ski Resort for breathtaking mountain views.
5-minute cable car ride from Medeu.
KZT 4000 (cable car ticket), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Bumbulak

Enjoy a cozy lunch at The Bumbulak, known for their local specialties.
Located near the resort, about 5 minutes walking.
KZT 5500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nature Walk in the Surrounding Trails

Take some time to explore the beautiful trails around the Shymbulak area.
Self-guided walk available.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty after a fulfilling day in nature.
30-minute taxi ride.
KZT 8000 (taxi), 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Mamadash

Top off the day with a delightful dinner at Mamadash, celebrating the unique flavours of Kazakhstan.
Located in central Almaty, a 15-minute taxi ride.
KZT 7000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Altyn-Emel National Park

Altyn-Emel, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Uly Dala

Kickstart your day with a sumptuous breakfast featuring local delicacies.
10 minutes by taxi.
KZT 4000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Altyn-Emel National Park

Set off early to the stunning Altyn-Emel National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Around a 4-hour drive from Almaty.
KZT 15000 (taxi), 4 hours

12:30PM

Explore the Singing Dunes

Upon arrival, visit the Singing Dunes, known for their unique music-like sound when the sand shifts.
A short drive within the park.
KZT 2000 (entry fee), 2 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at A local campsite

Enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the serene environment.
Find a scenic camping spot in the park.
KZT 2500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Bird Watching and Nature Trails

Spend the afternoon bird watching and wandering through the beautiful trails.
Self-guided exploration is encouraged.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Almaty

Transfer back to Almaty after a fulfilling day in nature.
4-hour drive back.
KZT 15000 (taxi), 4 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at The Nomad

End your day with dinner at The Nomad, featuring rustic Kazakh dishes perfectly crafted.
Short drive back to the city centre, about 15 minutes.
KZT 8000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Relax in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Brunch at Del Arte

Enjoy a leisurely brunch with a delightful blend of local and Western cuisines.
Conveniently located, about 10 minutes by taxi.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Stroll through First President’s Park

Walk through the peaceful and beautifully landscaped First President’s Park.
Short taxi ride, around 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Baguette

Indulge in fresh breads and pastries, perfect for a light meal.
Less than 10 minutes away by taxi.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Zenkov Cathedral & Museum

Return to Panfilov Park to visit the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral and the adjacent museum.
A quick 10-minute taxi from your lunch spot.
KZT 800, 2 hours

3:00PM

Final Shopping at Tsum

Head to Tsum for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs.
A short ride away, approximately 10 minutes.
Free to browse, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at The Brasserie

Conclude your Almaty adventure with a farewell dinner at The Brasserie, offering a fusion menu.
Located in the city centre, about 15 minutes by taxi.
KZT 9000, 2 hours
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