Almaty, Kazakhstan-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Almaty International Airport
    • Take a taxi or bus (marshrutka) to your hotel ( approx. 20-30 minutes)
    • Check-in at Hotel Kazakhstan or similar
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Green Market (Zelenyj Bazaar), a bustling marketplace with fresh produce and local goods
    • Try some traditional Kazakh cuisine at Mama’s Kitchen, a cozy restaurant near the market
  • Evening: Explore the Panfilov Park, a large public park in the city center with beautiful gardens, monuments, and fountains

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning:
    • Visit the State Historical Museum of Kazakhstan, which showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage
    • Learn about the traditional Kazakh people at the Etnographic Museum
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, which features exhibits on the country’s natural history, archaeology, and art
    • Take a break and grab a snack or coffee at Bistro Cafe, a cozy spot with great views of the city
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tengiz Grill, a popular restaurant serving Kazakh barbecue

Day 3: Nature Escapes

  • Morning:
    • Visit the Zenkov Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox church made entirely from wood without a single nail ( approx. 10-minute walk)
    • Take a short drive to the nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort (approx. 20-30 minutes) for some fresh mountain air and scenic views
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Park of 28 Panfilov Heroes, a large park with monuments, gardens, and walking paths
    • Visit the Almaty Botanical Garden, which features over 3,000 plant species from around the world

Day 4: Food and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Pavlodar Market, a bustling marketplace selling fresh produce, meats, and local goods ( approx. 30-40 minutes by car)
    • Try some traditional Kazakh dishes at Dastarkhan Cafe, a cozy spot near the market
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Green Market (Zelenyj Bazaar), a popular marketplace selling fresh produce and local goods
    • Visit the Tashkent Restaurant, which serves traditional Uzbek cuisine

Day 5: Day Trip to Turgen Gorge

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the stunning Turgen Gorge (approx. 1 hour by car)
    • Hike through the beautiful gorge and enjoy breathtaking views
    • Have lunch at one of the local cafes near the gorge

Day 6: Last Day in Almaty

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions
    • Visit the Kazakh National Museum of Fine Arts, which features a collection of Kazakh art and crafts
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home

Things to Know:

  • Language: Russian and Kazakh are the official languages, but many people speak English.
  • Currency: Kazakhstan tenge (KZT) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
  • Weather: Almaty has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
  • Safety: Almaty is considered a very safe city for tourists.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Available throughout the city, but be sure to use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services like Yandex Taxi or Uber.
  • Buses/Marshrutkas: Affordable public transportation options that cover most areas of the city.
  • Walking: Almaty is a relatively flat and walkable city.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist attractions.
  • Try to learn a few basic Kazakh phrases, such as “hello” (Sawat) or “thank you” (Raxat).
  • Don’t drink tap water, but instead stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or other cultural sites.

Other Recommendations:

  • Visit the Medeu Ice Rink, a popular spot for ice skating in winter.
  • Take a trip to the nearby Chimbulak Ski Resort, which offers great skiing opportunities.
  • Try some traditional Kazakh music at The Music Hall, a cozy venue featuring local musicians.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, nature, and food, giving you a well-rounded experience of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Enjoy your trip!