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5-Day Adventure and Culture Tour from Abu Dhabi to Almaty Including Shymbulak, Kolsai Lake, and Charyn Canyon

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Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 17, 2025

3:00PM

Flight from Abu Dhabi to Almaty

Depart Abu Dhabi in the afternoon for a direct flight to Almaty, which usually takes about 4.5 to 5 hours.
AED1200, 5h0m

8:30PM

Hotel Check-in and Dinner at Line Brew

Check into your hotel and enjoy a cozy dinner at Line Brew, known for traditional Kazakh cuisine and a lively ambiance. Opens until 11 PM.
KZT4500, 1h30m
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Day 2: City & Shymbulak

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Enjoy delicious coffee and fresh pastries at Coffeedelia, open from 7 AM.
KZT1200, 1h0m

8:30AM

Visit Zenkov Cathedral

Explore the beautiful Russian Orthodox Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, open until 7 PM.
Free, 1h0m

9:30AM

Cable Car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take the scenic cable car ride from Almaty to Shymbulak resort offering stunning mountain views and a chance to enjoy hiking or relaxing at altitude. Cable cars operate from 9 AM to 5 PM.
KZT3500, 4h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Café

Have lunch at the cozy café in Shymbulak, offering local and European dishes in a mountain setting. Open till 4 PM.
KZT3000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return to Almaty and Walk Arbat Street

Return to the city and stroll along Arbat Street, full of street performers, shops, and cafés. Open until late evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Shakespeare Pub

Unwind with dinner offering international dishes and local beers at The Shakespeare Pub. Open till midnight.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Kolsai Lakes Excursion

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early and ample breakfast at your hotel before departure for a full-day trip.
Included, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Travel approximately 3.5 hours by car to Kolsai Lakes, a beautiful natural area with three alpine lakes offering hiking, horseback riding, and stunning scenery.
Taxi approx KZT20000 return, 3h30m

11:00AM

Hiking and Exploring Kolsai Lakes

Spend the day trekking around the Lower and Middle Kolsai Lakes and soaking in the pristine mountain environment. The area is open all day.
Park entry KZT1500, 4h0m

3:00PM

Lunch Picnic or Local Guesthouse

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake or sample local fare at a nearby guesthouse.
KZT1000-2000, 1h0m

4:00PM

Return to Almaty

Travel back to Almaty in the late afternoon, arriving by evening.
Included in transport cost, 3h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Zhety Kazyna

Relax with a traditional Kazakh dinner featuring dishes like kuyrdak in a welcoming environment. Open until 10 PM.
KZT3500, 1h30m
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Day 4: Charyn Canyon Adventure

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan on May 20, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast as you prepare for a long day trip to Charyn Canyon.
Included, 1h0m

7:00AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Begin your approximately 4-hour drive to the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, often called Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon.
Taxi approx KZT25000 return, 4h0m

11:00AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike through the canyon, admire its unique rock formations, and take stunning photos. The park is open all day. Entry fee applies.
KZT1700, 3h0m

2:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Area Picnic Spot

Enjoy a packed or picnic lunch amid the canyon’s beautiful scenery.
Self-catered or nearby café KZT1000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return to Almaty

Drive back to Almaty to rest after a full day of exploration.
Included in taxi cost, 4h0m

8:30PM

Dinner at Daredzhani

Savor Georgian cuisine including khachapuri and khinkali in a cozy setting open until 11 PM.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Departure

Almaty to Abu Dhabi on May 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before check-out.
Included, 1h0m

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping or Relax

Spend any remaining time exploring local shops or relaxing at a nearby café before departure.
Variable, 2h0m

1:00PM

Transfer to Almaty Airport

Head to Almaty International Airport for your flight back to Abu Dhabi, ensuring timely arrival for check-in.
Taxi approx KZT3000, 1h0m

4:00PM

Flight from Almaty to Abu Dhabi

Depart Almaty and fly back to Abu Dhabi, concluding your adventure and cultural tour.
AED1200, 5h0m
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