Kazakhstan-2-day-itinerary

Kazakhstan Travel Itinerary: 2-Day Adventure

Day 1: Almaty Exploration

Morning

  • Start the day with a delicious traditional Kazakh breakfast: Try some beshbarmak (noodle dish), shashlik (skewers of marinated meat), or baursaki (fried doughnuts) at a local café.
  • Visit the Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar): Explore the vibrant market, where you can find fresh produce, souvenirs, and try some street food.

Afternoon

  • Take a stroll through Panfilov Park: This beautiful park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Almaty. You can walk, relax, or people-watch.
  • Visit the Museum of National Instruments: Discover Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage by exploring the museum’s collection of traditional instruments.

Evening

  • Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill: Take in breathtaking views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains while enjoying dinner at one of the hill’s restaurants.
  • Experience the nightlife of Almaty: Head to the Dostyk Avenue, where you can find bars, clubs, and lounges.

Day 2: Nature Escapade

Morning

  • Head to Medeu by bus 12 from Dostyk Avenue: The gorge sits about 15 km from the centre. Walk the mudflow dam for views down the valley. The ice rink here is closed for reconstruction.
  • Ride the gondola up to Shymbulak: The Shymbulak Ticket for the three ropeways costs about 12,000 KZT round trip for an adult.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy the views at Shymbulak Resort: The resort sits at about 2,260 meters, and the upper ropeways reach about 3,200 meters. Check lift status on the resort’s website before you go.
  • Big Almaty Lake is a separate full-day outing: The road is closed to private cars, so it means a long walk or a licensed guided tour, and it does not fit around Medeu and Shymbulak.

Evening

  • Return to Almaty and enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner: Try some horse meat dishes, such as kuyrdak or shuzhuk.
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s evening atmosphere: End your trip with a relaxing evening stroll or a visit to a local spa.

Essential Information

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries can obtain an e-visa or visa on arrival in Kazakhstan. Check the official government website for requirements.
  • Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Transportation

  • Almaty International Airport (ALA) is the main entry point into Kazakhstan.
  • Taxi services, such as Yandex Taxi or Uber, are widely available.
  • Rent a car or hire a private driver for day trips and excursions.

Things to Know

  • Language: Kazakh and Russian are the official languages, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs.
  • Culture: Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country; respect local customs and traditions.

Safety

  • Take necessary precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and keeping valuables secure.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets.

Additional Tips

  • Weather: Almaty can be quite hot during the summer months (June to August), so pack accordingly. Winters can be cold, with temperatures often below 0°C (32°F).
  • Power adapter: Kazakhstan uses Type C and F power sockets, which are compatible with European plugs.
  • Money exchange: You can exchange money at banks or use ATMs. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

With this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Almaty’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Enjoy your trip to Kazakhstan!