Almaty, Kazakhstan-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Orientation

  • Morning: Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA)
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or public bus #139 from the airport to your hotel ( approx. 30-40 minutes, ₸2,500 - ₸3,000 / $17-$20 USD)
  • Hotel: Stay at Hotel Kazybekov or similar
  • Lunch: Visit the nearby Turkish restaurant, Turk Suanı for delicious kebabs and bread (₸2,000 - ₸3,000 / $13-$20 USD)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Green Market (Zeleny Bazaar) to see local produce and handicrafts
  • Evening: Enjoy a stroll along Panfilov Park and admire the city’s scenic views

Day 2: History and Culture

  • Morning: Start at the Almaty Museum (https://almaty-museum.kz) to learn about the city’s rich history (₸1,000 - ₸2,000 / $6-$13 USD)
  • Transportation: Walk or take a short taxi ride from the museum to your next destination
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Kazakh restaurant, Beshbarmak for traditional Kazakh dishes (₸2,000 - ₸3,000 / $13-$20 USD)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan (https://museum.kz) to learn about Kazakhstan’s history and culture
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kazakh dinner at Restaurant Turkestan

Day 3: Natural Wonders

  • Morning: Drive to the National Park of Altai Mountains, which is approximately 45 minutes away from Almaty (₸5,000 - ₸7,000 / $33-$47 USD)
  • Transportation: Use a taxi or book a guided tour
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy eating in the park
  • Afternoon: Explore the Big Almaty Lake, which is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery
  • Evening: Return to Almaty and enjoy dinner at Restaurant 55

Day 4: Parks and Recreation

  • Morning: Visit the Panfilov Park for a stroll or rent a bike and ride along the park’s scenic trails (free)
  • Transportation: Walk or take a short taxi ride from your hotel to the park
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Café Central in Panfilov Park (₸1,000 - ₸2,000 / $6-$13 USD)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Almaty Zoo (https://almaty-zoo.kz) to see a variety of animals and enjoy the scenic views (₸5,000 - ₸7,000 / $33-$47 USD)
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Zvezda

Day 5: Shopping and Markets

  • Morning: Visit the Green Market to see local produce and handicrafts (free)
  • Transportation: Walk or take a short taxi ride from your hotel to the market
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Food Court located in the Green Market (₸1,000 - ₸2,000 / $6-$13 USD)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Turkish Bazaar for a variety of Turkish goods and souvenirs
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Sufra

Day 6: Day Trip

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Lake Issyk, which is approximately 20 minutes away from Almaty (₸10,000 - ₸15,000 / $67-$100 USD)
  • Transportation: Use a taxi or book a guided tour
  • Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy eating by the lake
  • Afternoon: Explore the Lake Issyk and enjoy the scenic views

Day 7: Last Day in Almaty

  • Morning: Visit any last-minute attractions you didn’t get to see earlier, such as the Almaty Tower (https://almaty-tower.kz) (₸5,000 - ₸10,000 / $33-$67 USD)
  • Transportation: Walk or take a short taxi ride from your hotel to the tower
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Restaurant Kazbek
  • Afternoon: Return to Almaty International Airport for your departure flight

Additional Tips and Information

  • Currency: The local currency is the Tenge (KZT), however, US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Language: Kazakh and Russian are the official languages, but many people speak English as well.
  • Weather: Summer in Almaty can be quite hot with temperatures reaching up to 30°C (86°F) while winters are cold with temperatures sometimes dropping below -20°C (-4°F).
  • Safety: Almaty is considered a relatively safe city for tourists, however, it’s always a good idea to take necessary precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Health and Medical Care: In case you fall ill or get injured, there are several hospitals in Almaty with medical staff who can speak English.