12-Day Adventure Through Kazakhstan: Nature and City Experiences on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

10:00AM

Arrival

Arrive at Almaty International Airport and head to your budget accommodation in the city center.
Take a taxi or a local bus to the city center.
KZT5000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Kerege

Enjoy traditional Kazakh food at Kerege, where borscht and plov are local highlights.
Walk to Kerege, a 15-minute walk from your accommodation.
KZT1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Green Bazaar

Explore the bustling Green Bazaar for fresh produce and local delicacies.
Take a 10-minute bus ride to the bazaar.
KZT0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Walk through Panfilov Park

Stroll through this beautiful park and visit the colorful Zenkov Cathedral.
A 15-minute walk from the bazaar.
KZT0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Daredzhani

Enjoy delicious Georgian cuisine at Daredzhani.
Take a 20-minute walk.
KZT3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and a pastry.
5-minute walk from accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Medeu Skating Rink

Take a trip to the Medeu Ice Rink set in the picturesque mountains.
Take a bus or taxi, roughly 30 minutes.
KZT3000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pinta

Grab a meal with local flavors at this cozy gastro pub.
Return to Almaty and walk 15 minutes.
KZT2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Almaty Botanical Garden

Wander through the scenic trails of this serene garden.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
KZT500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Kazakhstan Museum of Arts

Explore the extensive collection of Kazakh artworks.
A 15-minute walk.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Barrel

Sample a variety of local brews and hearty meals.
Take a short 15-minute walk.
KZT3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Excursion to Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast

Have a quick breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A
KZT500, 30 mins

8:00AM

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Board a minibus to Charyn Canyon, a stunning natural wonder.
You can book a minibus at the bus station.
KZT2000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike along the trails and marvel at the breathtaking rock formations.
Follow the marked trails in the canyon.
KZT0, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch in the Canyon

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature.
N/A
KZT500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Almaty

Catch a minibus back to Almaty.
Book the minibus return trip.
KZT2000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Zhana Kazakh

Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine, including dumplings and roasted lamb.
A short walk from your accommodation.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Astana (Nur-Sultan)

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast

Quick breakfast at accommodation before departure.
N/A
KZT500, 30 mins

8:30AM

Train to Astana

Board the train from Almaty to Astana for a scenic 12-hour ride.
Head to Almaty 1 Station.
KZT6000, 12 hours

8:30PM

Arrival and Dinner

Arrive in Astana and check into your accommodation, then head out for dinner near your place.
Take a taxi to your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Discover Astana (Nur-Sultan)

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at KofeTime

Enjoy coffee and pastries at this trendy cafe.
10-minute walk from accommodation.
KZT1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Bayterek Tower

Take in panoramic views from the top of this iconic structure.
15-minute walk.
KZT1000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the National Museum

Dive into the culture and history of Kazakhstan at this well-curated museum.
15-minute walk from Bayterek.
KZT500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Kitchen

Have a meal with views of the Ishim River.
30-minute walk.
KZT3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

A unique architectural marvel that houses cultural exhibitions.
15-minute walk.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Old Book

A cozy spot perfect for tasting local dishes.
10-minute taxi ride.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Astana (Nur-Sultan) Exploration

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploration with a hotel breakfast.
N/A
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Khan Shatyr

Explore the world's largest tent and its shops.
20-minute walk or taxi.
KZT0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk in Nurzhol Boulevard

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boulevard lined with modern architecture.
5-minute walk.
KZT0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Kazzhol

Taste traditional Kazakh baursak and tea.
10-minute walk.
KZT1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Exposition of Future Energy

Explore international energy exhibitions.
10-minute taxi ride.
KZT1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tandoor

Savor hearty Indian and Asian dishes before winding down.
10-minute taxi ride.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Travel to Karaganda

Karaganda, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast

Simple breakfast at your accommodation.
N/A
KZT500, 30 mins

8:30AM

Train to Karaganda

Depart for Karaganda by train for a 3-hour journey.
Head to the train station.
KZT3000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Arrival in Karaganda

Check into your accommodation before exploring the city.
Take a taxi to your accommodation.
KZT1000, 30 mins

1:00PM

Lunch at Kausar

Have a satisfying lunch in one of the local cafes.
10-minute walk.
KZT1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Karaganda Regional Museum

Learn about the region’s history and heritage.
20-minute walk.
KZT500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kola

Dine on delicious Central Asian cuisine with local flavors.
15-minute walk.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Balkhash Lake

Balkhash Lake, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast

Quick breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
KZT500, 30 mins

8:30AM

Bus to Balkhash Lake

Travel by bus to Balkhash Lake for a day by the water.
Head to the bus station.
KZT1500, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Arrival at Balkhash Lake

Settle in and enjoy the beach environment.
20-minute walk from the bus drop-off.
KZT0, 0.5 hours

11:30AM

Swimming and Relaxing

Relax by the lake and enjoy swimming or sunbathing.
N/A
KZT0, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch with local flavors near the lake.
A short walk from your spot.
KZT1500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Karaganda

Travel back to Karaganda via bus.
Head to the bus station.
KZT1500, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Maimak

Savor grilled meats and hearty dishes in Karaganda.
10-minute walk.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
KZT500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Almaty

Return to Almaty by train for a day full of activities.
Head to the train station.
KZT3000, 4 hours

1:00PM

Arrive and Lunch at Almaty Central Market

Experience the local atmosphere with diverse food options.
Take a short taxi ride to the market.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Central State Museum

Delve deeper into Kazakhstan's rich history and heritage.
20-minute walk.
KZT1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Zheti Kazina

Relish flavors of the region, featuring warm hospitality.
15-minute taxi ride.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Nature at Altyn Emel National Park

Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast

Grab breakfast at local cafe.
5-minute walk.
KZT1000, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Altyn Emel

Join a tour or hire transport to Altyn Emel National Park.
Arrange this in advance.
KZT6000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Singing Dunes

Marvel at the natural phenomenon where sand dunes ‘sing’.
Follow your guide or park map.
KZT1500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in the Park

Enjoy a packed lunch or snacks while surrounded by nature.
N/A
KZT500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ak Tau Mountains

Take in the dramatic scenery and interesting rock formations.
Travel by vehicle within the park.
KZT0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty after a full day of exploration.
Arrange return transport with your tour guide.
KZT6000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Navat

Treat yourself to delicious Kazakh desserts and hearty meals.
10-minute walk.
KZT3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Adventure in Medeu and Shymbulak

Shymbulak, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Medeu

Head to Medeu for an exhilarating experience in the mountains.
Taxi or bus to Medeu.
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hiking in Shymbulak

Hike the scenic trails in the Shymbulak Ski Resort area.
Long walk up, or take the lift.
KZT5000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Mountain Cafe

Savor local fare with stunning views.
N/A
KZT3000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

More Hiking

Explore more trails in the area, or simply relax.
Follow the marked trails.
KZT0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Almaty and Dinner

Head back to Almaty and wind down your trip with a lovely dinner.
Taxi back to Almaty.
KZT2000, 1 hour
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Day 12: Departure from Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast

Final breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Take time for souvenir shopping in local markets.
15-minute walk.
KZT0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-out and Airport Transfer

Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport.
Pre-arranged taxi or shuttle.
KZT2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Departure

Catch your flight from Almaty International Airport and bid farewell to Kazakhstan.
At the airport.
KZT0, N/A
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