7-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip Itinerary in Kazakhstan

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Mokka

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of traditional Kazakh pancakes and tea at this cozy café.
Take tram number 12 to the café.
KZT 1,500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Central State Museum

Explore Kazakhstan's rich history and culture at the Central State Museum with a fascinating collection of artifacts.
Walk 20 minutes from the café.
KZT 700, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk at Panfilov Park

Stroll through the beautiful Panfilov Park and admire the stunning Zenkov Cathedral.
5-minute walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at KOSTA Restaurant

Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch with local dishes like Plov or Lagman.
Take bus number 7 from the park.
KZT 2,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ride the Almaty Cable Car

Take the scenic cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the City and the Tien Shan mountains.
Travel via taxi to the cable car station.
KZT 1,200, 2 hours

3:30PM

Afternoon at the Green Market

Wander through the Green Market and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere while tasting local snacks.
Return to the city center by taxi.
Free (snacks KZT 500), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Alasha

End your day with delicious Kazakh cuisine like Beshbarmak for dinner.
5-minute walk from the market.
KZT 2,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Navat

Enjoy fluffy pancakes and coffee at this local favorite where you can soak in the local atmosphere.
Reach via tram number 12.
KZT 1,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Ascension Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this historical wooden cathedral located in Panfilov Park.
10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Almaty’s 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park

Relax and enjoy the lush greenery of this historic park dedicated to the Panfilov Guardsmen.
5-minute walk from the cathedral.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Daredzhani

Savor Georgian cuisine for lunch, which is also popular among locals, featuring Khinkali dumplings.
Walk 15 minutes from the park.
KZT 1,800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Medeo Skating Rink

Check out the famous Medeo Skating Rink, which is surrounded by breathtaking mountains.
Take a bus to Medeo.
KZT 700, 2 hours

3:30PM

Afternoon Tea at Zhanaru

Take a break and try a variety of Kazakh teas and sweets at this charming tea house.
Return to the city via bus.
KZT 1,200, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Almaty Botanical Garden

Discover the serenity of this botanical garden, perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk.
15-minute walk from the tea house.
KZT 500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sarai

Enjoy traditional cuisine with a modern twist for dinner in a cozy setting.
Take a taxi to the restaurant.
KZT 2,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Astana

Astana, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Dastarkhan

Enjoy traditional bread and cheese to fuel your journey to Astana.
Quick walk to the café before the train.
KZT 800, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Train to Astana

Board your train and settle in for the ride while enjoying the vast steppe views.
Take the Almaty to Astana train at Almaty 1 Station.
KZT 4,000, 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Beyit Restaurant

Get settled in Astana with local dishes served at this affordable eatery.
Short taxi to the restaurant after arrival.
KZT 1,900, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Astana

Astana, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Grab a quick breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
N/A
KZT 1,000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Bayterek Tower

Start your day with a visit to this iconic monument, offering stunning views from the top.
Take a short walk to Bayterek.
KZT 1,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Delve into the vibrant history and culture of Kazakhstan at this state-of-the-art museum.
Travel via bus or tram for 15 minutes.
KZT 2,000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe De Vino

Enjoy a relaxed lunch of dumplings and salads at this café near the museum.
Walk 10 minutes from the museum.
KZT 2,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Witness the stunning architecture of this pyramid-shaped building and its significance.
Bus ride to the palace.
KZT 1,500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore the EXPO 2017 Complex

Check out the impressive exhibits showcasing future energy innovations and world pavilions.
Short taxi ride to the complex.
KZT 3,000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kyzyl Arman

Savor local comfort food like Ribs or Manti for dinner.
Walk or taxi depending on distance from your location.
KZT 1,900, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Karaganda

Karaganda, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast before heading out for your day trip.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Karaganda

Board the express train to Karaganda and enjoy the extensive views during your journey.
Catch the train at Astana Station.
KZT 2,500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Karaganda Regional Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the region at this accessible museum.
Bus or taxi from the train station.
KZT 500, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cafe Shishka

Try some traditional Kazakh food including Shashlik for lunch.
A 15-minute walk from the museum.
KZT 1,800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Exploring the Lenin Statue

Snap a picture with the famous statue symbolizing the historic significance of Karaganda.
Walk to the central square.
Free, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Visit the Karlag Museum

Explore the history of the labor camps in the region at this thought-provoking museum.
Bus from the central square.
KZT 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Train back to Astana

Return to Astana in the evening.
Get a taxi to the train station.
KZT 2,500, 3 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Aist Restaurant

Indulge in delicious dishes representing Kazakh cuisine before resting for the day.
Take a taxi to the restaurant after the train.
KZT 2,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: History and Culture in Karaganda

Karaganda, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Museum of the History of the Kazakh National Academy of Sciences

Explore the contributions of Kazakhstan's academia to science and culture.
Taxi to the museum.
KZT 800, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Walk through Victory Park

Enjoy a peaceful morning stroll through this well-maintained park.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Lunch at Chaikhana Samovar

Savor traditional dishes served with a cup of authentic Kazak tea.
10-minute taxi ride.
KZT 1,500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Visit Abai Kunanbaev Memorial Museum

Learn about the life and works of the famous Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbaev.
Bus from the restaurant.
KZT 1,000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Central Park of Culture and Leisure

Take a leisurely walk through this popular local park, a perfect place to relax.
Walk back from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Afternoon Snack at Shashlyk-Master

Munch on delicious kebabs for a light snack before your next adventure.
Walk from the park.
KZT 800, 30 minutes

4:00PM

Visit the Mujizat Mosque

Experience the artistry and architecture of one of Karaganda's new mosques.
Taxi to the mosque.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Kausar

End your day with another taste of Kazakh cuisine, sampling local favorites.
Taxi from the mosque.
KZT 2,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast in Karaganda before your journey back.
N/A
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train back to Almaty

Head back to Almaty by train, taking in the scenery of the vast landscapes.
Catch the train at Karaganda Station.
KZT 4,000, 12 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Staraya Stena

End your trip with a delightful dinner, enjoying your favorite dishes once more.
Take a bus or taxi to the restaurant.
KZT 2,500, 1.5 hours
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