Kazakhstan

Day 1: Almaty City & Local Culture

Morning: Arrive in Almaty, check into hotel.

Start with Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral (a wooden church built without nails).

Visit the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.

Afternoon: Stroll along Arbat Street for souvenirs and local art.

Try a Kazakh lunch (beshbarmak or plov).

Evening: Ride the Kok-Tobe Cable Car for sunset views of the city and mountains.

Dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant.

Day 2: Charyn Canyon & Moon Canyon

Full Day Trip: Head to Charyn Canyon – often called Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon.”

Explore Valley of Castles trail (easy hike, alternate book package which takes you to the Charyn River by car).

Continue to Moon Canyon or Black Canyon for unique landscapes.

Return to Almaty in the evening or take 2 day tour package which takes you to Kaindy and Kolsai lakes.

Day 3: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

Full Day Trip (Better if combined with Day 2 trip): Drive to Kolsai Lakes.

Short hike around Kolsai 1 Lake or, if energetic, trek toward Kolsai 2.

Visit Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged spruce trees.

Overnight in Saty village (guesthouse stay for local experience).

Day 4: Return to Almaty + Medeu & Shymbulak

Morning: Return to Almaty from Saty village.

Lunch in the city

Afternoon: Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink (summer: hiking, autumn/winter: skating).

Take the cable car up to Shymbulak Ski Resort (great year-round mountain views).

Evening: Relax at a Kazakh bathhouse or coffee shop in the city.

Good day to explore nightclubs!

Day 5: Big Almaty Lake & Departure

Morning: Trip to Big Almaty Lake.

Enjoy the turquoise waters and alpine backdrop (no swimming allowed).

Return to Almaty for last-minute shopping.

Afternoon: Visit Green Bazaar for dried fruits, nuts, and sweets.

Head to airport for departure.

Suggestions

1. Food - Yeah, vegetarians can face a little food problem. Carry ready to eat food from Halidram. Non-vegetarians can explore a lot in food! Glove app is good for food delivery.
2. Stay - I stayed at Wanderlust Hostel Riverside. It’s located at a very convenient place to expore the city and is very calm locality. Checkout properties nearby this area.
3. Commute - Download Yandex Taxi App.
4. Maps - Yandex App.
5. Bus - Yandex App. Get a bus pass from any local store. DO NOT sit in bus without a pass.

Checkout my detailed Youtube Video

For more info, feel free to DM me on my instagram!