5-Day Cultural and Nature Trip from Abu Dhabi to Almaty: Kok Tobe, Shymbulak, Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon & Huns Ethno-Village

Day 1: Arrival & Kok Tobe

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 17, 2025

3:00PM

Flight from Abu Dhabi to Almaty

Depart Abu Dhabi and fly directly to Almaty, arriving in the evening after approximately 4.5 to 5 hours in the air.

AED1200, 5h0m

8:30PM

Check-in and Kok Tobe Cable Car Ride

After hotel check-in, take the Kok Tobe cable car from Almaty city center to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic night views of Almaty. The cable car operates till 11 PM.

KZT3000, 1h30m

10:00PM

Dinner at Kok Tobe Restaurant

Dine at the Kok Tobe restaurant, offering a variety of local and international dishes with spectacular city views. Open until 11:30 PM.

KZT4000, 1h0m

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Day 2: Shymbulak Excursion

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 18, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Enjoy a fresh and energizing breakfast at Coffeedelia, well known for excellent coffee and pastries. Opens from 7 AM.

KZT1200, 1h0m

8:30AM

Cable Car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take the scenic cable car up to Shymbulak for hiking, relaxing, and mountain scenery. Cable cars run from 9 AM to 5 PM.

KZT3500, 4h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Shymbulak Café

Have a relaxed lunch featuring local and European dishes at the Shymbulak café. Open till 4 PM.

KZT3000, 1h0m

3:00PM

Return to Almaty and Explore Arbat Street

Return to Almaty and walk along the lively Arbat Street filled with shops, street artists, and local flavors. Open until late evening.

Free, 2h0m

7:30PM

Dinner at The Shakespeare Pub

Enjoy international cuisine and local brews at The Shakespeare Pub. Open till midnight.

KZT4000, 1h30m

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Day 3: Kolsai Lakes Adventure

Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan on May 19, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Eat an early breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a full day exploring the Kolsai Lakes.

Included, 1h0m

7:30AM

Drive to Kolsai Lakes

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to Kolsai Lakes, noted for their breathtaking alpine lakes and scenic hiking trails.

Taxi approx KZT20000 return, 3h30m

11:00AM

Hiking and Exploring Kolsai Lakes

Spend the day hiking around the Lower and Middle Kolsai Lakes, enjoying pristine nature and mountain views.

Park entry KZT1500, 4h0m

3:00PM

Lunch Picnic or Guesthouse Meal

Have a picnic near the lake or try local cuisine at a nearby guesthouse.

KZT1000-2000, 1h0m

4:00PM

Drive Back to Almaty

Return to Almaty for a restful evening.

Included in taxi cost, 3h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Zhety Kazyna

Experience traditional Kazakh dishes at Zhety Kazyna, known for its authentic atmosphere. Open until 10 PM.

KZT3500, 1h30m

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Day 4: Charyn Canyon & Huns Village

Charyn Canyon and Huns Ethno-Village, Kazakhstan on May 20, 2025

5:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have an early breakfast preparing for a long day trip visiting two key attractions.

Included, 1h0m

6:30AM

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Begin a 4-hour drive to Charyn Canyon, famous for its dramatic rock formations and stunning landscapes.

Taxi approx KZT25000 return, 4h0m

10:30AM

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike and photograph the canyon’s unique colorful rock formations. The area is open throughout the day with a small entry fee.

KZT1700, 2h30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Canyon Picnic Area

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a scenic spot or visit a local café near the canyon.

Self-catered or KZT1000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive about 1 hour to the Huns Ethno-Village, a cultural site showcasing Kazakh nomadic traditions through interactive exhibits and performances. Enjoy learning about the history of the ancient Huns. Open till 6 PM.

KZT2500, 2h0m