Days D1–D4: Almaty and surroundings → Day D5: Flight to Astana → Days D6–D7: Astana. The flight between Almaty and Astana takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. An overnight train is also an option, but it takes nearly 20 hours — fly if you’re short on time.
Upon arrival in Almaty, take time to adjust: visit Panfilov Park and the Zenkov Cathedral (one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world) → explore Green Bazaar for a taste of local life → stroll along Arbat Pedestrian Street → in the evening, take a cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city and sunset over the mountains.
In the morning, head to Big Almaty Lake, known for its emerald-green waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. In the afternoon, visit Medeu Alpine Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort. In summer, enjoy cable car rides for stunning vistas, while in winter, it’s a top skiing destination. The journey is a day trip via mountainous roads.
Charyn Canyon is about 200 km from Almaty, a 3-hour drive. The red sandstone has been eroded into unique formations such as the Valley of Castles and Black Canyon. Hiking and photography can easily fill half a day. It’s recommended to join a local day tour or hire a private car, returning in time for the canyon sunset.
This is an early-start day trip: first hike around the Kolsai Lakes, then visit Kaindy Lake to see its submerged spruce trees — their trunks rise straight out of the water, creating an “underwater forest,” one of Kazakhstan’s most photogenic spots. The mountain road is bumpy, so wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
Fly to Astana in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Bayterek Observation Tower (go up for views of the new city) → Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center (the world’s largest tent-shaped structure, featuring shopping and an indoor beach) → take an evening walk along Nurzhol Boulevard to admire the opera house and illuminated cityscape.
See the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation (pyramid-shaped) → Hazrat Sultan Mosque (one of Central Asia’s largest mosques) → the National Museum of Kazakhstan → and the Tree of Life Square with the Independence Palace. Experience the futuristic architecture of the capital in one day.
The 2017 Astana Expo site is now home to the Future Energy Museum and the Nur Alem sphere building. Take the elevator to the top for views. Spend the afternoon at Independence Square and city shopping malls before heading to the airport.