Almaty, Kazakhstan 5 Day Itinerary

Almaty, Kazakhstan: 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival and City Orientation

  • 🏨 Accommodation: Consider staying at the Rixos Almaty Hotel or Hotel Kazakhstan for comfortable stays in the city center.
  • ✈️ Transportation: From the airport, you can take a taxi (preferably from approved taxi services) or use a ride-hailing app like Gogroup.kz or Taxi.kz.
  • 🏙️ City Orientation: Start your day with a walking tour around the city center to get acquainted with key landmarks such as the Palace of Independence, Panfilov Park, and the Green Bazaar.

Day 2 - Almaty’s Natural Wonders

  • 🌄 Activities: Visit Kok-Tobe (Green Hill) for breathtaking views of the city and take a ride on the cable car or try out the roller coaster at the amusement park. Next, head to Medeo Gorge to see the world’s second-highest skating rink and the stunning panorama of the mountains.
  • 🍲 Lunch: Enjoy traditional Kazakh cuisine at Shymbulak or Kok Tobe Cafe while taking in the scenic views.

Day 3 - Museums & History

  • 🎭 Activities: Visit the Almaty State Circus to watch a thrilling performance, or explore the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan for an insight into the country’s rich history and culture.
  • 🍽️ Dinner: Have dinner at Kunafa Restaurant, famous for its delicious Middle Eastern dishes, or try local Kazakh cuisine at Tulpar Restaurant.

Day 4 - Exploring Almaty’s Parks & Gardens

  • 🍽️ Lunch: Grab lunch at Baiterek restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the city and traditional dishes.
  • 🏞️ Activities: Spend the afternoon visiting the Chimbulak Ski Resort during summer for hiking, or explore the Talgar Gorge, a stunning canyon with numerous walking trails. Don’t forget to visit the Arasan-Bobek Bath Complex for a relaxing dip in natural hot springs.

Day 5 - Shopping & Farewell

  • 🛍️ Activities: Visit the Golden Gates Shopping Mall, the largest shopping center in Central Asia, or explore the traditional markets like the Green Bazaar and Zhibek Zholy Market for unique souvenirs and local goods.
  • 🍽️ Farewell Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Kaban Lounge & SkyBar to enjoy panoramic views of the city while savoring modern Kazakh cuisine.

💡 Things to know:

  • Almaty is located in a mountainous region, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during summer months.
  • Haggling is common at local markets.
  • Russian and Kazakh are the most commonly spoken languages, but English is understood in tourist areas.
  • Taxis usually don’t use a meter, so agree on a price before starting your journey.
  • Always keep some small denominations of Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) for daily transactions, as change might not always be available.

📝 Additional Interesting Points:

  • Visit the Dambovsky Monastery Complex, located about 2 hours from Almaty.
  • Explore the Ascension Cathedral, a beautiful Russian Orthodox church in the city center.
  • Take a day trip to Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders, for breathtaking landscapes and hiking opportunities.