Itinerary for 9 day trip to Almaty

Almaty is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage, stunning nature, and plenty of family-friendly activities. While Almaty itself isn’t on the beach, you can enjoy some lovely lakes and resorts nearby. Here’s a fun and engaging 9-day itinerary that balances relaxation, adventure, and family-friendly activities, all while staying in comfortable accommodations.

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty

Morning: Arrive in Almaty and check into a family-friendly 5-star hotel like the or . Both offer great amenities for families.
Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll in . The kids can run around while you enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit the .
Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like , which offers traditional Kazakh cuisine in a cozy setting.

Day 2: Exploring Almaty

Morning: Visit the . It’s engaging for kids with its colorful exhibits and interactive displays.
Afternoon: Head to the . It’s a great place for kids to see animals up close, and it’s not too big, so you can easily navigate with little ones.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at , where you can try delicious Georgian food, which is usually a hit with kids!

Day 3: Day Trip to

Morning: Take a family-friendly day trip to (about 1 hour from the city). The drive is scenic, and the lake is stunning! Pack a picnic for lunch.
Afternoon: Let the kids play by the lake while you enjoy the breathtaking views. There are gentle walking paths that are perfect for little feet.
Evening: Return to Almaty and have a relaxed dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 4: Adventure at Shymbulak

Morning: Head to . Even if it’s not winter, the area offers beautiful hiking trails and a cable car ride with stunning views.
Afternoon: Enjoy a family lunch at one of the mountain restaurants. Afterward, let the kids play in the open areas or take a short hike.
Evening: Return to the city and have dinner at , which offers a great view of the city skyline.

Day 5: Visit to Medeu and

Morning: Visit the . Even if you don’t skate, the area is beautiful for a walk, and the kids will love the open space.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a nearby café, then take the cable car up to for more stunning views and some family-friendly activities.
Evening: Dinner at , where you can enjoy a mix of local and international dishes.

Day 6: Family Fun Day

Morning: Spend the day at . It’s a fantastic amusement park with rides suitable for young kids.
Afternoon: Have lunch at the park, then continue enjoying the rides and attractions.
Evening: Head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Day 7: Day Trip to

Morning: Take a day trip to (about 3 hours away). It’s a beautiful spot for a beach day! Check into a family-friendly resort like .
Afternoon: Enjoy the beach! The kids can play in the sand and splash in the water while you relax.
Evening: Have dinner at the resort, enjoying the sunset over the lake.

Day 8: Relaxation at Issyk-Kul

Morning: Spend a leisurely morning at the beach. Consider renting a paddleboat or just enjoying the sun.
Afternoon: Explore the nearby area, perhaps visiting the if the kids are up for a little adventure.
Evening: Dinner at the resort, followed by a family movie night or games.

Day 9: Return to Almaty

Morning: Head back to Almaty. Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit the for some last-minute shopping and local snacks.
Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell lunch at , which has a lovely atmosphere.
Evening: Depart from Almaty, taking with you wonderful memories of your family adventure!

Tips:

Always check the weather and pack accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.
Keep snacks and water handy for the kids during day trips.
Consider using a stroller for the little ones, especially in parks and during city walks.

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic family vacation in Almaty! Enjoy your trip! 🌟