Almaty, Kazakhstan-7-day-itinerary

Almaty, Kazakhstan 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA) and take a taxi or bus to your hotel
  • Hotel Suggestion: Hotel Kazzhol or similar, located in the city center
  • Breakfast: Try traditional Kazakh bread and tea at Cafe Assel on Furmanov Street
  • Places to Visit:
    • Republic Square (Astana Square): explore the presidential palace, monument of independence, and nearby parks
    • Central State Museum: learn about Kazakhstan’s history and culture
  • Lunch: Savor modern Kazakh cuisine at Restoran Line or try street food at Green Market
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful wooden Russian Orthodox church
    • Take a stroll along the pedestrianized Furmanov Street, lined with cafes and shops
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Kok-Tobe Restaurant, offering stunning views of the city

Day 2: Nature Escapes

  • Morning:
    • Take a bus or taxi to Medeo Gorge (30-40 minutes)
    • Hike to the scenic Shymbulak Ski Resort (optional)
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or try local snacks at the resort’s cafe
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Assumption Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church
    • Explore the nearby Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, featuring a museum and monuments
  • Dinner: Return to Almaty and dine at Gosti Restaurant, serving European-Kazakh fusion cuisine

Day 3: Markets and Museums

  • Morning:
    • Visit the bustling Green Market (Zelenyy Bazaar) for local produce, souvenirs, and snacks
    • Explore the nearby Museum of National Instruments, showcasing traditional Kazakh music and instruments
  • Lunch: Try traditional dishes at Cafe Turan or Restoran Karavan
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the A. Kasteev Museum of Fine Arts, featuring a collection of Soviet and Kazakh art
    • Explore the trendy area around Dostyk Avenue, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Navat Restaurant, offering modern Kazakh cuisine

Day 4: Big Almaty Lake and Turgen Gorge

  • Morning:
    • Take a bus or taxi to Big Almaty Lake (1.5 hours)
    • Hike around the lake and enjoy scenic views
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or try local snacks at the lake’s cafe
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit Turgen Gorge, featuring stunning scenery, waterfalls, and ancient rock carvings
    • Return to Almaty in the evening
  • Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Turan, serving traditional Kazakh cuisine

Day 5: Charyn Canyon and Temirlik River

  • Morning:
    • Take a bus or taxi to Charyn Canyon (2 hours)
    • Hike around the canyon and enjoy scenic views
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or try local snacks at the canyon’s cafe
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Temirlik River, featuring stunning scenery and ancient rock carvings
    • Return to Almaty in the evening
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Cafe Assel, serving traditional Kazakh cuisine

Day 6: Kok-Tobe Hill and Panoramic Views

  • Morning:
    • Take a bus or taxi to Kok-Tobe Hill (30 minutes)
    • Ride the Kok-Tobe Hill Funicular for panoramic views of Almaty
  • Lunch: Try local snacks at the hill’s cafe or pack a picnic lunch
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the nearby Museum of Kazakhstan’s Musical Instruments, featuring traditional music and instruments
    • Explore the trendy area around Seifullin Avenue, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants
  • Dinner: Dine at Restaurant Gosti, serving European-Kazakh fusion cuisine

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning:
    • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
    • Depart for Almaty International Airport (ALA) and your onward journey

Transportation:

  • Taxi: widely available, but agree on the price before departing
  • Bus: efficient and affordable, with routes covering most areas of interest
  • Private transfer: book in advance through your hotel or a local tour operator

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: Kazakh (official) and Russian are widely spoken; English is becoming more popular among younger generations
  • Currency: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT); credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops
  • Weather: Almaty has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers; pack accordingly
  • Dress Code: modest dress is recommended for visits to mosques and churches
  • Safety: take normal precautions to ensure personal safety, especially in crowded areas and markets

Things to Know:

  • History: Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union until 1991; Almaty was the country’s capital until 1997
  • Culture: Kazakh culture is a unique blend of nomadic traditions, Russian influence, and Islamic heritage
  • Cuisine: traditional dishes include beshbarmak (noodle dish), shashlik (skewers), and baursak (fried doughnuts)

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, natural escapes, and urban exploration. Be prepared for variable weather conditions, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for assistance or recommendations. Enjoy your trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan!