Ultimate 1-Day Almaty Experience: Adventure, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Explore Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe 1

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe 1, known for its traditional Kazakh dishes and modern twists on classics such as the fluffy Laghman and sweet Baursak.
Located in the city center, simply drive or take a short ride to get there.
KZT3000, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Medeu Valley

Head to the stunning Medeu Valley, famous for its outdoor skating rink, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery.
Drive for about 30 minutes northeast of Almaty to reach the valley and enjoy the winding mountain roads.
KZT1000, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Cable Car Ride to Shymbulak

Take the scenic cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort for incredible views of the surrounding mountains, perfect for some family photos.
The cable car station is just a short drive from Medeu Valley.
KZT5000, 1 hour

12:00 PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Restaurant

Enjoy a leisurely lunch with local Kazakh cuisine at the mountain restaurant, offering dishes like beshbarmak and kazy, as well as stunning views.
Right at Shymbulak, there's no need for further transportation.
KZT8000, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Hiking at Big Almaty Lake

Take a scenic drive to Big Almaty Lake and embark on a short hike to witness the enchanting turquoise waters surrounded by mountainous terrain.
It's about a 40-minute drive from Shymbulak, taking you through picturesque landscapes.
KZT500, 2 hours

3:00 PM

Cultural Walk at Panfilov Park

Return to the city and stroll through Panfilov Park, exploring the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral and learning about the merging of cultures in this vibrant park.
Drive back into the city center (roughly 30 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit the Green Bazaar

Take in the local flavors at the Green Bazaar, where you can sample fresh produce, try street food, and immerse in the hustle and bustle of the market.
A short 10-minute drive or walk from Panfilov Park.
KZT2000, 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Relax at the Central State Museum

Unwind at the Central State Museum, which showcases Kazakhstan's rich history and culture through interactive exhibits and informative displays.
Just a 10-minute drive from the bazaar.
KZT1500, 1 hour

6:30 PM

Dinner at Navat Restaurant

Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Navat, a restaurant specializing in traditional Kazakh cuisine, featuring dishes such as shashlik and laghman, served with warm hospitality.
Located conveniently in the city center, a quick 10-minute drive away.
KZT10000, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Evening Stroll at Kok Tobe Park

End your day with a picturesque evening stroll at Kok Tobe Park, reachable by the popular cable car ride offering a panoramic view of Almaty. It's a perfect romantic finish for couples.
Just a short 20-minute drive from dinner location.
KZT2000 (cable car), 1 hour
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