Almaty, Kazakhstan-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Almaty’s City Center

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day at Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar), a bustling marketplace where you can sample local fruits, vegetables, and traditional Kazakh food.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the State Museum of Kazakhstan, which showcases the country’s history and culture.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Tengiz, a cozy cafe serving Kazakh and European cuisine. Try their signature dish, beshbarmak (noodle soup).
  • 1:30 PM: Head to the Panfilov Park, a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. Take a stroll around the park and enjoy the scenery.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Ascension Cathedral, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kafé Italia, an Italian restaurant with delicious pasta dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
  • 9:00 PM: End the day with a visit to Park of 28 Panfilov Heroes, where you can see the famous “Victory Monument” and enjoy the city lights.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

  • 8:00 AM: Start the day at Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church with stunning architecture.
  • 9:30 AM: Take a cable car ride up to Shakhty, where you can hike to the top of Kok-Tobe hill for panoramic views of the city.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at Pirogi Cafe, which serves delicious Russian and Kazakh cuisine. Try their pirogies (dumplings).
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Almaty Central Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the Botanical Garden, a beautiful green space with over 4000 plant species.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Shashlik Bar, which serves delicious shashliks (meat skewers) and other Kazakh dishes.

Day 3: Cultural Experiences

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the National Arts Museum of Kazakhstan, which features a collection of contemporary art.
  • 11:00 AM: Attend a traditional Kazakh dance performance at the Kazakhstan State Academic Theatre for Youth.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at Uyut, a cozy cafe serving Kazakh and European cuisine. Try their signature dish, kuyrdak (boiled meat).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Almaty Historical Museum, which showcases the city’s history and development.
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the Almaty City Tour bus tour, which takes you to various landmarks around the city.
  • 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Kafé Art, an art cafe serving delicious food and drinks.

Day 4: Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Big Almaty Lake, located about 25 km from the city. The lake is surrounded by stunning mountains and offers breathtaking views.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the Koldyar Pass, where you can see the famous Big Almaty Lake view.
  • 12:00 PM: Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake’s shore or grab food from one of the nearby cafes.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the surrounding mountains and enjoy the scenery.
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Almaty city.

Transportation

  • Taxi: The most convenient way to get around the city, with a fixed rate of 500-1000 KZT (depending on traffic).
  • Public Transport: Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) are available but less frequent.
  • Metro: Currently under construction and not yet operational.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Kazakh phrases to show respect for the local culture.
  • Be prepared for variable weather, especially in spring and autumn.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Try traditional Kazakh cuisine, such as beshbarmak, kuyrdak, and shashliks.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Kazakhstan: A comfortable hotel located in the city center with prices starting from 2000-3000 KZT per night.
  • Hostel Almaty: A budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms starting from 1000-2000 KZT per night.

Language

  • Kazakh (official language)
  • Russian (widely spoken)
  • English (becoming more common, especially among younger people)

Note: Prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the season and availability.