8-Day Winter Wonderland Itinerary in Kazakhstan - Early December 2024

Day 1: Arrival and rest

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 4, 2024

12:00pm

Arrival at Almaty International Airport

Arrive in Almaty and transfer to your hotel to relax and acclimate to the winter climate.
Varies, 1h

2:00pm

Check-in to hotel

Settle in your centrally located hotel with winter heating and amenities.
Varies, 1h

3:30pm

Walk through Panfilov Park

Enjoy a gentle stroll through snow-dusted Panfilov Park visiting the colorful Zenkov Cathedral with its wooden architecture, unique in winter.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kishlak Restaurant

Savour traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak and hearty soups perfect for the winter evening.
KZT 6000, 1.5h
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Day 2: City museums and shopping

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 5, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a warm breakfast buffet to start your day in winter weather.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Central State Museum

Explore Kazakhstan’s rich history and culture, including exhibits on the Silk Road and nomadic tribes; open 10am - 6pm.
KZT 1000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Navat Restaurant

Taste authentic Uzbek and Kazakh cuisine in a cozy indoor setting.
KZT 4000, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping at Green Bazaar

Explore the bustling market offering local crafts, spices and winter woollens. Great spot to buy souvenirs.
Free entry, 1.5h

3:30pm

Coffee break at Coffeedelia

Warm up with specialty coffee and pastries in a popular local café.
KZT 1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Line Brew Almaty

Rich hearty grill and smoked meats in an alpine-style tavern to complement the cold night.
KZT 8000, 2h
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Day 3: Charyn Canyon excursion

Charyn Canyon Area, Kazakhstan on December 6, 2024

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the day trip.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Charyn Canyon

Travel approximately 3 hours (approx 200 km) east through scenic winter landscapes.
KZT 12000 (fuel & driver), 3h

11:30am

Explore Charyn Canyon National Park

Visit the dramatic Canyon nicknamed ‘Grand Canyon’s little brother.’ Winter is spectacular with snow highlights on the rocks; comfortable walking shoes recommended. Open 9am-6pm.
KZT 2000, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch picnic or at local cafe

Enjoy a packed lunch or visit a nearby café serving warming soups and tea.
KZT 1500, 1h

3:00pm

Drive back to Almaty

Return journey to Almaty with rest stops.
Included, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Rumi Restaurant

Relax with Mediterranean-style cuisine in an intimate setting.
KZT 5000, 1.5h
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Day 4: Winter lake visit

Issyk Lake & Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 7, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Warm breakfast served before the day out.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Issyk Lake

A 1-hour drive to this frozen alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks; suitable winter gear required.
KZT 3000 (fuel & driver), 1h

10:15am

Winter walk and photo session

Enjoy walking trails around the snow-covered lake, with breathtaking winter vistas.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Issyk Lake Café

Warm up with hearty local fare including shashlik and hot tea.
KZT 3500, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Almaty

Drive back to the city to prepare for evening activities.
Included, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Almaty Central Mosque

Experience the ornate architecture and peaceful interior during low visitor hours.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Del Papa

Enjoy hearty Italian cuisine with warm ambiance ideal for cold nights.
KZT 6000, 1.5h
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Day 5: Skiing at Shymbulak

Shymbulak Ski Resort, Kazakhstan on December 8, 2024

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with an energizing breakfast for skiing day.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Depart for Shymbulak Ski Resort

Drive 30-40 minutes to the snowy slopes of Shymbulak, a premier winter sports destination.
KZT 3000 (fuel & driver), 40m

9:00am

Skiing or snowboarding activities

Enjoy skiing or snowboarding on well-maintained slopes for all levels. Equipment rental and ski schools available. Resort open 9:00 - 17:00.
KZT 8000 (lift pass), Equipment rental extra, 5h

2:30pm

Hot lunch at resort café

Warm up with soups and local dishes in the lodge after skiing.
KZT 4000, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Almaty

Drive back to the city for some rest.
Included, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Daredzhani Georgian Restaurant

End the day with delicious Georgian specialties in cozy surroundings.
KZT 7000, 1.5h
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Day 6: Medeu rink & Kok-Tobe hill

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 9, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Energize yourself with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink

Skate or enjoy viewing the world’s highest altitude ice rink, surrounded by snowy peaks; open 10am–5pm.
KZT 1200 (entry), Skate rental KZT 800, 2h

11:30am

Cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill

Take the scenic cable car to the hilltop amusement park offering panoramic winter city views.
KZT 1500 roundtrip, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kok-Tobe Café

Quitely enjoy hot beverages and local snacks while taking in the views.
KZT 3000, 1h

2:00pm

Descend and city walk

Return to downtown Almaty and visit local boutiques or relax at a café.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Venezia Restaurant

Indulge in exquisite Italian cuisine with a warm atmosphere.
KZT 6000, 1.5h
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Day 7: Cultural day and farewell

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 10, 2024

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last full breakfast in Kazakhstan.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Abdulmecit mosque and Botanical Garden

Explore the beautifully designed mosque and then take a peaceful winter walk in the Almaty Botanical Garden.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Line Brew Almaty

Relish your favourite grilled dishes one last time in Kazakhstan.
KZT 7000, 1.5h

2:00pm

Souvenir shopping at Dostyk Plaza

Buy gifts and souvenirs from this upscale shopping centre, open until 8pm.
Free entry, 2h

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Prepare for departure with rest and packing.
Included, 1h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Kishlak Restaurant

Celebrate your trip with traditional Kazakh cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
KZT 7000, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure day

Almaty, Kazakhstan on December 11, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast and hotel check-out

Enjoy early breakfast and pack up to check out.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Transfer to Almaty International Airport

Depart for the airport with ample time for check-in and security.
KZT 2000, 1h

10:00am

Departure

Board your flight home with beautiful memories of Kazakhstan’s winter charm.
Varies, Varies
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