How many days do you need in almaty?

This itinerary covers 6 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 6 days trip to almaty. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

KZT5000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Almaty

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to the city for the evening.

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.

KZT4500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Big Almaty Lake

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.

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.

KZT12000 (car rental), 30 minutes

9:30AM

Explore Medeu

Stroll around Medeu and take photos while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 3 hours

4:30PM

Return to Almaty

Head back down to Almaty after a day filled with nature and fun.

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.

KZT4500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Medeu

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.

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.

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.

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.

KZT1500 (snacks), 1 hour

4:30PM

Continue exploring Charyn Canyon

Spend more time wandering through the unique rock formations and enjoying the stunning landscape.

Free, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Head back to Almaty

Drive back to Almaty, enjoying the picturesque scenery along the way.

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.

KZT6000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Charyn Canyon

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.

Included, 1 hour

7:00AM

Leave for Kolsai Lakes

Depart for the stunning Kolsai Lakes, often referred to as the Pearl of the Alps.

KZT12000 (car rental), 4 hours

11:00AM

Arrive at Kolsai Lakes

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lakes, surrounded by gorgeous mountains and forests.

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.

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.

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.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Departure for Almaty

Begin the journey back to Almaty after a wonderful day at the lakes.

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.

KZT5000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kolsai Lakes

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.

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.

KZT3000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Balzat

Try Balzat for a delicious array of modern Kazakh cuisine that reflects the local culture.

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.

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.

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.

KZT5000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Almaty

Step 1 Outline Preview:

6-Day Nature Itinerary in Almaty: Explore Stunning Landscapes

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Big Almaty Lake

7:00AM

8:30AM

9:30AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Medeu and Shymbulak

8:00AM

9:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Charyn Canyon

7:00AM

8:30AM

11:30AM

3:30PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

10:00PM

Day 5: Kolsai Lakes

6:00AM

7:00AM

11:00AM

11:30AM

2:30PM

3:30PM

5:30PM

9:30PM

Day 6: Relax in Almaty

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

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