Explore Almaty, Kazakhstan: A complete guide

Prantick_Santra
Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:15:37 +0000
Travel with Niyo

One-Day Almaty Itinerary

Almaty offers a unique blend of stunning natural landscapes like the Tien Shan Mountains, rich cultural heritage (blend of Central Asian and Russian influences) with its museums and historical sites, and vibrant street life, making it an exciting destination for Indian travellers. The city’s relatively close proximity, affordable travel costs, and no visa requirement for 14 days, make it an attractive option for a quick international getaway.

Budget Estimate:

Total budget: ~ Rs. 4500/- (Including stay, food, tourist attractions, entry fees)

Morning

1. Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

Time: 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Activities:

Visit this stunning wooden Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park.

Entry Fee: Free

2. Breakfast - Kaganat Café

Time: 8:45 AM - 9:15 AM

Location: Various locations around Almaty

Food: Traditional Kazakh breakfast options.

Cost: ~1,500 KZT ($3.25 USD)

Tips: Prepare at your hostel kitchen and save money.

3. Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)

Time: 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Activities:

Explore the bustling market for local produce, dried fruits, nuts, and souvenirs.

Cost: Depends on purchases; typically ~$5-10 USD for snacks or small souvenirs.

Mid-Morning

4. Almaty Central Mosque

Time: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Activities:

Visit one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan, known for its beautiful architecture.

Entry Fee: Free

5. Almaty Central Park

Time: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM

Activities:

Walk through this large park, which is home to various attractions like a boating lake and amusement park.

Entry Fee: Free (attractions within the park may have fees)

6. Raxat Chocolate Factory Shop

Time: 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM

Activities:

Visit the factory shop to buy some of the famous Raxat chocolates, a popular local treat.

Cost: Depends on your purchases; budget ~2,000 KZT for a selection.

Lunch

7. Dungan House

Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Near Panfilov Park

Food: Dungan cuisine (Central Asian influenced by Chinese).

Cost: ~3,500 KZT ($7.50 USD)

Tips: Visit Kaganat Café for cheap options

Afternoon

8. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Activities:

Discover the history and culture of Kazakhstan through various exhibits.

Entry Fee: ~500 KZT ($1 USD)

9. Republic Square

Time: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Activities:

Visit the square, see the Independence Monument, and walk around the area.

Cost: Free

Evening

10. Kok Tobe Hill (For Sunset)

Time: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Activities:

Take a cable car ride up to Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy the sunset and explore the hill’s attractions.

Cable Car Fee: ~5,000 KZT round trip

Note: The sunset usually happens between 6:30-7:00 PM, depending on the season.

11. Walk along Almaty’s Arbat (Zhibek Zholy Street)

Time: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Activities:

Enjoy a leisurely walk, admire the street art, and explore local shops and cafes under the evening lights.

Cost: Free, unless you buy something.

Night

12. Dinner - Kazakh Traditional Restaurant

Time: 8:45 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Rumi or Gakku Restaurant (serving traditional Kazakh dishes).

Food: Try Beshbarmak (Kazakhstan’s national dish), Kazy, and Shashlik.

Cost: ~5,000-7,000 KZT ($10-15 USD)

Accommodation

13. Budget Stay – Air BnB or Bagpackers Hostel

Location: Try to choose near the centre of Almaty

Cost: ~5,000-7,000 KZT/night for a dorm bed.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, communal kitchen.

Currency Exchange

14. Currency Conversion Options

Locations:

ATM: Carry international Debit or Credit Card provided by companies like Niyo and withdrawal local currency from ATM.

Almaty International Airport: Several currency exchange counters.

City Center: Kaspi Bank, Halyk Bank, or exchange offices along Arbat.

Tips: Banks generally offer better rates, but exchange offices are convenient. Always check rates before exchanging.

Must-Do Highlights:

Visit the Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park.

Explore the Green Bazaar and Raxat Chocolate Factory for local flavors.

Take the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for sunset views over the city.

Enjoy an evening walk along Arbat Street.

Total Estimated Cost:

Food & Drinks: ~10,000 KZT

Entry Fees & Cable Car: ~7,500 KZT

Accommodation: ~6,000 KZT

Transportation (Optional Taxi/Bus Rides): ~2,000 KZT; Download Yandex Map and check the live location of Buses. Almaty offers fixed bus fare 200 KZT and fixed metro fare 100 KZT.

Total: ~25,500 KZT around Rs 4500/- INR

I hope this post will be helpful to enjoy Almaty’s stunning mountain views, vibrant bazaars, and rich cultural heritage, which offers a perfect blend of nature and city life. From scenic cable car rides to bustling street markets, Almaty is a captivating gateway to Kazakhstan’s beauty and culture. To create more post like this click on this: a perfect guide created by @Zahid_Niyo.
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Happy Travelling and Happy Reading..

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