9-Day Family Adventure Exploring Almaty, Kazakhstan and Surroundings

Day 1: City Introduction

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Daredzhani

Start your day with traditional Georgian cuisine at Daredzhani, known for its khachapuri and warm ambiance, open from 8:00am to 11:00pm.
KZT2500, 1h

9:30am

Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the beautiful Panfilov Park and visit the colorful Russian Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden architectural marvel dating back to the early 20th century. The park is open 24/7 and cathedral from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Navat Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Kazakh dishes at Navat, a family-friendly restaurant specializing in traditional meals, operating from 11:00am to 11:00pm.
KZT3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Learn about Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture at this large museum, which opens from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
KZT1500, 2h

5:00pm

Walk along Arbat Street

Stroll through this lively pedestrian street filled with street performers, shops, and cafes. Open all day.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Enjoy hearty European and Kazakh fare in a rustic setting that’s perfect for families, open from 12:00pm to 11:00pm.
KZT4000, 1h
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Day 2: Nature & Lakes

Big Almaty Lake, Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or nearby café

Fuel up early for a day of nature with a light breakfast available from 7:00am in most cafes.
Varies, 45m

9:00am

Visit Big Almaty Lake

A stunning alpine reservoir surrounded by mountain peaks, ideal for family photos and easy hikes, accessible from 9:00am to sundown. Bring water and snacks.
KZT1000, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch Picnic by the lake

Pack or buy takeaway food to enjoy a picnic lunch by the scenic lake shores.
KZT1500, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Alatau National Park

Explore easy trails and beautiful nature near Big Almaty Lake, best from 2:30pm to 5:00pm.
KZT1200, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gakku Restaurant

Taste traditional Kazakh food in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, open until 10:00pm.
KZT3500, 1h
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Day 3: Mountain Activities

Medeu and Shymbulak, Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and pastries at this popular café open from 8:00am to 10:00pm.
KZT1800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Medeu Skating Rink and Park

Experience the famous Medeu ice-skating rink and surrounding park area for family fun and stunning mountain views. Open from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
KZT2000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Medeu Restaurant

Have a meal with mountain views near the Medeu complex, open 11:00am to 7:00pm.
KZT3200, 1h

1:30pm

Cable Car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take the scenic cable car up to Shymbulak for hiking and sightseeing at this mountain resort, operational from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
KZT3500, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Almaty

Head back to the city to relax after an active day.
Transport Fare Approx KZT1500, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vyshka 22

Dine with spectacular city views at this popular rooftop restaurant, open until 11:00pm.
KZT4500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Charyn Canyon Day Trip

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan on May 15, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at hotel or quick café

Have an early breakfast to get ready for the day trip, places open from 6:30am.
Varies, 45m

7:00am

Depart for Charyn Canyon

Travel approximately 3-4 hours east to see the spectacular Charyn Canyon, often called the 'Grand Canyon’s little brother.'
Transport KZT10000 (private tour or rental car), 3h

10:00am

Explore Charyn Canyon

Take easy trails and admire the unique rock formations and beautiful landscapes, accessible all day. Bring water and sun protection.
KZT1000, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at a local roadside café or packed lunch

Enjoy local cuisine or your packed lunch after exploring the canyon.
KZT1500, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Almaty

Head back to Almaty with stops for photo opportunities along the way.
Included in transport, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kaganat

Relax and dine on traditional Central Asian dishes in Almaty, open until 10:00pm.
KZT3500, 1h
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Day 5: Cultural Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 16, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Central

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with a variety of international and local options, open from 8:00am.
KZT2500, 1h

10:00am

Visit Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Explore traditional Kazakh instruments and live performances, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
KZT1200, 1h30m

12:00pm

Walk through Green Bazaar

Shop fresh produce, souvenirs, and experience local market culture. Open from 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Free to enter, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Zheti Kazyna

Sample various Kazakh dishes in a traditional setting with family-friendly service, open until 10:00pm.
KZT3500, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Kok Tobe Hill

Take a cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic city views and a small amusement park. Open 10:00am to midnight.
Cable car KZT2500, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at the Kok Tobe Hill restaurant

Enjoy dinner with stunning views of Almaty cityscape. Open until 11:00pm.
KZT4500, 1h30m
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Day 6: National Park Exploration

Altyn Emel National Park, Kazakhstan on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a full day excursion with an early, hearty breakfast available from 7:00am.
Included with accommodation, 45m

8:00am

Travel to Altyn Emel National Park

A 3-4 hour drive to Altyn Emel, known for its singing dunes, rare wildlife, and amazing landscapes.
Transport approx KZT12000, 3h

11:30am

Explore Singing Dunes and Surroundings

Walk the dunes and listen to their unique sounds; a must-see natural phenomenon, open all day.
KZT1500, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at park’s rest area

Enjoy a packed lunch or refreshments available nearby.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Besshatyr Burial Mounds

Explore ancient Scythian burial mounds within the park, open all day.
Included, 1h

4:30pm

Return to Almaty

Head back to your accommodation for rest after the day’s adventure.
Included, 3h

8:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Central

Relax with a hearty meal at Cafe Central, open until 10:00pm.
KZT3000, 1h
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Day 7: Lake Relaxation

Issyk Lake, Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast to start your day gently, available from 7:00am onwards.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Issyk Lake

Visit this beautiful alpine lake surrounded by pine forests and mountain scenery. Ideal for picnics, short hikes, and nature walks, open all day.
KZT1200, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Issyk Lake café

Enjoy fresh trout and local cuisine while enjoying lake views.
KZT3500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Almaty

Head back to the city after a relaxing day in nature.
Transport KZT1500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Tyubeteika

Try authentic Uzbek and Kazakh dishes at this cozy restaurant with family-friendly service, open until 10:00pm.
KZT3200, 1h30m
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Day 8: City Leisure & Culture

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Traveler's Coffee

Start your day with quality coffee and pastries, open from 8:00am.
KZT2000, 1h

10:00am

Kazakh State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet

Tour the stunning theater building or see a matinee performance if available, check schedule in advance. Open for tours 10:00am–6:00pm.
KZT2500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kyzyl Zhar

Enjoy traditional Kazakh comfort food in a stylish setting, open 11:00am–10:00pm.
KZT3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Local Arts and Crafts Shops

Explore shops selling handmade jewelry, textiles, and souvenirs in Almaty’s center.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Panfilov Park

End the day with a relaxing walk or playground time for kids, open all day.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Samal

Taste a blend of Kazakh and international cuisine in an elegant setting, open late.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Leisure & Departure

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel with a variety of options to suit all tastes.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last minute shopping at Dostyk Plaza

Browse shops for souvenirs and gifts in this modern shopping mall, open 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Free to enter, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Burger Bar Almaty

Have a casual and delicious lunch with a variety of burger options, open 11:00am–11:00pm.
KZT2500, 1h

1:30pm

Relaxing stroll in First President’s Park

Enjoy a family walk in this peaceful urban park before departure.
Free, 1h30m

3:00pm

Return to accommodation and prepare for departure

Gather your belongings and check out from the hotel at your convenience.
Varies, Remaining afternoon
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