7-Day Adventure in Kazakhstan: Discover the Land of Steppes and Mountains

Day 1: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park

Start your day with traditional Kazakh breakfast at a cozy café within the park; try the kazy (horse meat sausage) and chak-chak (sweet dough dessert).
Walk around the park to absorb the atmosphere.
KZT1800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral

Marvel at the stunning wooden architecture of the Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.
Walk from the park to the cathedral, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Daredzhani

Savor some delicious Georgian cuisine, including khachapuri (cheese bread) in this popular restaurant.
Walk or take a taxi, roughly 15 minutes.
KZT4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the Central State Museum

Delve into Kazakhstan's history and culture with impressive exhibits showcasing the country's heritage.
Take a quick taxi ride to the museum.
KZT1500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a cable car to Shymbulak for breathtaking views and a possible hike around the resort.
Return to your hotel to freshen up before heading out, taxi recommended.
KZT2000, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Line Brew

Indulge in a hearty meal featuring grilled meats and local beers in a charming brewery atmosphere.
Take a taxi from Shymbulak to the restaurant.
KZT6000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Culture

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Nefertiti

Enjoy a hearty breakfast including homemade pastries and a cup of aromatic Kazakh tea.
Short walk from your accommodation.
KZT2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Big Almaty Lake

Experience the stunning turquoise waters and picturesque mountain scenery by visiting this enchanting glacial lake.
Rent a car or take a taxi, about a 30-minute ride.
KZT1000, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Café Miro

Relish a delightful fusion meal with international options and local flavours in a relaxed setting.
Return to Almaty, approximately 30 minutes transit.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Almaty Botanical Garden

Stroll through beautiful landscapes filled with native flora and rare plants; the tranquillity is a perfect mid-day retreat.
Short cab ride or enjoyable walk, about 15 minutes from lunch.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Experience the Green Bazaar

Explore local flavours in this vibrant market, sampling dried fruits, nuts, and traditional snacks.
Short drive or walk from the garden.
Free Entry, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kazzhol

Savour a festive dinner with authentic Kazakh dishes such as plov (rice dish) and beshbarmak (meat and noodle dish).
Taxi to the restaurant.
KZT5000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon Expedition

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast of porridge and fruit at your hotel before hitting the road.
Prepare to check out and head to Charyn.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Set off for the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, known for its unique geological formations.
Drive via the Almaty-Kapchagay Road.
KZT3000 for gas, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike through the canyon, enjoying incredible views and photo opportunities of the towering red cliffs.
Follow designated trails in the canyon.
KZT2000, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch Picnic

Pack a picnic with local goods as you relax and take in the stunning surroundings.
Bring a blanket to use during the meal.
KZT2000 for supplies, 1 hour

3:00PM

More Hiking or Optional Horseback Riding

Continue exploring on foot or take a horseback riding tour to see parts of the canyon you may have missed.
Arrange with local guides for horseback riding.
KZT7000 for riding, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty while reflecting on the canyon's beauty.
Drive back the same route.
KZT3000 for gas, 3 hours

9:00PM

Dinner at The 5th Floor

Enjoy dinner with a stunning view of the city skyline, featuring a mix of Asian and European cuisines.
Short drive to the restaurant.
KZT7000, 2 hours
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Day 4: Capital City Wonders

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bar 53

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and enjoy stunning views of the city from the 53rd floor.
Flight or train to Astana expected early morning.
KZT4000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Baiterek Tower

Climb up this iconic symbol of Astana for panoramic views of the capital.
Short cab ride to the tower.
KZT1500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Khan Shatyr

Wander around this unique tent-shaped shopping and entertainment complex.
Easy walk from Baiterek Tower.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tandoor

Enjoy an Indian-inspired meal featuring a variety of curries and tandoor-baked bread.
Flat 3 minute walk from Khan Shatyr.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Discover the fascinating architecture and learn about the cultural initiatives of the city inside this pyramid-shaped building.
Short cab ride from lunch.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Walk in the Central Park

Take a relaxing stroll through landscaped gardens and enjoy a moment to soak in the city's atmosphere.
Walk back towards the city centre.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at The kommunalka

Experience local Kazakh cuisine at its finest in a charming atmosphere with hearty dishes.
Short cab ride away.
KZT6000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Astana's Architectural Marvels

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Keruen

Indulge in a breakfast buffet featuring a range of local and continental dishes.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
KZT3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nursultan Nazarbayev Museum

Explore the exhibits dedicated to the history and legacy of the first president of Kazakhstan.
Short taxi or walk.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Discover the Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.
Short cab ride from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at La Rêve

Delight in a mix of local and European recipes in a sophisticated setting.
Taxi to the restaurant, a quick ride away.
KZT5000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Walk to the Ak Orda Presidential Palace

Take scenic photos by the presidential palace, an architectural masterpiece against the city's skyline.
10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the EXPO 2017 Complex

Get a glimpse of modern Kazakhstan through interactive exhibits and futuristic pavilions.
Short taxi ride from the palace.
KZT2500, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Vinaigrette

Dine at a trendy eatery known for its salad bar and healthy options in an inviting atmosphere.
Taxi from EXPO Complex.
KZT4000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Insights in Karaganda

Karaganda, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast included in your stay, fueling up for the journey ahead.
Checkout of your Hotel in Astana.
Included, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Karaganda

Set off for Karaganda, known for its coal mining history and cultural sites.
Drive via the A1 highway.
KZT5000 for gas, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Karaganda Regional Museum

Uncover the region's history through fascinating exhibits, including the famous Gulag system.
Short drive from the city centre.
KZT1000, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cheshskiy

Enjoy Tatar cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere at this local eatery.
A quick taxi or walk from the museum.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Karlag Museum

Gain insights into the life of political prisoners during the Soviet era at this significant museum.
Short drive to the museum.
KZT1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk through the Central Park

Take a relaxing stroll in the quaint park, ideal for absorbing the town’s atmosphere.
10 minutes walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Zhenzhik

Indulge in unique dishes and local delicacies amidst authentic Kazakh decor.
Short taxi to the restaurant.
KZT5000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading back to Almaty, included with your stay.
Check out your hotel and ready for the journey.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Almaty

Journey back to Almaty through the scenic steppe, enjoying the sights.
Drive back via the A1 highway.
KZT5000 for gas, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Almaty Central Mosque

Appreciate the serene beauty and architectural elegance of this significant place of worship.
Short cab ride from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Café

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café, discovering traditional pastries and local dishes.
Cab or walk back to a popular lunch spot.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Dostyk Plaza

Wrap up your trip with a shopping spree at Almaty's most popular mall.
Walking distance from the café.
Variable, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Greenhouse

Bid farewell with a delectable dinner featuring fusion cuisine before your departure.
Short taxi ride back.
KZT6000, 2 hours
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