Exploring Kazakhstan on a Shoestring Budget: A 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arriving in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00AM

Arrival and Breakfast

Start your day with delicious and affordable traditional Kazakh breakfast at 'Zheti Zhar' for authentic kasha and tea.
Take a bus or walk to the breakfast spot if your accommodation is nearby.
KZT1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Green Bazaar Visit

Head to the Green Bazaar to immerse yourself in local culture and shop for fresh produce and handicrafts.
A short 15-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Bazaar

Try some quick and affordable street food like 'beshbarmak' or 'samsa' at one of the vendors in the bazaar.
Grab your lunch at any of the food stalls around the bazaar.
KZT800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Almaty Central Park

Stroll through Central Park and relax amidst nature while enjoying the fresh air.
Take a metro ride or walk about 20 minutes to the park.
Free entry, 2 hours

4:00PM

Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Visit the famous Medeu Ice Skating Rink located in the mountains to enjoy picturesque views and take some great photos.
Take a bus from the park to Medeu.
KZT1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Eatery

Enjoy dinner at 'Dastarkhan', where you can sample various local Kazakh dishes at budget-friendly prices.
Return to the city centre via bus and stroll to the restaurant.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Cafe

Grab breakfast at 'Cafe Almaty' with tasty omelettes and pastries.
Walk to the cafe from your accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ascend to Kok Tobe

Take the cable car to Kok Tobe to enjoy panoramic views of Almaty.
Public transport to the cable car station will take about 30 minutes.
KZT2000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at the Top

Enjoy a light lunch with a view at ‘Kok Tobe Restaurant’ where you can try some local snacks.
At Kok Tobe, enjoy the atmosphere.
KZT2500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, known for its unique wooden architecture.
Take a bus or a taxi back to the city centre.
Free entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Panfilov Park

Walk around the impressive Panfilov Park where you can relax and observe locals.
Adjacent to the Cathedral, just a short walk away.
Free entry, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at 'Ramen House'

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner of delicious ramen and sushi at 'Ramen House' in the city centre.
Walk back to the city centre for dinner.
KZT1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Have a simple breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
At your accommodation.
KZT1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Bishkek

Take a shared taxi or minibus from Almaty to Bishkek (approx. 3 hours).
Head to the bus station for a minibus or shared taxi.
KZT3000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Check-In and Lunch

Check-in at budget accommodation then enjoy lunch at 'Cafe Faiza' known for its tasty plov.
Walk from your accommodation to the cafe.
KZT800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Ala-Too Square

Wander around Bishkek's main square, experiencing the local life and culture.
Walk to Ala-Too Square, just minutes away.
Free entry, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the State Historical Museum

Discover more about the history of Kyrgyzstan in this engaging museum.
Just a short walk from Ala-Too Square.
KZT150, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Bishkek

Have dinner at 'Navat' where you can try traditional Kyrgyz dishes including manti.
Located near the historical museum, only a short walk.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Around Bishkek

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 'Bishkek's Cafe'

Enjoy breakfast at a local café with traditional Kyrgyz bread and tea.
Walk to the cafe near your accommodation.
KZT900, 1 hour

9:30AM

Day Trip to Ala Archa National Park

Catch a local marshrutka to Ala Archa for stunning mountain views and hiking opportunities.
Board a minivan from a nearby station; takes about an hour.
KZT300, 6 hours (including travel time)

4:00PM

Return to Bishkek

Come back from Alberta Archa and refresh at your accommodation.
Catch the same marshrutka back to Bishkek.
KZT300, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at 'Khana Khudja'

Feast on delicious Central Asian cuisine at this famous eatery in Bishkek.
A short walk from your accommodation.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Relaxing at Issyk-Kul Lake

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Start your day early with a quick breakfast of pastries at a local bakery.
Nearby bakery within walking distance.
KZT500, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Issyk-Kul Lake

Take a morning marshrutka to the picturesque Issyk-Kul Lake (approx. 3 hours).
Head to the bus station for the marshrutka.
KZT400, 3 hours

11:00AM

Arriving at Issyk-Kul Lake

Settle down at a budget guesthouse by the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.
Walk to your chosen accommodation near the lake.
KZT3000 (for one night), 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch by the Lake

Have lunch at a small lakeside café and relish fresh fish dishes.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
KZT1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relaxing at the Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon by the beach, swimming and sunbathing.
Beaches are accessible from your guesthouse.
Free entry, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at 'Kyrgyz Dishes Cafe'

Enjoy a budget-friendly dinner of local specialties like shashlik at a nearby eatery.
Walk back to the café from the beach.
KZT1800, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Another Day at Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan

8:00AM

Breakfast in the Guesthouse

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your guesthouse.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hiking in the Mountains

Embark on a day hike in the nearby mountains for breathtaking views and fresh air.
Check with locals for guided hiking trails.
Free if self-guided, up to KZT1000 for a guide., 6 hours (including rest breaks)

4:00PM

Relaxing by the Lake Again

Return and enjoy a peaceful afternoon by the stunning lake.
Back to the beach from your hike.
Free entry, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Savour a farewell dinner by the lake at a humble diner with delicious noodle soup.
Walk back from the beach.
KZT1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your Issyk-Kul guesthouse before checking out.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Almaty

Take a marshrutka back to Almaty, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.
Departure from the same bus station as before.
KZT400, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 'Old Coffee'

Have lunch at 'Old Coffee' for a variety of affordable meals and local desserts.
Walk from the bus station to the café.
KZT1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Almaty Fort

Explore the ruins of the Almaty Fort, a reminder of the city’s rich history.
Take public transport to reach the site.
Free entry, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping for Souvenirs

Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in the city centre to take a piece of Kazakhstan home with you.
Walk to the shopping area close to the fort.
Variable, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Final Dinner at 'Shashlik'

Enjoy your last dinner in Almaty at a casual restaurant known for its superb shashlik.
Easy walk from the shopping area.
KZT2500, 1.5 hours
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