6-Day Nature Itinerary in Almaty: Explore Stunning Landscapes

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

10:00AM

Arrival at Almaty International Airport

Upon arrival, take some time to settle into your hotel in Almaty before embarking on your nature adventure.
Taxi or shuttle service to hotel.
KZT6000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Line Brew

Enjoy a hearty meal at Line Brew, famous for its grilled meats and local dishes, perfect for fuelling up for your explorations.
Walk 10 minutes from the hotel.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Panfilov Park

Wander through Panfilov Park where you can see the stunning Zenkov Cathedral and enjoy the lush greenery.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Green Bazaar

Explore the local flavours at the Green Bazaar, a vibrant market offering fresh produce, spices, and traditional snacks.
Walk 15 minutes from Panfilov Park.
Free (shopping optional), 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kazakh Gourmet

Savour authentic Kazakh cuisine, including dishes like Beshbarmak and kazy, in a cozy atmosphere.
Taxi from the bazaar.
KZT5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Nuru

Start your day with delicious omelettes or fresh pastries to energise you for the hike ahead.
Taxi to the restaurant.
KZT2000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Big Almaty Lake

Drive to the enchanting Big Almaty Lake, set in the mountains and offering breathtaking views.
Approx. 30-minute drive from the city.
KZT12000 (car rental), 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Big Almaty Lake

Take a hike around the turquoise lake with stunning mountain scenery—a true nature lover's paradise.
Follow the marked trails around the lake.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a nearby cafe

Have a light lunch at a nearby café, sampling some local soups and traditional bread.
Cafes near the lake.
KZT3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike to the Observatory

Continue your adventure with a hike to the nearby Observatory for panoramic views of the surroundings.
Follow the paths leading up to the observatory.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to the city for the evening.
Drive back to Almaty.
KZT12000 (car rental), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Dastarkhan

Indulge in traditional Kazakh dishes in a warm ambience to celebrate your first full day of trekking.
Taxi from your hotel.
KZT4500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Medeu and Shymbulak

Medeu, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Cafe

Enjoy a refreshing breakfast with scenic views of the mountains, perfect for the day ahead.
Taxi to the café.
KZT2200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Head to Medeu

Drive to the Medeu ice-skating rink, the highest in the world, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
Approx. 20-minute drive.
KZT12000 (car rental), 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Medeu

Stroll around Medeu and take photos while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.
Walk around the area.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Take the cable car to Shymbulak

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Shymbulak ski resort, offering breathtaking views of the Alatau mountains.
The cable car station is nearby.
KZT3500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Restaurant

Treat yourself to a meal at the Shymbulak restaurant where delicious local and international dishes await.
Located at the ski resort.
KZT4500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Hiking in Shymbulak

Embark on a hiking adventure in the surrounding trails of Shymbulak to experience the stunning mountain views.
Follow the marked hiking paths.
Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Almaty

Head back down to Almaty after a day filled with nature and fun.
Take the cable car back and drive back.
KZT12000 (car rental), 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The 1000 Metr

Enjoy a dinner rich in flavour and tradition, featuring popular Kazakh dishes that will surely delight your palate.
Taxi from your hotel.
KZT4500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a filling breakfast at your hotel before heading out for a day trip exploring one of Kazakhstan's marvels.
In-hotel dining.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Charyn Canyon

Set out for Charyn Canyon, known for its stunning red rock formations, resembling a miniature Grand Canyon.
Approximately a 3-hour drive.
KZT12000 (car rental), 3 hours

11:30AM

Arrive at Charyn Canyon

Begin your exploration of the majestic canyon with hiking opportunities and stunning lookout points.
Enter the park and follow the paths.
KZT2000, 4 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Charyn Canyon campsite

Pack a picnic or enjoy snacks at the visitor areas, soaking in the incredible views around you.
Campsite within the park.
KZT1500 (snacks), 1 hour

4:30PM

Continue exploring Charyn Canyon

Spend more time wandering through the unique rock formations and enjoying the stunning landscape.
Choose different trails for a varied experience.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Head back to Almaty

Drive back to Almaty, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the way.
3-hour drive back to the city.
KZT12000 (car rental), 3 hours

10:00PM

Dinner at Sky Lounge

Finish your day with a relaxing dinner at the Sky Lounge offering both great food and a stunning view of the city.
Taxi from the hotel.
KZT6000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kolsai Lakes

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan

6:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Start your day early with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for a day filled with nature's beauty.
In-hotel dining.
Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Leave for Kolsai Lakes

Depart for the stunning Kolsai Lakes, often referred to as the Pearl of the Alps.
Approx. 4-hour drive.
KZT12000 (car rental), 4 hours

11:00AM

Arrive at Kolsai Lakes

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lakes, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests.
Follow signage to the lake entrance.
KZT2000, 30 minutes

11:30AM

Hiking around the Lakes

Take a scenic hike along the trails with picturesque views of the lakes and enjoy the fresh air.
Follow the well-marked trails.
Free, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch picnic by the lakes

Prepare a picnic lunch by the lakeside, where you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the area.
Bring pre-packed food from Almaty.
KZT2000 (picnic supplies), 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Kolsai Lakes further

Continue exploring the area; visit Kolsai Lake 2 for additional scenic views and photo opportunities.
Follow signage to the second lake.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Departure for Almaty

Begin the journey back to Almaty after a wonderful day at the lakes.
4-hour drive back.
KZT12000 (car rental), 4 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at The Plov House

Wrap up your day with a comforting dinner featuring authentic plov and other delicious local dishes.
Taxi from hotel.
KZT5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relax in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kaganat

Start your final day with an inspiring breakfast at Kaganat, known for its varied menu.
Walk or taxi to the restaurant.
KZT2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit The Central State Museum

Explore the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan to dive into the cultural and historical background of the region.
Taxi from the restaurant.
KZT3000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Balzat

Try Balzat for a delicious array of modern Kazakh cuisine that reflects the local culture.
Short taxi ride.
KZT4000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Walk in the First President Park

Take a leisurely stroll through the First President Park, soaking in the peaceful environment.
5-minute walk from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Almaty Zoo

Explore the Almaty Zoo, home to a variety of regional and exotic animals, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Short 10-minute taxi ride.
KZT1500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zeyn

Celebrate the end of your Almaty adventure with a memorable dinner featuring a mix of hearty dishes and desserts.
Taxi from the zoo.
KZT5000, 1.5 hours
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