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.
