Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary
Seven-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kazakhstan
Day 1: Arrival in Almaty 🌆
- Arrive at Almaty International Airport (AQM) - Visitors require a valid passport and may need a visa depending on their nationality. Check Kazakhstan’s visa requirements for the latest information.
- Transportation: Taxis are readily available at the airport. Alternatively, book a private transfer in advance for convenience.
- Check-in at Hotel - Recommended options include: Rixos Almaty, Kazzinc Business Hotel, and ibis Styles Almaty City Center.
- Explore Almaty Central Park - A beautiful green space with a stunning panorama of the city and the mountains. Don’t forget to visit the Zenko Obelisk and the Monument to Fatherland Defenders.
- Dinner at Green Bazaar - Sample local Kazakh cuisine like Beshbarmak, Samsa, and Kazy at one of the many eateries in the market.
Day 2: Almaty City Tour 🏙️
- Visit Panfilov Park and the Memorial Complex dedicated to the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War - A tribute to the Soviet soldiers who fought during WWII.
- Stroll around the Medeo Gorge - Visit the world’s highest ski jump, the Medeo Speed Skating Rink, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Chimbulak Mountain Ski Resort.
- Lunch at Shymbulak Ski Resort - Enjoy traditional Kazakh dishes with a picturesque mountain backdrop.
- Afternoon at Kok-Tobe Park - Ride the cable car for stunning views of Almaty, visit the entertainment complex, and enjoy local street food.
Day 3: Charyn Canyon 🌄
- Transportation: Book a guided tour or rent a car to visit Charyn Canyon, about 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty.
- Arrive at Charyn Canyon - Marvel at the unique red-hued canyon formed over thousands of years by the Charyn River.
- Hiking and Photography - Explore the Valley of Castles, a section of the canyon with impressive rock formations.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic or buy lunch from local vendors near the park entrance.
- Return to Almaty
Day 4: Kolsai Lakes 🏞️
- Transportation: Organize a guided tour or rent a car for this day trip, approximately 300 km (186 miles) from Almaty.
- Arrive at Kolsai Lakes - A series of three stunning mountain lakes nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views.
- Hiking - Explore the area on foot, with options for easy or more challenging hikes depending on your preferences.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lakeside.
- Return to Almaty
Day 5: Kazakhstan Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and Kok-Jailau Sanatorium 🎶
- Morning at Kazakhstan Museum of Folk Musical Instruments - Learn about the rich history and culture of Kazakh musical instruments.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal in Almaty city center.
- Afternoon at Kok-Jailau Sanatorium - Relax in this picturesque sanatorium surrounded by pine forests, with opportunities for hiking and horseback riding.
Day 6: Big Almaty Lake ⛰️
- Transportation: Organize a guided tour or rent a car to visit Big Almaty Lake, approximately 25 km (15 miles) south of Almaty city center.
- Arrive at Big Almaty Lake - Enjoy the stunning mountain lake and take in the breathtaking views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
- Hiking - Explore the area on foot, with options for easy or more challenging hikes depending on your preferences.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake.
- Return to Almaty
Day 7: Departure from Almaty 🛬
- Check-out of Hotel
- Transportation: Taxis are readily available for your journey to the airport, or book a private transfer in advance for convenience.
- Departure from Almaty International Airport (AQM)