Winter Wonders of Almaty

• Get pumped as you head to Delhi airport to catch your flight! Your adventure is about to begin!
• Touch down at Almaty airport late night!

• Arrive in Almaty in the early morning (12:35 AM) and head to the hotel to rest up. After settling in, we'll head for lunch(self-paid). Then, dive into an Almaty city tour, exploring iconic sites like Republic Square, Abay Square, Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, and the lively Arbat Street (as time permits).
  As evening approaches, we’ll wrap up with dinner (self-paid). Options include:
  • Navat Restaurant - A well-known Kazakh restaurant celebrated for its warm ambiance and authentic Central Asian cuisine.
  • Daredzhani - Renowned for its authentic Georgian cuisine.

  Also consider trying Uzbeki cuisine.
  Enjoy a relaxed night, either venturing out on your own or unwinding back at the hotel.

• Early rise! Get ready for an exciting day of exploration.
  Hit the road towards Saty village, passing by breathtaking landscapes.
  • Kolsai Lake Adventure – Arrive at one of Kazakhstan's most stunning lakes. Stretch your legs and explore this serene paradise.
  • Lunch (self-paid) at a cozy café in the village, enjoying some local flavors.
  • Onward to the magnificent Charyn Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia." Enjoy an easy hike along the canyon’s trails, capturing unique rock formations and panoramic views.

Drive back to the city after a day filled with nature’s wonders.

Prepare for a breathtaking day of mountains and adventure!

• • Shymbulak Ski Resort – Begin your mountain escape here, where you can ski, snowboard, or just enjoy the snowy peaks and fresh alpine air. The area has cafes with incredible mountain views, perfect for warming up between activities.
  • Lunch – Refuel at a cozy local restaurant nearby (self-paid).
  • Koktobe Hill – After lunch, take a cable car up Koktobe Hill, famous for its panoramic views of Almaty. Explore the small zoo, enjoy a few amusement rides, or simply stroll through the park, making the most of the winter scenery.
  • Dinner – Wind down with a delicious meal at a nearby restaurant (self-paid).

Morning at leisure – Start the day at a relaxed pace, preparing for another adventure ahead.

• • Almarasan Gorge Escape – Head to the gorge for a refreshing hike amidst beautiful, rugged terrain. Traverse a scenic path through trees and stones, with a mild climb. Visit the Almarasan hot baths if you'd like a warm soak (bring towels and essentials).
  • Lunch at a local restaurant (self-paid).
  • Shopping Spree – Dive into Almaty’s Green Bazaar, Rakhat chocolate Factory and Mega Mall, where you can browse for unique souvenirs, local delicacies, and handcrafted items. This is the perfect chance to immerse in local flavors and take home a piece of Almaty.
  • You can later explore Arbat Street, which comes alive in the evening with illuminated cafes, street performers, and bustling local vendors.
    You can also plan a visit to casinos (around 1 hour drive from Almaty) (open till 5 AM) or explore nightlife with a bar crawl in Almaty.

• Checkout from the hotel at 12:00 Noon. Submit your luggage at the hotel and enjoy the day exploring at your leisure.
• Recommendations include:
  • Relaxing at Arasan Baths, a luxurious traditional bathhouse offering a blend of Turkish, Russian, and Finnish saunas.
  • Visiting modern malls for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Visit and chill at local cafes worth trying.
• As the day winds down, gather your group for a final meal together(self paid), sharing stories and laughter over your favourite dishes. 
• 10:00 PM: Leave the hotel for a smooth transfer to the airport for your late-night flight, bidding farewell to this unforgettable journey and the beautiful memories you've created together.

Upon arrival at the airport, reflect on the incredible adventures you’ve shared with Wandering Souls. As you check in for your 1:30 AM flight, feel the excitement of the experiences that brought you all together.

Before boarding, gather with your group for one last hurrah. Capturing the last group photo to remember the bonds.

As you board your flight, exchange contact information with your newfound friends, ensuring you stay connected and keep the spirit of your adventure alive.

While you're heading back to India, remember that this isn’t goodbye—it's just the beginning. You’ll be back to explore more adventures with Wandering Souls in the future!

Though you’re leaving Almaty, know that a piece of your heart will remain here, and you can’t wait to return for more unforgettable journeys. Until next time, friends!