14-Day Soviet Era Adventure in Kazakhstan: Exploring Soviet Architecture and History

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 dominates the skyline with lush parks.
Taxi from Almaty International Airport to your hostel in the city center.
KZT3500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Chaihana Alasha

Start your culinary adventure with a traditional Kazakh meal in a Soviet-style cafe.
A short 10-minute walk from the hostel.
KZT1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Central State Museum

Dive into Kazakhstan's past, with a focus on its Soviet history and artifacts.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
KZT1500, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Republic Square

This iconic square features many Soviet-era monuments and important government buildings.
A short walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Daredzhane

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring Kazakh and Soviet-inspired dishes.
20-minute walk or a quick taxi ride from the square.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan on March 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Central

Enjoy classic Soviet-style pastries and coffee.
Walk to Cafe Central, about a 10-minute stroll from your hostel.
KZT1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Zenkov Cathedral

Marvel at this beautiful wooden structure built during the Soviet era.
Take a short walk to Panfilov Park.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Yugoslavian Restaurant

Savor Balkan dishes with a Soviet twist in the heart of Almaty.
20-minute walk back to the city center.
KZT1600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tour the Almaty Metro

Ride through one of the prettiest metro systems in the world, adorned with stunning mosaics and chandeliers.
Take a bus to the nearest metro station.
KZT500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Coffee at Shabyt Cafe

Relax and taste Kyrgyz doughnuts in a cozy Soviet-style cafe.
Short walk from the subway station.
KZT800, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kaskad Restaurant

Indulge in an innovative take on traditional Soviet dishes.
Located in the city center.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on March 5, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

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

8:00AM

Travel to Bishkek

A scenic bus ride to explore the capital city heavily influenced by Soviet architecture.
Local bus station in Almaty.
KZT2000, 4 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Bishkek & Lunch at Supara

Try delicious Kyrgyz dishes in an atmosphere reminiscent of a Soviet era.
Dine directly upon arrival.
KZT1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Ala-Too Square

Engage with the central square where soviet flags once waved.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore the State Historical Museum

Learn about Kyrgyz history and its connection to the Soviet era.
Adjacent to the square.
KZT1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kayran

Enjoy a hearty meal featuring Soviet and traditional Kyrgyz food.
Walking distance from the museum.
KZT1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Karkara Valley Exploration

Karkara Valley, Kyrgyzstan on March 6, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Quick Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation.
Dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Karkara Valley

Journey to enjoy stunning landscapes appreciated during the Soviet era.
Book a shared taxi from Bishkek.
KZT2000, 3 hours

11:00AM

Explore Karkara Valley

Hike through breathtaking mountain scenery that defines Kyrgyzstan.
Plan your route upon arrival.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Local Diner (Pack a Snack)

Enjoy a pre-packed lunch to take in the beautiful valley.
Self-prepared from your previous meals.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Bishkek

Head back to the city for the night.
Shared taxi back to Bishkek.
KZT2000, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Ashlyanfu Restaurant

Delight in regional dishes that were popular during the Soviet times.
Around the city center.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Journey to Ekibastuz

Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan on March 7, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

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

7:00AM

Travel to Ekibastuz

Head to this industrial city known for its coal production.
Local bus station in Bishkek.
KZT3000, 4 hours

11:00AM

Arrive in Ekibastuz & Lunch at Regular Cafe

Grab a simple lunch in a bustling local spot.
At a cafe near the bus stop.
KZT1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit the Ekibastuz Museum

Learn about the city's industrial history rooted in the Soviet period.
A short walk from the cafe.
KZT800, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Soviet-style Architecture

Stroll through neighborhoods filled with typical Soviet-era buildings.
Self-guided tour around the museum.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Akmol

Enjoy traditional Kazakh meat dishes in a casual setting.
Near your accommodation.
KZT1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Pavlodar

Pavlodar, Kazakhstan on March 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Diner

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local diner.
Around Ekibastuz.
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Pavlodar

Journey to a city known for its industrial architecture.
Bus from Ekibastuz, approx. 3 hours.
KZT1500, 3 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Pavlodar & Lunch at Chuy Restaurant

Savor local dishes inspired by Soviet fare.
Located near the bus station.
KZT1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Pavlodar Museum

Explore the local history reflective of the Soviet influence.
A brief walk from the restaurant.
KZT800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Central Park

Relax and enjoy Soviet-style gardens in the heart of the city.
Walking distance from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Karavan

Wrap up the day with a sumptuous meal featuring Soviet dishes.
Close to your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Journey to Karaganda

Karaganda, Kazakhstan on March 9, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Quick Breakfast

Breakfast at your accommodation.
Dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Karaganda

A bus ride to another significant industrial city with Soviet roots.
Bus station in Pavlodar.
KZT2500, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Arrive in Karaganda & Lunch at Local Cafe

Enjoy authentic Kazakh meals reminiscent of Soviet traditions.
Cafe near the bus station.
KZT1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Visit the Museum of the Victims of Political Repression

Understand the impact of Soviet repression through engaging exhibitions.
Short taxi drive from the cafe.
KZT800, 2 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Central Park of Karaganda

Unwind in this charming park that features Soviet-style monuments.
Walking distance from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Khana Shashlyka

Savor traditional grilled meats in a cozy atmosphere.
Near your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Journey to Baikonur

Baikonur, Kazakhstan on March 10, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
Dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Baikonur

Journey to the city known for its space exploration significance.
Reserve a bus to Baikonur.
KZT5000, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Fuel up with local delicacies including borscht.
Café near your accommodation.
KZT1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Baikonur Cosmodrome

Experience the historic site of human space exploration.
Pre-book a guided tour.
KZT5000, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Rus

Enjoy traditional Russian dishes intertwined with local flavors.
Cafe nearby.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Exploring Baikonur

Baikonur, Kazakhstan on March 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe

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

9:00AM

Visit the Baikonur Museum

Learn more about the Soviet space program and its historical significance.
Walking distance from your hotel.
KZT1500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lunch at Local Diner

Indulge in traditional meals with a Soviet touch.
Head to a nearby diner.
KZT2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Gagarin Launch Pad

Explore the iconic launch site of the first human in space.
Pre-book a guided tour if possible.
KZT3000, 2 hours

3:00PM

Coffee Break at Local Cafe

Take a refreshing coffee break and enjoy a dessert.
Nearby cafe.
KZT800, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant KamNas

Savor the flavors of Soviet and Kazakh cuisine.
Adjacent to your accommodation.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Journey to Shymkent

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on March 12, 2025

6:00AM

Check out & Quick Breakfast

Grab breakfast at your accommodation.
Hotel dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Travel to Shymkent

Make your way to this vibrant city rich in Soviet history.
Bus to Shymkent, approx. 7 hours.
KZT3500, 7 hours

2:00PM

Arrive in Shymkent & Lunch at Cafe Ulybka

Sample local dishes that echo the Soviet era.
Close to the bus station.
KZT1600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Shymkent Historical Museum

Explore exhibits about Shymkent’s Soviet past.
Near the city center.
KZT800, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Explore Central Park

Stroll through this beautiful space adorned with Soviet-era monuments.
Walking distance from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Sary Arka

Indulge in both Kazakh and Soviet-inspired dishes.
A short walk from the park.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Turkestan Day Trip

Turkestan, Kazakhstan on March 13, 2025

7:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your hostel.
Hostel dining area.
Free, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Turkestan

Explore this historical city known for its Islamic architecture.
Bus from Shymkent, approx. 3 hours.
KZT1500, 3 hours

11:00AM

Visit Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum

This UNESCO World Heritage site reflects the impressive architectural style of the era.
Walking distance from the bus stop.
KZT1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Diner

Try traditional Kazakh dishes while enjoying the day.
A nearby diner.
KZT1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore the Old Town

Wander through historical streets lined with Soviet-style architecture.
Self-guided tour.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Shymkent

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

8:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Balyk

Relish a good dinner featuring seasonal dishes.
Near your accommodation.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Kyzylorda Adventure

Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

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

9:00AM

Travel to Kyzylorda

A bus journey to a city intertwined with history and the Soviet era.
Bus to Kyzylorda, approx. 5 hours.
KZT2500, 5 hours

2:00PM

Arrive & Lunch at Local Cafe

Indulge in traditional dishes while you relax.
Close to the bus station.
KZT1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Dom of Friendship

Marvel at this significant Soviet-era building symbolizing unity.
Walking distance from the cafe.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Coffee Break at Local Coffee Shop

Enjoy a coffee break while absorbing local culture.
Nearby coffee shop.
KZT800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Zharar

Wrap up your day with rich stews and traditional dishes.
Near your hotel.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Exploring Aktobe

Aktobe, Kazakhstan on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Check out & Breakfast

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

9:00AM

Travel to Aktobe

Make your way to Aktobe, famous for its mix of architecture.
Bus to Aktobe, around 7 hours.
KZT3500, 7 hours

4:00PM

Arrive & Dinner at Restaurant Tsar

Sample local dishes with a Soviet twist.
Next to the bus station.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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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 conclude your amazing adventure.
Bus back to Almaty, approx. 8 hours.
KZT3500, 8 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Almaty

Relax after your journey or enjoy some shopping before departure.
At your accommodation.
Free, Remainder of the day
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