14-Day Soviet Era Adventure in Kazakhstan

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 3, 2025

10:00AM

Arrive in Almaty

Welcome to Kazakhstan’s largest city where Soviet architecture meets modern culture.
Take a taxi from Almaty International Airport to your hostel in the city center.
KZT3500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Breakfast at Aport Cafe

Start your adventure with traditional Kazakh breakfast, including Baursaks and tea.
Walk to Aport Cafe, approximately a 10-minute stroll from your hostel.
KZT1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the stunning wooden Zenkov Cathedral located in Panfilov Park.
Head east on Panfilov Street for about 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Cafe Central

Try a quick lunch offering traditional Russian soup and plov.
Walk back towards the city center for about 10 minutes.
KZT1500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore the Central State Museum

Dive into Kazakhstan's history, including its Soviet past.
A 15-minute walk north from Cafe Central.
KZT1500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Daredzhane

Enjoy a hearty meal of traditional Kazakh dumplings.
Head to Daredzhane, a 20-minute walk or short taxi ride from the museum.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gakku

Savor a local breakfast with fresh bread and olives.
A quick 15-minute tram ride from your hostel to Gakku.
KZT1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Almaty Metro

Experience the beautiful Soviet-era metro system adorned with stunning mosaics.
Catch the tram back to the city center.
KZT500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Navat Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional meal of horse meat and potatoes.
Walk to Navat, approximately 20 minutes away.
KZT1800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Check out this famous outdoor skating rink surrounded by mountains.
Take a bus from the city to Medeu, around 30 minutes.
KZT800, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Almaty City

Relax and prepare for dinner in the city.
Bus back to the city center.
KZT800, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Kaskad

Enjoy Kazakh cuisine, including shashlik and salads.
Short walking distance from your hostel.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Tamgaly Petroglyphs

Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Brasseri

Start your day with pancakes and coffee.
Walk to Brasseri, about 15 minutes from your hostel.
KZT1200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Tamgaly

Head to Tamgaly for the famous Buddha carvings.
Take a local bus; approximately 3 hours.
KZT2500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Visit Tamgaly Petroglyphs

Explore the ancient rock carvings that date back thousands of years.
Guided tours available locally.
KZT3000, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Diner

Enjoy authentic Kazakh stews and kumis.
Local diner near Tamgaly Petroglyphs.
KZT1500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty to prepare for your next destination.
Bus back to Almaty, approximately 3 hours.
KZT2500, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Shchelkovo

Try some Russian-style pelmeni and vodka.
Near your hostel in Almaty.
KZT1800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Journey to Shymkent

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on March 6, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Enjoy light breakfast at your hostel before departing.
Hostel common area.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Shymkent

Depart for Shymkent, a notable city that reflects Soviet architecture.
Book a train via the local ticket office.
KZT3000, 5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Shymkent & Lunch at Cafe Ulybka

Sample local dishes at this cozy joint.
Near the train station.
KZT1600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Shymkent's Central Park

Stroll through the park adorned with Soviet-era sculptures.
Walk about 15 minutes from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Historical Museum

Learn about Shymkent’s history and its Soviet period.
Walking distance from the park.
KZT800, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Sary Arka

Savor a mix of Kazakh and Soviet dishes in a charming ambience.
20-minute walk from the museum.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Sights of Shymkent

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on March 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Taktak

Start your day with local pastries and tea.
A short walk from your accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Abay Park

Relax and see local life play out in this vibrant park.
Nearby, about 10-minute walk.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Taraz

Enjoy some fresh salads and bread.
Walk about 15 minutes to Taraz.
KZT1600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Old City

Explore the old trading posts and remnants of its Soviet past.
Take a short taxi ride; around 10 minutes.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Coffee at a Local Cafe

Take a break and enjoy some local brews.
Find a cozy cafe nearby.
KZT800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Dastarkhan

Wrap up the day with hearty plov and grilled kebabs.
Close to your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Turkestan Day Trip

Turkestan, Kazakhstan on March 8, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Quick breakfast at your hostel.
Hostel common area.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Turkestan

Head to Turkestan to see the beautiful mausoleum.
Take a bus from Shymkent, approx. 3 hours.
KZT1500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum

Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture.
Walking distance from the bus stop.
KZT1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Try traditional kuyrdak dish paired with local bread.
A short walk from the mausoleum.
KZT1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the City of Turkestan

Take in local life, markets, and parks in this historical town.
Walk through the town.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Shymkent

Head back to your base after a day of exploration.
Bus back to Shymkent, approx. 3 hours.
KZT1500, 3 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Balyk

Enjoy some grilled fish with seasonal vegetables.
Near your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Trip to Baikonur

Baikonur, Kazakhstan on March 9, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Quick Breakfast

Breakfast at your hostel.
Hostel dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Baikonur

Journey to the city known as the heart of space exploration.
Local bus to Baikonur, approx. 8 hours.
KZT5000, 8 hours

3:00PM

Arrive in Baikonur & Lunch at Local Cafe

Fuel up with local cuisine including borscht.
Cafe near the bus station.
KZT1500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Baikonur Cosmodrome

Tour this historic site of human space exploration.
Pre-book a guided tour if possible.
KZT5000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cafe Dozor

Enjoy a meal before setting up for the evening.
Cafe nearby.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Exploring Baikonur

Baikonur, Kazakhstan on March 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Cafe

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation.
Cafe within the hotel.
KZT1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Baikonur Museum

Learn about the Soviet Space Program and the city’s history.
Short walk from the hotel.
KZT1500, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Cafe Prichal

Consider a hearty meal with local beverages.
Head to Prichal, about 10 minutes walk.
KZT2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Gagarin Launch Pad

Explore the iconic site where humanity first ventured into space.
Arrange for a guide beforehand.
KZT3000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Coffee Break at Local Cafe

Enjoy a local drink while reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Nearby cafe.
KZT800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant KamNas

Indulge in hearty Kazakh and post-Soviet dishes.
Adjacent to your accommodation.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Journey to Kyzylorda

Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan on March 11, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Quick Breakfast

Breakfast at the local cafe.
Near your accommodation.
KZT1000, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Kyzylorda

A short journey to the city once known for its cotton production.
Bus to Kyzylorda, approx. 5 hours.
KZT2500, 5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive Kyzylorda & Lunch at Local Cafe

Delight in traditional dishes with local spices.
Cafes near the bus station.
KZT1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Dom of Friendship

Explore this significant Soviet-era building, representing unity.
Walk to the site from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Coffee Break at Local Coffee Shop

Enjoy a refreshing cup while soaking in the atmosphere.
Nearby coffee shop.
KZT800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zharar

Wrap up your day with rich stews and grilled meats.
Near your hotel.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Discover Aktobe

Aktobe, Kazakhstan on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before leaving.
Hotel dining area.
KZT1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Aktobe

Head to Aktobe, known for its industrial heritage.
Bus to Aktobe, approx. 8 hours.
KZT3500, 8 hours

5:00PM

Arrive in Aktobe & Dinner at Restaurant Tsar

Sample local fish dishes and Russian-style appetizers.
Directly next to the bus station.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Explore Aktobe

Aktobe, Kazakhstan on March 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Fuel up with pastries and tea.
Near your accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Regional Museum

Discover the history of the Aktobe region, including Soviet-era artifacts.
Walk about 20 minutes from the cafe.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Elizabeth's

Enjoy delicious salads and grilled meats.
Walk back towards town.
KZT1800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore City Park

Take a relaxing stroll in this lush park filled with Soviet statues.
Nearby, roughly 15 minutes walking.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee at a Local Spot

Have a cup of coffee while watching the locals.
Café near the park.
KZT800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Limoncello

Wrap-up with Kazakh pies and stews.
Near the park.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Atyrau Adventure

Atyrau, Kazakhstan on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Quick breakfast at your hotel.
Hotel dining area.
KZT1200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Atyrau

Journey to the city known for oil and the Ural River.
Bus to Atyrau, approx. 8 hours.
KZT3500, 8 hours

5:00PM

Arrive in Atyrau & Dinner at Local Restaurant

Try traditional Kazakh dishes with a local twist.
Restaurant near the bus station.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Sights of Atyrau

Atyrau, Kazakhstan on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Savor traditional tea and pastries.
Within walking distance from your accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Ural River

Walk along the banks of the Ural River enjoying scenic views.
Nearby; just a short stroll.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Restaurant Allen

Indulge in fresh salads and grilled meats.
A 15-minute walk from the river.
KZT1800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Atyrau Historical Museum

Learn about the area's history, including Soviet influence.
Walk to the museum, around 20 minutes away.
KZT1000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Coffee Break at Cafe

Relax with a coffee and local desserts.
Nearby coffee shop.
KZT800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at KazaKа

Wrap your day with authentic Kazakh dishes.
Close to your hotel.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 16, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Last Breakfast

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel.
Dining area.
KZT1200, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel back to Almaty

Make the journey back to the city to conclude your adventure.
Bus back to Almaty, approx. 8 hours.
KZT3500, 8 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Almaty

Back to where it all began; relax or enjoy shopping.
Hostel area.
Free, Rest of the day
View Hotel Availability