Visa-free Kazakhstan, I admit you've got something special

[6 Days and 5 Nights Deep Tour in Kazakhstan] Unlock the Secrets of Central Asia! A Visual Feast from Snow Mountains to Deserts

Hey everyone! I just got back from Kazakhstan, and this visa-free treasure of a country has truly amazed me! 🏔️ From the Alps-like snow mountains to the Mars-like red deserts, and prices so low they're touching (a cup of coffee is only 8 RMB!), today I'm offering you this freshly baked guide with both hands, to take you around this mysterious Central Asian country~

✈️ [Transportation Guide]
▪️ Airplane: Direct flights from Beijing/Urumqi to Almaty (3.5 hrs)
▪️ Domestic Transportation: Recommended Yandex taxi (cheaper than taxis)
▪️ Intercity Transportation: High-speed rail/airplane are both convenient (Astana-Almaty high-speed rail 5 hrs)
▪️ Must-have APP: Yandex Maps + Translate

🏔️ [DAY1: First Impression of Almaty]
🕘 9:00 Ascension Cathedral
The second tallest wooden church in the world! The candy-colored exterior is super dreamy, and the murals inside are breathtaking~ The morning light is best for taking pictures

🕛 12:00 Green Bazaar
Super local market! Must-eat in the food area on the second floor:
▪️ Shashlik (charcoal grilled lamb skewers)
▪️ Baursak (Kazakh fried dough)

🕒 15:00 Kok-Tobe Hill
Take the cable car up the mountain to overlook the whole city! The rainbow chair and Beatles sculpture on the top of the mountain are popular spots for taking photos, and it's so beautiful at sunset that you'll cry

🍖 Dinner Recommendations:
▪️ Navat (traditional Kazakh restaurant, the horse sausage platter is amazing)
▪️ Auyl (tent restaurant to experience nomadic culture)

🏜️ [DAY2: Shymbulak Ski Resort]
🕗 8:00 Medeu Ice Rink
The highest ice rink in the world! You can play even in summer, and the snow mountain in the background is super stunning

🕐 13:00 Shymbulak Ski Resort
The most luxurious ski resort in Central Asia! In summer, you can take the cable car to see the snow mountain, and you must try the plov in the restaurant on the top of the mountain

🌃 19:00 Arbat Pedestrian Street
Almaty's "Champs Elysées"! There are street performances at night, remember to bargain when buying souvenirs (recommended Kazakh felt hats)

🔥 [DAY3: Kapchagay Canyon]
🕘 9:00 Charyn Canyon
Mini version of the Grand Canyon! The red canyon is super photogenic, remember to wear non-slip shoes to walk the Moon Valley trail

🕑 14:00 Kolsai Lakes
The "Pearl of the Tian Shan Mountains" lives up to its name! The three alpine lakes are like sapphires, and the lakeside is full of wildflowers in July-August

🍵 Dinner Recommendations:
▪️ Gakku (horse meat specialty restaurant)
▪️ Coffeedelia (popular industrial style coffee shop)

🚞 [DAY4: Modern Journey of Astana]
🕗 8:00 Khan Shatyr
The largest tent building in the world! Inside is a shopping center, and the top floor has an indoor roller coaster and artificial beach

🕛 12:00 Hazrat Sultan Mosque
The most beautiful mosque in Central Asia! The blue and gold dome shines in the sun, girls should wear robes to enter

🕠 17:00 Bayterek Tower
The 91-meter-high "Christmas tree" building, you can see the panoramic view of the city when you climb to the top, and the light show at night is super stunning

🍴 Dinner Recommendations:
▪️ Astana Grill (high-end steakhouse)
▪️ Line Brew (craft beer + German sausage)

🏕️ [DAY5: Burabay National Park]
🕘 9:00 Lake Burabay
"Kazakh Switzerland"! You can ride horses around the lake, and the wooden houses by the lake are super fairytale-like for taking pictures

🕑 14:00 Mount Okzhetpes
It's super exciting to take the cable car to the top! The "Lonely Piano" on the top of the mountain is a popular spot for taking photos on Instagram

🌌 [DAY6: Altyn-Emel National Park]
🕗 8:00 Red Mountains
It's like landing on Mars! It's beautiful to wear a white or black dress for taking pictures, it is recommended to rent an off-road vehicle for in-depth exploration

🕛 12:00 Singing Dune
Mysterious sand dunes that can "sing"! You can hear a roar when you slide down from a high place, it's super magical

🔥 [Must-Play List TOP5]
1️⃣ Charyn Canyon (red canyon blockbuster)
2️⃣ Kolsai Lakes (sapphires of the Tianshan Mountains)
3️⃣ Khan Shatyr (futuristic architectural miracle)
4️⃣ Lake Burabay (Little Switzerland of Central Asia)
5️⃣ Red Mountains (Martian surface experience)

💡 [Precautions]
▪️ Visa-free for 30 days, but pay attention to the passport validity period ⌚️
▪️ The temperature difference between day and night is large in September, so bring a coat 🧥
▪️ It is recommended to exchange currency in the city (the exchange rate at the airport is poor) 💰
▪️ Prepare some small change (tipping culture) 💰
▪️ Respect local religious customs ⛪️

Sitting by Kolsai Lake watching the reflection of the snow mountain, I suddenly understood why the Kazakhs say this is "God's back garden". Here, there is both the boldness of the nomadic people and the avant-garde sense of the future. You can encounter unexpected things every time you turn a corner!