10-Day Cultural and Scenic Tour of Kazakhstan on a Budget

Day 1: Arrival and Almaty Introduction

Almaty, Kazakhstan on November 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Central

Enjoy a traditional Kazakh breakfast including baursak (fried dough) and tea at this popular local spot open from 8am to 11am, perfect to start your day.
KZT1000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the beautiful Panfilov Park and the colorful, wooden Zenkov Cathedral which is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The park is open all day and free to visit.
KZT0, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Green Bazaar

Sample local produce, street food such as shashlik, and fresh fruits at the lively Green Bazaar, a hub of local culture and flavors.
KZT800, 1h

3:00pm

Visit the Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Discover traditional Kazakh instruments and learn about the country's musical heritage. Open from 10am to 6pm.
KZT500, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Enjoy hearty Kazakh dishes and local beer in a rustic brewery atmosphere, open until 11pm.
KZT1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Almaty Nature and Culture

Almaty, Kazakhstan on November 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day with great coffee and pastries at this cozy cafe open from 7am.
KZT700, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Big Almaty Lake

Visit this picturesque alpine lake about 15 km from Almaty, famous for its turquoise waters and mountain views. The area is free to visit but transport costs apply.
KZT2000, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Alasha Kazakh Restaurant

Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak in a comfortable setting, open until 10pm.
KZT1200, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Kok-Tobe Hill

Take the cable car to Kok-Tobe for stunning views over Almaty and the mountains; cable car operates from 10am to 10pm.
KZT1500, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zheti Kazyna

Dine at a restaurant specializing in Kazakh and Central Asian cuisine, open till 11pm.
KZT1400, 1h30m
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Day 3: Almaty Museums and Parks

Almaty, Kazakhstan on November 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at One Love Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast items at this hip coffee spot open from 8am.
KZT700, 1h

10:00am

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Explore exhibits on Kazakhstan's history and culture. The museum is open from 10am to 6pm.
KZT800, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Daredzhani

Savor Georgian cuisine, which is popular in Kazakhstan, in a casual atmosphere.
KZT1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Arasan Baths

Relax at the historic Arasan Baths, a traditional Russian-style bathhouse open from 10am to 10pm. A great cultural experience.
KZT1200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tandoor

Enjoy Central Asian and Indian fusion dishes in a cozy setting open till 11pm.
KZT1300, 1h30m
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Day 4: Travel to Shymkent and Explore

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on November 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Have a light breakfast before the journey, options near your accommodation offer local tea and pastries.
KZT500, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Shymkent by bus or train

Take a 5-6 hour bus or train ride from Almaty to Shymkent, enjoy scenic views on the way.
KZT2000, 6h

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into budget accommodation in Shymkent.
KZT0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Shymkent Regional Museum

Learn about the rich history and culture of the south Kazakhstan region. Open 10am-6pm.
KZT400, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Central Asian Restaurant

Try plov (pilaf), a regional specialty, at an affordable local eatery open until 10pm.
KZT800, 1h
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Day 5: Explore Shymkent Culture

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on November 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Students’ Cafe

Enjoy simple, affordable breakfast options popular with locals.
KZT400, 1h

9:30am

Visit Aisha Bibi Mausoleum

Day trip to the historic Aisha Bibi Mausoleum, a striking 11th-century monument about an hour’s drive from Shymkent.
KZT500, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch in a nearby village eatery

Taste authentic local Kazakh dishes in a rural setting.
KZT600, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Shymkent City Park

Relax and enjoy local life at the city park, a popular spot open all day.
KZT0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at a Local Kebab House

Savor affordable and delicious kebabs and grilled meats at a local favorite.
KZT800, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Turkistan and Historical Sites

Turkistan, Kazakhstan on November 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Start your day with local tea and light pastries before departure.
KZT400, 1h

8:00am

Travel from Shymkent to Turkistan by train or bus

Short 1.5-hour journey, convenient and inexpensive transport options available.
KZT500, 2h

10:30am

Visit Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, the masterpiece of Timurid architecture, open from 9am to 6pm.
KZT600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local cafe

Enjoy affordable Kazakh and Uzbek cuisine near the mausoleum.
KZT700, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Turkistan regional museums

Discover the rich history of the Silk Road and local culture at the regional museum.
KZT400, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Silk Road Restaurant

Try flavorful local dishes in a traditional ambiance.
KZT900, 1h30m
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Day 7: Turkistan Exploration and Cultural Immersion

Turkistan, Kazakhstan on December 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Taste fresh pastries and tea popular with locals in the morning.
KZT400, 1h

9:30am

Visit local crafts market

Shop for souvenirs such as traditional textiles, carpets, and handicrafts.
KZT0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Central Market Food Stalls

Sample street food offering a variety of local dishes at budget prices.
KZT600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit regional botanical garden

Enjoy walking through the peaceful botanical gardens of Turkistan, open all day.
KZT0, 2h

5:00pm

Tea and snacks at a traditional teahouse

Experience local hospitality and taste Kazakh tea varieties.
KZT400, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at local Uzbek Kazakh fusion restaurant

End the day with hearty Central Asian dishes combining styles and flavors.
KZT900, 1h30m
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Day 8: Travel to Nur-Sultan and City Tour

Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan on December 2, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your journey at your lodging or nearby cafe.
KZT500, 0h45m

7:00am

Flight or train to Nur-Sultan

Take a domestic flight (~1.5 hours) or overnight train to Kazakhstan's capital. Flight is faster but costlier, train is scenic and affordable.
KZT7000, 2h

11:00am

Check-in and rest

Settle into budget accommodation in Nur-Sultan.
KZT0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Line Brew Nur-Sultan

Dine at the local branch of this popular Kazakh restaurant chain offering traditional dishes.
KZT1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Bayterek Tower

Iconic monument symbolizing the city, offering panoramic views. Open 10am to 8pm.
KZT800, 1h

3:30pm

Explore the Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center

A unique transparent tent-like structure housing shops and cafes. Great place for people watching and a break.
KZT0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at El Asado Grill House

Enjoy grilled meats and local fare, popular for its warm atmosphere, open till late.
KZT1800, 1h30m
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Day 9: Nur-Sultan Museums and Parks

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia Nur-Sultan

Start with specialty coffee and pastries at this popular cafe open from 7am.
KZT700, 1h

9:30am

Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan

Learn about Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and art in this modern museum open from 10am-7pm.
KZT1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Smoked BBQ

Casual spot for BBQ and local dishes with affordable pricing.
KZT1200, 1h

2:00pm

Walk in the Presidential Park

Relax in this central green space with sculptures and fountains, open all day.
KZT0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Futuristic pyramid-shaped building symbolizing unity and peace, open 10am to 5pm.
KZT800, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes in a lively environment as your final dinner in Nur-Sultan.
KZT1600, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Prep and Local Market

Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan on December 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to prepare for your departure.
KZT500, 1h

9:30am

Visit local bazaar

Buy last-minute souvenirs and enjoy the vibrant market atmosphere, open from 9am.
KZT0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local cafe

One last taste of Kazakh cuisine before departure.
KZT800, 1h

2:00pm

Head to airport/train station

Prepare for your departure home.
KZT0, Varies
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