9 day itinerary for Almaty

Itinerary

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 Ritz-Carlton Almaty or InterContinental Almaty. Both offer great amenities for families.
• Afternoon: After settling in, take a leisurely stroll in Panfilov Park. The kids can run around while you enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit the Zenkov Cathedral.
• Evening: Have dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Kishlak, which offers traditional Kazakh cuisine in a cozy setting.

## Day 2: Exploring Almaty

• Morning: Visit the Central State Museum. It’s engaging for kids with its colorful exhibits and interactive displays.
• Afternoon: Head to the Almaty Zoo. 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 Daredzhani, where you can try delicious Georgian food, which is usually a hit with kids!

## Day 3: Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

• Morning: Take a family-friendly day trip to Big Almaty Lake (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 Shymbulak Ski Resort. 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 The 8th Floor, which offers a great view of the city skyline.

## Day 5: Visit to Medeu and Chimbulak

• Morning: Visit the Medeu Skating Rink. 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 Chimbulak for more stunning views and some family-friendly activities.
• Evening: Dinner at Cafe Central, where you can enjoy a mix of local and international dishes.

## Day 6: Family Fun Day

• Morning: Spend the day at Almaty Family Park. 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 Issyk-Kul Lake

• Morning: Take a day trip to Issyk-Kul Lake (about 3 hours away). It’s a beautiful spot for a beach day! Check into a family-friendly resort like Radisson Blu Resort.
• 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 Petroglyphs of the Issyk-Kul Region 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 Green Bazaar for some last-minute shopping and local snacks.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell lunch at Café Sultana, 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! 🌟