We explored the wonders of Kazakhstan in 5 days. Beautiful landscapes, stunning lakes, rich culture, desert and canyons, sand dunes, welcoming people and marvelous architecture. Kazakhstan has it all.
Almaty, often regarded as the crown jewel of Kazakhstan, beckons visitors with its plethora of attractions. This bustling city boasts five national parks, showcasing breathtaking landscapes adorned with turquoise lakes, alongside ornate mosques and monuments that weave tales of its Soviet heritage.
We took a direct flight from Delhi to Almaty. Alternatively, one can also fly to Shymkent, another major city in Kazakhstan, and then travel to Almaty via train. However, we didn’t opt for that as Shymkent was not in our itinerary.
On our first day in Almaty, we chose to explore at a leisurely pace, eager to soak in the vibes of a new country and immerse ourselves in the local culture and cuisine. We delighted our taste buds with Kazakh national dishes and sampled the exquisite local wines that the region is renowned for. Later in the day, we embarked on a journey to the enchanting Issyk Lake, where the azure waters mirrored the surrounding beauty. Sitting by the lake, we watched the sun go down and felt the cool breeze on our faces while planning for the next day.
As the day came to a close, we sought out a budget-friendly accommodation option and found solace at the Wanderlust Boutique Hostel in the Medeu District, ready to rest and rejuvenate for the adventures that lay ahead. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at this hostel, where we cooked our own meals in their kitchen, engaged in conversations with fellow travelers from around the world, and eventually called it a night.
On Day 2, we embarked on a visual feast as we journeyed to one of the world’s most photogenic lakes—Big Almaty Lake. It had been on our bucket list for so long, and finally, we made it. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by something truly magical: a lake encircled by towering peaks reaching heights of over 4000 meters. Along the winding roads leading to the lake, we were treated to the sight of lush forests of Tien Shan fir-trees, creating an unforgettable backdrop against the azure sky. The view captivated us to such an extent that we found ourselves simply sitting on a nearby bench, completely mesmerized.
The presence of many horses around the lake added to the incredible experience, as we spent a significant amount of time just watching them amidst the awe-inspiring scenery. If you are planning a trip to Kazakhstan, this place is an absolute must-visit.
Our exploration continued with a thrilling ride on the Almaty Cable Car to Kok-Tobe, where we were astonished by the marvelous architecture of this beautiful city as we ascended in the cable car. Visiting in October, which is the peak autumn season in Kazakhstan, allowed us to witness all the beautiful hues of fall colors, making this cable car ride even more breathtaking.
As we ascended to the summit, we were greeted by panoramic views that stretched as far as the eye could see. The sight of the orange-hued sky blending with the majestic landscape, accompanied by a refreshing cool breeze, left us utterly mesmerized—a moment etched in our memories forever.
For our Day 3 adventure in Almaty, we embarked on an exhilarating private excursion to the renowned Medeu and Shymbulak ski resort. Our journey began with a visit to the world-famous Medeu skating rink, where we marveled at the impressive facility nestled amidst the breathtaking mountain landscape.
Next, we made our way to the popular Shymbulak ski resort, where we were treated to stunning views of the snow-covered peaks of Trans-Ili Alatau. Ascending high above the ground in a cable car, we were immersed in the picturesque beauty of the surroundings, a sight that left us in awe.
After a thrilling few hours exploring the ski resort, we indulged in some local delicacies to satisfy our appetites. To cap off our day, we made a stop at the iconic Zenkov Cathedral, admiring its grandeur and learning about its rich history—a perfect end to our unforgettable Almaty adventure.
Almaty truly stands out as a gem among cities, blessed with an extraordinary array of natural wonders. From majestic mountain ranges and sky-high peaks to dense coniferous forests, rugged rivers, and picturesque deserts, Almaty’s surroundings offer a diverse tapestry of landscapes waiting to be explored. With turquoise lakes and ancient canyons adding to its allure, Almaty is a paradise for nature lovers.
To fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the region, we opted for a private 2-day tour to the breathtaking Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, as well as the mesmerizing Charyn Canyon. The journey led us through a landscape straight out of a postcard, with each stop revealing a new facet of Kazakhstan’s natural splendor.
The essence of Kaindy Lake truly captivated us. Formed in 1911 by an earthquake that caused a landslide, this natural wonder submerged a forest of spruce trees, creating a 400-meter-long lake. Today, the dead spruce trees stand as ghostly reminders of the past, their top halves towering over the water like eerie ships’ masts or giant spears. It’s an extraordinary sight that must be seen to be believed and a definite must-visit when in Kazakhstan.
After our experience at Kaindy Lake, we proceeded to the beautiful Kolsai Lake, where we enjoyed boating and savored coffee against the mesmerizing backdrop. Those inclined for adventure can hike or go for a horseback ride to Kolsai 2, an experience that offers incredible views, albeit with a time commitment of 3-4 hours for horseback riding or 8-9 hours for hiking.
After a day of exploration, we were warmly welcomed in Saty village, a remote village where we had the privilege of experiencing Kazakh hospitality firsthand. Indulging in the flavors of Kazakh national cuisine, we savored an authentic taste of local culture, leaving us with cherished memories.
The next day, we woke up early, engaged in conversations with locals using Google Translate, and enjoyed a breakfast prepared by the villagers before heading to Charyn Canyon. En route, our taxi driver showed us some beautiful places. Upon arrival, we were immediately struck by the breathtaking beauty of Charyn Canyon.
Stretching 154km along the Charyn River, the canyon boasts stunning red sandstone formations sculpted over millions of years by wind, water, and sand. Some cliffs resemble fantastical figures, earning parts of the canyon monikers like the Valley of Castles, the Devil’s Gorge, and the Ghosts Gorge. After spending several hours admiring the surreal natural rock formations, we reluctantly departed for Almaty, our hearts full of memories from this unforgettable journey.
