Astana
Location
Rixos President, Astana – 17:00
Kunayeva 7, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Find you way using Google Maps.
Flights
Our official program starts on Friday, and we’re currently in the process of booking a group tour in Astana for that day.
Here’s the list of flights we recommend booking.
Oslo → Astana
Turkish Airlines TK1752/TK354 to Astana through Istanbul
Departure from Oslo: 10:55 on Thursday, July 2
Layover in Istanbul: 2 hours 15 minutes
Arrival in Astana: 01:05 at night
Most international guests will be on this flight. We will help you get from the airport to the hotel, since it’s late at night.
Astana → Almaty
Air Astana KC 996 to Almaty
Departure from Astana: 19:30 on Sunday, July 5th
Arrival in Almaty 21:10
This flight we have already booked for ourselves. We will travel as a group to the hotel we’ve chosen.
Almaty → Oslo
This flight on Friday morning is at the end of our “official program”. If you like to stay for more days that is also fine. We are leaving Almaty a week later.
Turkish Airlines TK353/TK1753 to Oslo through Istanbul
Departure from Almaty: 08:55 on Friday, July 10th
Layover in Istanbul: 1 hour 40 minutes
Arrival in Oslo: 17:45
There are also cheaper flights availiable, but most of them leave in the middle of the night. This is just a suggestion, you’re completely free to choose whichever flights suit you best.
Accommodation
For your stay in Astana, we are coordinating a group booking at Rixos President Hotel Astana. The booking itself will be handled for you, for now, we only need your arrival date.
Most guests are expected to arrive on Thursday, July 2nd, and we will all fly together to Almaty on Friday, July 5th. Please indicate your arrival date in the RSVP form.
After the RSVP deadline (March 1st), Malika’s sister will visit the hotel to confirm the number of rooms needed and negotiate a group discount based on final guest numbers.
To give you an idea of current pricing: Booking.com currently shows approximately 5,550 NOK for three nights (around 1,850 NOK / 194 USD per night) for a double room. We expect something in this range, and hopefully a better rate once the group discount is applied.
You’re welcome to book a different hotel if you prefer. However, we strongly recommend staying close to the venue. Astana has very wide streets, and distances that look short on the map can take much longer in reality.
Please also note that we are planning a group tour on Friday, with departure together from Rixos President Hotel Astana, so staying at Rixos (or very nearby) will make things much easier.
Let us know if you have any questions 🤍
Getting to the Hotel & Around the City
For transportation in both Astana and Almaty, we recommend using the Yandex Taxi app for airport transfers and getting around the city. It’s reliable, easy to use, and widely available.
For a more comfortable ride, we suggest avoiding the Economy option, especially during hot Kazakh summer days. Comfort+ or Business are usually much more pleasant and still reasonably priced.
Almaty is a much more walkable city compared to Astana, so we’ll be doing more walking there and exploring on foot.
Dresscode
The dress code is the same as for any wedding you’d normally attend, suits for men and dresses (or any festive outfit you prefer).
Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable, we want you to enjoy the day and celebrate with us in your own style.
Program
The ceremony is scheduled to start at 17:00 (to be confirmed), but please note that there will be a staged entrance process at the venue.
Traditionally, Malika’s family, their guests, and Malika’s friends arrive first. After that, Fredrik’s family and friends will be invited to enter the celebration hall.
Next, Fredrik will be welcomed by the guests, and finally, Malika will make her entrance.
Once everyone is gathered, the festive celebration begins, with food, music, dancing, and fun contests.
Later in the evening, there will be the Ak Zhol farewell ceremony, where Malika’s family officially hands her over to Fredrik’s family.
After this part is complete, there will be an afterparty for friends (this part is meant for the younger crowd).
More detailed timing will be shared closer to the date 🤍