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One Week Almaty Adventure: Mountain Views & City Highlights

Viewed by 195 travelers

Day 1: City Introduction

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 24, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day at Coffeedelia with rich coffee and fresh pastries, a popular spot known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent breakfast options.
KZT1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Discover Kazakhstan's rich history and culture with extensive exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern Kazakh heritage. Open daily 10am-7pm.
KZT1000, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gakku Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine with dishes such as beshbarmak and kuyrdak in a warm traditional decor setting.
KZT3000, 1h

2:30pm

Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Stroll through Panfilov Park, visiting the colorful wooden Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, open until 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Cable Car to Kok Tobe Hill

Take the scenic cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty and surrounding mountains, ideal for sunset views. Cable car operates until 10pm.
KZT3500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Line Brew Almaty

Dine at this popular brewery restaurant offering hearty food and local beer, perfect after a day of city exploration.
KZT4000, 1.5h
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Day 2: Mountain Lake Day

Big Almaty Lake, Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Fuel up early with a light breakfast at your accommodation or a nearby cafe before heading into the mountains.
KZT1000, 0.5h

9:00am

Drive to Big Almaty Lake

Travel approximately 25 km southeast to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks; great for photos and nature walks. Open all day.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Juma Restaurant near Big Almaty Lake

Enjoy local cuisine with views of the nearby mountains in this cozy mountain lodge-style restaurant.
KZT3000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Observatory on Big Almaty Lake

Explore the nearby astrophysical observatory to learn about Kazakhstan's astronomical research. Check for opening hours as visits may require prior arrangement.
Varies, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Almaty and rest

Drive back to Almaty city and relax before dinner.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Navat Restaurant

Taste a variety of Central Asian dishes including pilaf and manty in a traditional setting, open till 11pm.
KZT3500, 1.5h
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Day 3: Ski Resort & Medeu

Shymbulak & Medeu, Kazakhstan on May 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vintage Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with coffee and fresh baked goods, preparing for a day in the mountains.
KZT1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Medeu Skating Rink

Explore the famous Medeu high-altitude ice rink, notable for figure skating and winter sports. Open year-round with walking and sightseeing.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Cable Car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a scenic cable car ride from Medeu to Shymbulak, enjoy mountain views and explore the resort village at 2200m elevation.
KZT3200, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Shymbulak Ski Resort Restaurant

Relax with a warm lunch at one of the mountain resort restaurants, serving international and Kazakh fare.
KZT3000, 1h

3:30pm

Short Hiking or Sightseeing at Shymbulak

Enjoy mountain trails or simply relax and enjoy spectacular mountain vistas.
Free, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Almaty

Take the cable car downhill back to Medeu and then drive or take a taxi back to the city.
KZT3200, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Daredzhani Georgian Restaurant

Experience delicious Georgian cuisine, including khachapuri and khinkali, in a warm ambiance. Open till 11pm.
KZT4000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Cultural Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Starbucks Almaty

Start with a familiar and comfortable breakfast with coffee and breakfast sandwiches.
KZT1500, 1h

10:00am

Visit the Green Bazaar

Experience local market life and pick up fresh fruits, nuts, and souvenirs. The market is vibrant and open daily till 6pm.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

Explore traditional Kazakh music and instruments including the dombra. Open 10am-5pm weekdays.
KZT1200, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Tyubeteyka Cafe

Try authentic Uzbek cuisine within Almaty, a regional favorite known for its savory plov and freshly baked bread.
KZT2500, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll along Panfilov Street

Enjoy shopping at local stores and cafes in this lively pedestrian-friendly street.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bar 360

End the day with a fine dining experience and panoramic city views from the rooftop restaurant. Reservation recommended.
KZT6000, 2h
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Day 5: Charyn Canyon Day Trip

Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan on May 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at hotel

Grab a quick breakfast before a full day trip to Charyn Canyon, about 200 km east of Almaty.
KZT1000, 0.5h

7:30am

Travel to Charyn Canyon

Enjoy the scenic 3-hour drive to Charyn Canyon, known as the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia'.
Free, 3h

11:00am

Explore Charyn Canyon

Hike and admire the unique rock formations, especially the Valley of Castles. Bring water and wear suitable shoes.
KZT2000 (entry fee), 3h

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic or local cafe near the canyon

Have a packed picnic or eat at a small local cafe near the canyon to relax after hiking.
KZT1500, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Almaty

Drive back to Almaty city for evening rest.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew (optional repeat)

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with fresh local beer and traditional dishes to unwind after your day trip.
KZT4000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Mountain Hike & Local Life

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeetree Coffee

Enjoy a refreshing coffee and light breakfast to prepare for your mountain hike.
KZT1500, 1h

9:30am

Hiking at Ile-Alatau National Park

Spend the day exploring the beautiful trails around Almaty such as the Butakovka Gorge with views of mountain peaks and rivers. Wear hiking shoes and bring water.
Free, 5h

3:00pm

Return and rest

Return to your hotel for rest and refresh.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zheti Kazyna

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring Kazakh staples in a comfortable setting, ideal after an active day.
KZT5000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Last Day Relaxation

Almaty, Kazakhstan on May 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Kitch’n & Co

Start your last day with a modern breakfast and great coffee in a trendy atmosphere.
KZT1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Ascension Cathedral

Return to this vibrant wooden cathedral for closer appreciation or souvenirs from the nearby stalls. Open until 6pm.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Central

Enjoy a final traditional Kazakh lunch with a variety of regional dishes, perfect for reflecting on your week.
KZT3000, 1h

2:00pm

Relax at Arasan Baths

Experience a traditional Russian-Kazakh bathhouse with sauna and steam rooms to unwind and relax before departure. Open 10am-10pm.
KZT2500, 2h

5:00pm

Evening walk along Esentai River

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the river and soak in final views of Almaty and the distant mountains.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Shakespeare Pub & Restaurant

Cap your trip with a hearty meal and friendly atmosphere in this popular pub with varied international menu. Open till midnight.
KZT4000, 2h
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