Family-Friendly 7-Day Winter Itinerary in Kazakhstan with Budget and Logistics Overview

Day 1: Arrival and Almaty Intro

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 25, 2025

10:00am

Arrive in Almaty

Fly economy class to Almaty. Transfer to your 3-star hotel in a 14-15 seater van for comfort with kids. Rest and settle in after your journey.
USD 350 per person approx for flights; USD 70 per room per night, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Govinda’s

Enjoy a family-friendly menu with vegetarian options and mild flavors suitable for kids at Govinda’s, open 11am-10pm.
USD 10-15 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kok-Tobe Hill

Take a gondola gondola ride to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty. The park area is great for kids with playgrounds and a small zoo.
USD 5 entry per adult, kids under 5 free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew

Enjoy hearty Kazakh and European cuisine in a family-friendly setting at Line Brew. Open until 11pm.
USD 15-20 per person, 1.5h
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Day 2: Almaty Cultural Day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy the complimentary hotel breakfast with options for all ages.
Included in hotel stay, 1h

9:30am

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Visit this museum to learn about Kazakh heritage and history, very educational for adults and kids alike. Open 10am-6pm.
USD 3 per person, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Char Dar

Traditional Kazakh meals in a rustic family-friendly atmosphere. Serves dishes suitable for children. Open noon-10pm.
USD 12 per person, 1h

1:30pm

Almaty Zoo

A great spot for children to see wildlife including local and exotic animals. Open 10am-5pm in winter.
USD 2 per person, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Hotel and Rest

Time to relax before dinner and enjoy hotel amenities.
Included, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Piccolino

Italian cuisine with pizza and pasta options, kids friendly and open till 11pm.
USD 15 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Big Almaty Lake Excursion

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty hotel breakfast for a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Trip to Big Almaty Lake

Take a private van to this beautiful alpine lake surrounded by snowy mountains. Plenty of fresh air and great photo ops, suitable for young children with stops for breaks.
Transport USD 100 van rental for half day, park entry free, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant nearby

Enjoy simple Kazakh cuisine and soups, perfect to warm up after the morning outside.
USD 12 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Almaty and rest

Relax in the hotel or explore local markets.
Included, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Barmaglot

A cozy and casual eatery with diverse menu options friendly for kids, open till 10pm.
USD 15 per person, 1.5h
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Day 4: Flight to Shymkent

Shymkent, Kazakhstan on December 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before a short flight to Shymkent.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Flight Almaty to Shymkent

Book economy class flights approx 1h 15m.
USD 50 per person, 1h 15m

11:30am

Transfer to Hotel

Check into your 3-star hotel with van transfer.
USD 60 per room per night, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Lan Zhou

Chinese and local Kazakh cuisine options, suitable for kids and adults.
USD 10 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Shymkent Central Park

Large urban park with playgrounds and walking areas perfect for kids and family relaxation. Open daylight hours.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Regional Museum of Southern Kazakhstan

Explore the cultural and historical exhibits relevant to the region. Open 9am-6pm.
USD 3 per adult, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Status

Cozy restaurant offering local and international dishes with kid-friendly options. Opens till 10pm.
USD 15 per person, 1.5h
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Day 5: Shymkent and Turkestan Trip

Turkestan Region, Kazakhstan on December 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day early with breakfast at your hotel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Day trip to Turkestan

Drive in private van (approx 2 hrs one way) to visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This impressive mausoleum is an architectural gem and family-friendly.
Transport USD 150, entry USD 5, 7h including transit

1:00pm

Lunch at restaurant near Mausoleum

Enjoy traditional Kazakh meals in a calm setting.
USD 12 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Shymkent

Drive back to Shymkent, with stops as needed for kids.
Included in transport above, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Cooking Pot

Modern Kazakh and international dining with kid-friendly dishes, open till 10pm.
USD 15 per person, 1.5h
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Day 6: Flight to Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan on December 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before departure flight.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Flight Shymkent to Nur-Sultan

Economy class flight around 1 hr 45 mins.
USD 70 per person, 1h 45m

12:00pm

Hotel check-in and lunch

Check into your 3-star hotel and enjoy lunch at hotel restaurant or nearby cafe with family-friendly options.
USD 80 per room per night; lunch USD 12 per person, 2h

2:00pm

Visit Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

A large tent-like shopping and entertainment complex which includes kid-friendly zones and play areas. Open 10am-11pm.
Free entry, cost depends on specific activities inside, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew in Nur-Sultan

Family-friendly restaurant with hearty meals, perfect for winding down after exploring.
USD 15-20 per person, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Nur-Sultan City Tour & Departure

Nur-Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last breakfast in Kazakhstan with the family.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Bayterek Tower

Iconic monument with panoramic views of Nur-Sultan, great for photos and short visit. Opens 10am-7pm.
USD 5 per person, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Nur-Astana Mosque

One of the largest mosques in Central Asia; it offers a peaceful and beautiful environment for the whole family.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Sine Tempore

Enjoy modern Kazakh cuisine in a cozy setting, kid-friendly menu available.
USD 15 per person, 1h

3:00pm

Transfer to Nur-Sultan Airport

Private van transfer for group to airport for return flight home.
Included in transfer costs, 1h
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