Almaty: in Its Autumn Glory

Almaty, formerly known as Alma-Ata, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau, has always been among the more appealing Russian creations in Central Asia. It is a lovely, leafy city that looks more at home in Central Europe than in Central Asia, with museums, cafes, and nightlife. Kazakhstan's second city (and former capital) serves as an excellent entry point into Kazakhstan. Almaty, with its spectacular architecture, thriving food scene, and odd idiosyncrasies, is an excellent introduction to Kazakhstan. The highlight of this journey, however, is not the city itself, but rather the natural beauty that surround it. 

The breathtaking surroundings will grab your imagination. The diverse terrain provides some wonderfully different vistas. It has snow-covered mountains, alpine lakes, scorching deserts, dense coniferous woods, beautifully painted canyons, and boundless steppes. The majesty and magnificence of Kazakhstan's natural, untamed settings will astonish you on this one-week exploration. Join us and explore Almaty, like a local!

Day 1 | Arrive in Almaty 

• Arrival at the Almaty Airport and transfer to our hotel in Almaty, a beautiful city encircled by the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains. 
• Visit the Central Mosque and the Republic Square. 
• Take a cable car to reach the Kok Tobe Hill and take in the stunning views while savoring the local delicacies at cafes and restaurants.

Day 2 | Shymbulak + Almaty City Tour

•  Explore Medeu Ice Skating Rink, the world's largest alpine skating rink
• Take a cable car ride to Shymbulak Ski Resort located in the picturesque Trans-Ili Alatau mountains
• Do a plenty of activities like ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, quad bike ride and other activities.
• Visit the Panfilov Park to see Zenkov Cathedral, which is the most well-known landmark in Almaty.  
• Visit the impressive Soviet Glory Memorial 

Day 3 | Charyn Canyon - Kolsai Lakes

• Visit Charyn Canyon, a breathtaking natural wonder located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty. 
• Hike by the gorge to see the Valley of Castles, the most stunning location in the canyon, will allow us to see the fascinating red sandstone cliffs that time and the wind, two eternal elements of nature, have carved out of the earth. 
• Visit Moon Canyon, a hidden gem with surreal, colorful cliffs perfect for photography. 
• Later drive to the pristine Kolsai Lakes, often called the “Blue Necklace of the Tien Shan.” These alpine lakes are so clear they mirror the sky (and possibly your soul). We’ll hike around the Lower Kolsai Lake, surrounded by pine-covered slopes, 
• Relish a traditional Kazakh dinner and spend the night in one of the authentic guesthouses in Saty village.

Day 4 | Kaindy Lake - Almaty

• Visit the mysterious Kaindy Lake, formed as the result of a huge landslide after a powerful earthquake in 1911. 
• On our way back to Almaty, consider a brief visit to the Black Canyon 
• Return to Almaty and explore Arbat Street, a pedestrian-friendly shopping street in Almaty

Day 5 | Almaty Exploration

• Time to slow things down and explore Almaty’s local flavor. 
• First stop: Green Bazaar, where locals shop for everything - spices, dry fruits, camel milk, local sweets, souvenirs, etc. 
• Head to the iconic Rakhat Chocolate Factory store - stock up on Kazakh chocolates and candies (they make great souvenirs and bribes for your future self). 
• Take a ride on the Almaty Metro, one of the most beautiful underground networks you'll ever ride. With its gleaming marble, dramatic chandeliers, and Soviet-inspired architecture, each station feels like an art museum with trains passing through.  

Day 6 | Bid Adieu!

• Today we check-out of the hotel after breakfast & transfer to the airport. It’s time to bid goodbye to your co-travelers. Take the return flight with a bagful of sweet memories!!!  

BONUS: We also take you to hidden gems known only to the locals, which we have intentionally kept off our itinerary to preserve their charm and authenticity. 

To ensure you get the most out of your trip, why not come with us to Kyrgyzstan? ASK FOR DETAILS 

Start Date: October 19, 2025 (Sunday)

End Date: October 24, 2025 (Friday)

• Pick-up/Drop-off at Almaty International Airport  (IATA: ALA, ICAO: UAAA)
• Arrive no later than 10 A.M. on Day 1.  Depart after 3 P.M. on Day 6. 
• It is recommended that you arrive a day ahead of time. 
• We will notify you of the airport pick-up/drop-off times later.

INR 52000 per person (for a single traveler)

INR 51000 per person (for two or more traveling together)

INR 51000 per person (for those travelled with us before)

Pay INR 10000 to Book Now. Balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date. 

• These rates are for Indian Nationals only.
• Group Size: Minimum of 8 participants - Maximum of 18 participants (+) WANDERING SARATHY as your Tour Captain (if 8 or more participants join the trip). Please make sure that the trip has reached the minimum number of participants before you reserve your flight ticket.
• Even a single member can join this trip. If you're a single-member traveling alone, you'll be assigned to a room with another member of the same gender.
• Suitable for members between the age group of 18-55 years. Generally, we majorly have participants between 18-35 years.
• A stay at an additional cost may be arranged if you're arriving or departing a day earlier or later.

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation on double/twin sharing basis (3* Hotels/Aparthotels) for 4 nights in Almaty.
• Simple homestay/guesthouse stay in Saty village (double/twin//triple sharing) for one night.
• 5 Breakfast, 1 Lunch (Day 4), 1 Dinner (Day 3) (set menu). 
• All transfers and sightseeing by mini-van/car.
• Entry Fees for the monuments mentioned in the itinerary
• Cable car tickets to Kok Tobe and Shymbulak
• Tons of local experiences
• 4x4 ride to Kaindy Lake. Jeep ride in Charyn Canyon/Kolsai Lake for those who can’t hike.
• English Speaking Local Guide, wherever required
• Services of WANDERING SARATHY, the trip captain who acts as a facilitator and a storyteller

EXCLUSIONS

• International flight tickets 
• Travel Insurance 
• Lunch/Dinner other than mentioned in Inclusions (Vegetarian options available as well) 
• Snacks/Beverages. 
• GST at 5% + TCS as applicable
• Any taxes/charges the local Government may levy, in future
• Early check in and late check out
• Activities like snowboarding, skiing, ATV ride, boating, pony-ride, etc.
• Additional costs arising due to mishaps, political unrest, natural calamities like – landslides, road blockage, etc. In such a case, extras will have to be paid on the spot by the participants directly.
• Personal expenses such as tips, laundry, bottled water, soft drinks, incidentals, porter, medicines, etc.
• Any item not specified in the ‘Inclusions’

• Secure Your Spot: Confirm your participation by paying INR 20000 to book your seat. The balance to be paid 45 days before the trip start date.
• Payment Options:
  • Write to us at unusualescapes@gmail.com for bank transfer details.
  • Pay via Google Pay at UPI ID: unusualescapes@aubank
• Spot Confirmation: Your spot will be confirmed once the booking fee is received.
• Replacement: If you find someone to replace you, there will be NO cancellation charges. In such cases, we’ll refund your full amount, including the booking fee. 
• Note: Booking fee is non-refundable unless replaced.