Exploring the Best of Kazakhstan: Almaty to Astana Adventure

Day 1: Almaty city tour

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Zerno Coffee Shop

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local pastries and freshly brewed coffee at Zerno, known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent pastries.
KZT1500, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Explore Panfilov Park and admire the impressive colorful Zenkov Cathedral, one of the few wooden cathedrals in the world built without nails.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Green Bazaar Market

Stroll through Green Bazaar to experience authentic local life and sample fresh fruits, nuts, and traditional snacks.
Free entry, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Gakku Restaurant

Try traditional Kazakh cuisine such as beshbarmak and manty at Gakku, a top-rated restaurant focusing on local dishes.
KZT3000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit the Central State Museum

Learn about Kazakhstan’s rich history, culture, and heritage in this well-curated museum open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm.
KZT1000, 2h0m

4:15pm

Walk through Republic Square

Visit Republic Square, home to government buildings and fountains, to experience Kazakhstan’s modern civic heart.
Free, 45m

6:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Line Brew, known for hearty grilled meats and a cozy ambiance, perfect after a day of sightseeing.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mountain adventure

Almaty, Kazakhstan on June 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeedelia

Start your day with excellent coffee and light breakfast options at Coffeedelia before heading to the mountains.
KZT1200, 1h0m

9:00am

Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Visit Medeu, the high-altitude ice skating rink surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, open late spring for hiking and sightseeing.
KZT800, 1h30m

11:00am

Cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort

Take a scenic cable car ride to Shymbulak for breathtaking views and mountain walks; the resort also offers cafes for refreshments.
KZT2500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Shymbulak Cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch with mountain views featuring soups, salads, and traditional Kazakh dumplings.
KZT2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hiking in the nearby trails

Explore well-marked hiking trails around Shymbulak, suitable for moderate hikers looking to enjoy nature and local flora.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Almaty city center

Head back to Almaty for dinner and rest. Transportation by taxi or shuttle is convenient and fast.
KZT1500, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Central

Dine at Café Central offering a mix of European and Kazakh dishes in an elegant setting to relax after a day outdoors.
KZT3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Astana

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Grab a quick breakfast with local bread and tea or coffee before departure.
KZT800, 30m

8:00am

Travel from Almaty to Astana by flight

Take an approximately 3.5-hour flight from Almaty International Airport to Astana; flights run frequently and tickets should be booked in advance.
KZT15000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Zhety Kazyna

Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine with a refined twist at Zhety Kazyna in Astana city center, open daily from 11am-11pm.
KZT3500, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Bayterek Tower

Explore Bayterek Tower, Astana’s iconic monument offering panoramic views from its observation deck, open 10am-7pm.
KZT1000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk along Nurzhol Boulevard

Take a leisurely walk along Nurzhol Boulevard to see government buildings, fountains, and modern architecture.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Rest at hotel

Check into your hotel and refresh after travel before dinner.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew Astana

Enjoy a hearty dinner at Line Brew in Astana featuring grilled specialties and a warm atmosphere.
KZT4000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Astana cultural day

Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan on June 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Traveler’s Coffee

Begin your day with good coffee and light breakfast options at Traveler’s Coffee, open from 7am.
KZT1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

Experience the unique pyramid-shaped Palace, focusing on cultural unity and harmony, open daily from 10am-6pm.
KZT1200, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore National Museum of Kazakhstan

Discover Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and art at one of the largest museums in Central Asia, open 10am-7pm.
KZT1500, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bar 11 Microbrewery & Pub

Savor international and Kazakh dishes paired with craft beers brewed onsite, open 11am-11pm.
KZT3000, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Duman Entertainment Center

Visit Duman for aquarium sights and entertainment including 4D theaters and exhibitions, open 10am-10pm.
KZT2500, 2h0m

5:30pm

Walk around the Astana Opera Park

Enjoy a calm evening stroll around the park near the opera house with impressive architecture and fountains.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Rakhat Restaurant

End your day dining on delicious Kazakh and Eurasian dishes at Rakhat, known for local flavors and elegant decor.
KZT3500, 1h30m
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