9-Day Family Adventure in Almaty Region: Nature, Culture, and Rural Kazakh Charm

Day 1: City Highlights

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 12, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Zheti Kazyna Cafe

Start your day with a traditional Kazakh breakfast at this family-friendly spot known for its varied selection of local dishes and fresh bread.
KZT2000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Central State Museum

Explore Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture with exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern history. It’s educational and engaging for both adults and children.
KZT1000, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Gakku Restaurant

Enjoy a family-friendly dining experience with classic Kazakh and Central Asian dishes, perfect for a hearty midday meal.
KZT2500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Walking tour of Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Stroll through the beautiful green park to admire the Russian Orthodox wooden cathedral and relax in the peaceful surroundings.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew Almaty

Finish your day with Central Asian barbecue and a lively atmosphere ideal for families, featuring traditional music some nights.
KZT3000, 2h0m

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Del Papa Cafe

A cozy café offering a mix of European and Kazakh breakfast options with a child-friendly menu.
KZT1800, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Kasteev State Museum of Arts

See an extensive collection of Kazakh art from medieval to contemporary, providing a beautifully visual cultural experience.
KZT800, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Navat Restaurant

Savor authentic Kazakh cuisine in a traditional setting, great for group dining.
KZT2700, 1h30m

2:30pm

Visit Kok Tobe Park

Take a cable car to the top of Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic city views and enjoy family-friendly attractions like the mini zoo and playgrounds.
Cable car KZT1500 per person, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Daredzhani Restaurant

Experience a Georgian meal with diverse flavors, perfect for the whole family in a warm atmosphere.
KZT2800, 1h30m

Day 3: Mountain Adventure

Medeu and Shymbulak, Kazakhstan on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Fuel up early for a day in the mountains with a continental breakfast.
Included or KZT1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Medeu Skating Rink

Explore the world’s highest mountain skating rink and surrounding parks - a great spot for outdoor fun and scenic views. Open year-round.
Free entry, 1h30m

10:30am

Shymbulak Ski Resort visit

Take the cable car higher to Shymbulak to enjoy mountain walks, views, and cafes. Though skiing is seasonal, spring offers beautiful hikes and fresh air.
Cable car KZT2500, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shymbulak ski resort cafe

Enjoy warm meals and snacks in mountain atmosphere perfect for families.
KZT2200, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Almaty and relax

Take time to rest after the mountain activities at your accommodation.
Free, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Cafe Central

A family-friendly café offering international cuisine and a welcoming environment for children.
KZT2500, 1h30m

Day 4: Nature & Wildlife

Big Almaty Lake and Falcon Farm, Kazakhstan on May 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Green House Cafe

Enjoy fresh organic breakfast options before heading out to nature.
KZT2000, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Big Almaty Lake

Admire this stunning alpine lake surrounded by green hills and mountains. Ideal for easy family walks and photography.
Entry Fee KZT500, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch picnic by the lake

Arrange a picnic with local market-bought foods to enjoy with family surrounded by beautiful nature.
Self-catered approximate KZT1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Falcon Farm

Learn about traditional Kazakh eagle hunting practices and enjoy a family-friendly demonstration involving trained birds of prey.
KZT2500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Almaty and dinner at Abay Khan

Enjoy authentic Kazakh dishes with live traditional music on select days, perfect for experiencing local culture.
KZT2800, 1h30m

Day 5: Charyn Canyon Excursion

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Prepare with a filling breakfast before your day trip to Charyn Canyon.
Included or KZT1500, 1h0m

8:00am

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Approximately a 3-hour drive, enjoy the scenic journey through Kazakh steppe with stops for photos.
Transport approx KZT12000, 3h0m

11:30am

Explore Charyn Canyon

Discover the spectacular rock formations and the famous Valley of Castles with easy hiking suitable for families. Bring water and snacks.
Entry Fee KZT700, 3h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Canyon Base Camp

Enjoy a prepared picnic or simple meals at nearby eateries offering local fare.
KZT1500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Return to Almaty

Relax on the drive back, arriving in early evening.
Included in transport cost, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ribs & Burgers

Casual dining with Western-style food suited to both adults and children.
KZT2500, 1h30m

Day 6: Rural Village Stay

Talgar Village, Kazakhstan on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before heading out to Talgar village.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Talgar village

A short 45-minute drive to this rural village offering authentic Kazakh countryside experiences.
Transport KZT4000, 45m

10:00am

Traditional Kazakh Home Visit & Farm Tour

Meet local families, see traditional yurts, and participate in rural farming activities suitable for children and adults alike.
KZT3500 per person, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch with Local Family

Enjoy a home-cooked meal featuring fresh dairy and meat dishes in the authentic village atmosphere.
Included in experience cost, 1h0m

2:30pm

Horseback Ride in Surroundings

Take a gentle horseback ride through the countryside, ideal for family enjoyment and child-friendly options.
KZT2000, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Almaty

Travel back after a fulfilling rural experience.
Included in transport cost, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Vostok Restaurant

Have a relaxed dinner with vibrant Central Asian flavors in a comfortable setting.
KZT2800, 1h30m

Day 7: Lakeside Hiking

Issyk Lake, Kazakhstan on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Espresso Bar

Quick and energizing breakfast perfect to start your hiking day.
KZT1500, 1h0m

9:00am

Travel to Issyk Lake

A scenic 1-hour drive to this serene alpine lake surrounded by easy hiking trails suitable for all ages.
Transport KZT4000, 1h0m

10:00am

Hiking and Nature Walk

Explore the lake perimeter and nearby forest trails, ideal for family nature discovery and photo opportunities.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Issyk Lake Cafe

Enjoy locally caught fish dishes and fresh salads at the lakeside café.
KZT2200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Relax by the lake or paddle boat rental

Spend peaceful time with optional paddleboat rides for children and adults.
Boat rental KZT1500, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Almaty

Drive back to the city for dinner and rest.
Included in transport cost, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew Almaty

Celebrate your day with grilled specialties and a lively ambiance suitable for families.
KZT3000, 1h30m

Day 8: Leisure & Culture

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast to start a slower day.
KZT1200, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Almaty Zoo

The zoo is home to numerous Central Asian species and is a favorite for children. It opens at 10:00am.
KZT700, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Zadrot Cafe

Known for casual dining with varied options suitable for adults and kids alike.
KZT2000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Green Bazaar

Shop for local produce, souvenirs, and street food delicacies in this bustling market.
Free to browse, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax in Panfilov Park

Return for a leisurely walk or carousel rides for children in the park.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tyubeteyka Restaurant

Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and traditional Central Asian dishes for a memorable family farewell dinner.
KZT3000, 1h30m

Day 9: Departure Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a final relaxed breakfast at your accommodation and pack up.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Leisure time or last visit to Arasan Baths

If time permits, unwind at the famous Arasan Baths spa before departure, known for soothing thermal waters and family-friendly facilities. Open 10:00am-10:00pm.
KZT4000, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at your choice near the airport

Enjoy a quick meal at one of the airport restaurants or nearby eateries to complete your trip.
KZT2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Departure from Almaty

Head to Almaty International Airport for your flight home, concluding your memorable family trip.
Transport varies, As required