13-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Classic Route in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a land of massive proportions, offering families a unique mix of high-tech cities and untouched wilderness. This 13-day itinerary focuses on the 'Classic Route,' taking you from the leafy, European-style streets of Almaty to the futuristic architecture of Astana, and finally the spiritual heart of the Silk Road in Turkestan. We’ve prioritized comfort, choosing accessible locations and reliable transport to ensure a stress-free experience for those traveling with children.
Our journey is designed with a relaxed pace in mind. You won't find grueling 10-hour hikes here; instead, we focus on cable cars, wide boulevards, and high-speed trains. With an average daily budget of $32.50, you'll find Kazakhstan offers incredible value, allowing your family to enjoy world-class museums and hearty Central Asian cuisine without breaking the bank.
Day 1: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Arrival & Leafy Lanes
Arrival at Almaty International Airport
Clear customs and take a pre-booked transfer to your hotel in the city center. Almaty is very green and welcoming for first-time visitors.
Lunch at a Local 'Stolovaya'
Enjoy a budget-friendly and quick lunch at a local canteen like Kaganat, where kids can pick exactly what they want from a visual buffet.
Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral
Walk through this lush park to see the colorful, nail-less wooden cathedral. The paths are wide and perfectly stroller-accessible.
Arbat Pedestrian Street
End your day with a stroll along Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street. Enjoy local street performers and dozens of family-friendly cafes.
Day 2: Almaty, Kazakhstan - View from the Top
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazar)
Explore the vibrant local market. It is organized and clean, making it easy to navigate with kids while sampling local cheeses and chocolates.
Family Picnic at Central Park
Pick up fresh bread and fruit from the market and head to Central Park (Gorky Park) for a relaxed outdoor lunch near the ponds.
Kok-Tobe Hill Cable Car
Ride the cable car from the city center to the top of Kok-Tobe. There is a small zoo, a playground, and the iconic Beatles statue at the top.
Dinner at Kok-Tobe
Enjoy dinner with a sunset view over the city before taking the cable car back down.
Day 3: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Garden Relaxation
First President's Park
Spend a slow morning in this massive, beautifully manicured park. It features a giant fountain show and wide paved paths for easy walking.
Shashlik Lunch
Head to a nearby grill house for traditional Shashlik (kebabs). Most local restaurants have high chairs and kid-friendly sides like fresh bread.
Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
Located back in Panfilov Park, this museum is small enough to keep children's attention and features interactive displays.
Evening at Almaty Metro
Take a quick ride on the Almaty Metro. The stations are like underground palaces—clean, safe, and fascinating for children.
Day 4: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Into the Clouds
Medeu High-Mountain Ice Rink
Take the #12 bus or a taxi to Medeu. Even if you don't skate, the crisp air and massive dam provide a scenic morning out.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Take the scenic gondola from Medeu to Shymbulak. The ride is stable and enclosed, offering stunning views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
Lunch in the Mountains
Dine at one of the alpine-style cafes at Shymbulak. There are many indoor options if the mountain air gets too chilly for the little ones.
Relaxing Evening
Head back to the city for a quiet evening. Consider visiting a local 'Detskiy Mir' (Children's World) for some local toys.
Day 5: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon Day Trip
Departure for Charyn Canyon
Join a guided day tour to the 'Valley of Castles'. This is a 3-hour drive, so ensure your tour operator uses a comfortable, air-conditioned van.
Walking the Canyon Floor
The main path through the Valley of Castles is flat and relatively easy. It leads to the Charyn River where you can rest in the shade.
Eco-Park Lunch
Enjoy a rustic lunch at the Eco-Park located at the end of the canyon trail before the return trip.
Return to Almaty
A long day of travel ends with a late dinner near your hotel and a well-deserved rest.
Day 6: Almaty to Astana, Kazakhstan - Domestic Transit
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the 'Rakhat' chocolate shop factory outlet to stock up on world-famous Kazakh sweets for the journey ahead.
Flight to Astana
Take a quick domestic flight (approx. 1.5 hours) to the capital. This is much more family-friendly than the 20-hour train ride.
Hotel Check-in & Rest
Settle into your hotel in Astana's 'Left Bank' (the modern district) to be close to the main futuristic attractions.
Ishim River Embankment
Take a gentle walk along the river. The area is full of light displays, street food, and safe play areas for children.
Day 7: Astana, Kazakhstan - Futuristic Wonders
Baiterek Tower
Take the elevator to the top of this iconic tower. Children love placing their hands in the golden handprint of the first president for good luck.
Lunch at Nurzhol Boulevard
Choose from dozens of international and local restaurants along this massive pedestrian promenade.
Nur Astana Mosque
Visit this beautiful white mosque. It is very peaceful, and the surrounding plazas are great for kids to run around safely.
Water-Green Boulevard Walk
Watch the dancing fountains and admire the 'Golden Towers' as the sun sets over the futuristic skyline.
Day 8: Astana, Kazakhstan - Indoor Adventure
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Visit the world's largest tent. Inside, you'll find shops, a food court, and a dinosaur park that is a huge hit with children.
Sky Beach Club
Located inside Khan Shatyr, this indoor beach features sand imported from the Maldives. It's a perfect 'relaxed pacing' activity.
Ailand (Oceanarium)
Head to the nearby Ailand center to visit the aquarium, which features a long underwater tunnel that kids will find mesmerizing.
Dinner near City Park
Enjoy a relaxed meal at a family restaurant like 'The Kitchen' which often includes indoor play areas.
Day 9: Astana, Kazakhstan - History & Expo
National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
This world-class museum features moving displays and the famous 'Golden Man.' It is fully accessible with elevators and wide halls.
Lunch at the Expo Site
Head to the southern part of the city to the 2017 Expo site, which now serves as a business and tourism hub with great dining.
Nur Alem Future Energy Museum
Explore the giant glass sphere. Each floor has interactive science exhibits that are specifically designed for kids and teens.
Mega Silk Way Shopping
End the day at the massive mall adjacent to the Expo site for some final Astana shopping and family entertainment.
Day 10: Astana to Turkestan, Kazakhstan - The Silk Road Shift
Morning at Leisure
Enjoy a slow breakfast and a final walk through the Presidential Park before heading to the station or airport.
Travel to Turkestan
Take a domestic flight or the high-speed 'Tulpar-Talgo' train. The train is a great experience for kids, featuring comfortable sleeper cabins.
Arrival in Turkestan
Check into your hotel. Turkestan is much warmer than Astana, so the evening is the best time to explore.
Dinner at Karavansaray
Visit the new Karavansaray complex, a 'Venice of Central Asia' with boat rides and nightly shows that children will love.
Day 11: Turkestan, Kazakhstan - Spiritual Heritage
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. The blue-tiled dome is stunning, and the surrounding gardens are very peaceful for a family walk.
Turkestan Friday Mosque
Located near the mausoleum, this modern mosque features beautiful traditional carvings and vast open spaces.
Lunch: Local Plov
Southern Kazakhstan is famous for its Plov (rice pilaf). It's a mild, filling dish that most children find very palatable.
Flying Theater 'Altyn Samuryk'
Take the kids to this 8D cinema inside the giant golden egg at Karavansaray for a virtual flight over Kazakhstan's history.
Day 12: Turkestan to Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Southern Flavors
Drive to Shymkent
Take a private car or comfortable bus for the 2.5-hour drive to Shymkent, the culinary capital of the south.
Shymkent Ethno-Village
Visit 'Kyzyl Zhar' or the local ethno-village parks to see traditional yurts and local craftspeople at work.
Independence Park
A beautifully designed park with panoramic views of the city. It’s a great spot for kids to run around before the journey home.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final feast of southern Kazakh cuisine. Shymkent is famous for its hospitality and large portions.
Day 13: Shymkent, Kazakhstan - Departure
Shymkent Bazaar
If time permits, visit the local bazaar for last-minute spices and dried fruits—they are the best in the country.
Transfer to Shymkent Airport
Take a short taxi ride to the airport for your flight home or back to Almaty for a connection.
Homeward Journey
Depart from Kazakhstan with a lifetime of family memories from the heart of Eurasia.
Trip Conclusion
Reflect on your 13-day adventure through the mountains, cities, and history of Kazakhstan.
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
The best time for a family trip to Kazakhstan is during late Spring (May to June) or early Autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather in both the south (Almaty) and north (Astana) is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking tours and mountain excursions. Summers can be very hot in Turkestan (over 40°C), and winters in Astana are notoriously brutal with temperatures dropping to -30°C.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in major cities like Almaty and Astana, even in smaller cafes. However, when visiting bazaars or traveling to Turkestan, it is essential to carry some cash for small purchases. Tipping is generally expected in restaurants (usually a 10% service charge is already included in the bill).
Getting Around Kazakhstan
For intercity travel, domestic flights are the most efficient option for families, with airlines like Air Astana and FlyArystan offering reliable service. The high-speed 'Tulpar-Talgo' trains are an excellent alternative, offering comfortable sleeper cars for overnight journeys. Within cities, the 'Yandex Go' app is the safest and most reliable way to hail affordable taxis with fixed pricing.
