Hi all
Has anyone been to Almaty Kazakhstan?
I’m planning to go there in the coming May.
Any insights would be appreciated!
Regards,
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Hey @atharvapurohit !
My tips for Kazakhstan:
1. Accommodation: Book your hotel through Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb. Hostels are also a very affordable option.
2. Transportation:
• Download Yandex Go for cab services.
• Use Yandex Map for navigation, which even provides live bus locations and allows you to search for bus routes by entering your destination.
3. Food:
• Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food options are available, though vegetarian choices are less common.
• If your accommodation offers cooking facilities, consider buying groceries from a local supermarket.
4. Shopping:
• Bargain when shopping at local markets.
• Visit the Lotte chocolate factory outlet for affordable treats.
• Purchase local halwa, a delicious sweet made with dry fruits that will keep you full for a longer time.
5. Local Specialties:
• Try the local bread and fresh fruits for an authentic taste of Kazakhstan.
6. Public Transport:
• City bus fare is 200 tenge, regardless of distance.
• Metro fare is 100 tenge, also irrespective of distance.
Last and important tip would be, as may is far, dont forget to bookmark my reply 
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To add to this:
#City bus fare is actually 120/- but usually small coins aren’t around much so give 150/- but don’t expect change back.
#Download 2GIS app which would help you check routes and bus numbers (plus where to get down on the map)
#for vegetarians - easily found in 24/7 food places: Buckwheat, potato, tomato salad and some veggies.
#dry fruits (walnuts, pistas) cheaper in Uzbekistan than Kazakhstan 
. Almonds - same price as on Amazon India
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Hey @atharvapurohit!
I see you’ve already got some great tips from our TRAVEL GURUS @Vandy, @Prantick_Santra 
so just adding a few more insights:
Weather Prep🥶 :
May can still be a little chilly, especially at night or in the mountains, so be sure to pack a light jacket and layers. Comfortable shoes are a must for hiking or visiting the lakes.
Day Trips🌄:
If you’re into nature, Charyn Canyon is a must-see. It’s about 3 hours from Almaty and offers stunning views. Another great day trip is Kolsai Lake, it’s beautiful for trekking and just soaking in the serenity.
Cultural Experience🎶:
-
Kazakh Banya (sauna) is a popular local tradition and a great way to relax after a day of exploring.
-
Keep an eye out for traditional Kazakh folk dance or music performances—they’re a fantastic way to experience the local culture.
Hope these additional tips help you plan an amazing trip to Almaty! Cheers!🙌
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++ Kaindy lake - was snowing when I went there on Oct 16th 
& this was Kolsay lake (couldn’t really see it due to too much snow) on Oct 16th
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Hello All,
Sharing another version of Kazakhstan travel itinerary tailored for Indian travellers, covering major attractions, food options, and cultural experiences.
7-Day Kazakhstan Itinerary for Indian Travellers
Arrival in Kazakhstan
- Visa: Indians can avail an e-visa or visa on arrival (check latest rules). Niyo also provides international visa services, you can check them here.
- Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) – Carry USD for easy exchange.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather.
Day 1: Almaty – The Cultural Capital
Stay: Almaty city center (near Dostyk Plaza or Abay Avenue)
- Morning:
- Arrive at Almaty International Airport
- Visit Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
- Explore the Kazakh Museum of Folk Instruments
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a scenic cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill for a panoramic city view
- Stroll along Arbat Street for shopping
- Evening:
- Try Indian food at “Spice Mantra” or “Govinda’s”
- Enjoy Almaty’s nightlife at Sky Bar or a relaxed evening at Shymbulak Ski Resort
Day 2: Big Almaty Lake & Medeu
Stay: Almaty
- Morning:
- Drive to Big Almaty Lake (1-hour from the city) – A stunning mountain lake
- Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink (one of the highest in the world)
- Afternoon:
- Take the cable car to Shymbulak for breathtaking mountain views
- Have lunch at Nedelka Cafe (vegetarian options available)
- Evening:
- Explore Green Bazaar – Great for Kazakh souvenirs & dry fruits
- Try authentic Kazakh cuisine at Navat (vegetarian-friendly)
Day 3: Charyn Canyon & Kolsai Lakes (Day Trip)
Stay: Almaty
- Morning:
- Take a road trip to Charyn Canyon (~3.5 hours from Almaty) – Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon
- Hike along the “Valley of Castles”
- Afternoon:
- Continue to Kolsai Lake 1 (optional boat ride)
- Picnic by the lake
- Evening:
- Return to Almaty & relax at Arasan Baths (Traditional Kazakh Spa)
- Dinner at Tandoor Indian Restaurant
Day 4: Almaty to Astana (Nur-Sultan) – The Futuristic Capital
Stay: Astana city center
- Morning:
- Take a morning flight to Astana (1.5 hours)
- Visit Baiterek Tower (360° city view)
- Afternoon:
- Explore Khan Shatyr Mall (giant tent-shaped shopping center)
- Have lunch at Dosa Plaza (for Indian vegetarian options)
- Evening:
- Stroll along Nur-Alem Expo 2017 Pavilion
- Dinner at Taj Indian Restaurant
Day 5: Astana City Tour & Ishim River
Stay: Astana
- Morning:
- Visit the Palace of Peace & Reconciliation (pyramid-shaped cultural center)
- Explore Hazrat Sultan Mosque – The largest in Central Asia
- Afternoon:
- Take a boat ride on Ishim River
- Visit Atameken Map of Kazakhstan (outdoor museum)
- Evening:
- Shop for souvenirs at Mega Silk Way Mall
- Try local Kazakh sweets like Chak-Chak
Day 6: Turkestan – The Spiritual Heart of Kazakhstan
Stay: Turkestan or return to Astana
- Morning:
- Take a bullet train (4 hours) or flight to Turkestan
- Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi (UNESCO site)
- Afternoon:
- Explore the ancient Otrar Ruins
- Lunch at local café with vegetarian options
- Evening:
- Return to Astana or stay overnight in Turkestan
Day 7: Departure or Relaxing Day
- Option 1: Depart from Astana Airport
- Option 2: Fly back to Almaty for shopping and last-minute sightseeing
Additional Tips for Indian Travelers
Food: Almaty & Astana have many Indian restaurants, but for local food, try Laghman (noodle dish) & Baursak (fried bread).
Transport: Use Yandex Taxi (like Uber) or Metro in Almaty.
Connectivity: Get a Beeline or Kcell SIM card at the airport.
Budget: Mid-range travelers can expect ₹5,000-₹8,000 per day per person.
Language: Russian & Kazakh are widely spoken, so use Google Translate.
Would you like a customized itinerary based on specific interests (nature, adventure, culture, luxury)? 
PS- If you need more information regarding money, payment while travelling to Kazakhstan, check out the money manual here.
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In this i would like to add Alma Arasan, its a beautiful trail. Check the details here.
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