One Week Exploring Almaty, Kazakhstan: Culture, Cuisine, and Nature

Day 1: City Introduction

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 14, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Line Brew Almaty

Start your day with a hearty Kazakh breakfast featuring traditional dishes like kazy and baursaks in a cozy atmosphere.
KZT3000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Zenkov Cathedral

Explore this colorful wooden Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park, notable for its unique construction without nails.
Free, 1h

11:45am

Panfilov Park stroll

Walk around this historic park and monument area dedicated to WWII heroes, absorbing local culture and greenery.
Free, 30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Navat Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kazakh and Central Asian cuisine, including beshbarmak and lagman, in a friendly setting.
KZT4000, 1h

2:00pm

Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Discover the rich musical heritage of Kazakhstan by viewing authentic traditional instruments and performances.
KZT1500, 1h

3:30pm

Visit the Central State Museum

Explore Kazakhstan's extensive history and culture through engaging exhibits including archaeological artifacts.
KZT1000, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Gakku Restaurant

Sample refined Kazakh cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions.
KZT6000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Mountain Adventure

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast to prepare for a day in the mountains, featuring fresh pastries and tea or coffee.
KZT1500, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Medeu Skating Rink

Visit the world’s highest ice skating rink surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains.
KZT200, 1h

10:30am

Cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a scenic cable car ride to Shymbulak for breathtaking mountain views and light hiking trails available in May.
KZT3500 round trip, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Shymbulak’s Mountain Cafe

Enjoy warm soups and local dishes with panoramic mountain vistas at the cafe on the ski resort.
KZT3500, 1h

2:45pm

Return to Almaty city

Scenic drive back to city, rest and relax at your accommodation.
Included, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Del Papa Italian Restaurant

Taste authentic Italian pizza and pasta dishes near the city center after a day in nature.
KZT5500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Nature Day Trip

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast to-go from Green Bazaar

Pick up fresh fruits, local cheeses, and pastries to enjoy on the road during your nature excursion.
KZT1000, 0.5h

8:00am

Day trip to Big Almaty Lake

Visit the stunning Big Almaty Lake at 2511 meters altitude, famous for its turquoise waters and mountainous backdrop.
KZT500, 2h

11:00am

Kolsai Lakes National Park hike

Take a guided hike around Kolsai Lakes, known as the 'Pearls of the Tien Shan', enjoying lush scenery and wildlife.
KZT2500 guide fee, 3h

3:30pm

Return to Almaty

Drive back and rest from the day trip.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ribs & Burgers

Casual dining with American-style ribs and burgers to replenish energy after a full day outdoors.
KZT4000, 1h
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Day 4: Culture & Shopping

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 17, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries in a popular local cafe.
KZT1500, 0.75h

10:00am

Visit Kazakhstan Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Expand your cultural understanding with another museum visit showcasing Kazakhstan’s musical heritage.
KZT1200, 1h

11:30am

Green Bazaar exploration

Shop local crafts, fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs at Almaty’s bustling Green Bazaar.
Free entrance, 1.5h

1:15pm

Lunch at Daredzhani Georgian Restaurant

Enjoy Georgian cuisine with hearty dishes like khachapuri and khinkali in vibrant ambiance.
KZT4000, 1h

2:45pm

Visit Almaty History Museum

Learn about the city’s evolution from its Soviet times to modern day through engaging exhibits.
KZT900, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at Republic Square

Enjoy the fountains, statues, and open spaces of Almaty's central square.
Free, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tyubeteika

Sample Uzbek and Central Asian specialties with fresh bread and lamb dishes in a traditional setting.
KZT4500, 1.5h
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Day 5: City Views & Parks

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Enjoy artisanal coffee paired with fresh pastries before heading to the hills.
KZT1500, 0.75h

9:30am

Cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill

Take a scenic cable car up Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and Alatau Mountains with a peaceful park at the summit.
KZT2000 round trip, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kok-Tobe Cafe

Enjoy light meals and refreshments with unbeatable views at the hilltop cafe.
KZT3500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Panfilov Park

Return to this lovely green space to visit local monuments or relax by the fountains.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Explore nearby Zhibek Zholy pedestrian street

Shop for souvenirs, enjoy street performances and cafes along this popular walkable street.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew Almaty

Return to Line Brew for expertly brewed local beers and grilled Kazakh meat dishes in a lively setting.
KZT6000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Gardens & Street Food

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Peter’s Cafe

Try a European-style breakfast with options from eggs Benedict to pastries in a cozy atmosphere.
KZT1800, 1h

10:30am

Almaty Botanical Garden visit

Wander through one of Central Asia’s largest botanical gardens featuring diverse flora and peaceful walking paths.
KZT1200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at street food stalls near Dostyk Plaza

Enjoy local favorites like shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and samsa pastries from popular street vendors.
KZT1500, 1h

2:30pm

Afternoon free time - explore local shops or relax

Use this time to rest or discover any neighborhoods or shops you missed earlier in the week.
Varies, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Bar 21

Finish your day with trendy cocktails and innovative Kazakh fusion dishes in a modern bar setting.
KZT6500, 1.5h
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Day 7: Relax & Last Minute

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 20, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast to prepare for your last day in Almaty.
Included or KZT1500, 0.75h

9:30am

Relax at Arasan Baths

Experience traditional Kazakh and Russian spa treatments including saunas and mineral baths for a relaxing morning.
KZT3000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Central

Light lunch featuring international and local dishes with a casual ambiance downtown.
KZT3000, 1h

1:30pm

Last minute souvenir shopping

Visit local markets such as Green Bazaar or shops along Panfilov Street to pick up keepsakes.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Departure preparations

Return to your hotel, pack, and prepare for your onward journey.
Free, Rest of Afternoon
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