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Kazakhstan 5 nightsCultureNature

Almaty at Your Own Pace

Five nights of mountain air, local cafés and a full day at Charyn Canyon.

  1. 1Almaty
  2. 2Medeu
  3. 3Shymbulak
  4. 4Charyn Canyon

From, per person~US$841

Designed by @snuck Shaped around your dates No payment to ask

Best May, Jun and Sep

By @snuckUpdated 11 November 2026

Stay five nights in a city hotel with its own style, with time for Almaty's cafés and nearby mountains. Visit Shymbulak and Charyn Canyon with private transport, with a quieter day between these longer outings.

Length
5 nights
Route
Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak…
Best time
May, Jun and Sep
Ideal for
First-time visitors who enjoy comfortable days and good food

Why you'll love it

  1. Five nights in one thoughtfully chosen city hotel
  2. Private Green Bazaar walk with local food tastings
  3. Shymbulak cable cars and time for a mountain lunch
  4. Charyn Canyon with your own driver and guide
  5. A free afternoon for cafés and galleries

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Settle Into Almaty

    Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel. After check-in, rest and take a short walk nearby if your arrival time allows.

    • Stay: 4-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue
    • Getting there: Private airport transfer, approximately 40–75 minutes

  2. Day 2

    Parks, Markets and Local Food

    Visit Panfilov Park and Ascension Cathedral with a private guide, then taste dried fruit, nuts and bread at the Green Bazaar. Enjoy a Kazakh lunch with your host, then spend the afternoon as you like.

    • Stay: 4-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue
    • Getting there: Private city transfers, approximately 30–60 minutes total, plus walking

  3. Day 3

    Lunch Above the City

    Drive to Medeu and take the cable car to Shymbulak for mountain views and short walks, depending on the weather. Take your time over lunch in the mountains, then return for a free evening.

    • Stay: 4-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue
    • Getting there: Private car, approximately 45–75 minutes each way; cable car approximately 20–30 minutes each way to the resort

  4. Day 4

    A Day at Charyn Canyon

    Leave early for Charyn Canyon, with toilet and rest stops along the way. Explore the Valley of Castles with your guide, choosing a short walk to a viewpoint or a longer walk down into the canyon. Enjoy a picnic before the drive back.

    • Stay: 4-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue
    • Getting there: Private car, approximately 3–3.5 hours each way; allow 9–11 hours overall

  5. Day 5

    Cafés and City Views

    Take your time over breakfast, then visit cafés or small galleries on your own. In the late afternoon, ride the Kok Tobe cable car for city views, followed by a farewell dinner with a table booked for you.

    • Stay: 4-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue
    • Getting there: Private local transfers, approximately 30–45 minutes total; cable car approximately 6 minutes each way

  6. Day 6

    Breakfast Before You Leave

    Enjoy breakfast and a final walk nearby if your flight time allows. Your driver picks you up with enough time for airport check-in.

    • Getting there: Private airport transfer, approximately 40–75 minutes

Where you'll stay

  1. 5 nights · days 1 to 54-star boutique hotel with its own style near central Dostyk Avenue

When to go

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. Maygood time to go
  6. Jungood time to go
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sepgood time to go
  10. Oct
  11. Nov
  12. Dec

Best from May, Jun and Sep. Other months work too; we'll tell you what to expect for your dates.

Included

  • Five hotel nights, two people sharing a room
  • Daily breakfast
  • Private airport transfers and transport for planned sightseeing
  • English-speaking guide on days 2–4
  • Park entry and cable car tickets for planned visits
  • Two lunches with a host and one canyon picnic
  • Farewell dinner

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Entry documents or visa fees, if needed
  • Meals and drinks beyond those listed
  • Early check-in and late checkout
  • Personal spending and tips
  • Indian tax collected at source (TCS), if applicable

Good to know

  • The estimated starting price is ₹79,000 per person, with two people sharing a room, for the premium stays and services listed. International flights are extra; the final price depends on dates and availability.
  • Charyn is the longest day. Wear closed shoes for its uneven paths; walking down to the canyon floor is optional.
  • Mountain cable cars depend on weather and maintenance. Request vegetarian meals in advance; Jain meal needs must be checked separately.

Before you go to Kazakhstan

Capital:
Astana
Languages:
Kazakh, Russian
Currency:
KZT

Questions

How many days is the Almaty at Your Own Pace trip?

5 nights and 6 days: Almaty, Medeu, Shymbulak, Charyn Canyon, Almaty.

How much does it cost?

From ₹79,000 per person, twin sharing, without international flights. We confirm the price for your dates.

When is the best time to go?

May, Jun and Sep.

What is included?

Five hotel nights, two people sharing a room, Daily breakfast, Private airport transfers and transport for planned sightseeing, English-speaking guide on days 2–4, Park entry and cable car tickets for planned visits, Two lunches with a host and one canyon picnic, Farewell dinner.

What is not included?

International flights, Travel insurance, Entry documents or visa fees, if needed, Meals and drinks beyond those listed, Early check-in and late checkout, Personal spending and tips, Indian tax collected at source (TCS), if applicable.

Can the trip be changed?

Yes. A trip designer shapes the pace, stays and length with you before you book.

Make it yours.

Change the pace, the stays or the length. A trip designer shapes it with you, and we confirm the price for your dates.

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From ~US$841