7 day itinerary for Almaty

Itinerary

Here's an ideal itinerary for 7 days in Almaty:

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

• Arrive in Almaty and check into your hotel
• Start your day with a city tour to get a feel for the city and its history. Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, the Ascension Cathedral, and the Panfilov Park.
• In the evening, head to Kok-Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and a chance to ride the cable car.

Day 2: Medeu and Shymbulak

• Start your day with a trip to Medeu, the highest ice rink in the world. Take a cable car to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
• After Medeu, head to Shymbulak Ski Resort for skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

Day 3: Big Almaty Lake and Chimbulak

• Take a day trip to Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise lake surrounded by mountains.
• After the lake, head to Chimbulak Ski Resort for skiing or snowboarding in the winter, or hiking and mountain biking in the summer.

Day 4: Almaty Zoo and Green Bazaar

• Start your day with a visit to Almaty Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals from around the world.
• After the zoo, head to the Green Bazaar for a taste of local culture and cuisine. Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak and kazy.

Day 5: Almaty Botanical Garden and Arasan Baths

• Spend the morning at the Almaty Botanical Garden, home to over 5,000 species of plants from around the world.
• In the afternoon, relax at the Arasan Baths, a traditional Kazakh bathhouse with hot and cold pools, saunas, and massage services.

Day 6: Charyn Canyon

• Take a day trip to Charyn Canyon, a stunning natural wonder with red rock formations and a winding river.
• Hike through the canyon and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.

Day 7: Almaty Opera House and Farewell Dinner

• End your trip with a visit to the Almaty Opera House, a beautiful building with stunning performances.
• In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Almaty's top restaurants, like the Sky Lounge or the Kishlak Restaurant.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Almaty!