The Only Kazakhstan Itinerary You Need

Have you been checking out pictures of pristine lakes in Kazakhstan? This is your sign to travel! Here is the best Kazakhstan Itinerary to gaze at those lakes in real life. 

Kazakhstan is a fascinating country with a diverse landscape, ranging from vast steppes to majestic peaks and not to forget, beautiful lakes. Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan was part of the erstwhile USSR and since gaining its independence in 1991, has become one of the most successful countries in Central Asia.

Our goal at Wander Smartly is to make your travels smarter and help you have the best experience on your trips. From my own visit to the unique country of Kazakhstan, I share the perfect itinerary to explore the best of this country in just 4 days.

Best Time to Travel:

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the spring and autumn months of April to May and September to October when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Kazakhstan Itinerary

The best places of Kazakhstan can be visited in just 4 days, and must be clubbed with a week in Uzbekistan, its bordering neighbor, (highly, highly recommended), to have a great vacation in Central Asia.

Day 1: Arrive at Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, also the cultural and financial center of the country. It is a fascinating city which has rich mountain ranges, forests, pristine lakes, and ancient canyons in its surroundings. To cover all the diverse landscapes, Almaty will be your base location for the duration of your stay in Kazakhstan.

Mercure Almaty City Center is a great choice for your stay in Almaty. It is highly rated with all modern amenities. It is in an excellent location in the city, with all major monuments just a walk away.

Get some rest after you check-in. If you have some time, head out to explore some of the city’s best attractions on foot. Start with The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen which is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. This is a prominent park located in the city dedicated to the heroic feat of 28 soldiers, led by Ivan Panfilov, who died while defending Moscow during World War II. Enjoy the picturesque setting of the park, and take a stroll along the tree-lined paths, fountains, and flower gardens.

While you’re at the park, spot Zenkov’s Cathedral. Also known as the Ascension Cathedral, it boasts of a unique architectural style, made entirely of wood with no nails or metal fasteners used in its construction.

Next, you can head over to the Green Bazaar. Also known as Zelyony Bazar, this is a large and bustling market, one of the oldest and most famous bazaars in the city. It is a vibrant and colorful place to explore, with its lively atmosphere, bustling crowds, and exotic aromas. You can experience the local culture and cuisine of Almaty here.

If you are yet left with more time in the day, you can visit the other landmarks in the city – The Republic Square, Astana Square and Abai Square. I wouldn’t call these places exactly must-visit, as you experience the real beauty of the country starting tomorrow.

Day 2:  Explore the Big Almaty Lake

The Big Almaty Lake is a beautiful natural attraction located in the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range, about 28 km (17 miles) south of the city of Almaty. It is situated at an altitude of 2,510 meters (8,235 feet) above sea level and is known for its crystal-clear blue water and stunning surrounding scenery.

The lake was formed by a glacier and is fed by the melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains. The water in the lake is so clear that you can see the reflection of the mountains and the sky on the surface of the lake! It is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and pine forests, which create a perfect picturesque landscape for you.

Along with the lake, also visit the Alma-Arasan Gorge, named after the two rivers that flow through it, the Alma and the Arasan. The rivers are fed by the melting snow and ice from the surrounding mountains, and their waters are known for their crystal-clear purity. The gorge is surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and dense forests, creating a beautiful landscape. There are several hot springs located in the gorge, known for their healing properties.

Book this day tour to visit the Big Almaty Lake, one of the biggest attractions in Almaty, along with the Alma-Arasan Gorge. You will be picked up in the morning from the hotel for this 5-hour tour. Select the pick-up time as per your convenience. The tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel.

Day 3: Visit Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon

Today promises to be a big day as you visit three grand attractions around Almaty – Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake and Charyn Canyon.

The Charyn Canyon is a breathtaking natural wonder about 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty. It is a spectacular gorge that stretches for over 80 km (50 miles) along the Charyn River, and is known for its unique rock formations and stunning scenery. Hike through the valley and marvel at the incredible shapes and colors of the rocks. The hike culminates in a gorgeous river flowing by.

Take panoramic pictures of the canyon at the Valley of Castles. Be sure to carry a jacket as the wind can get quite chilly in the canyon.

Kolsai Lakes are a group of three picturesque lakes located in the northern Tien Shan mountains, about 300 km (186 miles) east of Almaty. The Kolsai Lakes are known for their crystal-clear waters, which vary from blue to green depending on the weather. The lakes reflect the surrounding mountain landscape, creating a breath-taking view. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of nature at this serene locale.

Kaindy Lake is another beautiful and unique lake located in the northern Tien Shan mountains, known for its stunning turquoise water and unusual underwater forest.

The lake was formed in 1911 as a result of a massive landslide that blocked the gorge, creating a natural dam. One of the most unique features of Kaindy Lake is the underwater forest that lies beneath its surface. The forest is made up of tall, dead spruce trees that were submerged when the lake was formed. The trees are still standing upright and their tops can be seen poking out of the water, creating a surreal and beautiful scene.

These places are at quite a distance from the city, so it’s best to take a day tour that gives you sufficient time at each place to enjoy the beauty (pick-up from hotel included). This will be a hectic day, starting early in the morning, but I do recommend covering all 3 sites in one day altogether. Since these places are a four-hour ride away, it makes sense to see them all on the same day and avoid travelling that far again.

Relax after being dropped back to the hotel after seeing the magnificent lakes and canyon.

Day 4: Depart for Tashkent, Uzbekistan

With this, you’ve seen the best places of Kazakhstan in just 3 days. Don’t end your trip to Central Asia here. Take a short flight to Tashkent to see another magical country – Uzbekistan – world renowned for its mind-blowing architecture. This week-long itinerary takes you to the must-visit places in Uzbekistan.

What NOT to see in Kazakhstan

You may have read about other places to see in Kazakhstan. From my own experience of visiting the country and being disappointed with some hyped-up attractions, I’d recommend these places as not worth visiting and wasting your time:

1. Koktobe – you take a cable car ride to reach here and see panoramic views of the city of Almaty. This is like a mini amusement park and not worth a visit for a foreign tourist.
2. Medeo Gorge and Shymbulak Ski Resort – this is not a bad place, but the mountains here are not green and don’t hold a candle to the Himalayas in India or the Alps of Switzerland.
3. Nur-Sultan – this is the capital city of Kazakhstan and has modern architecture (a couple of buildings at most) to lure tourists. The drawback is that this city is far from Almaty where all the other attractions are, and isn’t worth taking a flight journey.

Local Food

Kazakhstan has a rich and diverse culinary tradition, with a variety of delicious dishes to try:

• Beshbarmak: This is Kazakhstan’s national dish and consists of boiled meat (usually lamb or beef) served on top of flat noodles and topped with onions. It is typically served in a large communal dish and eaten with the hands.
• Plov: This is a rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, and onions.
• Manty: These are steamed dumplings filled with minced meat (usually lamb or beef) and onions.
• Shashlik: This is a popular barbecue dish made with marinated chunks of meat (usually lamb or beef) that are grilled over an open flame.
• Kazy: This is a type of sausage made from horse meat and is a traditional Kazakh delicacy.
• Baursak: These are small, deep-fried dough balls that are a staple of Kazakh cuisine. They are typically served as a snack or side dish and are often eaten with honey or jam.

Local Transportation

Download the Yandex Go app on your phone before you travel to Almaty. This app is available is English and is the best ride-hailing app in Kazakhstan.

Currency

The currency of Kazakhstan is the Tenge. I’d recommend carrying US Dollars and converting them to Tenge at foreign exchange outlets. ATMs are available and credit cards are accepted in Kazakhstan, though not widely. It would be best to carry the local currency in cash with you at all times.

Visa

Citizens of certain countries, including most European Union countries, the United States, Canada, and Australia, among others, are eligible for visa-free entry to Kazakhstan for a period of up to 30 days. Visa requirements and application procedures can vary depending on your nationality, so it is important to check with the Kazakhstani embassy or consulate in your home country.

Language

Kazakh is widely spoken in Kazakhstan, Russian is also widely spoken here. English, however, is not as widely spoken. Your tour guides and hotel staff will be conversant in English, though.

Mobile Network Operators

Beeline and KCell have the largest network in the country. I’d recommend you to buy a local sim and select a plan best suited to your needs (plans are not expensive). International roaming doesn’t usually work in Kazakhstan.

Travel Adaptor

Plug types C and F work in Kazakhstan. Plug type C has two round pins and plug type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Croatia operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. It is best to carry a universal travel adaptor to avoid any hassles or confusion.

Kazakhstan isn’t a conventional holiday destination but it is slowly gaining popularity among tourists. It is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Together with Uzbekistan, it makes for a great holiday destination. Book your flights now to avail better rates.

Visit our destinations page for more such detailed travel guides on countries worth visiting. Combine the Kazakhstan Itinerary with a week in Uzbekistan to enjoy the best experience of both countries in just 12 days.

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