Kazakhstan, the giant of Central Asia, is where snow-dusted Tian Shan peaks meet endless steppe and ultra-modern skylines. Once a vital artery on the Silk Road, it became a Soviet republic and emerged in 1991 as independent Kazakhstan—today known for hospitality, space-age cities, and wild, painterly landscapes. This 7-day itinerary focuses on two essential destinations: nature-forward Almaty and the capital, Astana, for a balanced taste of the country.

Expect big scenery: turquoise alpine lakes, red-rock canyons, and apple orchards that hint at a famous theory—apples likely originated here (the city name Almaty stems from “alma,” apple). In Astana, bold architecture tells the story of a young capital with global ambition: from Bayterek Tower’s folklore-inspired design to the glass pyramid and the Expo sphere. You’ll pair these sights with market snacking, cozy cafes, and hearty Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, kazy, and laghman.

Practical notes: Citizens of many countries can visit visa-free or via eVisa—check current requirements before booking. Weather swings widely (pack layers, sun protection, and a warm layer even in summer at altitude). Cards are widely accepted, though small cash is handy for markets and rural stops. Rideshares are common, and English is growing in tourist areas; Kazakh and Russian are widely spoken.

Almaty

Almaty sits at the foot of the Zailiysky Alatau, with cable cars, canyon day trips, and coffee culture at your fingertips. It’s a city of leafy avenues, Soviet mosaics, and mountain air—plus the world’s most famous high-altitude skating rink, Medeu. Don’t miss Kok-Tobe hill for dusk views and the city’s colorful Green Bazaar for tasting local life.

• Top highlights: Big Almaty Lake, Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, Kok-Tobe, Medeu & Shymbulak, Arbat pedestrian street, Central State Museum.
• Where to stay (handpicked):
  • Splurge: The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty (skyline views, direct link to Esentai Mall; superb service and spa).
  • Mid-range: Holiday Inn Almaty (reliable, central for city sights and Kok-Tobe cable car).
  • Budget/social: Sky Hostel Almaty (rooftop views, easygoing vibe).
  • Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Almaty | VRBO: Almaty
• Getting there: Fly into Almaty International (ALA). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Many travelers connect via Istanbul, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Frankfurt.

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty, hilltop views, and Kazakh comfort food

Afternoon: Land in Almaty and settle into your hotel. Stretch your legs along Panfilov Park’s shady paths, then admire the candy-colored, all-wooden Zenkov Cathedral—a Tsarist-era jewel that survived major earthquakes thanks to ingenious construction.

Evening: Ride the cable car up to Kok-Tobe for sunset over the city and Tian Shan foothills. There are casual kiosks and a Beatles statue for a fun photo. Dinner at Navat (a beloved local chain) for Kazakh classics—try beshbarmak (horse or beef, wide noodles), manty dumplings, and kymyz if you’re curious. Nightcap at Pinta (Kazakh craft beer) or a tea sampler at Coffeedelia near Dostyk—its cakes are a local favorite.

Day 2: Old Almaty, market bites, and museum time

Morning: Breakfast at Coffeedelia (order the shakshuka or syrniki pancakes). Walk to the Green Bazaar to sample dried apricots, kurt (salty cheese balls), and Aport apples in season; the nearby Rakhat chocolate store is great for gifts.

Afternoon: Explore Panfilov Park and the Eternal Flame memorial, then continue to the Central State Museum to trace Kazakhstan’s arc from Scythian gold to the space age. Coffee break at Bowler Coffee Roasters—their flat white and cardamom bun hit the spot.

Evening: Dine at Tyubeteika for Uzbek-style plov and samsa baked in a tandoor, or choose Line Brew for steaks and local beer in a wood-and-brick hall. Stroll Almaty’s Arbat (Zhibek Zholy) for street artists and buskers.

If you prefer a guided overview with transport and a local expert, consider this private city experience:

Private Almaty City Tour: Discover Landmarks and Culture

Day 3: Day trip—Charyn Canyon, Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes

Leave Almaty before sunrise for Kazakhstan’s most photogenic loop: the rust-red fissures of Charyn Canyon, the mirror-like Kolsai Lakes, and the surreal submerged forest of Kaindy Lake. Expect 9–14 hours total with scenic stops and short hikes; bring layers, sun protection, and cash for rural cafes. Typical small-group tours include hotel pickup and a picnic or lunch stop.

Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

Post-tour dinner back in Almaty near your hotel. If you’ve got the energy, order comforting laghman noodles at Navat or a late snack at Qaganat (a local cafeteria chain that’s quick and reliable).

Day 4: Big Almaty Lake and a mellow city evening

Morning: Head to the brilliant turquoise Big Almaty Lake at ~2,500 m—an icon an hour’s drive from town. Trails above the dam reward you with mountain panoramas; it can be chilly even in summer.

Big Almaty Lake - “azure eye of Alatau” Half-Day Tour

Afternoon: Return to town for lunch at Daredzhani (Georgian khachapuri, mtsvadi skewers, vibrant salads). Browse Kazakh designers around Panfilov Street or treat yourself to a hammam session at a local spa.

Evening: Take the Medeu–Shymbulak gondolas for soft sunset light on the peaks (if you didn’t do them on Day 2). Dinner at Alasha (a beloved Central Asian restaurant with live music in the evenings) or contemporary tasting plates at the Ritz’s Seven Bar & Restaurant. For dessert, look for honey-sweet chak-chak or bird’s milk cake.

Astana

Astana—Kazakhstan’s capital since 1997—sprang from steppe to skyline in a generation. The result: daring architecture by global stars, vast public spaces, and a cityscape that glows after dark. The futurist Expo sphere, Bayterek Tower, and the glass pyramid are the headliners, but the river promenade and parks soften the geometry.

• Top highlights: Bayterek Tower, Nur Alem (Expo sphere), Khan Shatyr, Hazrat Sultan Mosque, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, National Museum, Ishim River embankment.
• Where to stay: Compare central hotels near the Left Bank (for easy access to major sights) on Hotels.com: Astana or find apartments with river views on VRBO: Astana.
• Getting from Almaty to Astana: Fly 1 h 30 m (usually $45–120 one-way) via Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Prefer the rails? The overnight train takes ~12–13 hours; compare on Trip.com trains (roughly $20–70 depending on seat/berth).

Day 5: Morning travel to Astana, first look at the capital

Morning: Fly from Almaty to Astana. Aim for a departure around 9:00 and you’ll be checked in by lunch. Grab coffee at P.Lab Coffee or One More Coffee near the Left Bank.

Afternoon: Start at Bayterek Tower for the city’s best panorama and a primer on the Samruk bird legend. Walk Nurzhol Boulevard toward the Ak Orda presidential residence to appreciate the capital’s monumental urban plan.

Evening: Explore Khan Shatyr, the Foster + Partners tent-like shopping and leisure center—its top-level “beach” is a local curiosity. Dinner at Qazaq Gourmet for refined takes on national dishes (book ahead) or Line Brew Astana for hearty fare in a castle-styled interior. End with a stroll along the illuminated river embankment.

Day 6: Astana architecture, museums, and mosque

Morning: Breakfast on syrniki and strong coffee at One More Coffee. Visit the immense Hazrat Sultan Mosque and the nearby Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (the glass pyramid) for striking geometry and city views.

Afternoon: Tour the National Museum of Kazakhstan to see the Golden Man treasures and sweeping historical galleries. Later, head out to the Nur Alem Expo sphere—now the Museum of Future Energy—for hands-on exhibits inside the globe.

Evening: Dinner at Rumi (Central Asian favorites with a modern touch) or a contemporary bistro near the Expo complex. Consider a night photo-walk—Astana’s skyline shines after dark.

Prefer a curated overview with a driver-guide and lunch included? Book this highly rated full-day:

Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup

Day 7: Slow morning and departure

Morning: Pick up last-minute souvenirs—embroidered skullcaps (tyubeteika), felt ornaments, or local honey. Brunch at P.Lab Coffee or a casual spot in Khan Shatyr’s food court if you want options for everyone.

Afternoon: Depart from NQZ (Astana) for your onward flight. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. If you have a late departure, consider a quick spa or a final riverside walk.

Optional upgrades and swaps

• Medeu, Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe in one go: If you’d like a guided, transport-included day that strings these together with city highlights, this option is efficient:
  Almaty city tour and Medeu-Shymbulak-Koktobe-Green Bazar

  

• Ethno-experience: Swap Day 4 afternoon for a nomad-culture immersion with archery, horse games, and craft demos at a mountain ethno-village:
  Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle at “The Huns” Ethno-village

  

Eating and drinking cheat sheet (both cities)

• Kazakh must-tries: Beshbarmak (noodles with meat), kazy (horsemeat sausage), shashlik skewers, laghman (hand-pulled noodles), manty (dumplings), baursak (fried dough), and kumys (fermented mare’s milk).
• Cafes to remember: Coffeedelia and Bowler (Almaty); P.Lab Coffee and One More Coffee (Astana).
• Easy local chains: Navat (Kazakh/Central Asian); Qaganat (budget-friendly cafeteria for quick lunches).

With seven days, you’ll taste two Kazakh identities: Almaty’s mountain-scented, cafè-hopping lifestyle and Astana’s sleek, modern confidence. From canyon rims to the Expo sphere, you’ll carry home big landscapes, bigger architecture, and generous hospitality—plus a new appreciation for apples and the steppe.