🇰🇿 Kazakhstan 6 Days 5 Nights – An Unexpected Gem!

✈️ Day 1: Welcome to Almaty – Green City Vibes
We landed in Almaty, a surprisingly green and lively city surrounded by snow-capped mountains. After checking into our hotel, we strolled through Panfilov Park, admired the colorful Zenkov Cathedral, and got a taste of local life at the Green Bazaar.
Highlight: Trying fresh Kurt (dried cheese balls) and local horse sausage for the first time!
🏔️ Day 2: Sky High – Medeu & Shymbulak Adventure
We headed up into the mountains – first stop, Medeu, the world’s highest ice-skating rink. Then we took a scenic cable car up to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Even in summer, the views were spectacular!
Fun Moment: We sipped hot tea at 3,000m while watching snowboarders glide on the last bits of snow!
🏞️ Day 3: Charyn Canyon – Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon
A 3-hour drive led us to the jaw-dropping Charyn Canyon. It felt like stepping onto a movie set – orange cliffs, strange rock formations, and total silence. We hiked the Valley of Castles, soaked in the scale of it all, and snapped some of our favorite photos of the trip.
Highlight: Watching the sunset paint the canyon walls red and gold.
🧂 Day 4: Off the Grid – Salt Lake Serenity
We took a detour to a remote salt lake (Tuzkol or Kyzylkol) surrounded by mountains. The stillness and mirror-like reflection of the lake were surreal. No crowds, no noise – just nature.
Unforgettable Moment: Floating effortlessly in the saltwater under a wide, open sky. Pure peace.
🏞️ Day 5: Big Almaty Lake & Falcon Magic
Our last full day started with a visit to Big Almaty Lake – a glowing turquoise gem tucked in the mountains. On the way back, we caught a falconry show, showcasing Kazakhstan’s ancient hunting traditions.
Fun Fact: The lake is a protected water source, so no swimming – but the photos? Unreal.
💼 Day 6: Until Next Time, Kazakhstan!
With heavy hearts (and full memory cards), we did some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport. Kazakhstan totally exceeded expectations — it’s raw, real, and beautiful.
🌟 Final Thoughts:
Kazakhstan may not be on every traveler’s list — but it should be. Whether it's the canyon hikes, alpine lakes, or peaceful village moments, this country offers something you can’t find in typical tourist hotspots.
#almalty