11-Day Family-Friendly Adventure Itinerary in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: Canyons, Lakes, and Culture

Day 1: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Central

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the vibrant Café Central, famous for its delicious omelets and freshly brewed coffee.
Central Almaty, easy walking distance
KZT3000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral

Marvel at this wooden Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park, an awe-inspiring structure amidst green surroundings.
20-minute walk from Café Central
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Daredzhani Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Georgian cuisine with a mix of Central Asian flavors at Daredzhani, a family-friendly venue.
Around 15 minutes from the cathedral by taxi
KZT5000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Medeu Skating Rink and Shymbulak Mountain Resort

Spend the afternoon at the highest skating rink in the world, and take a cable car ride to the Shymbulak resort for breathtaking views.
30-minute drive, consider renting a car
KZT6000 (cable car), 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at T Pha

Experience the unique ambiance and exceptional Vietnamese cuisine in Almaty for a delightful dinner.
20-minute drive from Medeu
KZT7000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: More Almaty Adventures

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Del Papa

Savor a delicious breakfast with Italian and local brunch options at Del Papa, perfect for families.
Central Almaty
KZT4000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Central State Museum

Dive into the history and culture of Kazakhstan at one of the largest museums in the country.
10-minute drive from the café
KZT1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Rumi

Enjoy fresh salads and savory kebabs amidst a cozy atmosphere at Rumi, ideal for kids.
20-minute drive from the museum
KZT6000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Almaty Zoo

Explore the Almaty Zoo, home to over 200 species, an exciting experience for the whole family, especially the kids!
20-minute drive from lunch
KZT1500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Gakku

Enjoy Kazakh BBQ and traditional dishes at Gakku for the perfect end to a thrilling day.
35-minute drive from the zoo
KZT5000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Canyons and Lakes

Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast at your hotel and prepare for a day of adventure.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Head toward enchanting Charyn Canyon, known for its spectacular landscapes and vibrant hues.
Approx. 3-hour drive
Fuel cost KZT3000, 3 hours

11:30AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Wander through the unique rock formations and take beautiful family photos amidst stunning views.
Onsite, various easy walks
KZT3000 (entrance fee), 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy a packed lunch or snack from a nearby café with a view before heading to Kolsai Lakes.
Nearby picnic spots
Free (if packed), 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Continue your adventure to the picturesque Kolsai Lakes, known as the 'Pearl of the Tian Shan', filled with crystal-clear water.
Approx. 1.5-hour drive
Fuel cost KZT2000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Kolsai Lakes

Hike around the lakes, enjoy the tranquility, and watch the sunset over these breathtaking sites.
Easy hiking trails in the area
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kolsai Lodge

Conclude the day with dinner at the cozy Kolsai Lodge, offering local dishes and incredible views.
Onsite at the lodge
KZT6000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Road to Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kolsai Lodge

Fuel up for your next adventure with a hearty breakfast at Kolsai Lodge.
Onsite at Kolsai Lodge
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Bishkek

Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Kyrgyzstan to reach Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Approx. 3-hour drive
Fuel cost KZT2000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Save the Day Café

Enjoy a trendy lunch spot in Bishkek, famous for its artisan sandwiches and fresh juices.
10-minute drive from your hotel
KGS350, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Ala-Too Square

Discover the main square of Bishkek where you can find large statues and vibrant gardens.
15-minute walk from the café
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Navat

Indulge in delicious Central Asian cuisine at this cozy family-friendly venue.
5-minute walk from the square
KGS600, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventures at Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast before heading to the stunning Issyk-Kul Lake.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Issyk-Kul Lake

Drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the largest saltwater lakes situated in the mountains.
Approx. 2 hours drive
Fuel cost KGS300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Osoyo

Enjoy lakeside dining at this picturesque café specializing in fresh fish and local dishes.
Facing the lake, easy access
KGS500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Beach Time at Issyk-Kul

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or swimming in the warm waters of the lake, a perfect family retreat!
Directly at the beach
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Le Bistro

Sample European and local cuisine with a beautiful view of the sunset at Le Bistro.
5-minute drive from the beach
KGS800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Journey to Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Delight in a breakfast buffet filled with local and international selections before departing for Tashkent.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Tashkent

Travel to Tashkent, exploring the changing landscapes as you cross into Uzbekistan.
About 4-hour drive
Fuel cost KGS600, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Caravan Restaurant

Experience traditional Uzbek dishes like plov at Caravan, a family-friendly locale with a rich atmosphere.
Close to points of interest
UZS15000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Khast Imam Complex

Visit this historic religious center, home to one of the oldest Quran copies in existence.
10-minute drive from the restaurant
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Turkish House

Savor Turkish cuisine at this well-rated restaurant in Tashkent, a delightful meal to end the day.
15-minute drive from the complex
UZS20000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Tashkent's Wonders

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a fresh breakfast spread at your hotel to kickstart another exciting day.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Tashkent Metro

Hop on the surreal and artistic metro system, known for its uniquely designed stations.
15-minute drive from hotel
UZS500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Mamadi Restaurant

Dine on flavorful local dishes in an elegant setting, perfect for families seeking local cuisine.
20-minute drive from metro
UZS15000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Museum of Applied Arts

Explore art pieces showcasing Uzbekistan's rich heritage, this museum captivates every age.
10-minute drive from the restaurant
UZS7000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Chaikhona Bukhara

Enjoy a family-friendly restaurant serving traditional Uzbek dishes and a beautiful courtyard.
15-minute drive from the museum
UZS20000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Explore Samarkand

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a breakfast of local pastries and fresh fruits to prepare for a day in Samarkand.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Samarkand

Venture to Samarkand, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Approx. 4-hour drive, consider an early start
Fuel cost UZS30000, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Plov Center

Experience the famous Samarkand plov, known across Uzbekistan for its distinctive taste.
Close to points of interest
UZS12000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Registan Square

Visit this stunning historic site featuring magnificent madrasahs, a highlight for all travelers.
10-minute drive from lunch
UZS5000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant

Savor a delightful dinner with a mix of local and international dishes while enjoying the ambience.
15-minute drive from Registan
UZS20000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Discover Bukhara

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a filling breakfast to fuel your explorations in Bukhara.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Bukhara

Make your way to Bukhara, known for its rich history and well-preserved architectural marvels.
About a 4-hour drive
Fuel cost UZS30000, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at 16-ji Bakhor

Taste remarkable dishes at this stunning restaurant that captures Bukhara’s culinary essence.
Near attractions
UZS20000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Ark Fortress

Explore the ancient fortress that once served as the royal residence, an incredible historical journey.
5-minute drive from lunch
UZS5000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Chashma Restaurant

Finish the day sampling local flavors in a relaxed family-friendly environment.
Close to Ark Fortress
UZS20000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Relax at Aydarkul Lake

Aydarkul Lake, Uzbekistan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast before heading to the serene Aydarkul Lake.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Aydarkul Lake

Travel through expansive deserts to reach the beautiful Aydarkul Lake, a hidden gem that welcomes relaxation.
Approx. 3-hour drive
Fuel cost UZS20000, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch by the Lake

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the tranquil waters, a wonderful experience for family bonding.
Lakeside dining
Free (if packed), 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Swimming and Relaxation

Spend the afternoon swimming and enjoying outdoor activities by the serene water, a perfect way to unwind.
Directly by the lake
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Café

Dine in a local café nearby, indulging in simple yet satisfying Uzbek meals.
15-minute drive from the lake
UZS15000, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Final Journey to Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

An early breakfast fuels your trip back to Kazakhstan.
Onsite at the hotel
Included with stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Nur-Sultan

Take a scenic road trip back to Nur-Sultan, the modern capital of Kazakhstan.
Approx. 10-hour drive
Fuel cost UZS50000, 10 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Line Brew

Savor a delightful meal at Line Brew, known for its crafted beers and exceptional food, perfect for families.
Upon arrival in Nur-Sultan
KZT7000, 1.5 hours
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