Discover the true spirit of Almaty with our “Almaty Essence” package. This 6-day journey blends the city’s rich culture, scenic mountain landscapes, sparkling alpine lakes, and legendary apple orchards. From historic sites and vibrant markets to breathtaking natural wonders like Big Almaty Lake and Charyn Canyon, this tour captures the very heart of Kazakhstan’s largest city and its surrounding treasures. Perfect for travelers seeking a memorable mix of adventure, nature, and local culture.
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Medeu Ice Rink – The world’s highest outdoor skating rink with stunning mountain views.
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Shymbulak Ski Resort & Cable Car – Panoramic views and year-round mountain adventure.
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Kok-Tobe Hill – City skyline, Beatles statue, mini-zoo, and fun attractions.
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Green Bazaar & Rahat Chocolate Factory – Taste local treats and shop souvenirs.
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Big Almaty Lake – Turquoise alpine lake at 2,511 meters with breathtaking scenery.
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Aport Apple Orchard – Explore Almaty’s iconic red apple heritage.
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Charyn Canyon & Valley of Castles – Dramatic rock formations and nature’s wonder.
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Lake Kaindy & Lake Kolsai – Pristine alpine lakes with optional horseback riding.
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Black Canyon – Unique geological formations along the way back to Almaty.
Day 1: Welcome to Almaty – Arrival & Transfer
Arrival at Almaty International Airport – Your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Almaty. Take some time to relax after your journey or explore the city at your own pace.
Good to Know:
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Check-in time is usually 2:00 PM.
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Try a short evening walk around Panfilov Park or enjoy dinner at a local Kazakh restaurant.
Day 2: Almaty City & Mountain Highlights – Medeu, Shymbulak & Kok-Tobe
Operating Days: Tuesday, Friday, Sunday
Meeting Point: Big stop along Abai Street, 8:00 AM
Start your day with a cultural and scenic journey through Almaty, combining city highlights with stunning mountain views.
Highlights of the Day:
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Medeu Ice Rink – The highest outdoor ice rink in the world at 1,691 meters. Perfect for photos and mountain views.
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Health Staircase – Climb 842 steps from Medeu to Shymbulak for a fun fitness challenge with incredible scenery.
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Shymbulak Ski Resort – Take a cable car ride to this mountain resort offering panoramic views, summer hiking, and winter skiing.
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Green Bazaar – Explore this bustling market for fresh produce, local sweets, and souvenirs.
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Rahat Chocolate Factory Store – Taste and buy world-famous Kazakh chocolates.
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Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen & Zenkov Cathedral – Discover historic monuments and the stunning wooden cathedral.
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Kok-Tobe Hill – Enjoy sweeping city views, a Beatles statue, mini-zoo, and amusement park attractions.
Good to Know:
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Bring a camera and comfortable shoes for walking.
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Cable car tickets are included.
Day 3: Natural Wonders – Big Almaty Lake & Legendary Apple Orchard
Meeting Point: Hotel Renion Zyliha, 6:00 – 6:15 AM
Experience the serene beauty of the mountains and Almaty’s symbolic apple heritage.
Highlights of the Day:
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Big Almaty Lake – A spectacular alpine reservoir 2,511 meters above sea level. Watch the water change from light blue to deep turquoise depending on sunlight.
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Almaty Apple Garden – Learn the fascinating story of the “Aport” apple, a symbol of Almaty, while enjoying beautiful orchard landscapes.
Good to Know:
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Dress in layers; mountain weather can change quickly.
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Bring water and snacks for the day.
Day 4: Charyn Canyon – Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon”
Operating Days: Wednesday, Saturday
Meeting Point: Hotel lobby in Almaty, 7:00 AM
Take a full-day adventure to one of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking natural landmarks.
Highlights of the Day:
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Charyn Canyon – Stretching 154 km along the Charyn River, featuring stunning geological formations.
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Valley of Castles – A 2 km section with rock formations resembling an ancient stone city. Perfect for photography and hiking.
Good to Know:
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Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection.
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Boxed lunch included.
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Approximate drive time: 3 hours each way.
Day 5: Alpine Lakes Adventure – Kaindy, Kolsai & Black Canyon
Operating Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Meeting Point: Abay 50, Circus Parking (Entrance from Abay Street, near Auezov Metro Station), 5:15 AM
Enjoy a day exploring Kazakhstan’s hidden alpine treasures, complete with lakes, canyons, and outdoor adventures.
Highlights of the Day:
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Lake Kaindy – Famous for its submerged forest; choose to explore on foot or go horseback riding at your own expense.
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Lake Kolsai – Relax on the lakeshore, enjoy a picnic lunch (at your own expense), and soak in the pristine nature.
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Black Canyon – A striking geological formation along your journey back to Almaty.
Good to Know:
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Early start, so bring breakfast, water, and snacks.
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Wear sturdy walking shoes for lakeside exploration.
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Optional activities (horseback riding, picnic) are at your own expense.
Day 6: Farewell Almaty – Departure
Hotel transfer to Almaty International Airport for your onward journey.
Good to Know:
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Check-out time is usually 12:00 PM.
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Ensure your luggage is ready the night before.
Hotel Details: 4-star
- Almaty: Holiday Inn or similar
Visa: Visa Free 14 Days from the point of arrival
- Kazakhstan is visa-free for Indian passport holders
(Valid until further notice from the Kazakhstan Embassy/Consulate)
NOTE: The package cost is based on a minimum of 2 adults travelling together. Rates vary at the time of booking; the given rate is an estimate.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation in 3/4 star properties on double sharing
- Daily Breakfast
- Almaty: City tour and Medeu, Shymbulak and Kok-Tobe
- Guide services
- Transportation
- Ticket to Kok-Tobe hill
- Cable car ride to Shymbulak
- Big Almaty Lake and Legendary Almaty Apple Orchard
- All transfers
- Guide servises
- All tickets and fees
- Eco taxi to the end of the big Almaty lake
- From Almaty: Charyn Canyon Full-Day Trip
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fees to Charyn Canyon
- Transportation to and from the canyon
- English-speaking guide
- Boxed Lunch
- Bottled water
- Almaty:Kaindy and Kolsai lakes with Black Canyon 1 Day Tour
- Round-trip transportation
- Professional guide services
- Transportation by UAZ van to Lake Kaindy
- Entry tickets to Kolsai Lakes National park
- Entry tickets to Kaindy lake
- Food and drink (available at your destination)
- Horse ride (Optional, purchased upon arrival)
- Boats on Kolsai lake (Optional, purchased upon arrival)
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Private Transfer from Airport - Hotel - Hotel in Almaty and Astana
What is NOT included in the tour
- All international and domestic flight tickets, airport taxes, cancellation, and rescheduling charges
- Entrances other than those mentioned in the inclusion
- Early check-in or late check-out (if any)
- Meals that are not mentioned in the inclusions
- Optional tours or excursions
- Compulsory tipping
- Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusion list
- 5% TCS and 5% GST
