Discover Almaty
A refreshing city break combining Almaty’s lively streets, mountain landscapes and some of the remarkable natural scenery surrounding the city.
Destination
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Planned Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Ideal For
Families
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Couples
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Groups
Travel Style
City
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Nature
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Mountains
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Leisure
Trip Overview
City Life with the Mountains Never Far Away
This five-day itinerary offers an introduction to Almaty and its surroundings. Explore the city, travel into the mountains and experience the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon, while retaining enough flexibility to adapt the journey around the season and your preferred pace.
Holiday Highlights
Explore Almaty’s streets, parks and landmarks
Take in panoramic views from Kok Tobe
Experience the mountain setting around Medeu and Shymbulak
Travel through the landscapes outside Almaty
Visit Charyn Canyon
Enjoy time for local food, shopping and independent exploration
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Almaty (Stay in Almaty)
Arrive in Almaty, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the neighbourhood around your hotel.
Day 2: Explore Almaty (Stay in Almaty)
Begin your introduction to the city with selected landmarks, public spaces and local neighbourhoods. The day can include Panfilov Park, central Almaty and an evening visit to Kok Tobe for views across the city and surrounding mountains.
Day 3: Medeu and Shymbulak (Stay in Almaty)
Travel towards the mountains for a day around Medeu and Shymbulak. Depending on the season and operating conditions, the experience can include cable-car journeys, mountain views and time to explore the surrounding area.
Day 4: Charyn Canyon (Stay in Almaty)
Set out for a full-day excursion to Charyn Canyon, approximately 195 kilometres from Almaty. The canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s distinctive natural landmarks, with the Charyn River running through the valley below
Day 5: Departure
Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return journey. Additional shopping, dining or sightseeing can be arranged if your departure schedule permits.
Lionel's Package is Perfectly Crafted
Included in the package:
Four nights’ accommodation in the selected hotel category
Daily breakfast
Airport pickup and departure transfer
Private transportation for confirmed sightseeing
Almaty city tour
Medeu and Shymbulak excursion
Charyn Canyon excursion
Assistance from Lionel’s travel consultants
Not currently includeded in the package:
International flights, unless specifically included
Meals not mentioned in the confirmed itinerary
Cable-car and attraction tickets unless specifically included
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Optional activities
Early check-in or late check-out
Any service not listed in the final confirmation
Make This Holiday Your Own
This itinerary can be adapted around:
Preferred travel dates
Hotel category
Additional nights in Almaty
A slower travel pace
Seasonal mountain experiences
Additional nature excursions
Private guides and transportation
Family-focused experiences
Dining and shopping preferences
The Gallery
A Glimpse of What Awaits
About the Destination
Good to Know about
Almaty, Kazakhstan
About the Destination
Almaty is a city where urban life and dramatic natural landscapes sit remarkably close together. Its tree-lined streets, cafés, parks and cultural landmarks unfold against the backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains, giving the city a character that feels both energetic and unhurried.
What makes Almaty especially interesting is how quickly the experience changes beyond the city. One day can be spent exploring markets and neighbourhoods, while the next takes you towards mountain viewpoints, ski slopes or the vast rock formations of Charyn Canyon. It is a destination that works equally well as a short international break or the starting point for a longer journey through Kazakhstan.
Best time to Visit
May to June and September to October offer comfortable weather for city exploration and outdoor excursions.
December to March is better suited to snow experiences and skiing around Shymbulak.
Charyn Canyon is generally more comfortable during spring or autumn, as summer temperatures can become intense.
Mountain weather can change quickly, so seasonal conditions should be checked while planning the itinerary.
Visa Requirement
Indian citizens can currently visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 14 days for tourism, private visits or business. The total visa-free stay must not exceed 42 days within a 180-day period. Entry requirements should be reconfirmed before travel, as regulations can change.
Planning Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and established businesses in Almaty, but carrying some local currency is useful for smaller establishments, local markets and incidental expenses. Exchange rates fluctuate, so travellers should check the prevailing rate closer to departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Few Questions that everyone's pondering about
Is this a fixed-departure group tour?
Is airfare included?
Can this holiday be planned during winter?
Can the itinerary be changed?
Is Charyn Canyon suitable for every traveller?
Can this itinerary be planned for senior travellers?
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