We’ve put together a tentative plan for the trip so you know what to expect and can get the most out of your time in Kazakhstan. Nothing here is mandatory, it’s just a mix of cultural experiences, nature, food, and free time so you can enjoy the journey at your own pace. Details like transport and group arrangements will be shared closer to the date.
It’s a long way to travel, so we assume guest would want to arrive a day or two before the ceremony. If you arrive Thursday evening, you will have a good night’s sleep before going sightseeing on Friday. You will also be able to enjoy the spa at the hotel.
RSVP for the ceremony in Astana is requested by March 1st.
Tentative plan
Thursday, July 2
- Evening: Arrival in Astana
- Free time
Friday, July 3
- Daytime: sightseeing in Astana (group tour)
- Evening: group dinner
Saturday, July 4
- Free time
- Ceremony starts at 17:00
- Guests will be divided into two groups:
- Malika’s friends from Norway and around the world — one group
- Fredrik’s family and friends — another group
- Ladies who want hair and makeup: please let Malika know in advance so she can book a stylist that can come to the hotel. Prices are much lower than in Oslo, so you can go nuts.
- After the ceremony: afterparty at another location
Sunday, July 5
- Morning: spa / free time
- Family lunch with Malika’s family (close family only)
- 19:30 — domestic flight to Almaty
- Hotel check-in
- Night: free time or bar (optional)
Monday, July 6
- Breakfast
- Trip to Shymbulak Mountain Resort. There are three options on how to get there:
- Hike from Medeu to Shymbulak (with a cozy café “Apa Katya” on the way)
- Gondola ride from Medeu to Shymbulak (amazing views)
- Electric taxis available for those afraid of heights
- Light lunch and drinks at a restaurant at Shymbulak
- Evening: dinner at Auyl (Kazakh neo-experimental cuisine — very different from the wedding food)
- After dinner: bar
Tuesday, July 7
- Excursion to the Ethno Village:
- learn about traditional Kazakh lifestyle
- horseback riding
- archery
- performances
- making your own baursaks (Kazakh fried bread)
- Return to the city around 17:00
- Evening: dinner (location TBA)
Wednesday, July 8
- Guided tour of Almaty’s old town (in English)
- Visit to the Green Bazaar
- Lunch in Akku cafe
- Evening: dinner at a local restaurant
Thursday, July 9
Day to relax a bit! Let’s visit Almaty’s famous sauna complex — Arasan Wellness & Spa.
Opened in the early 1980s, Arasan is one of Almaty’s most iconic bathhouses, inspired by traditional Central Asian and Russian bathing culture. For decades, locals have come here to unwind in hot pools, saunas, and steam rooms — it’s a classic Almaty experience and a perfect way to recharge after busy travel days. Please note that the bathing areas are separated for men and women, following traditional spa culture (private family areas are also available if preferred).
Inside Arasan, you’ll find a wide range of experiences — from classic bathing and saunas to traditional body peeling with a special mitten, massages, and other spa treatments. There’s even a restaurant on-site, so you can enjoy warm food while still in spa mode. Prices are very affordable, making it an easy and relaxed way to spend part of the day. You can read more about them on their Instagram page here.
Afterwards, we can enjoy a rather slow afternoon in the city: a relaxed stroll along the Terrenkur Almaty (version of Akerselva in Oslo) walking path in the second half of the day, surrounded by greenery and mountain views.
We’ll wrap things up with a nice dinner — an easy, calm way to enjoy Almaty.
Friday, July 10
- For those leaving: departure day.
- For those staying in Almaty — suggestions:
- Almaty Museum of Arts (new, opened September 2025)
- Walk or run along the Terrenkur River Path (steep incline)
- Shopping at Mega Alma-Ata
- Mountain hikes: Kok-Zhailau, Furmanov Peak, or others
- Evening stroll on Panfilov Street (beautiful atmosphere, especially at night)
- 1–2 day tours outside Almaty (highly recommended!):
- Charyn Canyon
- Kolsai Lakes
- Kaindy Lake
- It takes about 4 hours to get there (and 4 hours back). When we went on a one-day tour this summer, we were picked up at 5:30 in the morning and came back around 9:30 in the evening. It was a long day, but we absolutely loved it! We can also recommend English-speaking tours that are organized especially for international guests.
We’ll be staying a bit longer in Almaty after the program ends. If anyone feels like extending their trip, we’d love to spend more time together exploring the city and its surroundings!