7-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Kazakhstan on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe 'Vita'

Start your day with healthy options like smoothies and oatmeal in this cozy local cafe.
Located in central Almaty, easily reachable by foot.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Medeu Skating Rink

Proceed to Medeu, a famous outdoor skating rink surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes.
Catch bus number 12 from the cafe to Medeu.
KZT 1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Navat'

Enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes with an emphasis on family-style dining.
Return to Almaty and walk to Navat.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a chairlift ride up to the ski resort for panoramic views of the Tien Shan mountains.
Bus 12 takes you to the ski lift base.
KZT 3500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax in Panfilov Park

Unwind in one of Almaty's most beautiful parks, surrounded by trees and fountains.
Take bus number 28 back to the city center.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at 'Zheti Qazaq'

Indulge in delicious grilled meats and local bread in a casual setting.
Short walk from Panfilov Park.
KZT 6000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Culture and Nature

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 'Domashnyaya Kukhnya'

Enjoy homemade style breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee.
Located near your accommodation.
KZT 2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Central State Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of Kazakhstan through fascinating exhibits.
Easy reach by public bus.
KZT 2000, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Walk to the Botanical Garden

Stroll through the beautiful botanical garden and enjoy nature.
20-minute walk from the museum.
KZT 300, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at 'Salkyn'

Sample local dumplings and savory soups for a filling meal.
Cafes nearby the garden.
KZT 4000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Almaty Tower

Rise up to the observation deck of the tower for a unique view of the city.
Take the bus to Kok-Tobe.
KZT 7000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Traditional Dinner at 'Kazzhol'

Experience traditional dishes with family-friendly settings.
Can be accessed via public transit.
KZT 6500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Shymkent

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

6:00AM

Early Morning Train to Shymkent

Catch a morning train for a scenic ride to Shymkent, known for its cultural heritage.
Train station is easily accessible via a city bus.
KZT 2500, 3 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast at 'Bukhara'

Once in Shymkent, enjoy a hearty breakfast with local pastries.
Casual walk from the train station.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Shymkent Park

Explore the beautiful park, perfect for a scenic family outing.
Take the bus or a short taxi ride.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at 'Altyn Asyk'

Enjoy local favorites like plov and shashlik at a friendly restaurant.
Nearby park, easily walkable.
KZT 4500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Historical Museum

Discover the rich history of Southern Kazakhstan through artifacts and exhibitions.
Short bus ride to the museum.
KZT 2000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at 'Kokshak'

Enjoy an array of tasty dishes with a casual vibe.
Walking distance from the museum.
KZT 6000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Discover Turkistan

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 'Khan Shatyr'

Start your day with a variety of local breakfast favorites.
Located near your accommodation.
KZT 3500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Turkistan

Take a bus to Turkistan, famed for its historical monuments.
Check local bus schedules for departures.
KZT 1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture.
Short walk from the bus station.
KZT 7000, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at 'Aul Ahmeta'

Enjoy tribal dishes and try horse meat delicacies.
Nearby the mausoleum.
KZT 4000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the City Center

Stroll through the city, observing life and culture of Turkistan.
Walk to the downtown area.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Shymkent

Head back to Shymkent by bus.
Catch a bus from Turkistan to Shymkent.
KZT 1000, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at 'Guliya'

Dine on friendly family meals with a range of fresh salads and grilled meat.
Short walk from your accommodation.
KZT 5000, 1 hour
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Day 5: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Leave for Almaty

Take an early morning train back to Almaty.
Confirm train schedules for the return.
KZT 2500, 3 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at 'Sangria'

Enjoy trendy breakfast options like avocado toast and smoothies.
Proximity to the train station.
KZT 4000, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Big Almaty Lake

Spend the afternoon at this beautiful mountain lake, perfect for hiking.
Use public bus service to the lake.
Free, 4 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at 'Arasan'

Try some Kazakh favorite dishes before heading back to the city.
Restaurant is near the lake.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral

Marvel at this colorful wooden cathedral located in Panfilov Park.
Bus back to the center.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at 'Tashkent'

Savor traditional foods with a cozy atmosphere to end your day.
A short walk from the cathedral.
KZT 6000, 1 hour
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Day 6: Final Day in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 'Chocolat'

Indulge in delightful pastries and hot chocolate to start your final day.
Near local accommodations.
KZT 3500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hike to Shymbulak

Embark on a final hike through breathtaking scenery in the Shymbulak area.
Public transit to Shymbulak base.
KZT 1500, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 'Beshbarmak'

Experience traditional Kazakh lunch, perfect for refueling after your hike.
Located near the base station.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Almaty Museum

Learn more about Almaty's history and culture before your trip ends.
Bus back to the city center.
KZT 3000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Final Souvenir Shopping

Explore local markets for unique Kazakh souvenirs to take home.
Walk to local markets.
Free - Optional Expense, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at 'Dastarkhan'

Enjoy a hearty farewell dinner with family-friendly options in a warm setting.
Located close to shopping areas.
KZT 7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Departure

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 'Pudding'

Relax and have a light, delicious breakfast, preparing for your departure.
Local cafe nearby.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Check Out and Depart

Check out of accommodations and head to the airport or train station for departure.
Taxi or bus to the airport.
KZT 1500, 1 hour
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