Kazakhstan 5 Day Itinerary

Kazakhstan 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

  • Arrival: Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to a hotel in the city center, such as the Rixos Almaty or similar
  • Explore Almaty:
    • Visit the Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar) for a taste of local cuisine and shopping
    • Walk along the pedestrianized Dostyk Avenue, lined with cafes, shops, and restaurants
    • Admire the stunning views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains from Kok-Tobe Hill

Things to Know:

  • Kazakhstan is a bilingual country, with Kazakh and Russian as official languages. English is not widely spoken, so it’s a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian.
  • The local currency is the Tenge (KZT). You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs.

Day 2: Almaty

  • Breakfast: Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (noodle dish) or shashlik (skewers of marinated meat)
  • Visit:
    • The Central State Museum to learn about Kazakhstan’s history and culture
    • The Palace of the Republic, a stunning example of Soviet architecture
  • Outdoor Activities:
    • Take a cable car ride to the top of Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty
    • Go hiking in the nearby Trans-Ili Alatau mountains

Transportation:

  • Taxi services like Yandex Taxi or UBER are widely available and affordable.
  • Public transportation includes buses and trams, but can be challenging for foreigners.

Day 3: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (optional)

  • Take a day trip to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan:
    • Visit the State Historical Museum to learn about Kyrgyz history and culture
    • Explore the Osh Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Central Asia
    • Admire the stunning views of the Tian Shan mountains from the outskirts of Bishkek

Visa Requirements:

  • Kazakhstan offers a 30-day visa-free regime for citizens of many countries. Check if you need a visa before traveling.
  • If visiting Kyrgyzstan, you may need to obtain an electronic visa or apply for a visa at the border.

Day 4: Turgen Gorge and Assy Plateau

  • Drive:
    • Visit the stunning Turgen Gorge, with its picturesque waterfalls and hiking trails
    • Explore the Assy Plateau, known for its unique landscape and flora
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the scenic surroundings of Turgen Gorge

Safety Tips:

  • Always wear sunscreen and a hat when exploring outdoors.
  • Be mindful of altitude sickness when traveling to high-altitude areas.

Day 5: Departure from Almaty

  • Breakfast: Try some traditional Kazakh pastries or bread with tea
  • Last-Minute Shopping:
    • Visit the Green Market for last-minute souvenir shopping
    • Buy some local snacks and drinks for your journey home
  • Departure: Return to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight

Other Things of Interest:

  • Kazakhstan is home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s oldest and largest operational space launch facility. Visit the museum or take a guided tour.
  • The country has a rich cultural heritage, with many traditional festivals and celebrations throughout the year.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Kazakhstan!