Epic 10-Day Adventure Road Trip in Kazakhstan: Nature and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Dash Pizza

Start your journey with a tasty pizza breakfast at Dash Pizza, which is known for its creative toppings.
Head to Dash Pizza from your hotel.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Panfilov Park

Stroll through Panfilov Park, home to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral and the memorial to the 28 Guardsmen.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from Dash Pizza.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Alasha

Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine such as Beshbarmak at Alasha.
Take a 15-minute cab ride to the restaurant.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Big Almaty Lake

A scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake invites breathtaking views; take a short hike around this stunning glacial lake.
Drive for about 30 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at La Terrase

Dine at La Terrase with an amazing city view while enjoying European cuisine.
Return to the city, approximately 30 minutes drive.
KZT 8000, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Café L'Occitane

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at a cozy café offering French pastries.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
KZT 3500, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Central State Museum

Explore the rich history of Kazakhstan with exhibits ranging from archaeology to contemporary art.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride.
KZT 2000, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Gakku

Savor local flavors including Kebabs and Kazakh pastries at this well-loved local restaurant.
10 minutes by taxi.
KZT 6000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Almaty Tower

Visit the tallest structure in Kazakhstan for panoramic views of the city.
Drive or a short taxi ride, about 15 minutes.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Enjoy some leisure time ice skating or simply admire the natural beauty with the mountains in the backdrop.
45-minute drive to Medeu.
KZT 1500, 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at The GREEN

Indulge in healthy, organic meals made from environmentally-friendly products.
30-minute drive back to Almaty.
KZT 7500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon Adventure

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up before your road trip with a hearty breakfast.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Drive to the incredible Charyn Canyon amidst stunning scenery.
Approximately 3 hours drive from Almaty.
KZT 5000 (fuel), 3 hours

11:30 AM

Hike the Canyon

Explore the breathtaking beauty of the canyon on foot, taking photos of the unique rock formations.
Park your car and head onto the hiking trails.
KZT 1000 (entrance fee), 3 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Canyon Cafe

Head to Canyon Cafe for simple, delicious fare with canyon views.
On-site café.
KZT 4000, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore more of Charyn Canyon

Continue your exploration; take in the beauty of the valley during the evening lighting.
Follow the trails that interest you.
Free, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at Koleso

Enjoy local meals at Koleso after a long day of exploration.
Nearby the canyon, a short drive.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Overnight Camping

Settle in for a night under the stars at a local camping site.
Book ahead the camping site.
KZT 3000 (site fee), Overnight
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Day 4: Exploring Kolsai Lakes

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast in Charyn Canyon

Breakfast at your campsite with views of the canyon.
Included in camping.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Drive through spectacular mountain roads to Kolsai Lakes.
Around 2 hours drive.
KZT 3000 (fuel), 2 hours

10:00 AM

Hike to Kolsai Lake #1

Hike through lush forests to reach the first stunning lake.
Follow marked trails from the parking area.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Picnic Lunch at Kolsai Lake

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the sparkling waters of the first lake.
Bring food or buy at the local kiosk.
KZT 3000 (picnic food), 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Hike to Kolsai Lake #2

Continue your adventure with a hike to the second lake, embracing the serene views.
Follow the higher trail marked towards Lake #2.
Free, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner in the village

Drive to the nearby village for dinner rounding out your day with traditional food.
A 30-minute drive to the village.
KZT 6000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Accommodation in Kolsai

Spend the night in a cozy guesthouse close to the lakes.
Book ahead for your stay.
KZT 12000 (guesthouse cost), Overnight
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Day 5: Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start your day with a local breakfast served at the guesthouse.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Return Drive to Almaty

Enjoy a scenic drive back to Almaty, soaking in the beauty of the countryside.
About 4 hours drive.
KZT 4000 (fuel), 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Bilardo

Enjoy a relaxed lunch with great dessert options at Bilardo.
Close to the city center.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Green Bazaar

Explore the bustling Green Bazaar and grab local treats and souvenirs.
A 10-minute taxi ride.
Free (unless you buy), 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Rixos Almaty

Indulge in a luxurious dining experience at this upscale restaurant.
A quick taxi ride from the bazaar.
KZT 15000, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Evening Stroll on Arbat Street

Enjoy the charm of Arbat Street, full of vibrant shops and street artists.
Walk from Rixos.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Astana Exploration

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Start your road trip towards Astana with breakfast at the hotel.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Astana

Experience a 12-hour journey showcasing everything from natural landscapes to urban areas.
Around 15 hours drive.
KZT 10000 (fuel), 15 hours

10:30 PM

Late-night Arrival

Check in to your hotel and rest for the next day's activities.
Book a hotel in advance.
KZT 15000 (hotel cost), Overnight
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Day 7: Discover Astana

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at McDonald's

Enjoy a quick breakfast while preparing for a day of exploration.
Walking distance from your hotel.
KZT 2000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Bayterek Tower

Ascend the tower for a panoramic view of the city skyline.
10-minute walk.
KZT 2500, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall

Admire the unique architectural design of the concert hall.
15-minute walk from Bayterek Tower.
Free, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Shoreline

Enjoy lunch with views overlooking the River Ishim.
A 10-minute walk away.
KZT 6000, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Take a guided tour of this monumental pyramid, showcasing various cultures.
A short 10-minute taxi ride.
KZT 3000, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Hazrat Sultan Mosque

Visit one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, an architectural gem.
A quick ride from the Palace.
Free, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at Daredzhani

Savor Georgian and Azerbaijani meals in this atmospheric restaurant.
Short taxi ride or walk.
KZT 8000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Burabay National Park

Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Burabay.
Included in your stay.
Included, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Burabay National Park

Drive towards Burabay, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
Around 3 - 4 hours drive.
KZT 3000 (fuel), 4 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Burabay

Have a lovely picnic lunch in the picturesque settings of the national park.
Bring your own or buy from vendors.
KZT 3000 (picnic food), 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Explore Burabay National Park

Hike and explore the stunning natural landscapes, lakes, and wildlife.
Follow marked trails.
Free, 3 hours

4:30 PM

Dinner at Sportivnik Restaurant

Dine by the lakeside with delicious local dishes.
25-minute drive from hiking trails.
KZT 7000, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Accommodation in Burabay

Stay in a cozy lodge within the national park for a unique experience.
Book in advance.
KZT 12000 (lodge cost), Overnight
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Day 9: More of Burabay National Park

Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan

7:30 AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Enjoy a warm breakfast provided in your lodge.
At the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Visit Zhekebaital

Explore Zhekebaital Mountain, where sensational landscapes await.
Drive toward Zhekebaital, about 10 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Hike to Lake Borovoe

Trek down to Lake Borovoe, one of the most picturesque spots in the park.
Follow marked trails.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at a local diner

Sample local dishes at a humble diner nearby.
Drive back toward the main park road.
KZT 4000, 1.5 hours

2:30 PM

Visit the Museum of Flora and Fauna

Learn about the local wildlife and plants as well as conservation efforts.
A short drive from the diner.
KZT 2000, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Wrap Up the Day at Burabay

Spend your last evening enjoying the tranquility of Burabay.
ATV rental is available in the area.
KZT 5000 (for ATV rental), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner back at lodge

Dine at your lodge, enjoying the beautiful views of the park.
At the lodge.
Included, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Final Return to Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Have a final breakfast at the lodge before heading back to Almaty.
At the lodge.
Included, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive back to Almaty

Embark on your scenic drive back to Almaty to end the journey.
Around 4 hours drive.
KZT 4000 (fuel), 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at the Airport Cafe

Enjoy a final meal in Kazakhstan, sampling local dishes before departure.
Close to Almaty International Airport.
KZT 5000, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Return Rental Car

Return your rental car and prepare for your flight.
At Almaty International Airport.
Included in rental, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Departure

Board your flight and take with you unforgettable memories of Kazakhstan!
At Almaty International Airport.
N/A, Departure
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