Explore Kazakhstan: A 7-Day Cultural and Culinary Adventure on a Budget

Day 1: Arriving in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Vonets Café

Start your day with traditional Kazakh breakfast items such as baursaks and kasha at this popular local café.
Located in the heart of Almaty on Pushkin Street.
KZT1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Panfilov Park

Stroll through the beautiful Panfilov Park, enjoy the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, and the memorial to the 28 Panfilov heroes.
A short 10-minute walk from the café.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dva Ponds

Experience local flavours with a hearty bowl of laghman at this quaint restaurant.
Located not far from Panfilov Park.
KZT3000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Almaty Central Market

Immerse yourself in the local culture at the green bazaar, tasting fruits and street food while shopping for crafts.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
Free (optional purchases), 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Medeu

Travel to the Medeu ice rink below the mountains for a scenic view and perhaps some ice skating.
Take bus #12 from Almaty Central Market, a scenic ride of approximately 30 minutes.
KZT1000 (skating fee if desired), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at The 1000th Year of Almaty

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal of traditional Kazakh manti and fresh salads.
Easily accessible via bus from Medeu.
KZT4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:30AM

Breakfast at Cafe Kagan

Rejuvenate with a traditional Kazakh breakfast in a bakery known for its delicious pastries.
Located centrally, a quick bus ride away.
KZT1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Green Market

Explore this vibrant market, filled with local produce, handicrafts, and aromas of local spices.
Just a short walk from the café.
Free (optional purchases), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Rakhat Chocolate Factory

Tour the famous chocolate factory and enjoy a light lunch at its café, sampling freshly made chocolates.
Located 15 minutes by public transport from the market.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Vernissage Open-Air Market

Discover local arts, crafts and enjoy casual shopping in this charming open-air market.
Easily accessible via public transport from the café.
Free (optional purchases), 2 hours

5:00PM

Kok-Tobe Hill

Travel to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty, taking the aerial tramway for an exhilarating ride.
Use the tram system to reach the base; the tram takes about 30 minutes.
KZT1000 (tram fee), 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Gakku Restaurant

Delight in a meal featuring a mix of Kazakh favourites and contemporary dishes.
A quick taxi from Kok-Tobe.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Taraz

Taraz, Kazakhstan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Within your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:30AM

Train to Taraz

Catch an early train to Taraz, a city rich in history and culture.
Train station is easily reached by taxi.
KZT2500, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Karakhan Mausoleum

Explore this historical site that reflects the ancient architecture of Kazakhstan.
Taxi ride from the Taraz station.
KZT500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Nauryz Restaurant

Savour traditional dishes such as beshbarmak and kumis at this local favourite.
A short walk from the mausoleum.
KZT2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Taraz Archaeological Park

Wander through this park filled with ancient relics and learn about the history of the Silk Road.
Access via a local bus from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Central Park of Taraz

Relax in this city park and enjoy the local scenery and atmosphere.
A short bus ride or walk from the archaeological park.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Buran

Conclude your day with a warm meal of Kazakh pastries and stews.
Nearby the park.
KZT3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Shymkent Awaits

Shymkent, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation.
Within your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Shymkent

Hop on a morning train to Shymkent, known for its vibrant culture.
Train station is accessible by taxi.
KZT2500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Abay Park

Relax in Abay Park, where you can enjoy a variety of local activities and sights.
Short taxi from the train station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yassaui Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious assortment of kebabs and plov at this well-loved establishment.
A short walk from the park.
KZT3000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shymkent Regional Museum

Learn about the history of this area and its cultural significance at the local museum.
Accessible by bus from the restaurant.
KZT1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Explore the City Market

Visit the bustling city market to soak in local life and taste some street food.
Short taxi ride from the museum.
Free (optional purchases), 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Mangal

Relish a classic dinner with a focus on grilled meats and vegetarian options.
Close to the city market.
KZT4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Exploration in Turkestan

Turkestan, Kazakhstan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast prepared at your hotel.
Within your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Bus to Turkestan

Take a bus to Turkestan to explore this significant cultural city.
Bus station is close by.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, an excellent example of Islamic architecture.
Located centrally in Turkestan.
KZT500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kazzhol Restaurant

Savour traditional dishes in a charming setting with local flavours.
A short walk from the mausoleum.
KZT3000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Turkestan Historical Museum

Dig into the rich history of the city and its significant role in the Silk Road.
Just a 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
KZT600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore the Silk Road Sites

Wander through the ancient sites that highlight Turkestan's history along the Silk Road.
Proceed from the museum with a guided local tour.
KZT1000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Taza Dastarkhan

End your day with a delightful dining experience featuring regional dishes.
Close to the main sites.
KZT3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Astana Adventures

Astana, Kazakhstan

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an energising breakfast to prepare for your train journey.
Within your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

8:00AM

Train to Astana

Catch an early train to Astana, the modern city that showcases Kazakhstan's ambition.
Departure from local station.
KZT2500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Bayterek Tower

Climb this iconic structure for panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
Easily reached via bus from the station.
KZT1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe 101

Dine in this casual setting and enjoy local cuisine revisited with modern twists.
Close to Bayterek Tower.
KZT3500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Admire the stunning architecture of this unique building designed by architect Norman Foster.
A short taxi ride away.
KZT800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Walk along the Ishim River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river, taking in the serene landscape and quiet atmosphere.
Accessed via a local bus.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Line Brews

Finish your day with delightful craft beer and dishes that celebrate local ingredients.
Easily accessible from the riverbank.
KZT4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Exploring Astana

Astana, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel to energise for a full day.
Within your hotel.
Included in stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall

Take in a stunning concert hall that showcases the culture of Kazakhstan.
Short taxi ride from hotel.
KZT700, 1 hour

11:00AM

National Museum of Kazakhstan

Explore the history and treasures of Kazakhstan in this modern museum.
Walkable from the concert hall.
KZT1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Zeytun Restaurant

Experience Middle Eastern infused dishes unique to Astana.
Nearby the museum.
KZT3000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Astana Opera

Join a guided tour to see the magnificent opera house, a symbol of the cultural identity of the city.
Bus or taxi from restaurant.
KZT1500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax in Duman Park

Close your week-long adventure with a serene escape at Duman Park.
Short taxi from opera.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Elysium

Enjoy a farewell dinner with a selection of Kazakh dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
A quick taxi ride back to the city centre.
KZT5000, 1.5 hours
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