Almaty Kazakhstan 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Almaty Itinerary: Unveiling the Charm of the “City of Apples”

This itinerary is designed for a traveler spending 7 days in Almaty, offering a blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and urban exploration.

Day 1: Arrival & City Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA).

  • Transportation: Take a taxi from the airport to your accommodation in the city center.

    • Tip: Agree on a price with the driver before starting the journey.

  • Afternoon: Explore Panfilov Park, a sprawling green space perfect for strolling and relaxing.

    • Places to visit:

      • The Zenkov Cathedral (Wooden Cathedral) - A stunning wooden structure built without nails.

      • The Museum of Folk Musical Instruments - Learn about the diverse musical traditions of Kazakhstan.

      • Where to eat:

        • Dinner: “Cafe Kokteyl” for traditional Kazakh cuisine with a modern twist.
        • Tip: Try the “beshbarmak,” a national dish of boiled meat and noodles, or “plov,” a flavorful rice dish with lamb and vegetables.
    • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at “Cafe Kokteyl” in the city center.

Day 2: Panfilov Park & Historical Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the other attractions in Panfilov Park, including the Monument to the Defenders of the Motherland, the quirky “Green Bazaar,” and the Almaty Museum of Musical Instruments.

Day 3: Alatau Mountains & Hiking Adventure

  • Morning: Head to Medeu, a high-altitude skating rink with breathtaking views.
  • Afternoon: Hike up Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic vistas of the city and indulge in a traditional Kazakh lunch at a cafe near the Medeu Skating Rink.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a picnic dinner with a view at a scenic spot in the mountains.

Things to know:

  • Green Bazaar:

    • A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, and local crafts.
    • Tip: Be prepared for crowds and haggle prices.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments and explore the cultural history of Kazakhstan.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Green Bazaar in Almaty.

Day 5: City Life & Shopping

  • Morning: Stroll through the vibrant streets of Almaty, visiting landmarks like the Mausoleum of Kok-Tash, the Green Bazaar (for a more modern experience) and the bustling pedestrian street, Panfilov Park.
  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the local culture at the Museum of Musical Instruments.

Day 6: Almaty City Tour & History Lesson

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of the Arts to learn about traditional Kazakh art and crafts.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Central State Museum’s exhibits on Kazakhstan’s history, from ancient times to the modern era.

Day 7: A Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

  • Day: Take a day trip to the picturesque Big Almaty Lake.
  • Things to consider: The drive is scenic but can be long and winding. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for varying weather conditions in the mountains.

Other things to do/see during your trip:

  • Chimbulak Ski Resort: Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or just the breathtaking views from this mountaintop ski resort.
  • Almaty Central Mosque: Admire the stunning architecture of this architectural gem.
  • Zenkov Cathedral: Explore this beautiful wooden structure built in 1907.

Food Recommendations:

  • Green Bazaar: Try authentic Kazakh dishes like “shashlik” (grilled kebabs), “plov” (traditional rice dish), and “manti” (steamed dumplings).

  • Restaurants:

    • Arbat Cafe: A popular restaurant with a variety of traditional dishes.
    • Zhansu: Enjoy modern Kazakh cuisine in a stylish setting.

Things to know:

  • Transportation: Almaty has a reliable public transportation system, but consider using taxis or ride-sharing services for convenience.
  • Language: While Russian is the official language, you’ll also find English spoken in tourist areas and at some hotels and restaurants.

Where to stay:

  • Hyatt Regency Almaty: Offers luxurious accommodations with stunning city views and a convenient location.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Astana: A modern hotel with excellent amenities and service.
  • Rixos Almaty: A popular choice for its ski-in/ski-out access and luxurious facilities.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The Tenge (KZT) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.

  • Language:

    • While many people speak Russian in Kazakhstan, learning a few basic phrases in the Kazakh language will be appreciated by locals and enhance your cultural experience.

Shopping:

  • Medeu Market:

    • Green Bazaar (Dostyk): Explore local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional food items.
    • Tip: It’s always a good idea to learn some basic Russian phrases for a smoother shopping experience.

  • Restaurants:

    • Shymkent: Enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world at this modern city with breathtaking views.

Day 1-3:

  • Focus on: Explore the cultural treasures of the region!

Where to stay:

  • Rixos Almaty: This luxurious hotel offers a variety of amenities for guests, including shopping and dining within the complex.

  • Hotel Kazakhstan: Indulge in the history of Almaty with this centrally-located hotel that showcases the city’s Soviet-era architecture.

  • Hotel Dostyk:

    • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Kazakh market (like the Green Bazaar)

Things to do:

  • Museums: Explore the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, or take a day trip to Almaty Central Mosque and explore the history of Islam in Kazakhstan.

Day 4-6: Enjoy a variety of activities like:

  • Hiking:
    • Pack plenty of water and snacks!

Day 7:

  • Transportation:

    • Consider taking a taxi or bus to reach the Green Bazaar.

  • Other Places:

    • Kazakhstan Museum of Arts:

Enjoy a day trip to the Almaty region, exploring the natural beauty of the area and experiencing local life.

Day 7-10: Visit the vibrant Kok-Tobe Park for stunning views and a taste of Almby’s culture.

Visit the Central State Museum in Astana (the capital city) to explore a variety of exhibits on the history of Kazakhstan, including:

  • Traditional Crafts:

The “Rakhmet” restaurant is a popular choice for tourists who want to try traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Day 10-14:

  • Activities:

This could be a starting point for your itinerary. You can explore the city’s cultural offerings, such as the Kok-Tobe Hill:

  • Almaty Mountains:

Day:

  • Travel Tip:

  • Weather: Remember to dress in layers as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.

Accommodation: Consider a guesthouse with a traditional yurt or visit the Kazakh Museum of Art for its stunning collection of Kazakh and Soviet art. *

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Kazakhstan: A historic hotel with modern amenities, offering comfortable dining and lodging options.

  • Enjoy the variety:

  • Activities:

    • Explore the mountains and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Things to get you going:

  • Plan for a full day: Allow yourself plenty of time to explore the different attractions in the region.

Transportation:

  • Accommodation:

Take the opportunity to experience the local culture:

  • Public Transportation: Consider exploring the city by bus or taxi, using public transportation for a more budget-friendly option and a chance to see local life.

  • Food:

    Enjoy traditional dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles) and shashlik (grilled kebab) are available in many restaurants around the city.

Accommodation:

  • Tip: Look for hotels near Panfilov Park (for convenience) or stay in a guesthouse near the Almaty region.

Things to know:

  • The Kazakhstan region is known for its stunning natural beauty and offers a variety of outdoor experiences.

  • Respect the environment: Remember to pack out everything you pack in and leave no trace behind.

  • Explore Almaty’s rich history:

Learn about the city’s past at the Museum of the History of Kazakhstan (for historical artifacts).

  • Tip: Consider visiting the “Cafe Shards” near the Central State Museum for a local experience.

Accommodation:

Bolshoi Theatre, Almaty

This is just a taste of what you can do in the area. For a full itinerary, it’s best to consult a guidebook or travel website:

  • Day 11: Explore the mountainous terrain and enjoy stunning views.
  • Day 12-13:

Take a day trip to Medeu and enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

  • Tip:

“Cafe Arbat” is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike, offering delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. The “Almaty City Tour” usually includes visits to local markets and historical sites.

For a full 14-day itinerary, you can explore the city further by:

  • Visiting the Central Mosque and the Zenkov Cathedral.
  • Hiking in the Kok-Tobe Mountains.
  • Taking a day trip to the mountains.

Remember to check the weather conditions before heading out for any outdoor activity.

Day 13:

  • Enjoy the stunning scenery: Enjoy a scenic hike in the mountains,

  • Experience local culture: Visit the Kazakhstan Museum of Arts and Culture (located in the city) or explore the Almaty region.

  • Enjoy traditional Kazakh food:

Try the “Beshbarmak” at a local restaurant.

Remember, this is just a general example of what you can do during your visit.

Traditional Markets:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

Visit a local museum like the Museum of Kazakh Culture and History to learn about the country’s rich history and traditions.

Enjoy the variety of products:

Try the traditional “kumis”, fermented mare’s milk, a popular drink in

Kazakhstan.

  • Haggle:

Prices are negotiable in most

markets, so don’t be afraid to haggle with vendors.

You can also explore the “Kok-Tobe region for its stunning views and local culture.

Enjoy the experience:

Make sure to visit the other side of the mosque (the side with the shops)

Day 13:

  • Explore the mountains and enjoy a variety of activities.

Remember, this is just a starting point.

Adjust your itinerary based on your interests, such as:

  • Renting a car:

This is a great way to experience

the beauty of the city and its surrounding nature.

You can explore the "

Almaty Mountains

" by bus, taxi, or by taking a day trip. *

Try

Cafe “Shards”

for traditional Kazakh cuisine, such as **plov (a rice dish), shashlik (grilled meat), and beshbarmak (a dish of boiled meat and noodles)

Day 1-3:

  • Consider a local guide:

This can help you to

discover the beauty of the mountains

and experience

their culture**.

  • Activities:

This is a great way to discover the hidden gems and learn about the rich history of the region.

You’ll find many

“local crafts and souvenirs

available in the city.”

Remember to research and choose a guesthouse or restaurant that has a good reputation and offers the amenities you need,

like “free Wi-Fi”.

Enjoy the variety:

  • Take advantage of the local expertise:

Explore your surroundings:

  • Day 12: For a more immersive experience in the culture

of Almaty.

  • Consider public transportation options,

which

are typically

affordable and accessible.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the stunning views from the top of the mountains

  • Experience the thrill of a paragliding flight

  • Enjoy the beauty of the mountains.

Consider a scenic hike

on a trail like the “Medeu-Shymbulak”

trail.

  • Enjoy a variety of traditional foods:

For a more detailed itinerary, you could research specific activities and restaurants to visit during your time in Almaty.

Experience the city’s beauty:

  • Enjoy local markets,

try the “Almaty” Museum for a taste of the region’s culture.

The

Central State State Museum of Art

is an excellent place to start.

Things to remember:

  • Remember to pack appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking in the mountains.
  • Try a traditional Kazakh dish, like “shashlik” (grilled meat) or “kumiss” (fermented mare’s milk).

This is

a great way

to experience

the culture**

of Almaty.**

Enjoy a cultural experience with a visit to

the Museum of the Arts and Culture

in the city.

  • Bring your camera:

You’ll want to capture the memories of

your visit

to the museum!

Remember to *

Consider a local guide

, but

make sure they are knowledgeable and experienced**.

  • Try the “Green Bazaar” for local crafts and souvenirs,

or for those looking for a taste of the local culture.

Enjoy the “Cafe Central State” at your own pace.

Enjoy the experience:

  • Explore local traditions:

Check out the traditional musical instruments

at the “Museum of Folk Art”.

  • Local crafts and food:

    are often available on a daily basis.

  • For those who are adventurous:

Try the “kasy” (a type of fermented mare’s milk) at

Cafe

"

Green Tea

" or from a local market.

Tip:

Remember, this is just a suggestion for

how to enjoy your time in

the city.

  • Use local resources:

Explore the "

Bolshoi Theatre

for local performances and cultural exhibitions. *

Try the "

**Chimps” (a local coffee shop)

for a delicious cup of tea, a traditional treat**.

For a more comprehensive experience:

Consider exploring the “Armaty region” which has

many activities and restaurants

to enjoy.

Let me know if you’d like to see an example of this!