visit astana or almaty

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Astana or Almaty as a first stop? - Kazakhstan Forum

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Astana or Almaty as a first stop?

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You could also consider visiting Bishkek/Kyrgyzstan from Almaty (about 4 hours by car ).

Have a great trip

Hello,Miskoff

Have a good trip!

Have a good time.

Hello Miskoff

Have a amazing emotions in this city. Bye

We will wait you here!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Kazakhstan Hotels and Places to Stay

42 Top Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan (Pro Guide)

Located at the heart of the largest landlocked country in the world, Almaty, Kazakhstan is a city of contrasts, culture, and perseverance.  If you’re on the hunt for a destination that’s a mix of the old Silk Road allure and 21st-century modernity, then buckle up.

There is no shortage of things to do in Almaty and the surrounding area. It’s a part of the world that promises a cultural journey that is both unique and fascinating. You’ll be treated to glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and spectacular views, too.

From dramatic landscapes to traditional Kazakh food, and everything in between, this is a destination for someone that wants more than your run-of-the-mill vacation. 

This guide is extensive  and dives deep into all the best Almaty attractions, activities, and restaurants, offering the ultimate itinerary for anyone who wants to experience the best of this unique destination.

We’ve spent hours putting this guide together, based on our own travels in Almaty, Kazakhstan , so that you can go, have fun, and relish the best that Almaty has to offer.

Quick Introduction to Almaty, Kazakhstan

Table of Contents

Brief History of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty has ancient roots, initially founded as Almatu by the Saka tribes between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. It later became a vital part of the Silk Road, serving as a crucial trade junction.

The modern chapter of Almaty’s story began in the mid-19th century when the Russians established the fort of Verny. With the building of the TurkSib Railway in the early 20th century, the city became a critical trade hub yet again.

Fast-forward to the 20th century, the city took a Soviet turn and became part of the Soviet Union. After surviving a major earthquake in 1911, Almaty was crowned the capital of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic in 1929. This led to significant development.

Kazakhstan officially gained its independence in 1991 leaving the Soviet times behind. Almaty retained its capital status until 1997 when it was moved to Astana (now Nur-Sultan).

Despite this, the former capital of Kazakhstan has retained its position as the cultural heart of the country. Which is why it’s such a fascinating place to visit.

Is Almaty Worth Visiting?

All said, tourism in Almaty , and even Kazakhstan for that matter, is a new thing . The country lacks some of the infrastructure you might find in other destinations but for what it lacks, it makes up for in cultural and natural experiences.

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and it is currently going through a fascinating rebirth in its attempt to separate itself from its Soviet past. You’ll find the people putting their traditional Kazakh culture front and center while they push well into the modern world.

Unlike the other major Central Asian cities of Bishkek, Tashkent, and Ashgabat , which we’ve visited on our previous trips to this part of the world,  Almaty is unique  and that’s a fun thing to experience.

Is Almaty Safe?

Yes, Almaty is generally safe for travelers. Of course, common sense prevails. Avoid unlit areas late at night, keep an eye on your belongings, and maybe don’t accept drinks from strangers.

It’s always a good idea to review the Essential Safety Tips for Travel , but overall, we felt as secure wandering the streets of Almaty as in other big cities around the world.

What Languages Are Spoken in Almaty?

While the official language is Kazakh, Russian is widely spoken and understood—thanks, Soviet legacy! If you’re armed with some basic Russian phrases, you’ll navigate much easier. English is less common but not impossible to find, especially among the younger crowd and in touristy spots.

We were surprised by how many young people stopped us in the streets of Almaty to ask where we were from. Many young Kazakh people study abroad, and English is becoming a staple in their educations.

What is Almaty Known For?

Well, for starters, the city is surrounded by the magnificent Tian Shan mountains. This makes it one of the most picturesque cities we’ve ever visited. Beyond that, Almaty is famous for its green spaces, Soviet architecture, and a thriving art scene.

Additionally, Almaty is known as the apple city . The name derives from the Kazakh word for apple, alma. Some researchers believe that the apple tree originated near Almaty . This makes it the ancestral home of every Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Pink Lady you’ve ever crunched into. Even today, take a short drive out of the city and you’ll find wild apple forests everywhere.

Best Time to Visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

Your ideal time to visit depends on your seasonal preference. Winter is a snowy wonderland with skiing and snowboarding aplenty. Come summer, the mountains are your personal hiking paradise.

Fall offers a stunning palette of colors in the parks and foothills. Spring…well, let’s just say spring is when Almaty turns into a floral masterpiece. We visited Almaty during the first week of June , which would be considered late spring. The weather was perfect , both warm and dry.

How to Get to Almaty

Your gateway to Almaty is Almaty International Airport. Direct flights are available from various European and Asian cities. We flew from Duluth, MN to Chicago, IL, and then to Frankfurt, Germany before connecting directly to Almaty on Lufthansa.

I won’t sugar coat it, if you live in North America, it’s a long journey to Kazakhstan. Even from Europe, our last flight was 7 hours. Book a private airport transfer in advance to avoid jet-lagged overwhelm when you land.

How to Get Around Almaty

Public transportation is available and reliable. Buses and the metro system are easy enough to navigate. The UBER equivalent in Kazakhstan is called Yandex Go . We would recommend that you use that before hailing a taxi off the street.

While it’s possible to rent a car and explore on your own, we do not recommend this. The roads outside the city are not in great shape and the signs are few and far between. Plus, the traffic can be bad in the city, with sometimes erratic driving. It’s better to hire a driver or book day trips.

42 Best Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan

1. panfilov park.

Panfilov Park was the first stop on our Almaty city tour . It is the perfect place to introduce us to the unique Kazakh-Russian confluence that can be found around the city.

Located in the city center, this park is more than just a patch of grass. It’s a sprawling oasis that is named after the Panfilov Heroes, a group of 28 soldiers from the Red Army who reputedly halted a German tank assault during World War II.

Dominating the park is the Zenkov Cathedral, and the Eternal Flame that flickers in memory of fallen soldiers. This section of the park is flanked by a solemn war memorial.

Locals also seemed to enjoy the park for leisure. We witnessed old men engaging in intense games of chess, families picnicking under century-old trees, and street performers.

2. Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, officially known as the Ascension Cathedral , is a feat of wooden architecture situated in the heart of Panfilov Park.

It is built entirely without nails and is considered one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. This Russian Orthodox cathedral showcases an impressive mastery of craftsmanship. Especially considering it’s one of the few buildings to have survived the devastating 1911 earthquake that shook Almaty.

Adorned with colorful onion domes, it makes a vivid contrast to the surrounding greenery for anyone passing by. The cathedral was designed by Andrei Zenkov, and its construction was completed in 1907 during the Tsarist era.

During the Soviet period, its religious function was stripped away, and it served as a museum and a radio tower. Today, it has been restored to its spiritual glory, holding regular services that attract both faithful and curious tourists.

Of course, we couldn’t resist paying a visit to the interior during our visit. We were pleasantly surprised to see many intricate frescoes adorning the walls and columns.

3. Almaty Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

The Almaty Museum of Folk Musical Instruments also referred to as the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, is rich in Kazakhstan’s sonic heritage.

Housed in a charming wooden building within Panfilov Park, the museum features a vast collection. You’ll find over 1,000 musical instruments from Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.

From the dombra, a two-stringed lute that is a symbol of Kazakh culture, to more obscure instruments like the sherter and asatayak , the museum offers an auditory journey through history.

The displays are often accompanied by recordings that allow you to hear the unique sounds each instrument produces. In addition to the instruments, the museum also showcases photographs and documents. They detail the history and significance of Kazakh musical traditions.

4. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is one of the largest museums in Central Asia. It serves as a vault for Kazakhstan’s historical, cultural, and archaeological treasures.

Established in 1931, the museum’s sprawling complex houses over 300,000 exhibits spread across multiple floors. The museum’s collection covers everything from the Bronze Age to the modern era.

Among its standout artifacts are Golden Man, a Scythian warrior’s burial suit made of more than 4,000 pieces of gold, and an extensive exhibit detailing Kazakhstan’s journey to independence from Soviet rule.

The museum is also rich in ethnographic materials, showcasing traditional Kazakh clothing, musical instruments, and crafts. Informative displays are supplemented by wall texts in Kazakh, Russian, and English, making them accessible to a wide audience.

5. Republic Square (Independence Square or New Square)

Republic Square, often referred to as Independence Square, is the main square in Almaty. It serves as the city’s political and cultural heart. Stretching over 14 hectares, it’s one of the largest public squares in Kazakhstan.

The square is anchored by a monument known as the Golden Warrior, atop a winged snow leopard. It is also surrounded by significant buildings such as the former Presidential Palace, the City Mayor’s Office, and the Kazakh-British Technical University.

The layout is well-planned, with manicured lawns, flower beds, and rows of fountains that create a photogenic backdrop for the many public events and gatherings that take place here. A giant flagpole hoisting the Kazakh flag adds a sense of grandeur and patriotism.

The square is flanked by wide avenues and is easily accessible by public transport, making it a convenient meeting point for locals and a must-visit for tourists.

6. Palace of the Republic

The Palace of the Republic is an imposing structure that serves as a multifunctional cultural venue. Built during the Soviet era, its architectural style carries distinct elements of that period, featuring grand columns and intricate detailing. The palace is located on Dostyk Avenue. 

With a seating capacity of over 3000, it’s one of the largest stages in Kazakhstan, often attracting top local and international performers. The interior is equally grand, adorned with lavish decorations and a massive crystal chandelier that dominates the main hall.

7. First President’s Park

First President’s Park is a sprawling expanse of manicured greenery dedicated to Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president post-independence. The park offers well-maintained lawns, an array of colorful flower beds, and an intricate network of walking paths.

During our visit, we admired the monumental bronze statue of Nazarbayev, surrounded by fountains and floral arrangements that sit at the center of the park. We also walked the paths of the open-air gallery, dotted with various sculptures and artworks.

Unlike older parks in the city, First President’s Park reflects modern Kazakhstan. It aims to marry the nation’s aspirations with its rich natural beauty.

8. Zhibek Zholy

Zhibek Zholy is Almaty’s main shopping street! It’s a lively epicenter of activity that captures the city’s dynamic blend of traditional and modern.

Stretching from Abylai Khan Avenue to the west, to Furmanov Street to the east, this pedestrian thoroughfare is a blend of Almaty’s cultural and commercial diversity. Which is why we found ourselves here on multiple occasions during our recent visit to Almaty!

Zhibek Zholy is lined with century-old buildings, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. It is where you’ll find locals and tourists shopping for everything from high-end international brands to traditional Kazakh handicrafts.

9. Green Bazaar

The Green Bazaar, also known as Zelyony Bazaar or the Green Market, is Almaty’s gastronomic temple. It is made up of a labyrinthine market where the city’s culinary and cultural flavors collide.

Located near the intersection of Zhibek Zholy and Pushkin Street, this marketplace is a foodie’s dream. Offering a wide array of fresh produce, spices, meats, and dairy products, you can’t miss a visit to this market. Of course, we visited during our Almaty city tour and even came back at the end of our trip!

A highlight for many is the assortment of local cheeses and the famous kumis. This is a fermented mare’s milk that’s a staple in the Kazakh diet! There are also several displays of horse meat, a Kazakh delicacy, prepared in just about any way you can imagine. And yes, we tried it!

Hygiene standards vary from stall to stall, so it’s wise to look for vendors who seem attentive to cleanliness. The vendors are often multilingual, switching effortlessly between Kazakh, Russian, and sometimes even English, and are eager to offer samples.

10. Arasan Baths

Arsan Baths is also situated just off Zhibek Zholy Street and is an institution in Almaty. It offers a unique blend of wellness traditions from Russian banya to Turkish hammams. Built during the early 20th century, this historic bathhouse has retained its original ornate décor, featuring high ceilings, intricate tilework, and wooden benches.

The atmosphere inside is one of timeless luxury, echoing the cultural uniqueness that defines Kazakhstan. The baths are segregated by gender and offer different temperature zones designed to induce varying degrees of perspiration and relaxation.

Traditional treatments like the venik (a bundle of leafy birch or oak twigs used to improve circulation) are popular here. They also offer more modern spa services like massages and facials. Locals frequent the baths not just for hygiene, but as a form of social gathering.

11. Almaty Metro

The Almaty Metro was inaugurated in December 2011 and is Kazakhstan’s first and only metro system. This underground marvel is not only functional but also aesthetically striking.

Each of the nine stations showcases a unique design that pays homage to various aspects of Kazakh culture and history. The use of local marble, intricate mosaics, and chandeliers make each station look more like a mini palace than a transit point.

With cars that run approximately every 10 minutes, the metro connects key areas of the city. It’s clean, efficient, and remarkably punctual, operating from around 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily.

Signs and announcements are typically in Kazakh and Russian, but the system is straightforward enough for visitors to navigate. Tickets are incredibly affordable, with token-based entry and contactless card options making it accessible for both locals and tourists.

While it might not cover the entire city yet, the Almaty Metro is a vital part of the public transport network. Plans for expansion are ongoing, aiming to make it an even more integral part of Almaty’s urban landscape.

12. Almaty Central Mosque

The Almaty Central Mosque was completed in 1999 and is one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan. It serves as a religious and architectural landmark in the city. Even from a distance, this is an impressive building that you shouldn’t miss.

The structure is primarily built from white marble imported from Turkey. The interior is adorned with wooden carvings and Kazakh ornaments that pay tribute to the nation’s Islamic heritage. The mosque serves as a center for religious, educational, and community activities, offering daily prayers, religious classes, and social events.

Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times, although respectful attire is required. This means long sleeves and pants for men and head coverings for women.

13. Almaty Botanical Garden

The Almaty Botanical Garden is a 108-hectare sanctuary of natural beauty situated in the northeastern part of the city. More than just a collection of plants, this botanical garden is a scientific institution. It boasts over 5,000 species of trees, shrubs, and flowers, both native and exotic.

The grounds are meticulously segmented into various thematic zones, such as the rose garden, and the Japanese garden. It’s also a fantastic place for birdwatchers as 65 bird species call this green expanse home.

14. Abai Opera House

The Abai Opera House, formally known as the Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, is one of the crown jewels in Almaty’s cultural scene.

The building is a blend of Neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles. It features ornate columns, chandeliers, and intricate moldings that set the stage for a night of high art. The interior is decorated with plush red velvet seating, gilded accents, and a ceiling adorned with a captivating fresco.

Acoustically, the hall is designed to offer a top-notch auditory experience, making the most of every musical note. We didn’t have time to go inside the Abai Opera House but admired the building from the outside.

15. Try Kazakhstan Chocolate

Kazakhstan’s chocolate scene is a hidden gem often overshadowed by its more famed Russian and European counterparts. Local brands like Rakhat have carved out a niche for themselves with quality products that often incorporate unique regional flavors.

You can get chocolate everywhere in Almaty. We even paid a visit to the Rakhat chocolate factory that is just down the street from the Green Bazaar. It was delicious!

What makes it worth a stop? Well, Kazakhstan chocolate typically features a higher cocoa content, making it richer and less sweet compared to many Western chocolates.

Some of the local favorites include chocolate with traditional Kazakh ingredients like kumis and shubat (fermented camel’s milk). These unique additions give the chocolate a slightly tangy note, setting it apart from typical chocolate offerings.

16. Eat Traditional Kazak Food

Traditional Kazakh cuisine is a robust blend of meat-heavy dishes, doughy delights and unique dairy products. Every dish is deeply influenced by the country’s nomadic past. This makes the culinary experience a journey of its own and is one of the reasons we loved visiting Almaty!

Beshbarmak  reigns as the pillar national dish, featuring boiled meat, usually lamb or beef, layered over flat pasta-like sheets and soaked in a savory onion broth. Another meaty mainstay is  kuyrdak , a sautéed mix of offal, potatoes, and spices.

Shashlik , skewered and grilled meat, can be found everywhere. On the noodle front,  Lagman is a dish of thick hand-pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables in a spiced broth, that brings a burst of flavor.  Manti , steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, is often served with sour cream or a dollop of butter. Lagman and manti are both our personal favorites!

Not to forget dairy, as  kumis  (fermented mare’s milk) and  shubat  (fermented camel’s milk) are considered both tasty and medicinal. Last but not least,  baursak , deep-fried dough balls, offer a satisfying end to a hearty meal. We ate far more of these than I care to admit!

It’s very easy to eat all of these local dishes at restaurants around Almaty. To learn more about the history of Kazakh food, we’d recommend you take a walking food tour in Almaty .

17. Be brave and Try the Horse Meat

Horse meat holds a special place in the culinary traditions of Kazakhstan. Its use traces back to the country’s nomadic heritage. Horse meat is prized for its rich, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture. It often features in special occasion dishes.

One of the most renowned horse meat delicacies is  kazy , a type of sausage made from the animal’s rib meat. It is seasoned with spices, and stuffed into natural casings. It is then typically boiled and smoked or dried.

Another popular item is  zhal , which is the fatty meat from the neck and hump of the horse. It is enjoyed for its richness. Horse meat is also commonly used in  beshbarmak , Kazakhstan’s national dish. In this dish, it is boiled and served over pasta-like sheets with a savory broth.

Consuming horse meat is not just about flavor but is deeply entwined with Kazakh culture and tradition. As a lifetime horse person, I have conflicting feelings about eating horse meat. But I did it out of respect for the culture and honestly, it wasn’t bad. Am I adding it to my daily diet, no, but it was worth the experience!

18. Almaty Central Park

Almaty Central Park, also known locally as Gorky Park, is an oasis of green in the heart of the city. Founded in 1856, this sprawling 100-hectare park is one of the oldest and largest in Almaty. It features tree-lined avenues, manicured lawns, and multiple ponds.

The park is designed for leisure and recreation, featuring a range of amenities like paddleboat rentals, amusement rides, and bridges.

19. Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill is a mountain in the Tian Shan range, towering over Almaty. The hill offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. This popular tourist spot sits at an elevation of about 1,100 meters.

Once you reach the summit, you’re greeted with various attractions. This includes a mini-zoo and amusement park to an assortment of cafes and souvenir shops. There’s even a Ferris wheel. The main attraction, though, is the view. It is so good that it kept us at the top for a solid hour during our visit!

We also had fun searching for the bronze statue of The Beatles. Almaty claims it is the only monument of all four Beatles together in the world. During our visit, we also walked along the walking paths taking in the various attractions, rides, booths, and shops.

20. Almaty Tower

Almaty Tower, locally known as Kok Tobe TV Tower, stands as a prominent landmark on Kok Tobe Mountain. With a height of 372 meters (1,220 feet), it’s one of the tallest free-standing tubular steel structures in the world.

Unfortunately, the tower is not open to the public. However, its unique design, featuring a cylindrical shaft and a crowning sphere, makes it instantly recognizable and a point of reference for navigating the city.

21. Museum of Kazakh Academic Drama Theater

The Museum of Kazakh Academic Drama Theater in Almaty is an institution that pays homage to the rich history of Kazakh drama and theatrical arts. It is located within the building of the Academic Drama Theater. The museum showcases an impressive collection of costumes, props, scripts, and photographs that chart the evolution of Kazakh theater.

Visitors can delve into the lives and contributions of iconic figures in Kazakh drama, notably Mukhtar Auezov, after whom the theater is named. The museum provides a compelling narrative through its exhibits, using multimedia displays and occasional live reenactments to enrich the visitor experience.

22. Astana Square

Astana Square is another significant public space, though smaller and less grand than Republic Square. It is situated in the city’s center, and was formerly known as Red Square. A statue of Vladimir Lenin once sat at the center of the park.

Today that statue has been replaced by several other important statues. Additionally, the square sits opposite the Almaty Kazakh-British Technical University.

23. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, often abbreviated as KazNU, is a prestigious institution of higher education located in Almaty. It is one of the oldest universities in Kazakhstan. It was founded in 1934 and features a sprawling 100 hectares campus.

Named after the medieval philosopher Al-Farabi, the university places a strong emphasis on science and humanities. It boasts state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and research centers.

For anyone interested in academic life in Kazakhstan, a visit to the campus—with its blend of Soviet-era and modern architecture—provides valuable insights into the country’s educational landscape.

24. Kazakhstan Museum of Arts

The Kazakhstan Museum of Arts, also known as the A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts is the largest art museum in Kazakhstan. It serves as a comprehensive archive of both Kazakh and international art. It was established in 1935 and houses over 25,000 items, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and modern installations.

A significant portion is dedicated to the works of Kazakh artists. Many pieces blend traditional Kazakh motifs with contemporary styles. All explanatory plaques are displayed in both Kazakh and English. 

Best Day Trips from Almaty, Kazakhstan

25. medeu skating rink.

Medeu is an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink on the outskirts of Almaty, about 1,691 meters above sea level. Known as the highest skating rink in the world, it spans 10.5 hectares and can host up to 30,000 visitors.

It was built in 1949, with many renovations, and has hosted numerous international competitions. The unique combination of mild winter temperatures, low humidity, and a high-altitude location creates an ice quality that many professionals consider to be some of the fastest in the world.

Even if you’re not into ice skating, the venue offers spectacular mountain views and is surrounded by hiking trails. Personally, the best views of Medeu are from the cable car that you can take up to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. It passes right next to the skating rink!

26. Shymbulak Ski Resort

Shymbulak Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Kazakhstan. It is located just 25 km from the center of Almaty. Reachable via a cable car that starts from Medeu, the resort sits at an elevation of 2,200 meters.

The resort features modern lifts, including a gondola and chair lifts, which significantly reduce wait times even during peak seasons.

The resort isn’t just a winter destination as we found out during our visit. During the summer, the area transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

We enjoyed walking around the small village at the top with a few restaurants and cafes. You can book this tour to visit both Medeu and Shymbulak .

27. Butakovka Waterfall

Set in the scenic Alatau mountains, Butakovka Waterfall is a natural gem that’s particularly attractive for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Located in the same area as Shymbukak, the waterfall is accessible via a moderate hike through the Butakovka Gorge.

It’s most spectacular in the spring when the melting snow feeds into the falls. This creates a powerful cascade that drops about 25 meters. The area around the waterfall offers picnic spots and trails with smaller falls and creeks, offering plenty of photo opportunities.

28. Furmanov Peak

If you’re looking for a great, yet challenging hike, Furmanov Peak stands at a height of 3,061 meters. It is one of the more accessible peaks in the Tian Shan Mountain range near Almaty. It’s named after Ivan Furmanov, a Red Army commissar during the Russian Civil War.

The summit trek starts from the Medeu area and can take up to 7 hours, depending on your fitness level. Once you reach the peak, you’re rewarded with panoramic views that include the city of Almaty.

You’ll also enjoy the sprawling landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The peak is often snow-covered, even in summer, so make sure you are well-prepared for the elements.

29. Ile-Alatau National Park (Kok-Zhaylyau Plateau)

Ile-Alatau National Park stretches across an impressive 200,000 hectares of rugged mountain terrain. It encompasses parts of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range south of Almaty.

Established in 1996, the park serves as a protected area for the region’s diverse flora and fauna. This includes the elusive snow leopard and the endangered Tian Shan brown bear.

Its most famous landmarks include the Big Almaty Lake and the Charyn Canyon. That said, the Kok-Zhaylyau Plateau is one of the most accessible and popular trekking destinations near Almaty. It offers an exceptional natural experience without requiring a multi-day expedition.

We enjoyed taking some time to walk a few trails here and at the visitor center. You can arrange a full-day tour to Zhaylyau, Big Almaty Lake, and a waterfall from Almaty.

30. Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning alpine reservoir situated 28 kilometers south of Almaty. It sits at an elevation of 2,511 meters above sea level.

The lake was formed by glacier activity and is renowned for its ever-changing palette of colors. These vary from emerald green to turquoise blue depending on the season and light conditions.

The lake serves as a natural water reservoir for the city of Almaty, so swimming is not allowed. The surrounding area is a biodiverse zone within the Ile-Alatau National Park, so be sure to pack your hiking boots!

The lake is accessible via a challenging but rewarding hike or a 4×4 vehicle and is a must-see for any nature lover visiting the region. It’s a popular spot for day trips and you can arrange a reasonably priced day trip to Big Almaty Lake here .

31. Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is a geological wonder located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty. It is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA . The canyon stretches 154 kilometers along the Charyn River and features striking red sandstone formations that have been eroded over millions of years into various shapes and sizes.

We enjoyed the network of well-marked trails that wind through the area. They took us to viewpoints that offered panoramic vistas of the sprawling, rugged landscape. They also led us from the top to the canyon floor.

The most famous section is the Valley of Castles, which was the highlight of our visit. It offers towering columns and intricate rock formations creating a landscape that feels both eerie and awe-inspiring. The canyon is also home to a rare species of ash tree that dates to the Ice Age.

We recommend you visit Charyn Canyon as part of a 2-day trip from Almaty . This trip also includes the Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy Lake. This is how we visited this region and it allowed us plenty of time for hiking at all the stops.

32. Kolsay Lakes (Kolsai Lakes)

Kolsay Lakes is a trio of stunning alpine lakes set within the Tian Shan Mountain range southeast of Almaty. The lakes sit at different altitudes, with the first being the most accessible at 1,818 meters above sea level. This is the one that we visited during our time in Kazakhstan.

All the lakes are characterized by their crystal-clear turquoise waters and are surrounded by dense spruce forests and rocky cliffs. This makes them a dream location for hikers and nature photographers.

During our visit, we enjoyed a series of trails that let us explore the shores of the lower lake. We were also told that these trails connect all three of the lakes for an adventurous, multi-day trek.

We recommend you visit Kolsay Lakes as part of a 2-day trip from Almaty . It also includes the Charyn Canyon and Kaindy Lake. This is how we visited this region and it allowed us plenty of time for hiking at all the stops.

33. Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake is a natural marvel best known for its underwater forest. It is one of the most desired places to visit in Kazakhstan.

The lake was formed by a limestone landslide after the 1911 earthquake, which created its most striking feature of a grove of submerged Picea schrenkiana trees. Their trunks protrude from the water’s surface like eerie, sun-bleached ship masts.

The water itself is a stunning shade of turquoise, contrasting vividly with the surrounding landscape of steep, forested slopes. At an altitude of 2,000 meters, the lake remains icy cold even in summer. This preserves the submerged trees and contributes to the area’s mystical allure.

Accessible by 4×4 vehicles and a short hike, Kaindy Lake has become a hotspot for divers, hikers, and photographers looking to capture its otherworldly beauty. Which we can attest is worth the effort to get there.

We recommend you visit Kaindy Lake as part of a 2-day trip from Almaty . It also includes the Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon. This is how we visited this region and it allowed us plenty of time for hiking at all the stops.

34. Black Canyon

Black Canyon, also known as Qara Zhorga in Kazakh, is a lesser-known but equally stunning geological formation located not far from Almaty. The canyon is notable for its dark, almost black, basalt rock formations that stand in sharp contrast to the blue sky and green foliage.

The rocks have been sculpted over time by erosion, resulting in unique shapes and structures that make for a surreal landscape. The area is relatively undeveloped, offering a more secluded experience compared to more popular natural attractions.

We stopped here for photos on our way back to Almaty from visiting Charyn Canyon and the Kolsay Lakes region. It’s worth a stop and can easily be added to most multi-day trips that are booked to the area.

35. Sunkar Falcon Farm

Sunkar Falcon Farm is a unique conservation center dedicated to the breeding and protection of birds of prey, particularly falcons and eagles.

Founded in 1989, the farm plays a critical role in rehabilitating injured birds and educating the public about the importance of these raptors in the ecosystem. We were able to witness these majestic birds up close, including the Kazakh national symbol, the golden eagle.

The highlight of our visit was the live demonstration of traditional Kazakh hunting techniques using trained birds of prey, known locally as berkutchi. The owner is hilarious, speaking many languages fluently and giving a very colorful presentation.

The facility includes an informational center with exhibits on falconry and conservation efforts. You can arrange a tour from Almaty to Sunkar Falcon Farm with lunch here .

36. Huns Ethno-Village

The Huns Ethno-Village is an immersive cultural experience located approximately 40 kilometers from Almaty. It is designed to transport visitors back to the era of the ancient Hun civilization that once roamed the steppes of Kazakhstan.

The village features reconstructed traditional dwellings, including yurts and wooden homes, furnished with artifacts and tools that offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Huns.

The family that operates the village were all donning period-appropriate attire for that added touch of authenticity.

During our visit, we had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities such as archery, horseback riding, and traditional crafts. We also were given demonstrations on cooking traditional Kazakh foods and sampled freshly made kumis (fermented mare milk).

We were entertained with traditional music, shown the inside of a yurt, and observed a horse show with several cultural games on display.

This is more than just a static exhibit. It’s a living, breathing reenactment of history set against the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. We highly recommend that you visit if you are interested in the richness of Kazakhstan’s heritage.

You can arrange a private day trip to the Huns Ethno Village here .

37. Assy Plateau

Assy Plateau is a sweeping highland situated about 100 kilometers to the east of Almaty. At an elevation ranging from 2,650 to 2,800 meters above sea level, this plateau is nothing short of a natural wonder.

It is rich in biodiversity and serves as a summer pasture, known locally as a jailau, for local herders who bring their flocks of sheep, goats, and horses to graze on its lush grass.

The area is dotted with archaeological sites, including petroglyphs carved into large rocks and boulders, and kurgans—ancient burial mounds—that provide a window into the past civilizations that once inhabited this land.

Also interesting are the observation buildings that offer a somewhat unexpected layer of Cold War history. These structures were initially built during the Soviet era as part of an astronomical observatory complex. The plateau’s high elevation and remote location made it an ideal spot for stargazing and atmospheric research.

Although the observatories are not in active use today, the buildings themselves have become a point of interest for visitors. We weren’t able to enter the buildings during our visit, but the views from the top were some of the best in Central Asia.

The plateau is accessible mainly by 4×4 vehicles, and the drive itself is an adventure. This is a full-day trip from Almaty, but worth doing for some crazy cool views of the Kazakh steppe. You can book your trip to Assy Plateau and Issyk Lake here .

38. Issyk Lake (Essik Lake)

Issyk Lake is a stunning alpine lake located about 70 kilometers east of Almaty, in the Issyk Gorge. The lake is set at an elevation of 1,756 meters and is renowned for its turquoise waters.

Unfortunately, a 1963 mudflow disaster destroyed part of the lake but restoration efforts have revitalized this natural wonder. The lake is surrounded by pine forests and alpine meadows, making it a haven for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.

39. Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

Yes, this is a resort and somewhere you can find amazing accommodation, but it is also a destination. The Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort is only 30 kilometers from Almaty and is a year-round destination that offers a diverse range of outdoor activities.

We stayed here one night and enjoyed a full day of activities here, including hiking, and horseback riding. One of the highlights is the cable car ride, which offers panoramic views of the mountainous landscape.

David, along with a few of our fellow travelers, opted to take three-wheeled trikes on a steep dirt track back to the bottom.

Overall, it is a fantastic all-in-one destination with a classic resort offering. You can arrive and never leave while being fully accommodated and entertained during your stay.

40. Arba Winery

Winemaking in Kazakhstan has ancient roots and dates to the times of the Silk Road. More recently, the industry has been experiencing a resurgence.

Arba Winery has been carving out a name for itself in Kazakhstan’s emerging wine industry. Utilizing both local and international grape varieties, the winery produces a diverse range of wines including reds, whites, and rosés.

Tours of the facility offer an in-depth look into the winemaking process, from vine to bottle. They typically culminate in a tasting session where visitors can sample an array of wines.

With its commitment to quality and innovation, Arba Winery is quickly becoming a notable player in Kazakhstan’s wine scene. This is attracting both local and international attention.

41. Altyn Emel National Park

Altyn Emel National Park sprawls across a massive 4,600 square kilometers in southeastern Kazakhstan. The park showcases a diverse range of landscapes from semi-desert to mountainous terrain.

The park is famed for its “singing dunes,” a natural phenomenon where the movement of sand produces musical sounds. Beyond the dunes, Altyn Emel is a sanctuary for rare and endangered species. This includes the Bukhara deer and the Przewalski’s horse .

The area also contains fascinating archeological and geological sights, including petroglyphs. You can also visit the Aktau Mountains, a range of chalky hills showcasing millions of years of geological history.

Visitors often opt for guided tours due to the need for specialized vehicles to navigate its challenging terrains. We recommend this 1-day Express Tour to Altyn Emel National Park .

42. Experience Almaty Nightlife

Almaty’s nightlife is a mix of modernity and tradition, where East meets West in a blend of diverse experiences. The city’s youthful energy comes alive post-sunset. There are plenty of options ranging from chic rooftop bars offering panoramic views to underground clubs.

The district around Panfilov Street and Zhibek Zholy is a hotspot for trendy bars and pubs. You can find plenty of craft beers, cocktails, and live music. For those interested in a more local experience, numerous establishments serve kumis accompanied by Kazakh snacks.

Dance clubs, often located in the city’s upscale hotels, feature international DJs and themed nights, attracting a glamorous crowd. We had a good laugh at the newly opened Only Fans club at the Grand Mildom where we were staying.

More Almaty Travel Tips

Our recommended almaty tours.

• Ancient Petroglyphs of Tanbaly – UNESCO World Heritage
• Almaty City Tour
• 1-day Express Tour to Altyn Emel National Park
• Assy Plateau and Issyk Lake
• Huns Ethno Village
• Sunkar Falcon Farm with lunch
• 2-day trip to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lakes and Kaindy Lake from Almaty

Where to Eat – The Best Almaty Restaurants

The Almaty food scene was surprisingly diverse. You can get a wide array of both local and international cuisine in every corner of the city. During our visit, we had the pleasure of trying the following restaurants. Truth be told, we never had a bad meal during our time in Almaty.

Fort Vernyi  – Located at Tole Bi Street 179a, we enjoyed a typical light Kazakh lunch here with different salads, soups, and taster plates.

Villa dei Fiori  – Located at St Furmanova 187a, this is one of the most upscale restaurants in Almaty and it features Italian cuisine.

The Noodles  – Located at Dostyk Avenue 52/2, contrary to the name, we enjoyed local cuisine and traditional shashlik.

Fahar  – Located at Dostyk Avenue 36, this place offered a beautiful atmosphere and served exceptional manti dumplings.

Alasha  – Located at St Mapata Ospanova 20, we had the classic Kazakh buffet experience here. The food was excellent, but it was very crowded.

Sydyk  – Located at Zheltoksan Street 155, this restaurant is most notable for its camel meat and milk. You can also enjoy kumis here among other authentic dishes, like beshbarmak, served with both camel and horse meat. David enjoyed his visit here during his Almaty food tour.

Qaimaq  – Located at Abay Avenue 46a, we enjoyed our final dinner here. It was over the top excellent! All of the salads were very fresh and the beshbarmak was presented more like a show. We highly recommend this restaurant for an authentic Kazakh dining experience.

Where to Stay in Almaty

Almaty is a sprawling city, which means there are several different areas to stay. We stayed at the Grand Mildom for the duration of our stay within the city limits of Almaty.

The hotel was a solid 3-star by Western standards. The rooms were large and comfortable. They had a nice spa with a pool and served an included breakfast buffet. The hotel was located in the Almaty city center, and walkable to a large mall. That said, we were driven to most places around the city.

We also heard fantastic things about the historic Hotel Kazakhstan . Built during the late Soviet era in the 1970s, the hotel’s design is a blend of Soviet modernism and Brutalism. The hotel has long been a symbol of the city and today is the third largest building in Almaty.

While the interior has seen upgrades over the years, it still retains some nostalgic Soviet charm. The hotel is strategically located, offering easy access to key attractions like Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral.

Outside of Almaty, we stayed at two other properties. The Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort for 1 night (in a crazy cool tree house!) and a small 2-star hotel called Hotel Kolsay Grand in Kolsay Lakes for 1 night.

Our visit to Kazakhstan was hosted by  Travel Kazakhstan in partnership with the SATW Digital Publishers Council. This trip was made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the sole responsibility of this author and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. All opinions about our incredible time in Kazakhstan are 100% mine, as always.

You might also like:

• Essential Uzbekistan Travel Guide: Everything We Wish We’d Known
• Turkmenistan Travel Guide: An Inside Look at a Bizarre Nation
• Kok Boru in Kyrgyzstan – An Intimate Look At Dead Goat Polo
• Looking Beyond the Stan- 33 Epic Kyrgyzstan Photos
• How to Travel Tibet: Everything You Need to Know
• People of Tibet in 25 Photos

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

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Is it worth to visit Astana, Kazakhstan?

In 2019 the name of Astana has been changed to Nur-Sultan. This article still uses the name Astana as it was written before the change and that’s what people are searching for.

In recent months Astana, the modern capital of Kazakhstan , has been in the spotlight as the host city of Expo 2017 exhibition. Numerous airlines, including low cost ones, started flying to Astana and the country has ditched the visa regime for numerous countries (including most of the European Union, United States and Canada).

Now seems to be the best time to visit Astana and submerse into Astana tourism but is it really worth it?

Table of Contents

Why I’ve decided to visit Astana

I visited Astana, Kazakhstan in November 2015. I went for 2 weeks to Central Asia, flying to Almaty and going back from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. As it quickly turned out November isn’t the best time to explore the region .

My plans to discover the (supposedly) stunning nature around Almaty came to the halt as the day trips didn’t run at that time of the year, I don’t have a drivers license and the public transport to most of the highlights is nonexistent. There were chances that I might go for a trip to Charyn Canyon but I had to wait some 5 days for it and the departure was to be confirmed just a day before.

I could have stayed all this time in Almaty that I absolutely loved but I’ve thought it would be wise to see more of a country. After checking the train connection I was deciding between Turkistan and Shymkent or Astana.

Eventually I’ve decided to visit Astana, after all it’s the capital city of Kazakhstan and it’s always good to see those. After a minor drama at the train station (I was buying my ticket for over 3 hours and caused a mini riot ;)) I was all ready to go!

How to get from Almaty to Astana

The regular train from Almaty to Astana takes some 20 hours. I paid around 20USD for the bed in 4 bed compartment. There are also faster trains when the journey time is around 14 hours and the ticket is some 50USD. It might seem like a lot (both money and time) but Kazakhstan is huge, it’s 9th largest country in the world!

There are also frequent flights between those two cities and the prices can be affordable too if you are lucky / book in advance. I always use SkyScanner for my fligt searches and it never disappointed me!

The plan was simple (and a little bit crazy): spending 20 hours in the train, then some 27 hours in Astana and again 20 hours in the train back to Almaty . For me the train part was probably the highlight of the trip to Astana.

I shared the compartment with a lovely Kazakh family, I could read a lot, sleep a lot and simply relax. Even if 20 hours overwhelmed me a little bit at first the journey wasn’t that terrible and went by much faster than I expected.

Train travels in former Soviet Union is a completely different level of the adventure that I enjoy so much!

Astana – a young city and modern capital

Already before visiting Astana I knew it will be cold. And I mean really cold. While in Almaty I had pleasant above 0°C temperatures in the capital it was supposed to be -10°C, felt like -17°C. And I really think the forecast didn’t lie.

When my train approached Astana all the windows were frozen and I barely could see never-ending grassland that Astana was built on.

The city is a fairly young one, founded in 1830 and for years being just a random place on the map of Russia / Soviet Union / Kazakhstan. Everything has changed in 1997 when, for the political and practical reasons, the capital of the country was moved from Almaty to Astana. The city boomed, developing like crazy to eventually become one of the most modern places in this part of the world.

When I was looking at the map of the city I’ve thought that everything Astana tourism is about is fairly close to each other, a walking distance. As it quickly turned out I was wrong. Or maybe it was the horrible cold getting to my bones?

It felt like I’m walking and walking yet not really moving, all the modern skyscrapers are still far away!

Astana tourism – things to do in Astana

When you visit Astana you will most likely stick to the part of the city between the Presidental Palace and Khan Shatyr shopping mall and between Dostyq and Dinmukhamed Quonayev streets.

That’s where you can find all the best things to do in Astana. You simply go from one side of the city to another, in a straight line, and you can see everything. In the order from East to West you will see:

• The Presidential Palace – you will find it also on 10.000 tenge banknote
• Golden Towers – locals call them “beer cans”
• Singing fountains – obviously closed in November when I visited
• Bayterek tower – the new symbol of the city, seen on every banknote of Kazakh currency. The tower is supposed to show a mythical egg in a mythical tree known from the Kazakh folk legend. It’s possible to take the elevator all the way up to “the egg” to see the modern downtown in its whole glory. Unfortunately the window is yellow so you won’t get the best pictures but it’s still totally recommended to go up there!
• Nur-Astana Mosque – third largest mosque in Central Asia that can fit up to 5.000 worshipers.
• KazMunayGas Headquarters – in any other place this building would look outrageous (well, maybe except of Batumi, Georgia) but here it fits perfectly fine. You can clearly see that Kazakhstan is the country that gains big part of its income from gas
• Opera House – it looks like the most European building in the whole city
• Shopping Mall “Khan Shatyr” – looking like a huge tent it’s the highest structure of this kind in the world. Even if I’m not a huge fan of shopping centers this one definitely made a big impression on me!

There are even more peculiar things Astana tourism is proud of, I just didn’t get to the other side of the river to see them all because it was so freaking cold! Also, to be honest, by the time I’ve walked the lane described above I was a little bit fed up with Astana attractions. After all how much longer can you look at random modern buildings out of which only few looked really decent?

I’m pretty sure I’d have had more interest in Astana tourism if the weather wasn’t that bad. After all pictures of fountains and carpets made of flowers look pretty decent.

If you find yourself not bored with Astana by this point you should also see the Palace of Peace and Accord (in the shape of pyramid), Shabyt (‘Palace of the Arts’ in the shape of dog’s bowl), Metropolitan Circus (it literally looks like spaceship), Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall or apartment buildings that look like Gargamel’s castle.

If you’re interested in architecture you might actually find Astana pretty interesting as couple of those modern buildings were designed by world famous architect Norman Foster (the same person who designed The Gherkin in London, Torre Caja in Madrid or rebuilding of Berlin’s Reichstag).

Is it worth to visit Astana, Kazakhstan

To be honest I didn’t like the city all that much and I’m not planning to visit Astana again. The capital didn’t have any vibe at all, it could be just another random city you visit during your travels.

I also felt like the city was trying really hard to be the modern, Westernized metropolis, the capital of prosperous country yet deep down it’s still a small, insignificant village.

It’s interesting to see the modern architecture and how the brand new city was built in the middle of nowhere and you can spend a day there but that’s about it. Don’t expect any excitement or awesomeness – you can find those in Kazakhstan but not exactly in Astana.

Astana, however, can be a perfect getaway to Central Asia. When you look at the city as the transfer point, not the destination itself it can be an OK place to spend a day in and get ready for what Central Asia has to offer. I’m not writing off Astana, I myself might end up there again one day, after all I really enjoyed Kazakhstan . It’s just not the most exciting place in the world and I’m generous saying that statement.

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20 Comments

Agnieszka Ptaszynska

A ja się zabieram do podobnego tekstu już ponad rok ;) a miałam go publikować przed expo :D

mój tez długo dojrzewał ;) może Cię zmotywuje ;)

I think I asked this very question about a month ago in your Facebook group, because there was a cheap deal via Wizz Air. Thanks for taking the time to answer so comprehensively!

No problem :) Did you book the flights after all?

Natascha (WESTWARDS)

Interesting to see you photos. I have been to Astana in 2006, when they had just started with the building boom. I guess it must have changed a lot – would be nice to go back and compare.

I think you wouldn’t recognize the place! 10 years is a lot in that city! I’d love to have visited all these years ago, it would be so interesting to compare!

Barnaby Evans

I have enjoyed reading your post on Astana – I stayed there for 2 nights in October 2015 at the start of a trip around Kazakhstan. The hotel I stayed at was on the “wrong” side of the river – about 5km from the Khan Shatyr. Astana is nice & flat – so walking around was easy. True, the city is a bit soulless – but it is still a relatively young place and the whole country is developing rapidly, which is exciting to see.

Agree! Staying in the center was definitely the best idea for me, especially in such a freezing weather! I would love to return there in some 10-20 years to see how much it has changed!

Todd Nicholson

Great post! Really enjoyed reading it and your pictures, seems such a strange idea to have yellow windows when it’s such a great view from up there! When I visit c.asia I’ll be flying into Astana then on to Almaty, I think after reading your post I’ll just stick to one night here in Astana, but it does look like a great place to see at least once! :)

Thanks! Definitely stay one night in Astana as it’s an interesting place to visit for a day but Almaty is so much better! I loved it there!

Victoria @The British Berliner

I really like this post Kami!

I haven’t yet been to Kazakhstan, but any destination with an interesting train journey, gets my vote!

Thank you! Kazakhstan is visa free now so this might be a good reason to go! :)

As a kazakh who stayed there for 4 years straight, I totally agree with your post. The city is built with such a horrible taste. There is no architectural uniqueness like other capitals of the world have. That’s what you can build when everyone around is corrupt.

Thank you for your comment and interesting input, I really appreciate it!

Stacja Bałkany

Bardzo fajny post. Po Gruzji zabieram się wybrać właśnie gdzieś do Azji Środkowej. Cieszę się, że masz odwagę napisać że gdzieś Ci się nie podobało i że niekoniecznie polecasz to miejsce. Takie posty zawsze są niebezpieczne – jak napisałem tak o Ksamilu tobie mi się dostało ale są bardzo ważne, bo dają prawdziwe informacje czytelnikowi. Chętnie bym poczytał więcej Twoich postów z Azji Środkowej. Pozdrawiam z Batumi :)

Dziękuję! Póki co więcej za bardzo nie mam do powiedzenia o Azji Centralnej, ale może się uda tam niedługo wrócić. I zawsze piszę jak mi się nie podoba, nawet jeśli mi się ma oberwać to i tak nie będę udawała, że było super jak nie było. I Tobie też takie podejście polecam ;)

Was looking at going this November for 8 days. Would you not recommend visiting at this time of year?

I was there in November and honestly it wasn’t the best idea ever. It was cold, especially in Astana, and there were hardly any tourists hence it was impossible to see some attractions. I’d choose a warmer month if I go again.

was looking to go to astana what time would you recommend

definitely not winter, it’s way too cold! I think spring must be nice there

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How to visit Astana in 3 days

By Joan Torres 2 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

Astana, today Nur-Sultan, was described as the weirdest capital in the world by CNN and I agree. Enter the city into Google Maps and you will see how far away it is from anywhere.

Kazakhstan is the same size as Western Europe but it is mostly unpopulated and nearly completely covered in flat, arid steppe.

Traveling to Astana by plane is surreal. There is nothing as far as you can see until you literally find yourself over the capital. There is nothing – not a mountain, not a tree, no other city or suburbs – nothing.

It is difficult to believe today that when the capital was moved from Almaty in 1997 this was just a dusty little village.

Since then it has gone through a building boom turning it into a futuristic city full of modern, quirky architecture all funded by the country’s vast oil and energy resources.

18.3 million people live in Kazakhstan and although the general standard of living is reasonable I question whether the money could have been better spent.

This article contains everything you need to know to visit Nur-Sultan , former Astana.

In this Astana travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Is Astana or Nur Sultan?
• Best time to visit
• Transportation
• Getting to Astana
• Moving around the city
• Getting from the airport
• Where to stay
• Where to eat
• Things to do is 3 days
• More information

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Is it Astana or Nur-Sultan?

Shortly after the capital was moved from Almaty in 1997 it was named Astana, which means ‘capital’ in Kazakh.

The official reason for the relocation was the danger posed by earthquakes in the Almaty region.

The real motive is believed to be more to do with geopolitics and the relationship with Kazakhstan’s two largest trading partners – Russia and China.

For years there was speculation over whether Astana would be renamed after the leader who created it, Nursultan Nazarbayev . He was the president for nearly 30 years, starting his term when the country was still part of the Soviet Union.

Presidents are, according to the country’s constitution, limited to two 5-year terms. However, these rules were changed since the president was so popular – he regularly won 98% of the votes in the general elections.

Nursultan surprised many critics of his regime when he stood down in March 2019. He was expected to be ‘president for life’, as seen in several other countries in the region.

However, at 78-years old and retaining powers as chairman of the Security Council and head of the ruling party, I am not sure how far he actually stepped down in reality.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was named as his successor.

As a tribute to his predecessor, he renamed the capital Nur-Sultan .

Officially the name was changed in March 2019 but Astana is still widely used and is the name best known abroad, the named most commonly used in this travel blog.

Central Asia is a complicated region and, in order to fully understand the country, it is recommended to read 1 or 2 books. Check: The 28 best books on Central Asia

Best time to visit Nur-Sultan

Having a steppe climate the variances between cold winter nights and sizzling summer days can be 80 degrees Celsius.

When we visited I was surprised to learn that Nur-Sultan is the second coldest capital in the world after Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia).

Unless you are prepared for -20 degrees Celsius, winter is not the best time to visit.

The other extreme are the summer months of July and August when temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius.

These large variances make the shoulder season of May/June and September/ October the best times to visit.

Having said that, we visited in early May and I was surprised at how cold it was.

Coming from the warmer climates of Almaty and Uzbekistan this was a bit of a shock to the system. We ended up wearing most of the clothes we brought with us during the evenings when the temperature drops quite considerably.  

Need to know about transportation

How to travel to astana.

There are several ways, depending on where you travel from.

How to travel to Astana from Almaty

Getting to Astana from Almaty by plane

I highly recommend traveling to Nur-Sultan by plane from Almaty. If you know your travel dates and book in advance, I found that it was cheaper to take the 1.5-2 hours flight than the 14-hour speed train. And it was definitely more comfortable (if the reports about the speed train being so bumpy making it impossible to sleep are true).

Getting to Astana from Almaty by train

There are two types of trains – the speed train and the slow train .

The speed train takes 14 hours overnight in both directions and most days there are 2 slow trains leaving mid-morning and taking roughly 24 hours.

For everything you need to know about taking the train in Kazakhstan read this post .

Tickets can be booked in person or online. For the speed train tickets cost $50-65 and for the slow train $20-30.

The Kazakhstan railways website is not available in English so unless you can read Cyrillic I recommend using Real Russia .

This site has a good search function in English to find train times so is useful even if buying your own ticket at the station.

In the summer and during holidays train tickets should be bought in advance.

For the speed train early booking discounts are up to 40% so it pays to plan ahead.

How to travel to Astana from Russia (Moscow)

This is not a cheap route with tickets costing around $300 per person . Trains depart every 2nd day on even-numbered dates and take 3-4 days to cover the 3,105km between the two cities.

Astana travel tip – This train only crosses the border one time. Other routes can cross it several times and there is some uncertainty about whether this means you need a double-entry visa. Make sure to check the visa needed for the train route you are taking.  

How to travel from (China) Urumqi to Astana by train

Leaving every Saturday afternoon from Astana railway station the train arrives Monday morning in Urumqi. The return departs late on Monday getting into Nur-Sultan on Wednesday.

The train can only be booked through travel agents and costs upwards from $350 per person in a compartment with 4 beds.  The journey takes nearly 40 hours with 8 of these spent at the border changing the wheels on the train carriage since the tracks in the two countries have different gauges.

How to move around Nur-Sultan

The buildings are enormous and distances deceptively far. Luckily there is a good bus system with routes marked at each stop making it easy to find which bus you need.

If in doubt you can find an interactive English route map here .

Buses run from 6-7am to 10-11pm and tickets costs 90T for shorter routes within the city and 150T for express routes. The most useful routes for sightseeing are:

• 10 – runs every 15 minutes from the bus station to the airport taking one hour via Zhenis, Moldagulova, Beibitshilik, Seufullin, Respublika, Konaev and Kabanbay Batyr
• 21 – Astana-1 to Bayterek Tower, Ak Orda, the pyramid and National Museum, via Zhengis, Sarayka, Qabanbay Batyr, Qonayev and Mangilik
• 32 – Astana Nurly Zhol to the old city via the pyramid, Ak Orda, Nurzhol bulvar, Turan dangyly and Respublika dangyly
• 40 – Astana-1 to the pyramid and Khan Shatyr via Seyfullin and Kenesary in old Nur-Sultan, and Sarayshyk, Mangilik and Dostyk in modern Nur-Sultan
• 505 Express bus – Express bus from Astana Nurly Zhol to Khan Shatyr, via the pyramid

How to get to and from the airport

Uber operates here and is a good option if the Wi-Fi on your phone can be used without high network charges.

Taxis are meant to cost 2,000-3,000T but we found that they wanted more. They will not use the meter so make sure you agree on a price before getting in. As with most countries in this region, Russian is widely spoken but English less so. You will probably have more luck negotiating a better price if you speak Russian.

Taking the bus is very easy. The bus stop is a few hundred metres to the left after exiting the terminal. The ticket price is either 90T or 150T (the higher price is for the express bus). Three bus routes pass through the airport leaving roughly every 15 minutes:

• Bus #10 runs between the airport and the train station stopping at Khan Shatyr and down Qonayev Street. Travelling through the city centre this is likely to be the best option if you want to get the bus.
• Express bus #100 runs between the airport and the train station
• Express bus #500 runs between the airport and Astana Nurly Zhol in the very East of the city

Where to stay in Nur-Sultan

Budget – The Place Astana Hostel – Most of the budget options are outside the modern city centre. I always like to be walking distance from the sights and restaurants and the hostel with the best location and good reviews is The Place Astana Hostel.

Mid-Range – VIP House Hotel – Nur-Sultan is not a cheap city and midrange options are more expensive than in many other capitals. Close to the Singing Fountains and the Bayterek Tower is VIP House Hotel which comes with private bathrooms and good views.

Top-end – Rixos Garden Inn – Located close to Nurzhol Bulvar at the Khan Shatyr end. Rooms are of a standard that you would expect from any Western high-end chain.

Where to eat in Nur-Sultan

Looking at Google Maps plenty of restaurants are shown along Nurzhol Bulvar.

However, we found it difficult to find somewhere to stop for lunch. Some restaurants are only open in the evening and others only had a sign in Russian outside and dark windows making it difficult to know whether they were office buildings or restaurants.

Khan Shatyr has a food court with all the usual fast-food brands and some local restaurants but if you fancy something a bit different, I recommend going to Turan Avenue.

Like everywhere in this city, the distance is long between each restaurant but there are several cuisines available such as Korean, Uzbek, Japanese, Georgian and Italian. The designs are the most interesting part.

The Uzbek restaurant reminded me of the city walls in Khiva with blue-tiled domes. The Georgian eatery is built with stone defence towers and overhanging balconies like you see in Baku . My favourite, the Mill, is a Ukrainian restaurant that looks like a windmill with live chickens in the garden. Inside the interior is decorated like a country house with fake flowers.

Things to do in Astana: 3-day itinerary

I love cities with ‘unusual’ (that is probably a more polite description than ‘wacky’) architecture.

There are plenty of unique things to do in Astana that did not disappoint me but my husband was less convinced.

Although the city has a good bus service make sure you wear comfortable shoes since you will be doing a lot of walking whilst visiting the capital. Distances are long. The city was clearly designed with drivers rather than walking sightseers in mind.

This Kazakhstan itinerary suggests spending 3 days in the capital. If time is limited, all the buildings detailed below can be seen in two days.

Places to visit in Astana on day 1 – Left of the Ishim River

Most of the modern buildings to visit in Astana are located on this side of the river and you can easily spend a day walking up and down Nurzhol Bulvar. At night this area is lit up and in the Summer months, there is a musical water show every day at 9pm.

Khan Shatyr

Shopping is not normally part of my sightseeing plans but this is not your average shopping centre. In fact, this is one of the best places to visit in Nur-Sultan.

Standing at one end of Nurzhol Bulvar this translucent tent is the world’s largest marquee, and one of the most emblematic places to visit in Astana. But when you enter it feels smaller than the 10 football pitches that apparently can fit inside.

Inside it has a park, monorail, boating river, mini-golf and an indoor beach complete with palm trees and sand imported from the Maldives. To ensure that beachgoers have a comfortable temperature (even during freezing winter days) a chemical lining on the building ensures that it is a constant 35 degrees inside.

Bayterek Tower

The Bayterek Tower is probably the best-known building in Nur-Sultan and in my view the one you cannot leave without seeing. That will not be a problem since at 105m tall and with a prominent position in the middle of the Nurzhol Bulvar it is impossible to miss.

The observation deck is 97 metres high corresponding to the year Nur-Sultan became the capital. It was closed for an unknown reason when we visited and I was disappointed not to be able to put my hand in the gilded handprint of Nursultan and make a wish.

Although we did not make it to the top I would highly recommend going for the 360-degree views over the town. Entrance costs 700T.

Ak Orda – Presidential Palace

The first thought that struck me when I saw this building was how much it looked like the Whitehouse in Washington DC. Ak Orda means ‘the white headquarters’ so there is a similarity in the name as well as the design.

The architects aimed for something different and unrepeatable and although it is a striking I am not quite sure whether I would call it unique. It is not easy to stand out in a city full of futuristic buildings.

The large golden towers standing either side as you approach the Palace are the House of Ministries, dubbed ‘the beer cans’ by locals. In the square there is little else to see except for the Central Concert Hall.

Central Concert Hall

Located in the right corner of the Presidential Palace square it is easy to miss due to the tall buildings surrounding it, covering it from view unless you are nearly right in front of it.

Nur Astana Mosque

I think of Kazakhstan as more Russian than Central Asian but 70% of the population is Muslim. This explains why two of the three largest mosques in Central Asia are located here. With a capacity for 5,000 worshippers inside and 2,000 outside this is the third largest mosque in Central Asia.

Hazret Sultan mosque (see below) might have the most grandiose prayer room but I think, being built in white granite and with a large fountain outside, Nur Astana Mosque is the prettier of the two.

Bears and lion tamers are not an unusual site at the performances but there are no aliens despite the building looking like a flying saucer.

Circus has a long tradition in the Soviet Union but what made the architect construct a circus building shaped like a UFO, or the president give it the go ahead, is difficult to fathom.

If nothing else, it is certainly noticeable. As with everything in this city it is a bit of a walk from the other sights but for me, this weird building was worth the detour.

Things to do in Astana on day 2 – Right of the Ishim River

I found the left of the river has the most interesting architecture. The right side is expected to be built out significantly over the next 10 years and in 2030 plans are for the Pyramid to be the geographical center of Nur-Sultan.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – The Pyramid

The first draft of the Pyramid is said to have been the same size as the Great Pyramid in Egypt but that was too grand even for Nursultan and it was hastily reduced to about half the size. Despite being 62 meters tall and situated on a hill it was not as impressive as I thought it would be. 

Entry is possible on a guided tour which runs roughly every 30 minutes between 10am and 6pm. Tickets cost 1,000T for adults and 650T for children.

English guides can be arranged at extra cost.

The Palace of Independence

This is an event space located in the square birds-nest-like building made of dark glass and steel. The only interesting thing to see here is the model of what Nur-Sultan will look like when it is finished, which is expected to be in 2030.

Kazakhstan has been suffering from a falling oil price over the last couple of years and the price having plummeted due to Coronavirus will make the state budget even tighter.

It will be interesting to see whether the city will ever be built out to the extent the previous president dreamt of.

Kazakh Eli Monument

A symbol of sovereignty with the height of the 91m tall pillar representing the year independence was gained from the Soviet Union in 1991.

The golden statue at the top is Samruk, the bird that laid the egg at the top of the Bayterek Tower.

Hazret Sultan Mosque

This is the largest mosque in Central Asia and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers. The prayer room is decorated in the colour of the Kazakh flag – blue, gold and white.

With its 51m high dome and a 3-ton chandelier this room alone makes the trip across the river worth it.

National Museum of Kazakhstan

An enormous white-marble building that covers the culture and history of Kazakhstan from ancient history up to the present day.

The museum is closed on Mondays and entry is 1,500T for adults with a further charge of 500T for photos and 2,000T for a guide.

Day 3 – Things to do near Astana

Being in the middle of nowhere, there are really only two actual places to visit around Astana:

ALZHIR Museum and Memorial Complex

Walking around Nur-Sultan with its new fancy buildings it is easy to forget that Kazakhstan was part of the Soviet Union. But a visit to this notorious concentration camp will bring it all back.

The 26th Gulag Point (as it was formally called) was for the women and children of dissenters. Little is left of the camp but the museum has recreated the huts prisoners lived in as well as the trains that brought them to the camp.

Minibuses to Akmol (also called Malinokva) depart roughly every hour and take 45 minutes. Tours can be booked in advance via the museum website . The museum is closed on Mondays.

Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve

With its 200 lakes Korgalzhyn is a popular stop for migrating birds. If you are an avid bird watcher the months of May and June are the best time to visit for the northward migration. Otherwise June to September are more interesting since salty lake Tengiz supports a large colony of flamingos at this time of year.

Local guest houses can arrange transport into the reserve. To see the flamingos you need a 4×4 which cost around 10,000T plus 3,000T for an official guide.

Shared taxis, which take two hours, are the best way to get there. The first ones depart at 10 a.m. but are very popular so make sure you arrive at least an hour before departure to secure a seat.

More information for visiting Astana

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Kazakhstan destination

• Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
• Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan border crossing
• Train Guide in Kazakhstan
• Kazakhstan Itinerary

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Thank you for the detailed guide to this unusual capital. I enjoyed almost every one of your highlights of Day 1 and Day 2 back in 2016 and might return some day for Day 3.

For what it’s worth, I enjoyed the 14-hour train ride from Almaty to Astana (Nur-Sultan). I showed my ticket to the uniformed woman on the platform. She said “Good evening” in English and that she was my conductor. She escorted me to my private cabin with an en suite bathroom and shower. It was a bumpy ride, but I was able to get a good night’s rest. (Perhaps it “rocked” me to sleep?) The conductor checked that I was awake well before our on-time arrival at 8:15 a.m. It was not expensive, did not require rides to and from airports, and saved me the expense of a night in a hotel. It might seem repetitive and boring to some, but I found the incredibly flat landscape had an eerie beauty along with the endless blue sky.

One recommendation: Try to get a ticket to the Astana Opera (The State Opera and Ballet Theatre). This massive Classical structure was completed in 2013 and has incredible acoustics. I got a same-day ticket online for around $5 and caught a shared taxi there for around $2. Arriving just before the opera started, the window to pick up my ticket appeared to be closed. I did my best to explain to the usher (in English), and she handed me a ticket for a box seat close to the stage. (I cannot guarantee this always happens–the website says to arrive a minimum of 10 minutes early–but people were very friendly in Kakakhstan.) The production of Madama Butterfly featured truly world-class performers. There were supertitles (over the stage) in Russian and Kazakh.

I am glad you enjoyed the guide. Sounds like I have to try the Opera next we go!

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The top things to do in Almaty – the perfect introduction to Kazakhstan

Feb 25, 2020 • 6 min read

Ask someone to picture a city in Kazakhstan and you’ll likely be met with a blank stare. Despite its many draws, the Central Asian country, which stretches from China to the Caspian Sea, is not exactly a hotbed of international tourism, and remains an enigma to most tourists outside its neighbouring countries. But when grappling with planning a trip to such a gigantic – and historically closed-off – country, it’s hard to know where to start. The solution? Almaty .

The country's former capital (a title now held by slick, though somewhat soulless, Nur-Sultan ), is the perfect introduction to modern Kazakhstan. It’s a beautiful city (thanks to some stunning Soviet-modernist and Tsarist-era architecture), where the food, drink and nightlife scenes are flourishing and various spectacular areas of natural beauty are within easy reach. 

Here’s our pick of the top top things to do in Almaty, a highlights reel that might see Kazakhstan's cultural capital emerge as a surprise contender for your next city break.

1. See the city’s history around Panfilov Park

This lovely park – and the area immediately around it – in the eastern-centre of the city is teeming with places of interest that offer a whistle-stop tour of the city’s history. The park contains a notable war memorial to the 28 soldiers of an Almaty infantry unit who died fighting the Germans outside Moscow during WWII, with several huge black monuments and an "eternal flame" commemorating their sacrifice. Not far behind the largest of them is the pastel-yellow, green and red Tsarist-era Ascension Cathedral – a visually striking structure that is claimed to be one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world.

On the park's eastern edge is the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments , a traditional wooden Russian building built at the same time as the cathedral, where, for a small entry fee, you can peruse over 1000 traditional instruments dating back as far as the 17th century. A block north is the Green Market , a gigantic, quintessentially Central Asian market that is a must-visit, and one of the city's best people-watching spots even if you don't plan on buying anything.

2. Tuck into the city’s expanding food scene

Almaty’s food scene is improving year on year, and with prices remaining low in most restaurants, voracious visitors will have a great time touring the city via their taste buds.

Cafeteria is one of a clutch of excellent breakfast/brunch spots, with an impressive menu of egg-based dishes, sandwiches, pastries, smoothies and lots more. Coffee is a big deal in Almaty, and if you're in need of a further energy boost Bowler Coffee (two locations, one of them in a corner of the Green Market) is one of the best places to get it.

For lunch and/or dinner head to the self-explanatory Ramen 77 , any of the rows of family-run Uzbek restaurants in the Gorniy Gigant district, the Italian Restaurant Trieste or SVET (Kabanbai Batyra St), a beautiful spot that serves international and Kazakh cuisine and has a terrace overlooking the State Opera and Ballet Theatre , another of Almaty's primary architectural gems.

3. Get to grips with the best of the nightlife

A treasured institution for many young city dwellers is the bar Le Janbyr (Kabanbai Batyr St), a wonderfully chaotic spot that will make you feel like you've teleported to a particularly happening area of Berlin . The owners originally opened to give their friends a place to hang out; they didn't even have an alcohol license initially, so visitors would bring their own and leave a small tip. The same atmosphere survives today, with mismatched furniture, impromptu music sessions and anyone allowed to write or draw whatever they like on the walls.

Almaty also boasts a fairly vibrant clubbing scene, but ZVUK , a small, fiercely political techno night and collective headed by the inspirational Nazira Kassenova (who now regularly DJs in Western Europe's clubbing hotspots), is head and shoulders above everything else. ZVUK regularly flies in guests of the calibre of Giant Swan, Via App, Don't DJ and Zoe Mc Pherson – acts that would be considered challenging and leftfield anywhere in the world, but in Almaty are mind-blowingly so. 

ZVUK used to hold its parties at a 300-capacity back-alley spot named Object run by a wonderful bunch of like-minded folks. That venue shut in summer 2019, but happily the same people have popped back up with a venue named Bult, and ZVUK has gone with them.

4. Take a trip to Altyn-Emel National Park

A few hours' drive northeast of the city is this 4600 sq km Unesco World Heritage site, the eastern edge of which is just 40 miles from the Chinese border. Though it takes a while to get to and a 4x4 is needed to negotiate its bumpy tracks, Altyn-Emel is one of the most accessible and convenient options if you want a taste of the glorious scenery of Kazakhstan's vast empty spaces.

Among Altyn-Emel's wonders are the otherworldly red, orange and white-coloured hills of Aktau Mountains, and all manner of rare flora and fauna including kulan (wild donkeys), Persian gazelle, Siberian toad and the 700-year-old "sacred tree". Most incredible of all is the "Singing Dune", an ancient 150m-high geological oddity rising up from the steppe that makes a sound like an organ when its sands move. There are many guesthouses in small towns near the park, and passes to enter must be bought in advance. Tour packages are also available.

5. Zone out in one of the best spas you'll ever visit

Whatever you have done to exhaust yourself in Almaty, whether it was dancing til dawn, hiking around Altyn-Emel or pounding the pavements in search of yet another Soviet-modernist architecture hit, Arasan Baths will provide welcome rejuvenation.

Immediately to the west of Pankilov Park, Arasan is, from the outside, a hulking Soviet brutalist complex covering almost an entire block, but the atmosphere switches from imposing to comforting as soon as you step inside. A huge menu of massage treatments is available and for about 7000 KZT (£15/€18) you can spend as long as you like in the spa's many saunas and steam rooms, and cool off in its ornate grand circular pool.

6. Stay in one of the city's architectural landmarks 

The Hotel Kazakhstan is one of the city's iconic buildings, a 26-floor, 102m-tall 1970s modernist gem with a crown-like top that features on Kazakhstan's 5000 tengue note. Happily it is an affordable place to stay, with its pleasant, modern rooms starting at around 20,000 KZT (£40/€48) per night. About halfway up is a lovely, often-deserted sauna with a huge picture window looking out over the city, and the top-floor restaurant offers an even better vista, most notably from the toilets, where one's nice sit-down is made even nicer by a 270-degree panorama.

7. Catch a cable car to Kók Tóbe and its bewildering theme park

A few minutes' walk from Hotel Kazakhstan is a cable car terminus that leads up to Kók Tóbe , a hill visible from anywhere in the city thanks to its 372m-tall TV tower.

Since 2006 it has also been a leisure area, with restaurants (horse sausage washed down with horse milk anyone?), a small animal park, souvenir stands, and amusements including dodgems, a rollercoaster and a 30m-tall ferris wheel with, for some reason, a full-size upside-down house teetering beside it.

The oddest touch of all is a bronze statue of the Beatles, with John Lennon sitting on a bench strumming a guitar and Paul, Ringo and George standing behind him. Together the whole scene resembles a particularly hallucinogenic fever dream; but one that will likely live long in the memory.

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The best things to do in Almaty

The mention of Kazakhstan conjures up images of untouched wilderness and vast plateaus, yet the country is also home to Central Asia's most important and vibrant city. Almaty, the former capital and Silk Route stop, is a thriving cultural hub and the gateway to some of the republic’s most remarkable scenery. Dynamic and diverse, Almaty offers travellers something a bit different. From Soviet speed-skating, horse riding and mountain hiking, these are the top things to do. 

1. Breakfast like a local

As the sun rises over Almaty’s glass towers and golden roofs, its residents gather to start the day. Cafés have made a firm mark on the city, and breakfast meetings and brunches have become an essential part of modern Kazakh mornings. With brilliant mountain views and bright clear weather nine months of the year, locals love to spend the time basking on terraces, sipping tea (locals tend to prefer tea to coffee) and tucking into flaky pastries or Western-style eggs.

2. Hike history at Medeu

Every winter, a vast sheet of ice covers the spectacular Medeu Valley. A 20-minute drive south-east from the city centre, the site is also home to the world’s highest skating rink. Built in 1949, the colossal 35,000-square-foot rink is an awe-inspiring example of Soviet architecture, bedecked with fluttering flags and surrounded by soaring peaks. As the ice melts and spring sets in, Almaty’s residents swap their skates for hiking boots and head into the surrounding mountains. Some don’t even wait for the snow to subside, trudging straight up Shymbulak’s half-thawed pistes. Join them in seeking out unbeatable views and aim for the foothills of the spectacular Tian Shan mountain range.

3. Bite into baursak

Almaty is where you’ll experience some of the best of Kazakhstan’s unique cuisine. Start at Zelionyj Bazaar – the city’s main market – a two-storey hall that’s been trading since 1875. Its merchants are generous, happy to offer customers samples of local goods such as honey, dried fruits and distinctive kurt cheese. Once you’ve worked up a proper appetite, head for one of the city’s chic traditional restaurants such as Sandyq and Qaimaq, or the newly opened, neo-nomadic Auyl. Wherever you go, you must try a delicious staple of the Kazakh table: baursak. These deep-fried golden puffs are irresistible, a kind of doughnut that’s pulled apart and served sweet, savoury or simply as it is.

4. Discover Central Asian arts

From contemporary theatre to classic galleries, Almaty has a thriving arts scene. Its mammoth Abylkhan Kasteyev State Museum of Arts offers an in-depth introduction to Kazakh, Soviet and Central Asian artists, such as the museum’s namesake, the painter Abylkhan Kasteyev, and sculptor Isaac Itkind. Creative hubs are cropping up across the city, with spaces including Dom36 and Aspan Gallery producing showcases, performances and events by contemporary artists. Voted a UNESCO City of Music in 2017, Almaty also has a rich musical heritage that visitors can explore at the beautiful Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.

5. Explore Martian-style landscapes

East of Almaty, where the borders of China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan meet, the desert-like landscape splits in two. Charyn Canyon is an immense terracotta terrain of striated stacks, sheer ravines – and supposedly unsettled spirits. A teal-tinted river thunders through the valley, an easy walk from the comprehensive tourist centre, but for a truly immersive experience, grab a guide and spend a day trekking Charyn’s challenging terrain.

6. Ride like a nomad

For centuries, horses carried nomadic tribes across the country’s harsh steppes. For a taste of traditional life, spend an afternoon in the company of Kazakhstan’s most revered animal at the Almaty Hills Equestrian Club . Located amid apple orchards, the club and restaurant has a riding arena for learners and trails that take in stunningly unspoilt countryside.

7. Play a round of golf

Teeing off immersed in the spectacular scenery of Tian Shan is hard to beat, which is why Almaty is fast becoming a golfer’s getaway. Bright sunshine and cool breezes, plus incredible views from rolling fairways, make for ideal days on the green. Choose between Zhailjau Golf Resort in Almaty’s southern outskirts, its Palmer-designed course fronted by a stately house, or Nurtau’s manicured green south-east of the city, enveloped by forests and peaks.

8. Kick back in cool bars

Almaty undoubtedly has the best nightlife in Central Asia, with plentiful drinking spots, unique bars and buzzing casinos. For cocktails there’s the dapper  Alice in Wonderland -themed Barmaglot Bar , recently lauded in the 50 Best Discovery list of the world’s finest drinking spots, and the hidden, speakeasy-style Yellow Door Bar . For a chi-chi evening try the stylish Agorà Wine and Deli , while live-music fans should follow the cool crowd to the neon-lit Blue Bar . 

9. Enjoy Panfilov Park

At the weekend, Almaty families flock to the city’s pretty green spaces. The city is spectacularly tree-lined — its name derives from Alma-ata, meaning ‘city of apples’ – and its parks are bustling, busy, sunlit spaces. The most popular is Panfilov, where you can join the locals lounging on lawns, sampling street food, admiring monuments and watching kids expertly navigate paths on rented mini cars. The park is also home to Zenkov’s Cathedral, a superb Orthodox church of painted wood with domes the colour of gumdrops.

10. Discover ancient viticulture

The region’s anti-alcohol campaign of the 1980s almost destroyed Almaty’s long history of winemaking, but recent efforts to revive the region’s viticulture have resulted in harvests of Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Malbec and other grapes. Arba winery , east of Almaty, offers guided tours, wine-tasting and harvesting events, and is an ideal day trip combined with a visit to The Huns village in Bulak, where you can learn more about the country’s nomadic culture and traditions.

Visit Almaty and learn more about Kazakhstan’s largest city at   Kazakhstan.travel .  

5 reasons you should visit Almaty, Kazakhstan

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updated 12.06.2019

Straddling the cultural crossroads between Europe and Asia , Kazakhstan is an intriguingly cosmopolitan place. This vast country, which stretches from the Caspian Sea to China , is one of Asia’s most diverse, where ethnic Kazakhs and Russians rub shoulders with Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Tatars, Germans and many more in an enviably harmonious mix.

1. You can get a taste of life on the Silk Road

2. the ski slopes are fit for royalty, 3. you can visit the world’s second tallest wooden building, 4. there’s some impressive socialist realist art and architecture, 5. the russian baths are the finest in central asia.

Almaty, its biggest city, may have ceded capital status to its flashy young rival, Astana, but it remains the country’s cultural and financial centre, and custodian of the Kazakh soul. Spectacularly set beneath the snow-capped peaks of the imperious Zailysky-Alatau mountains, it’s a relaxed, pleasantly green city of fancy malls and fountains, black-windowed SUVs and broad, busy boulevards. It’s the sophisticated, modern hub of a booming petro-economy for sure, but one with enough surprises to make Almaty a highlight of any visit to Kazakhstan.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Kazakhstan, created by local experts

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Highlights of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Discover the highlights of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on this compact trip. Explore part of the Uzbek Golden Triangle with Bukhara and Samarkand before heading to the cosmopolitan city of Almaty. The Kazakh capital awaits with plenty of adventures in the surroundings.

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Along The Great Silk Road

Explore all the highlights of Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan await you in this 3 weeks trip. Learn about the history, enjoy breathtaking nature and experience local traditions and culture. It's time to discover the Silk Road with an expert guide!

There’s no better introduction to Kazakhstan’s multifaceted ethnic patchwork than the bustling Green Bazaar market hall, where traders from across Central Asia and as far afield as Korea gather to hawk their wares.

Fresh produce is abundant: the foothills around Almaty lay strong claim to be the ancestral home of the apple (the city’s name literally means “father of the apple”) and the fruit here can grow to giant proportions.

© Teow Cek Chuan/Shutterstock

Don’t miss sampling kurt , pungent but curiously addictive balls of dried cheese beloved of nomads out on the Kazakh steppe, though only strict meat-eaters should venture to the cavernous butcher’s hall, where long counters drip with slabs of horsemeat, undoubtedly the local favourite. Finish off with a glass of fresh kvas , a soft drink made from fermented bread, from one of the stalls outside. It knocks the socks off the widely available commercially produced bottles.

Barely half an hour’s drive from the city, the ski resort of Shymbulak hit the headlines in 2014 when Prince Harry took then girlfriend Cressida Bonas for a spin on the slopes. The resort is unexpectedly ritzy, and the skiing among the best in Central Asia. Almaty’s chilly, sunny winters guaranteeing cold, crisp snow well into April and invariably good conditions.

At any time of year, it’s well worth escaping the city smog to ride the 4km series of ski lifts, with their fetching leopard-print cabins (in homage to the seldom-seen snow leopards that still roam these mountains), up to the 3180-metre Talgar Pass. Various rocky hiking trails lead up into the surrounding peaks, snow-capped even in summer, and the views are spectacular.

Shymbulak © Mathias Berlin/Shutterstock

Flattened by earthquakes more than once, Almaty is not a city awash with historic buildings. Standing proudly defiant in leafy Panfilov Park, one dazzling exception is the Cathedral of the Holy Ascension – a confection of pastel-hued gables, brightly painted tiles and gilded domes – that rises almost 60m and was built without a single nail.

A magnificent gilt altarpiece dominates the opulent interior, where (predominantly) women – their heads covered in beautiful scarves – light candles and worship in hushed reverence

It’s a great place to experience Kazakhstan’s refreshingly open attitude to religion: Muslims and Atheists often visit along with their Russian Orthodox friends.

© Leonid Andronov/Shutterstock

A stone’s throw from the Ascension Cathedral, Almaty’s Soviet War Memorial looms dramatically in front of the forbidding bulk of city’s former army headquarters: a powerfully built, jutting-jawed Red Army infantryman leaps, grenade in hand, from a relief of grim-faced soldiers. Oddly this is the city’s prime favoured spot for wedding pictures.

For a more nuanced taste of Soviet art, head to the Kasteyev State Arts Museum, undoubtedly the city’s finest. The museum is named after Abilkhan Kasteev, regarded as Kazakhstan’s preeminent painter, and among the vast collection is a fascinating room devoted to his depictions of Soviet life, from epic canvases of the rapidly industrializing landscape to intimate portraits of peasant life.

Kasteyev State Arts Museum © tache/Shutterstock

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Perhaps Almaty’s one truly unmissable experience, the Arasan Baths complex is the most elaborately styled bathhouse in the region, built in the 1980s as a grand statement of late Soviet ambition. Pick up a towel, slippers and conical felt shapka (hat) and leave your modesty behind in the changing room.

There’s a Finnish sauna and a marble Turkish hammam but they’re invariably empty – you’ll find your fellow bathers in the ferociously hot Russian parilka (steam room), vigorously thrashing each other with vyeniki (bundles of oak or birch leaves), a wince-inducing ritual said to improve circulation.

The masochism doesn’t end there though: once out of the parilka , it’s de rigueur to upturn a pail of gasp-inducingly cold water over yourself. Finish up with a refreshing dip in the cool plunge pool, beneath a domed atrium so grand it wouldn't feel out of place in imperial Rome.

Edward travelled to Almaty with Air Astana , who fly from London to Almaty via the capital, Astana, three times per week (from £370). Visa-free travel to Kazakhstan for visits of up to fifteen days is now available for nationals of nineteen countries, including the UK, US and Australia.

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Unforgettable Things To Do In Almaty, Kazakhstan: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting The Apple City

Discover where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan in this complete guide to the city.

The city of Almaty in Kazakhstan acts as a unique hub in Central Asia. This former capital of Kazakhstan (before it was moved north to Nur Sultan, which was formerly called Astana) is a modern city of more than 2 million residents with fascinating architecture and a vibrant cafe scene. Yet even though Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, nature never feels that far away.

Almaty sits serenely at the base of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains and is surrounded by stunning national parks, epic canyons, and sparkling ski resorts, much of which are just a short drive from town.

Almaty tends to be the hub for adventurers seeking experiences in Central Asia . Many people fly through the city, perhaps stopping over for a day or two, but rarely sticking around long enough to discover all of the incredible things to do in Almaty.

My trip to Kazakhstan was unusual for me. On most of my international travels , I’m accompanied by my wife Christina, and our two boys . In Kazakhstan, however, I was part of a group of travel writers being offered a glimpse into this, newly opened, country.

A Brief History Of Almaty

Travel in Kazakhstan is new. In fact, it was only in 2018 that Kazakhstan fully opened its doors to the world. Just two years after that, the world shut down for nearly two years due to the pandemic. So in reality, Travel in Almaty, and Kazakhstan as a whole, is barely a toddler.

Prior to then, Kazakhstan was coming to terms with its first self-rule in a millennium. The country had been conquered, ruled, traded, and conquered again throughout the ages. In the 13th century, Almaty was overrun by the Mongols, who completely destroyed the existing city. After that, the region passed through Uzbek and then Russian, and ultimately Soviet hands.

Almaty as we know it now, began its rise in 1854 under the control of the Russian military, who built a fort here. While many Kazakhs still lived a nomadic lifestyle prior to Soviet rule, that lifestyle began to fall as the Soviet Empire exerted dominance over the region.

Kazakhstan gained its independence in 1991 and has begun, for the first time in a long time, to shape its own destiny. One independent from the major world powers that sit on its doorsteps.

Walking through Almaty now, one would almost think they were strolling through towns in Europe. wide boulevards straddled by large sidewalks line the city. Crowds of hip, urban locals sip coffee on patios lined with twinkling lights, and shops lined with goods of all sorts, line the streets and colorful alleyways of the city.

What Is Almaty Like?

Almaty is definitely not a hub of nomadic life anymore. It’s a dense, rich urban city with friendly locals who still get a thrill from seeing Western tourists. In fact, it became almost comical how often our group was approached by well-meaning locals asking about what brought us to Kazakhstan and digging for our opinions on their country. These conversations always thinly hid the veil of pride that they had in, not just their city but, their country as well.

The city sits at the foot of the towering Tian Shan Mountains and is considered the fatherland of the apple. In fact, its name “Almaty” directly translates to “Apple City.”

Located very close to the borders of Kyrgyzstan and China, Almaty is the business and industrial hub of the country. The park is packed with urban parks, green spaces, memorial squares, and a unique mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture.

It’s a fantastic city for travel. And for those wandering souls who, like me, travel often with their kids, Almaty is very family-friendly. In fact, it rivals the Philippines and Jordan for the friendliest locals that I’ve ever encountered.

Top Things To See And Do In Almaty

Almaty is packed with enough incredible attractions, restaurants, monuments, and places to visit that a weekend in the city is hardly enough time to experience it. These exciting things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan range from the luxurious to the adventurous, and there are enough attractions to keep any traveler entertained.

If you want to see it all, you can also check out an Almaty city tour that includes many of the most popular sites within the city. You can book that here .

Kok-Tobe, or “Blue Hill” sits on the southeast edge of Almaty. This hilltop was, for years, a favorite for locals to admire the view of the city with the Tian Shan Mountains in the backdrop. But over the years the popularity of Kok-Tobe has given rise to a full-on entertainment industry.

Hop on the Kok-Tobe Gondola behind Novotel City Center hotel . Relax and enjoy the scenic views over the city, and when you hop off, be prepared to enter a world of fun. You can find tickets for the gondola ride here .

Kok-Tobe is, essentially, an amusement park. There’s no admission fee beyond the cost of the gondola ride up, but at the top of the hill, you’ll find mountain coasters, treetop trekking experiences, small rollercoasters, fun mazes, and more.

One of Kok-Tobe’s more famous attractions is the “Beatles bench” where you can snap a selfie with a replica of the famous rock band.

Along with all of these attractions at Kok-Tobe, you’ll also find restaurants, cafes, and shops to buy trinkets and souvenirs of all sorts.

Panifilov Park

Panifilov Park is one of the best urban parks in Almaty. This sprawling green space is packed with shady trees, wide pedestrian walkways, and vendors selling food and souvenirs. Like many places to visit in Almaty, you’ll find many things for families here including miniature car rentals and tiny train rides.

Panifilov Park is just a short walk away from Green Bazaar. It also houses the famous Zenkov’s Cathedral and the Kazakh Museum of Folk Instruments.

One of the most humbling sites in the park is the war memorial that commemorates the 28 soldiers from Almaty who died during WWII. This statue sits among Soviet-era buildings and war memorials that offer a stark contrast to the energetic and artistic designs in more modern Kazakh structures and monuments.

Kazakh Museum of Folk Instruments

Located near the war memorials in Panifilov Park, the Kazakh Museum of Folk Instruments offers a fascinating glimpse into a culture where music plays a hugely important role.

Throughout Kazakhstan, the dombra can be found in nearly every home. This narrow-necked stringed instrument acted as the delivery system for all news, both good and bad, during nomadic times. Even now, most Kazakhs learn the instrument at a young age.

Within the museum you’ll find examples of dombras, think horns, bagpipes, harps, and more instruments from Kazakh, Turkish, Kyrgys, and Uzbek cultures.

Zenkov’s Cathedral

As beautiful as Almaty’s Panifilov Park is, one feature within draws most of the attention, and that is the colorful Zenkov’s Cathedral.

As you walk into the park from Kunaev St. the towering wooden structure (the second tallest in the world) will take your breath away. Not only is it one of the most striking structures in the park, but it’s also one of the best things to see in Almaty.

The Russian Orthodox church was built in 1907 and was the penultimate design of architect Andrei Zenkov. The outside is characterized by its ornate and elaborate design. The structure is built entirely of wood, in the classic style that doesn’t use nails. The inside of the cathedral is just as ornately and beautifully designed as the exterior, so if you have the time, make sure to take a look around. Just make sure that you’re dressed someone modestly. There are scarves for women to place over their heads provided at the entrance.

Arasan Baths

With all of its time under Soviet rule, it’s no surprise that bathhouses play an important part in the culture of Almaty. And there is simply no better place in the country to experience this than at the Arasan Baths.

This magnificent structure is nearly perfectly symmetrical. Women enter on the left, men on the right, and the luxury spa experience that it offers is not just world-class, but also affordable.

Soak away the stress of the long flight to Almaty in one of their hot baths or enjoy a massage or one of their special treatments. You can pay when you arrive or book your entrance online here .

Green Bazaar

If you’re interested in trying all of the incredible food in Kazakhstan , there is no better place to start than at the Green Bazaar.

Known locally as the “Green Bazaar,” but officially named Zelyony Bazaar is the largest market in Kazakhstan. Every day of the week the food stalls, clothing vendors, and flower markets are bustling with vendors selling everything under the sun.

The moment you walk into the main building, where much of the traditional Kazakhstan food is sold, you’ll be inundated with offers to sample various treats, snacks, dried fruits, and, yes even, horse sausage. There’s no pressure to buy, so feel free to taste to your heart’s content. But you’re more than likely going to walk away with at least a few bags for the road.

The market’s history dates back to the 19th century, and it has served as the central trading hub for locals and travelers since the city’s birth.

Along with markets and vendors, the Green Bazaar also has coffee shops, restaurants, and everything else you could possibly think of. It’s an absolute treasure trove if you’re looking for some Kazakhstan souvenirs to bring home.

Almaty Central Mosque

The Almaty Central Mosque is among the most stunning buildings in the city. Not only is the building beautiful, but it’s also the largest mosque in Almaty. The marble structure was built in 1999 to replace the previous mosque and can house a whopping 3,000 worshippers within its walls.

The traditional structure is topped by golden domes and minarets that reach a height of up to 188 ft in height.

Unlike mosques in many countries, you do not have to be a Muslim to enter. But you do have to make sure that your arms, legs, and head are covered.

First President’s Park

One of the things that I loved most about Almaty, Kazakhstan was the openness of its parks and central squares. Throughout the city, wide swaths of land are set aside for public gardens and fountains. And unlike the public fountains in my home city of Toronto, all of the fountains in Almaty are packed with people splashing and enjoying the water.

A great example of this is First President’s Park, or, as it’s officially known, “The Park of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

One of the park’s most notable features is the grandiose monument dedicated to Nursultan Nazarbayev. The monument stands tall, depicting the former president, who is much-loved throughout the country. The statue is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and paved walkways, inviting visitors to stroll and reflect on Kazakhstan’s history and achievements.

Things To Do Near Almaty

The excitement of Almaty doesn’t end at the city’s borders. There are many incredible places to visit from Almaty on a day trip. The city is surrounded by absolutely stunning wilderness that is just dying to be explored.

Ile-Alatau National Park

I mentioned that Almaty is surrounded by stunning nature, but did you know that there was a Kazakhstan National Park right on its doorstep?

Ile-Alatau National Park is an absolutely gorgeous protected area that covers a vast 500,000 acres of mountains, lakes, and streams just a short drive from Almaty.

The park was created in 1996 and was Kazakhstan’s first national park. Among the towering snow-capped mountains, the park contains some of the region’s most beloved landscapes including Big Almaty Lake. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and the park is regularly packed with locals enjoying a hike along the scenic trails or challenging themselves on ascents to the mountain peaks.

Ile-Atalau National Park is also a crucial wildlife refuge. It’s home to snow leopards, Central Asian lynx, Tian Shan brown bears, and golden eagles.

If you’re making a day trip to the park, don’t miss the on-site restaurant. claim a spot on their outdoor patio for magical views of the scenery while you dine, or enjoy a fireside meal indoors. You can find out more on their website here .

If you’d like to book a tour that includes the top lakes in Ile-Atalau National Park, this package offers everything as a day trip from Almaty.

Sunkar Bird Refuge

Located just off the road near the entrance to Big Almaty Lake in Ile-Atalau National Park, Sunkar Bird Refuge is one of the most popular things to do near Almaty for visitors.

The refuge holds a bird of prey show every day at 5 pm, catering to those returning from a day hiking or picnicking in the park. This entertaining show offers visitors the chance to see a range of rare and impressive local birds of prey up close. You can check a little more of that experience here .

The refuge was originally established to help protect the Saker Falcon, a bird whose number plummeted in the 80s and 90s due to habitat loss and the use of agrochemicals. It houses around 400 birds including 15 species of owl, eagle, lammergeier, vulture, hawk, and falcon.

All of these birds have been rescued and cannot be released into the wild. However, there is a breeding project underway to help release golden eagles and saker falcons back into their natural habitat.

If you aren’t able to get out there yourself to enjoy this experience, you can book a 6-hour experience through Viator here .

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, Shymbulak Ski Resort is one of the top attractions in Almaty. Ranked the largest ski resort in Central Asia, Shymbaluk offers everything you might want in an outdoor playground, skiing, hiking, horseback riding, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Among some of the most popular things to do at the resort is Butakovka Waterfall, which sits at the end of a 5.5-hour hike. There’s also a popular ice skating rink that many locals love to twirl on during the winter months.

If relaxing and enjoying a meal with a view is more your style, grab a drink and some food on the massive outdoor patio and people-watch for a while.

There are plenty of accommodations for those who want to spend the night at the resort including glamping and the Shymbulak hotel . If hiking is more your speed, there are very affordable rental packages that include all the camping gear that you need.

This tour will take you out to the resort and includes skating at their popular skating rink.

Hun Ethno-Village

If you’re interested in getting a glimpse into the life of Kazakh people during their nomadic days, the Hun Ethno-Village is an educational and entertaining experience that is like stepping back in time.

From the outside, the ethno-village appears as a traditional wooden fort sitting beneath the shadows of the Tian Shan Mountains. But once you enter, the magic of the experience gives way to something much more.

The village is staffed by locals in traditional garb who show visitors how to cook traditional baursak (a tasty fried dough that I absolutely fell in love with while in Kazakhstan), perform horseback acrobatics, display traditional knitting, and even lessons on traditional hunting practices using bows and arrows.

But there’s much more to the Almaty Hun village. The village has a half dozen glamping yurts for those who want to extend their experience in the region to a few days. There’s also a restaurant on-site that is used for extended experiences where you can taste traditional Kazakh food such as quazi.

The most exciting part of the Hun village is horseback riding. It’s absolutely incredible to see the traditional trick riding, horseback wrestling, and courtship rides that date back centuries.

Booking time at the Hun Ethno-Village can be a challenge as they don’t have a website that I can find. But this tour includes transport and a six-hour experience at the village.

Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort

If you’re looking for an adventurous escape that offers world-class experiences of its own, Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort is where you should look. Located just 45 minutes from Almaty, this all-season family-friendly resort in the gorges of the Trans-Ili-Alatau is absolutely gorgeous.

During my two days at Oi-Qaragai resort my schedule was packed with mountain triking (it’s epic. Check out the video on my TikTok channel ), horseback riding, hiking, and glamping among incredible scenery. But that’s not all that this Almaty mountain resort has to offer.

Oi-Qaragai has excellent spa facilities, mountain biking trails, excellent restaurants serving local and international cuisine, and ziplining. These are just warm-weather experiences. During the winter, Oi-Qaragai adds downhill skiing and more cold weather activities to its list of attractions.

Families can relax in their large villas or couples can enjoy a romantic getaway in the Oi-Qaragai treetop village. You can find their rates and availability for accommodations here . You can also find out more on their website .

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon might be a three-hour drive from Almaty, but it’s worth the effort to get there. Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s signature attractions. With stunning red rocks and dramatic stone pillars carved out over 12 million years by rivers, floods, and tectonic activity, this sandstone canyon is absolutely beautiful.

It’s a popular place for day trips from Almaty, although if you’re looking to hike the canyon, I’d recommend staying overnight in one of the nearby glamping accommodations or staying at Kolsay Grand Hotel and combining your visit with Kaindy Lake, Kolsay Lake, and Black Canyon.

A lot of work has gone into raising the profile of Charyn Canyon in recent years. There is now a restaurant and gift shop on-site and even glamping accommodations and hiking and camping packages are available for visitors at very reasonable costs.

For those short on time, there is a shuttle that can take visitors the length of the canyon for a small cost. If you’ve got energy, I’d recommend walking down to enjoy the views, but grabbing the shuttle back, as the return walk is all uphill.

Kaindy Lake

The skeletons of birch trees emerging from the waters of a mountain lake near Almaty make for one of the most dramatic scenes in Kazakhstan.

Kaindy Lake, formed by a massive landslide triggered by an earthquake in 1911, is tucked into the mountains about four hours from Almaty and about 45 minutes from Charyn Canyon.

Accessing Kaindy Lake can be a bit of a challenge. The road leading up to the parking area is very rough. I recommend a high-clearance 4×4. If you don’t have access to one, however, there are shuttles that take visitors up to the parking area in a mix of old Soviet vans and Mitsubishi Delicas that are more than up to the task.

Once you arrive, you’ll have the option of renting a horse, hiking or taking another shuttle to the top of the hill where you can gain access to the scenic lake. Just note that during the winter, Kaindy Lake is often covered in snow and ice, adding a unique dimension to this natural wonder.

Kolsay Lakes National Park

Kolsay Lakes National Park is one of Kazakhstan’s burgeoning attractions. And the experience here will soon be a very different one as new glamping accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are completed.

The main attraction is Lower Kolsay Lake, one of three beautiful, turquoise-blue mountain lakes that sit amidst the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains. There are hiking trails that wrap around the lake as well as rentals for those who want to enjoy a row boat or pedal boat experience among the scenery.

Within easy reach are restaurants, cafes, horseback riding, and glamping accommodations. Some of these were still under construction during my visit, but development is moving quickly and Kolsay Lakes National Park should be a full-fledged getaway very soon.

You can book a highly-rated small group tour that includes Kolsay Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon here .

Black Canyon

While Black Canyon is treated as more of a “pit-stop” for those traveling back to Almaty from Kaindy Lake, this stunning canyon off of the side of P-16 feels like it deserves recognition.

At its base, Black Canyon has the roaring blue waters of the Charyn River. That bright color contrasts dramatically with the black walls of the canyon and the rolling chocolate hills in the background. The views from the edge are dramatic but do be careful. Every year visitors tumble into the gorge while trying to take photos or get a better look at the landscape below. The wind here can be unpredictable.

Where To Eat In Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, and it’s a great place for foodies. Not only does it have a wonderful selection of authentic restaurants serving traditional Kazakh Cuisine, but you’ll also find loads of international flavors including Korean, Georgian, Japanese, and of course, pizza shops

The city has a vibrant cafe culture. While I found the coffee in Kazakhstan to be a little on the weak side, they do know how to make great tea. Restaurants in Almaty are also, typically, open quite late, which is nice for those who want to enjoy the patio scene in the city.

If you’re looking for authentic Kazakh cuisine 155 Zheltoksan Ave. Notable for its “camel theme,” Sydyk is one of the few restaurants where you can purchase both koumiss (sour horse milk) and shubat (sour camel milk), two traditional Kazakh beverages.

Beshparmak is the national dish of Kazakhstan, and I never had it presented as well as it was when I dined at Sydyk. All of the meat is slow roasted and presented uncut and then, in traditional style, is carved tableside for all to see.

Sydyk also sells a beautiful array of traditional Kazakh treats and pastries that you can enjoy on-site or take with you to go.

Fort Vernyi

Fort Vernyi is a restaurant and event center right in the heart of Almaty. It’s known for its entertaining live music and shows that take place every Friday evening and for the children’s parties that they host each Sunday.

The restaurant is named after the Fort that launched what is now the city of Almaty, and serves up delicious local and fusion dishes that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I visited Fahar restaurant at the tail end of a day exploring Kolsay, Kaindy Lake, and Black Canyon, so I was completely exhausted. But this may have been one of the best meals that I had in the city. Their manti dumplings were absolutely fabulous. The fact that I could even remember them after such a long day is a tribute to their flavor.

The Noodles

Situated at the base of the famous Hotel Kazakhstan Almaty, The Noodles is a great dining option for those just heading to or from Kok-Tobe. The restaurant’s specialty is noodle dishes such as lagman , but they also serve up excellent manti dumpling s, soups, and more.

Where To Stay in Almaty, Kazakhstan

There are plenty of places to stay in Almaty that will fit all budgets. From hostels to luxury hotels, this city has it all.

We stayed at the Hotel Grand Mildom , which is quite close to all of the best things to do in Almaty. The included breakfast was excellent, the pool was nice, and the rooms were large, clean, and well-kept. The hotel was brand new, however, and there were some issues with the plumbing that caused me to change rooms once.

Renion Almaty

Considered one of the top hotels in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the Renion Almaty makes a great place to set up a home base. The hotel is just less than half a mile from Ascension Cathedral and has a fitness center, a long, and a restaurant.

You can find their current rates and availability here .

Hotel Kazakhstan Almaty

Hotel Kazakhstan Almaty is one of the most recognizable buildings in Almaty. I simply called it the “Crown Plaza” due to the prominent spires on the towering building’s rooftop. Hotel Kazakhstan is located right at the base of Kok-Tobe. It has an excellent 24-hour restaurant serving European and Turkish cuisine.

You can check out their rates and availability here .

Hotel Uyut Almaty

Hotel Uyut is a popular mid-range hotel located just a short drive from Republic Square. Uyut’s stylish restaurant with stone walls serves European cuisine as well as Oriental dishes.

This hotel often flies under the radar but is considered to be an excellent hotel at a great price.

You can find their availability and rates here .

Is Almaty Safe To Visit?

It’s completely normal to be concerned about safety in Almaty for travelers. The city has a reputation for scams and petty theft. However much work has gone into improving the safety of travelers in city.

Violent crime is rare, and the city ranks far lower than many North American cities in terms of danger. There are, occasionally scams involving officials asking for bribes on random stops.

The most prominent criminal activity in the city involves the taxi system. This system is best avoided. There is no Uber in the city, rather it uses the Chinese Yandex Go system for rides and car sharing. If you need to travel, I recommend using this rather than taxis. This includes pick-ups from the airport.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Almaty?

Kazakhstan is pretty incredible all year round. With so many ski resorts and mountain hikes nearby, the winter tends to be an often-overlooked adventure.

Most visitors tend to visit Almaty in the late spring till early fall when the weather is warmer and the flowers are in bloom. Late summer and fall is the perfect time for those who enjoy hiking as the bugs have died off and the weather is cooler with warm days and cooler evenings.

Disclosure: My time in Almaty, Kazakhstan was made possible by a partnership between USAID’s Trade Central Asia, Visit Kazakhstan, and the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW). As always, all opinions remain my own.

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19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan  – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City

Learn all about Almaty Kazakhstan, including the best time to visit, where to eat, places to see and top things to do in Almaty city and the best places to visit from Almaty.

Almaty, Kazakhstan is often the starting point of a Central Asia trip. The former Kazakhstan capital and largest city in the country is a place that has so much to offer.

Surrounded by stunning scenery and nature, the city’s fascinating architecture and delicious food scene are great reasons to travel to Almaty. This Almaty city travel guide will provide you with so many travel tips and amazing reasons to visit this wonderful city.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kazakhstan Travel Essentials & Resources

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• Plan your trip:  Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Tours & Experiences:  City Tours, Adventure Tours
• Visa:   Check the required Kazakhstan travel documents!
• Getting there:  Search for flights to Almaty or Nur Sultan
• Where to stay :  Find a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or homestay in Kazakhstan
• Travel Insurance:   Choose the best travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Getting around :  Rent a car in Kazakhstan  or  travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A brief history of Almaty

Destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the modern city of Almaty, (formerly Alma-Ata) was founded in 1854 when the Russian military built a fortification on the site of the ancient city.

Sitting at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains , Almaty gained its name ‘father of apples’ from the surrounding forests of apple trees.

The city is located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, bordering Kyrgyzstan and China. With a population of nearly 1.8 million people, it’s the country’s largest city. In 1995, Almaty had its title of Kazakhstan’s capital revoked and it was transferred to the city of Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana).

The city has a long-standing relationship with industry and during World War II, Russia moved around 30 of its factories to Almaty along with some of their schools. Today it can still be described as the industrial, historical, and scientific center of Central Asia.

Due to its location, Almaty became a center of trade, agriculture, and craft as settlements within ‘Greater Almaty’ became part of the trade routes along the Silk Road.

Almaty is a diverse and cultural city housing many different nationalities who have claimed the city as their home. However, in the early 20th century the Kazakh people underwent a genocide whilst under Soviet rule and millions of Kazakh people lost their lives. It’s only since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, that the Kazakh people are once again the ethnic majority in Almaty.

Today, large numbers of green spaces and parks, large squares, memorials, and magnificent Russian architecture all combine as evidence of the city’s Soviet history.

The Complete Guide to Traveling in Kazakhstan: 19 things you should know before you go

What language is spoken in Almaty?

Russian is the main language spoken in Almaty. A small part of the city’s population also speaks Kazakh (a Turkic language).

If you are planning to visit Almaty, I’d definitely recommend learning a few basic phrases and words in Russian. Or alternatively, take a Russian Phrasebook with you as English is not very widely spoken.

You can also download the Russian language pack on the Google translation app onto your phone that will help you to translate words. Basic English is sometimes spoken in hostels and some hotels but don’t depend too much on it.

11 Tips and tricks to learn Russian quickly

Is Almaty worth visiting? 

You may be wondering why to visit Almaty and through this travel guide, I’m to give you so many reasons why you should!

Although Nur-Sultan (Astana) was made Kazakhstan’s capital city, Almaty remains to be a bustling and vibrant cultural hub.

There are many great cafes and shopping centers for the new Kazakh generation that help make Almaty not only a destination that’s fantastic for solo travelers but also a lovely place for families to visit. Its laid-back cafe culture and friendly Kazakh locals will help win over all who travel here.

There are also many parks in Almaty, nearly one on every corner and once you’ve had your fix of nature within the city, the scenic places and natural spots to visit outside of the city are massively abundant too.

You can see some beautiful and interesting examples of Soviet mosaics scattered throughout Almaty if you know where to find them. Although the historical influence of Soviet rule still exists, Almaty is now described as rather cosmopolitan.

Life in Almaty is a mashup of modern, luxury apartment buildings that now sit next to old Soviet flats giving Almaty a very unique charm, the meeting of history and the modern world.

Join the 10-day Best of Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Adventure and visit Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Karakol, Son Kul lake, and many more! 

What is Almaty Kazakhstan known for?

The city first came to be recognized as one of the many stops along the famous Silk Road with many merchants and people passing through for trade. It’s also known as the ‘Golden Triangle’, because of the city’s close proximity to three of the major attractions in Kazakhstan – the Charyn Canyon , Kolsai Lakes , and Altyn-Emel National Park.

With its mild climate, Almaty is the genetic birthplace for many varieties of apples. Scientists have tracked here from all over the world to visit Almaty and learn and research the origins of the domestic apple. The word ‘Almaty’ translates to ‘father of apples’.

Is Almaty safe?

Is Almaty safe for tourists? Yes, in general, Almaty city is considered to be a safe city and it is unlikely that you would encounter many problems whilst visiting this vibrant city. There are small occurrences of theft and robbery similar to any other city, although it’s a rarity in Almaty.

Corruption exists in Kazakhstan and some websites will lead you to believe that government officials and fake policemen will try to scam you out of money by fining you for no apparent reason. This is a rarity these days and more so than not, you will be greeted by friendly locals who are willing to help.

You may be randomly stopped for a document check though so keep your documents on you when out and about.

It’s also wise to be aware of taxi drivers who may try to overcharge you for your fare and if you can, agree on a price with the driver before you leave. Or better still , use the Go Yandex app especially if you happen to be travelling alone.

Solo female travel in Almaty is also considered to be safe (I never encountered any problems!) and the multicultural nature of Almaty means that although many people are practicing Muslims, most people have a fairly liberal attitude in regards to what a female tourist should wear. It’s important though to dress appropriately in places of worship.

Is Kazakhstan safe? 15 useful things to know before you g o

When is the best time to visit Almaty in Kazakhstan

The best time to visit Almaty is between late spring and early Autumn (June-September). The parks are lush, green and leafy and cafe and restaurant terraces are open so that you can take in the beauty of the city, whilst enjoying lunch outside.

In summer, the weather is perfect for exploring areas outside of Almaty for trekking and hiking to waterfalls, lakes and mountains .

However, in winter, Almaty’s weather can be temperamental and if you choose to visit during the winter months, be prepared for some low temperatures such as -20°C!

One benefit of visiting Almaty in the winter is that flights are much cheaper compared to the busier, warmer months and that you can go skiing in Shymbulak , one of Kazakhstan’s biggest ski resorts!

Skiing in Kazakhstan: The Skiing Guide to Shymbulak Ski Resort

How to get to Almaty, Kazakhstan

There are a few different ways to get to Almaty, Kazakhstan. It’s common for visitors to fly into Almaty International airport from other world destinations. But if you happen to be travelling around neighbouring Central Asian countries such as China, Kyrgyzstan or Uzbekistan then it’s possible to arrive in Almaty overland.

How to get from the International airport to Almaty

There are several airline companies that offer reasonably priced tickets to and from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Almaty International Airport is located quite close to the city center. You can take either a bus or a taxi into the city from the airport . It’s great if you have the Go Yandex app already downloaded on your phone as you can pre-book an official taxi.

There are many unofficial taxis working at the airport who may take advantage of a solo traveler who doesn’t know about regular taxi rates.

Many people will be shouting ‘taxi, taxi’ out the front of the airport and for the majority, they are not official taxi drivers. Instead, keep your eyes open for someone wearing a bright yellow vest , as these vest indicate the official taxi drivers and they will be standing near the police stand.

The fare will cost you around $7 (3000 KZT) or alternatively you can use the Yandex app and the taxi fare will cost you just under $4 (1500 KZT). You can pay in cash or with credit card but let the driver know before you leave the airport how you’d like to pay as they will charge you for the fare via card there at the airport.

If you opt for the bus, the #92 leaves from the airport and will take you to the Sayakhat bus station in the city centre. The bus fare will cost you less than a dollar, 150 KZT, and takes roughly half an hour to get to the station. Buses run every 15 minutes between 06:00 and 21:00.

How to get from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty

You can travel between Bishkek and Almaty by taxi or marshrutka (minibus). You can catch a marshrutka at the Western Bus Station in Bishkek where you’ll have to wait for the marshrutka to fill with other travelers before you can leave but it will cost you less than $10 for the 5-hour journey.

Read for more details: How to get from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Almaty, Kazakhstan .

How to get from Tashkent, Uzbekistan to Almaty

You can take a bus or a train from Tashkent to Almaty. The most comfortable mode of transport would be the train which has three different class options.

The train runs three times each week and leaves from the Almaty-2 train station in Almaty. You can travel the entire 16 hour journey in a reclining chair for roughly $10.

Read for more details: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan .

How to get from Urumqi, China to Almaty

It’s possible to make the journey from Urumqi in China to Almaty via train. There are two weekly trains (K9795) departing on a Monday and a Saturday, that will take you to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The journey time is roughly 30 hours, alternatively you can take a sleeper bus from Urumqi to Almaty that will take a day to travel and cost you around $70.

How to get around Almaty

The layout of Almaty is like a grid. It’s quite simple to navigate your way around the city however strangely, you won’t come across an official city ‘centre’.

Many of the sights and places of interest are scattered across the city and you have to travel in order to find them. The majority of locals drive and rely on their cars as a main mode of transport around the city.

Getting around Almaty by bus

There are 88 bus routes in Almaty and tickets cost between 80 and 150 KZT depending on what route you take.

The larger buses are far more spacious and greener than the smaller marshrutka style buses that tend to operate on a lot of the routes. Due to the large number of routes, it can sometimes be tricky to navigate which bus to take.

You can check the citybus.kz website for information or alternatively you can download the maps.me or 2Gis apps that will tell you exactly which bus number to take.

If you plan on using the bus a lot when in Almaty it may be worth buying an Onay Card. This card can be used for the metro as well as the bus. Find out more information here .

Almaty Metro

The construction of the metro in Almaty started in 1988 and didn’t finish until 2011 when it officially opened. The stations have been beautifully built and each one has a different character complete with its own unique Kazakh designs and symbols.

The metro is a great way to explore Almaty. Not only is it cheap and efficient but a lot of the well known sights are only a short distance walking from a metro station. 

The Photography Guide to the Metro in Tashkent

Taxis in Almaty

Taxis are more expensive than the metro or taking a bus, but they are still relatively affordable. Any car can be a taxi in Almaty, there are official and unofficial taxis.

I’d recommend downloading the Go Yandex app onto your phone which will allow you to book only the official taxis. It’s really fast and easy and you don’t need to go to the hassle of trying to negotiate a price, so there is less chance of being overcharged.

Walking around Almaty

Almaty is such a leafy, green city that walking through some of the neighbourhoods and exploring the parks and monuments on foot can be a lovely experience.

Bear in mind that a lot of the sights are spaced out across the city, so if you plan on seeing a lot in a short time then walking might not be your best option. It’s all dependent on how you like to spend your days and how long you have to visit Almaty.

Cycling around Almaty

You can now rent a bicycle in Almaty and cycle around the city. There are 50 automated bike stations across the city where you can pick up a bicycle, travel around and then return the bike to another station.

It’s a cheap and easy way to see the sights and although cycling might not be the norm in some parts of the city, it’s a nice way to get around. Two to three hours rental will only cost you around $1.

12 Places to see and things to do in Almaty City

Almaty city map.

Top Tip: This Almaty city tour  covers most important historical, cultural, & traditional places of Almaty!

1. Kök-Töbe and Kök-Töbe Cable Car

Kök-Töbe (‘Blue Hill’) is a 1100m hill that sits on the city’s southeast edge and offers a wonderful view not only of the city but also of the surrounding Tien Shan mountains. This is one of the most popular things to do in Almaty for families as there’s a zoo and a small amusement park at the top.

At the top sits a 372m high TV tower that can be seen from far and wide as well as a selection of attractions which can be accessed via a smooth cable car ride.

You can take this cable car from beside the Palace of the Republic up to Kök-Töbe hill and it will only take you a short six minutes to glide high above Almaty to the top of the hill.

If heights aren’t your thing, you can also walk up the hill or take the number 95 or 99 bus to their terminus and take a marshrutka from there to the top of the hill. You will be charged an admission fee however you choose to travel to the top.

2. Panfilov Park, War Memorial and Zenkov Cathedral

Panfilov Park is one of Almaty’s most popular lush and green spaces. Take some time to stroll around this special park that was named after the 28 soldiers from Almaty who fell whilst fighting in WWII. A memorial statue sits in the park that was dedicated to all of the Kazakh soldiers who died in both the first and second world wars.

Zenkov Cathedral, a spectacular wooden Russian Orthodox Church, sits in the middle of Panfilov Park. Designed in 1904, it’s claimed that this building is the second tallest wooden building in the world.

One of the few Orthodox churches to survive the Soviet Union, this building was constructed remarkably with wooden nails and has survived several earthquakes. Restored after the dissolution of Soviet Rule in 1995, its candy colored exterior and decorative murals pack a colorful punch in Panfilov Park.

3. Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Situated in Panfilov Park, inside a beautiful wooden building designed by the same architect who made the Zenkov Cathedral, you’ll find the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.

This place is a must for any budding musician or anyone interested in traditional Kazakh music and instruments, think horns, bagpipes, wooden harps and stringed instruments such as the dombra and kobyz. Turkish, Kyrgyz and Uzbek folk instruments are also on display here.

Admission price 350 tenge / less than $1 Open Sunday to Tuesday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm

4. Arasan Baths

A visit to the Arasan Baths, that sit very close to Panfilov Park, will offer you the ultimate spa experience whilst staying in Almaty.

This enormous modernist building is the size of a city block giving you some idea of the Kazakh’s love for spa and wellness places. Not only is this luxury spa extremely affordable, the combination of traditional oriental architecture along with modernist forms is something of a spectacle in itself.

Head here after a long day of walking around the city to de-stress and relax. Price: 1500-2000 tenge/ under $5 per hour Opening hours: 8am – 12pm.

5. Abai Opera House

The beautiful Abai Opera House, built in 1934 is one of the oldest buildings in Almaty.

It was named after the Kazakh Poet Abai Kunanbayev who was also a musician and a philosopher. Abai captured and preserved ancient Kazakh folklore through his words and poems.

Why not treat yourself and indulge in a ticket and go and see one of the Opera Houses’ many ballet performances, classical music concerts or operas. You can check out the website for their latest schedule of performances. Open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

7. Central Mosque

Built on the site of a previous mosque in 1999, the Central mosque is the largest in the city and one of the largest in the country. With space for over 3000 worshippers, the spectacular domes of the minarets are covered in real gold with the main dome sitting at an impressive 36 metres high.

If you’re looking for a peaceful space to sit and contemplate life, make sure you pay this beautiful marble plated building a visit. It’s important to note that if you wish to enter, you must make sure that your arms, legs and head are all covered.

Opening 5.00am to 10.00pm Pushkin St 16, Almaty 050016, Kazakhstan

8. Green Bazaar

The Green Bazaar is one of the most famous markets in Central Asia. It covers a large area, split over two storeys and offers up a real taste of traditional central Asian food shopping as well as many other products for sale.

You’ll find vendors selling nuts, dried fruit, meats, fish, spices, cured foods, fermented foods, medicinal herbs, dairy products and so much more.

You can also find a few restaurants serving up some of the best laghman (noodle broth) and beshbarmak (the Kazakh national dish) around. Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.00am – 6.00pm

9. Gorki Park

Gorki Park is one of many lush, green spaces in Almaty city. This one in particular is a popular place for families because not only is it full of blooms during spring, there is also an entertainment park.

Funfair rides, a water park, a cinema, lakes as well as cafes, beer and food stalls are all on offer for visitors to the park.

If you’re big on food, Gorki Park is one of the best places to try shashlik (grilled meat skewer kebabs), you just need to follow your nose.

10. Central State Museum

The Central State Museum houses several collections that will teach you all about Kazakhstan’s rich history. Not only is it one of the largest museums in Central Asia, the building itself is very impressive and worth a visit even if you don’t choose to go inside.

The displays take you from the Bronze Age right through the Second World War up to the current day, with many interesting artefacts to see. At the entrance there is a large Golden Man (a symbol of Kazakhstan) relating to a 3rd century warrior whose remains were uncovered in the late 1960’s and were entirely gold-clad.

Open 9.30am – 6.00pm Wednesday to Monday Admission Price – 500 tenge/$1 approx , tour in English 1000 tenge/$2 approx

11. Republic Square

This large square, known as both Independence Square or New Square was created under Soviet rule and on a clear day will provide you with a panoramic view of the mountains.

This square has a lot of special significance in relating the history of Kazakhstan’s journey for independence. It has been host to a number of prolific events such parades, demonstrations, festivals and celebrations.

It is also surrounded by several architectural landmarks such as the Independence Monument, Presidential Palace and the ‘Dawn of Freedom’ monument dedicated to those who lost their lives in the uprising in 1986.

12. Zhibek Zholy

The pedestrianised street of Zhibek Zholy is a wonderful place to explore and stroll to soak up some cafe culture and watch entertaining street performers.

Located in the lower, northern part of Almaty, it can be compared to Moscow’s Arbat street. Artisan shops and inviting, inexpensive cafes and a few interesting art stands all help to create a cultural hub and a buzz during both day and night. This tree lined street is a popular hang out for locals and offers a great atmosphere for visitors too.

7 Things to do around Almaty – Best day trips from Almaty

If you’re a lover of the outdoors and thrive in nature, then Almaty is for you. There are so many sights and places to visit near Almaty as the city is located close to some of Kazakhstan’s best and most beautiful national parks.

Hiking in Almaty: The 5 best hikes

1. Big Almaty Lake

Number one on your list of places to visit near Almaty should be the Big Almaty Lake (Bao). Not only is it less than an hour‘s drive from Almaty, it’s also right in the middle of the Ili Alatau mountains!

Its famous turquoise colour draws in many visitors from around the world and is a great example of something to do whilst in Almaty.

Perfect for a picnic and a popular spot for locals, this lake is not only an attraction but also is a major source of drinking water for the residents of Almaty. Because of this, swimming is strictly prohibited and it’s definitely not worth chancing a dip to then face a fine, something that you could face even for being too close to the water and not actually in it.

That being said, it’s a beautiful place for soaking up some sunshine and enjoying the spectacular views.

The lake is very close to the border with Kyrgyzstan and border guards might ask for your passport when hiking in the area so make sure you bring it with you.

You can take a shared taxi or alternatively the number 28 bus leaves every 30 minutes from Presidents Park and that will take you as far as the entrance to the Ili-Alatau National Park and from there you can take a taxi or a minibus the rest of the way. Alternatively you could hitchhike or go on an organized day trip from Almaty:

2. Shymbulak Ski Resort, Medeu Ice Rink, Butakovka Waterfall and Furmanov Peak

If you are planning on visiting Almaty during winter, then the Shymbulak ski resort should definitely be high on your list for things to see near Almaty.

The largest ski resort in Central Asia, the ice skating rink in Medeu is also a brilliant place to visit if you’re a lover of winter sports.

Read more in The Beginner’s Guide to Skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

Summer is also a great time for visiting as there are many interesting routes for hiking. Two trails in particular are good, ranging between 4-7 hours that will either take you to the Butakovka Waterfall or the Furmanov Peak.

These trail options are great for the option of a hike in the mountains that isn’t far from Almaty.

To get to the ice rink, you can take the number 12 bus that leaves every 30 mins from across the street from the Kazakhstan Hotel. From there you can then take a cable car or a minivan to the Ski Resort.

Read more about this hikes in Hiking in the Almaty Mountains: 5 best hiking trails

3. Charyn Canyon

The Charyn Canyon is another epic place of beauty to visit whilst in Almaty. Over the course of 12 millions years and a combination of the elements, the canyon was formed along with the many sculptural sandstone shapes that vary from deep orange to brown.

The Valley of Castles is the most famous part of the Charyn Canyon and when arriving, you’ll be asked for your passport, and documents (if you’re driving), so remember to pack them. The entrance fee is 730 KZT, just over $2 (June 2022).

Whilst it is a bit further away than other sights, it’s still well worth the trip of just less than a three hour car journey. Although it’s not completely straightforward to get to, the experience will not disappoint!

Your best options from Almaty are hiring a car , taking a shared taxi or going an organized tour . Read more in The Complete Travel Guide to Charyn Canyon.

Here’s a guided day tour from Almaty to Charyn Canyon that I recommend:

4. Issyk Lake (Essik Lake)

Lake Issyk is another stunning alpine lake in close vicinity to Almaty. The turquoise water and beautiful scenery is only around a two hour drive from the city.

The lake is fed by waters from nearby glaciers and surrounded by native flora and forests. A popular spot for locals as well as tourists, you can either take a marshrutka from Sairan Bus Station in Almaty to Esik and then find a taxi to the lake or rent a car to travel from Almaty to Lake Issyk.

You can also get there via an organized day tour :

5. Kolsai Lakes and the sunken forest at Kaindy Lake

The Kolsai Lakes are truly worth a visit from Almaty. These 3 alpine lakes, turquoise blue from glacial water, are in the Tien Shan mountains. Not only are they spectacular to see, the road and the journey itself to the lakes is one of great beauty.

The stunning pine forests and mountain views together with the crystal clear waters will provide you with a wonderful, picturesque scene. Once you arrive in Saty, you can hike to the 3 lakes from there. It’s important to know that you must bring your passport if you intend to visit. A photocopy will not be accepted and tourists may be sent back if they do not have theirs to present at the police checkpoint just before Saty.

The sunken forest at Lake Kaindy is a sight to behold. In 1911, after the damming of the Kaindy river, glacial water flowed down into the valley and pooled together to create Lake Kaindy.

A spruce forest sat where the lake formed and now only the skeletons of the trees remain, ghostly and bare appearing to rise from the water.

Just as with the Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes are a bit of a journey to get to. Your best options from Almaty are hiring a car , taking a shared taxi or going on an organized tour . Read more about it in The Complete Travel Guide to Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy .

I recommend the following day tour to the Kolsai Lakes from Almaty:

6. Turgen Gorge

70km east, an hour and a half’s drive from Almaty, is the Turgen gorge, an alpine valley with so much to explore. Glaciers and mountain peaks, wildflower meadows and ancient forests all await you here.

If you plan on doing some hiking in Turgen, be aware that the trails are not marked. If white water rafting appeals to you, the Turgen river offers you a great chance to try some here with an organized tour .

To reach Turgen from Almaty, you can take a bus from the Sayakhat station to Esik and from there, you can then take a taxi to Batan. Or alternatively, hitchhiking is also an option from the park entrance for the final 20km to Batan.

7. Altyn-Emel National Park

The Altyn Emel National Park is an expanse of land that is not only home to a group of Kulan – rare wild donkeys but also exquisite landscapes, forests, mountains, ancient burial mounds and petroglyphs.

260km from Almaty, this national park is one of the best places to experience the wilds of Kazakhstan. To travel here from Almaty, you could book an organised tour or hire a car to explore this area.

Things to do in Almaty at night

Almaty has a wonderful nightlife. Along with an array of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, there are also art galleries and art houses that are open until around midnight. Even once the sun has set, there are still many things to do in Almaty.

The art houses in Almaty have lounges separate from the main galleries for relaxing and studying various art works.

Make sure if you decide to venture out to explore the Almaty nightlife that you have a taxi organized to take you back to your accommodation as sometimes it can be tricky to find available transportation later into the evening.

Where to eat – The best restaurants in Almaty

Almaty city has a great choice of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from. International specialities are available in many eateries across the city and the culinary scene is very diverse. Many of the cafes open up in the evenings as a bar and restaurant, offering you even more choice from early morning to late night.

1. Dastarkhan (124 Nauryzbai Batyr Street)

This cafeteria, buffet style eatery serves up a brilliant selection of affordable and great quality food such as soups, laghman, plov, bliny and salads, and the interior is spaciously laid out too.

If you want to try many different delicacies in one place, this is the place to come. Expect long lunchtime queues during the week.

This restaurant is a must visit in Almaty’s culinary scene. The owners chose to decorate the place inspired by the bohemian style of a Russian country mansion and the menu also reflects this.

For any avid fans of Russian culture and memorabilia from the 19th century, this is the place to come. Expect black tea from a traditional samovar (black teapot) and a menu of pelmeni (dumplings), draniki (potato fritters) and stroganoff.

Kishlak is an inviting restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional Central Asian menu. Each of the dining rooms represent three different traditional Kazakhstan households.

The rooms have all been decorated with unique motifs from the area and the menu offers a taste of Kazakh, Uzbek and Uygur dishes.

Where to stay in Almaty

Not only are hostels in Almaty affordable, they are also super sociable places that are used by not only visitors to Kazakhstan but also by locals.

The famous Kazakh hospitality is present also in hostels. People are friendly and there are many to choose from that will suit any budget. Cleanliness and noise are important factors to think about when looking for a place to stay in Almaty. I have included some great hostel and hotel recommendations below.

The best budget accommodation in Almaty

• Evergreen Hostel

Evergreen Hostel offers accommodation along with a shared lounge and kitchen, and free WiFi. The rooms all come with a shared bathroom and shower.

The staff behind the 24 hour front desk will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have during your stay here and organize your airport transfer. This is a great, clean and relaxed hostel that offers a reasonable nightly rate.

Check the rates and availability for the Evergreen Hostel here.

• Wanderlust Hostel

Located on a quiet street, the Wanderlust Hostel has a homely vibe with friendly staff.

Close walking distance to the city centre as well as the Almaty Central Mosque, the Wanderlust Hostel has its own terrace as well as free WiFi throughout. A sociable hostel with a tour desk and luggage storage for guests.

Check out the rates and availability for Wanderlust Hostel here.

The Art Hostel is not only affordable but is well organized and clean with friendly staff who make you feel comfortable and at home during your stay.

It has a shared lounge and kitchen and a great location for taking the metro or a bus. The kitchen is well equipped for guests and the lounge is welcoming and social for people to chat with other guests.

Check out rates and availability for the Art Hostel here.

The best mid-range Guesthouses and hotels in Almaty

Here are some great mid-range hotels in Almaty that I would recommend:

• Guest House on Sadovaya
• Garden Park Inn
• Hotel Uyut Almaty

The best high-end hotels in almaty

If you’re looking for some luxury in a high-end hotel, I would recommend:

• Kazzhol Park Hotel
• The Ritz – Carlton Almaty
• Doubletree by Hilton Almaty

Almaty is a wonderful destination to visit for anyone who loves nature and spending time outdoors. There are so many things to do in Almaty as well as an array of day trips to stunning sights nearby. With its hospitable and welcoming locals and it’s diverse culinary scene, this city has so many reasons for you to fall in love with it.

I hope that this Almaty city travel guide has offered you some good recommendations on what to do whilst in Almaty and that you have a brilliant time there!

I’m always happy to hear about your experiences and if you came across a special place or experience that you think should be added to this list, please let me and other readers know in the comments below or  contact me !

Related posts

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

The Complete Hiking Guide to Sayram Ugam National Park, one of the most beautiful Kazakhstan National Parks

The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan

Blown away by the beauty of Charyn Canyon – The Complete Travel Guide

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek by public transport in 2024: Best way to Cross the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border

More kazakhstan travel resources:.

• The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
• The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
• Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
• Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
• The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
• Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
• Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
• Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
• Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
• Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
• A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

2 thoughts on “19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan  – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City”

I am from the Philippines, my husband and would like to visit Kazakhstan. How do we get our visa to travel to Kazakhstan ?

Hi Dolores, as Philippine passport holders, you and your husband can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for 30 days 🙂

Best wishes, Cynthia

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15 Fabulous Things to Do in Almaty: Exploring Kazakhstan’s City of Apples

Get ready to discover the best things to do in Almaty. Add these landmarks and attractions to your Kazakhstan itinerary.

As Kazakhstan’s former capital and its largest city, Almaty (also known as the “City of Apple Trees” is one of the most fantastic destinations to base yourself in while traveling in Central Asia.

Home to over 1.5 million people, Almaty boasts the urban vibes of a large city with the charm of a Central Asian cultural hub. Although the Kazakh capital has since been moved to Astana , Almaty’s influence on Kazakh history makes it a key culture center of the entire country.

For visitors to the region, there are an abundance of sights to visit, restaurants to try, and things to do in Almaty.

Whether you have a few days or an entire week to explore, Almaty is definitely worth a stop on your Kazakhstan itinerary . Read on to hear our top suggestions for fun activities, day trips, and things to do in Almaty.

Top Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Things to do in almaty: city sightseeing, explore the colorful ascension cathedral.

When I was researching things to do in Almaty prior to my trip, photos of a beautiful, psychedelically-colored Russian Orthodox cathedral kept popping up all over the Internet. Turns out that this cathedral, known both as the Ascension Cathedral or Zenkov Cathedral, is one of the main attractions in Almaty.

You know me, I loooove  bright colors, and so I decided that I had to seek out this church and see it for myself. I mean, look at this place! Doesn’t it look like something out of a storybook?!

Unfortunately, while I was visiting Almaty, the cathedral was under renovation and I was warned that I wouldn’t really be able to see any of it. I went anyway because I was both curious and stubborn at the same time. My informant (AKA another hostel mate) was right – the ENTIRE building was completely covered in scaffolding. So much for my dream colorful cathedral.

However, according to their website, the renovations should be complete sometime in 2019. So, if you’re visiting Almaty after that, you’ll get to see the Ascension Cathedral in all its glory. And I’ll have to live vicariously through your beautiful photos.

Stroll Through Panfilov Park

Surrounding the Ascension Cathedral is a charming urban park, one of the most beautiful in the city of Almaty. Here, you can find benches placed along wide walkways filled with food vendors, families, and gossiping teenagers.

As the park is so centrally located, it’s a great place to grab an ice cream and hang out under the shade of the trees on a hot summer’s day. Or, just use it as a place to immerse yourself in Almaty’s buzzing local energy.

If you look touristy enough, someone will probably eventually approach you, trying to practice their English or ask where you’ve come from.

Learn About Kazakh History and Art at a Local Museum

There are a handful of fantastic museums on a range of topics located in Almaty’s city center, not far from Panfilov Park. Especially in the summer when the heat can get quite unbearable, exploring Almaty’s museums can be a great way to escape the heat and learn more about Kazakh history and traditions.

As a former musician, my favorite museum in Almaty was the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, located in a red building near Panfilov Park.

Here, I saw several traditional instruments that I’ve never seen before in my life, including the  dombra , which is the national instrument. You can also hear several examples of what the instruments sound like. Depending on the time and day, they have live demonstrations there as well.

Some other museums you can explore in Almaty include:

• The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan – Huge museum with lots of old artifacts and historical information. Most of the exhibits are in Russian.
• A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts – The largest art museum in Kazakhstan; houses a substantial collection of Kazakh artwork and hosts occasional events.
• Kunaev House Museum – This is a museum dedicated to the famed Kazakh Soviet politician, serving as the First Secretary of the Communist Party in Kazakhstan. Located in his former home, it’s an inside look at this well-known figure during Soviet Kazakhstan.

Sample Local Kazakh Food

While I wasn’t a  huge fan of the food I ate in Central Asia, I recommend trying the traditional dishes everywhere to get a feel for the cuisine here. Kazakhstan is no different.

You can try local dishes like  beshbarmak (noodles with horse meat) and  manty (dumplings filled with spices and meat or veggies), or more regional dishes like  plov (an Uzbek dish made of fried rice, veggies and meat) or  boorsok (fried bread).

You can try some of the best local and regional foods in Almaty in several restaurants. For a beautiful atmosphere and a sit-down environment, head to Alasha or Kishlak. For cheaper traditional eats, try Navat or Kaganat. (None of them have websites,  classic , so just type them into your 2GIS app or Google Maps).

Take the Cable Car to Kok-Tobe

If you’re looking for fabulous views right in the city center, look no further than Kok-Tobe, a hilltop entertainment district connected to the city by a modern cable car.

It can get pretty crowded up here, especially on the weekends, but it’s a worthwhile adventure to get panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Atop the hill there are some high-end restaurants and bars, a ferris wheel, and other “theme park”-like attractions that visitors can enjoy. Personally, I enjoyed grabbing a  plov at one of the cheap stalls by the ferris wheel and sitting out by the parking lot, admiring the view of the setting sun atop the dusty city of Almaty.

Kick back in the Arasan Baths

If you know anything about Soviet history/society, you’ll probably know that they were obsessed with their spa and wellness institutions. The Arasan Baths are a result of that.

Located near Panfilov Park, a visit to the baths after a day of sightseeing is a luxurious and relaxing way to kick back. In style.

Once you head inside this historic building, you’ll be treated by light-colored decor and spacious interiors. Here, there are several heated pools separated by gender. You can either bathe in the nude or use a swimsuit –  they don’t judge.  

Visit the Central Mosque

Islam is the most popular religion in Central Asia and plays a huge role in the culture and society of the region. In Almaty, you can visit one of the beautiful mosques used for worship by locals – the Almaty Central Mosque.

Visitors are free to enter this mosque with the appropriate attire (long pants for men, headscarf covering for women – you can usually rent this at the door ).

People Watch at the First President Park

The First President Park is a massive park located about a 15-20 minute bus ride from the city center. Inside the park, you can see beautifully landscaped wooded areas and wide sidewalks. It’s a super peaceful and pretty place to enjoy the later hours of the day when the sun is beginning to sink lower in the sky.

One thing I noticed at the First President Park is that there are weddings. literally. everywhere. You can’t get away from them. In just a few hours spent in this park, I probably saw at least 5 wedding parties pass by. Some were going on right next to each other.

I later learned that weddings are a HUGE deal in Kazakhstan and in most of Central Asia. While I didn’t get invited to one during my time in Kazakhstan, getting to creep on observe the weddings in the park was a fun alternative.

Walk Around on Zhibek Zholy Pedestrian Street

By the time you’ve done #1-8 on this list, you’re probably ready for a cup of coffee and a place to sit. Zhibek Zholy is one of the best places to find this kind of laid-back environment.

A walking street located near the city center, it’s full of cozy cafes and cheap eats. For the tired traveler, Zhibek Zholy is the kind of place you can just stroll along, watching street performers or admiring a few artisan shops and stands.

It’s really chill, and is a great way to escape the more frequented attractions of the city.

Take a Walking Tour of the city

As Kazakhstan is still developing its tourism initiatives, there isn’t a ton of information on tours available in Almaty. However, with some research, I found one that looks really promising.

The tour company,  Walking Almaty , is owned by Dennis, a California native who has lived in Almaty for over a decade. He offers English tours for visitors who want to get moving and learn a bit more about some of Almaty’s history and culture.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sign up for one of his tours, but they look really fascinating and I’ll definitely be taking one (or more!) the next time I’m in the area.

There are 4 different tours you can register for, all of which take you to interesting corners of Almaty. Tours cost $30 USD per person and you can book them on the Walking Almaty website.

Things to do in Almaty: Outdoors & Surrounding Areas

Go ice skating at medeu.

During the colder months of the year, one of the most fun things to do in Almaty is to go ice skating at the city’s outdoor rink, called Medeu. Located in the mountains (1,600+ meters above sea level), it’s a bit outside of the city center.

Visiting Medeu for a day of skating is a fun break from the traffic and chaos of the city center. During the summer, you can still visit Medeu and admire the spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Getting to Medeu

You can take bus #12 from the city center (download and check the 2GIS app for exact bus station locations) to Medeu. It leaves every 30 minutes and takes you directly to the skating rink.

Getting to Shymbulak

Follow the instructions above to get to Medeu, then take the chair lift (2500 KZT round trip) up to Shymbulak from there. During the summer, you can also hike from Medeu to Shymbulak.

In the Summer, Hike Almaty’s Many Paths & Trails

While the two previous outdoor options aren’t available in the summertime, what you can do in the warmer months is head up to the Medeu/Shymbulak area and hike along the trails, which are normally covered in snow during the winter months.

On these hiking paths, you’ll pass through snowy, rocky mountains, beautiful streams and lakes, and sweeping views of the city and the nearby countryside. Not to mention you’ll get a pretty good workout in the process!

Some fantastic hikes in the Medeu/Shymbulak area include:

• The Four Peaks Trail to Peaks Furmanov and Shymbulak  – A challenging but absolutely epic day hike that starts in Medeu. I didn’t do this one but you can read more about what to expect here on this great post by The Sandy Feet .
• Mamshuk Mametova  – If you’re looking for stunning glacier views on a slightly shorter hike from Shymbulak, this one is fantastic. You can find a full write up on Caravanistan .

Take a Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

A prime picnicking and hangout spot for locals, Big Almaty Lake (known simply as “Bao” to locals) is a gorgeous retreat high up in the Tien Shan mountains.

Used as a drinking water reservoir for much of Almaty’s population, you can’t actually swim here. However, you can pick a cozy spot on the rocks by the lake, bask in the sun, and watch the world go by.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds at Big Almaty Lake, I’d recommend going on a weekday or earlier in the morning. This way, you’ll get there before the large groups flock there for the afternoon sunshine.

Note: Do not go anywhere near the water. There are armed guards in the area that are watching at all times. Seriously, you can get in a lot of trouble if you get caught in the water, so please don’t try.

Getting to Big Almaty Lake

It takes anywhere from 45 minutes to over 1 hour to arrive in Big Almaty Lake from Almaty’s city center. You can get there a couple of different ways: by taxi, by bus, or with an organized tour.

The easiest way to get there is to hire a taxi, but I STRONGLY recommend organizing a ride both ways if you do this, as there aren’t really any taxis that wait up there to bring visitors back down.

*Theoretically*, you can also hitch hike with other groups heading back to the city, but while I was there with a few friends from my hostel, it was literally impossible to find a ride back, as all the cars were either full, didn’t speak English, or simply refused to stop.

There’s also a bus (#28) that goes up to the entrance of the park where Big Almaty Lake is located – it’s the very last stop.

From the bus stop you can hike up the road an additional 11 km to get to the lake itself, or you can attempt to hitch hike or find a mini bus who will take you up (usually 500-1,000 KZT per person). Not the most convenient option, but if you’re on a budget, it’s a good way to get some fresh air and save some tenge .

For more information, my friend Megan wrote a fantastic piece (with some beautiful photos!) about taking a day trip to Big Almaty Lake from the city center.

Go For a Weekend Expedition To One of the Nearby National Parks

If you’ve had enough of Almaty and want to get some fresh air, there are a variety of National Parks nearby that are worth visiting. From craggy canyons to glacial lakes, golden sand dunes and ancient petroglyphs, there are SO many weekend trips you can take within just a few hours’ drive from downtown Almaty.

However, where you choose to go will depend on what kinds of activities you’d like to try. Some of these places are better for hiking, while others are fantastic for swimming. Here are a handful of weekend trips near Almaty that I’d recommend:

• Kolsai Lakes National Park – Gorgeous park with 3 glacial lakes (some that you can swim in) surrounded by waterfalls and evergreen forests.
• Kaindy Lake – Unique, colorful, and serene, Kaindy Lake is by far my favorite natural attraction in Kazakhstan. It’s a turquoise lake surrounded by evergreen trees with a unique set of old tree trunks sticking out of the lake. 
• Charyn Canyon – A stunning red canyon with a river running through it, akin to the Grand Canyon or the Southwest USA. You can hike and swim here.
• Altyn-Emel National Park – An expansive park with large, golden sand dunes located in the middle of the flat steppe. It’s incredible remote and picturesque, as not that many visitors come here.
• Tamgaly Tas – A rocky park that’s home to some ancient petroglyphs, with a scenic river running past.

For the most hassle-free option, you can typically organize trips to one or more of these places through your hotel or hostel. If you’re strapped for cash, it’s also possible to hitchhike to some of them (Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, primarily).

However, as always, it’s never guaranteed you’ll find a ride, as these attractions are pretty far off the main roads.

Things to do in Almaty: Almaty Travel Tips

How to get to almaty.

Lucky for you, Almaty is one of the easiest places in Central Asia to get to from almost anywhere in the world ( yes, even the United States ).

For international travelers, Almaty has a sizeable international airport that you can fly into from many places in Asia and Europe, serviced by several major airlines. To find the best deals on flights , we recommend shopping around and comparing prices on Skyscanner .

If you’re coming by land, Bishkek is the nearest large city and, as a tourist, you can cross the land border between the two cities with ease. It takes about 4 hours to get to Almaty from Bishkek by marshrutka and costs ~$10 USD one way. 

How to Get Around in Almaty

Within Almaty, there are two main transportation systems: the metro and the buses. Between these two transportation systems, you can basically get anywhere in the entire city. 

Since the metro only has one line, it can be a bit difficult to use. Personally, I didn’t use the metro once while in Almaty.

A more reliable form of transportation, in my opinion, are the buses, which literally go everywhere in the city and cost a mere 150 KZT ($0.50 USD) per ride. This is how I got around the entire time I was in Almaty, using the 2GIS app to help me navigate which lines to use to get to which destinations.

I highly recommend downloading the app if you are planning on visiting Almaty, as it provides offline directions on anywhere you may want to go in the city.

Where to Stay in Almaty

Since Almaty is one of the larger cities in the region, it receives a good amount of international tourism and therefore has a wide variety of accommodation options for any budget.

While I was there, I stayed in a hostel, but unfortunately I didn’t have a great experience there. It stank, there was only one bathroom, and it was dark and musty.

So, to spare you from making the mistake I did ( you’re welcome ), I asked around my travel networks and did some research online to find some (potentially) good options for you to consider.

Here they are:

For Budget Travelers

Like I mentioned, I stayed in a hostel that I, unfortunately, cannot recommend. However, if I were to go again, I’d probably try the Soul Hostel (it looks SO cute in the pictures!).

For Mid-Range/Luxury Travelers

Mid-range travelers in Almaty will be happy to know that most hotels offer comfortable accommodations, fantastic value, and a central location close to most of the things to do in Almaty I’ve listed here.

The Rahat Palace Hotel is well-liked among mid-range and business travelers, and is pretty reasonably priced. Rooms here are spacious with standard hotel amenities in a central location. 

Or, if you’re looking for a high-end 5-star option, the Ritz-Carlton Almaty offers the luxurious digs of this well-renowned international chain.

Things to do in Almaty: The Bottom Line

Because of its size and importance in Kazakh history, Almaty is a fantastic city that, unlike many of the cities in Central Asia, really packs a punch in terms of activities and things to do.

You could probably spend a week or more here and still have places to explore. While there are SO many other activities that the City of Apple Trees has to offer tourists, we hope that our list of things to do in Almaty has helped you plan your trip and create some fabulous memories in this big and beautiful city.

Almaty Travel Guide: Read Next

• The Best Things to Do in Astana, Kazakhstan
• One Week in Kazakhstan – A Step-by-Step Kazakhstan Itinerary

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I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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President Tokayev Addresses Assistance for Flood Victims at Assembly of People of Kazakhstan

By Aibarshyn Akhmetkali in Editor’s Picks , Nation on 25 April 2024

ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the government’s efforts to aid flood victims at the 33rd session of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) on April 25 in Astana, reported the Akorda press service.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the XXXII session of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan  in 2023. Photo credit: Akorda

It has been almost a month since Kazakhstan’s eastern, northern. and western regions were affected by massive floods.  

Despite the catastrophic nature of these floods, they have united the people of Kazakhstan, said Tokayev. He highlighted the role of the assembly in providing assistance to those affected.

“From the first days of the floods, everyone witnessed the active and well-coordinated work of the assembly. The APK’s central and regional headquarters were deployed as soon as possible to provide comprehensive support to the victims,” said Tokayev. 

He mentioned a large-scale initiative undertaken by the assembly, called Zhurekten Zhurekke (from heart to heart), with over 1,500 tons of food and essential goods worth around 770 million tenge ($1.7 million) sent to the devastated areas so far.

“The assembly has once again shown in practice that it is not a merely symbolic organization, as some people try to claim, but an effective promoter of the values of unity and solidarity of our nation, an important public body with constitutional status,” he added.

Tokayev reiterated that the government will reimburse damages to all affected.

“No one will be left without support. Budget expenditures will be reduced to prioritize urgent tasks in addressing the aftermath of the floods. The country will introduce a regime of austerity of public funds,” he said.

Preventive efforts

Speaking of preventive measures, Tokayev highlighted the need to create an effective system of combating natural disasters.

“It is necessary to practically rebuild the interaction between the state and science to take preventive measures against natural disasters. Upon my instruction, the Kazakh Hydromelioration and Civil Engineering Institute in Taraz is being re-established and the Institute of Seismology in Almaty will be strengthened,” said the President.

Another area of work will focus on the study and containment of climate change.  

“It is necessary to reorganize the whole water management system, including such companies as Kazvodkhoz [a state-owned company in charge of water supply and irrigation water conveyance services] and Nura group water supply,” said Tokayev.

The majority of dams, reservoirs, and water management infrastructure in Kazakhstan, constructed in the 1950-70s, have not been upgraded to withstand the effects of floods. This has exacerbated the consequences, resulting in the worst floods the country has seen in the past 80 years.

“Therefore, 20 new reservoirs will be built in 11 regions of Kazakhstan and 15 existing reservoirs will be reconstructed, which will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in 134 settlements,” said President Tokayev.

“We will renovate the technical base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, strengthen its provision with special equipment, helicopters, and airplanes. The national hydrogeological service will also be reconstituted, which will deal with the exploration and protection of underground water resources,” he added.

Reconstruction efforts

The government will provide sufficient relief and repair amid widespread destruction, said Tokayev.

“After the big waters recede, reconstruction of the affected regions will begin. Firstly, citizens will be compensated for the damage, [then] construction of houses, allocation of apartments and restoration of destroyed infrastructure will begin. This extensive work must be completed within a short timeframe of five months, spanning the summer and fall seasons. I am sure we will manage this together,” he said.

Relief measures include the allocation of one-time payment to each affected family, compensation for damaged or destroyed property following damage assessment, and repair or replacement of the damaged housing. Citizens will have the opportunity to relocate to places with better economic potential and environmental conditions.

The assembly’s objectives

Founded in 1995, the assembly is a constitutional body aimed at strengthening the ethnic accord in the country and ensuring all rights and freedoms of citizens are observed regardless of one’s ethnic affiliation.

Setting tasks for the assembly, Tokayev reiterated its role as a tool designed to address five social vices. These include drug addiction, gambling, family and societal violence, vandalism, and prodigality, as discussed during the National Kurultai meeting in Atyrau in March.

“The focus of the assembly should always be on practical activities to identify and preventively address possible hotbeds of ethno-social tension,” he added.

Next year also marks the assembly’s 30th anniversary.

“The assembly has proved to be an effective instrument of our calibrated policy of inter-ethnic harmony and national unity. As a unique civic institution, the assembly has made a useful contribution to preserving an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust in society. We will use the forthcoming milestone anniversary to explain and popularize the APK’s activities and to involve citizens in the painstaking work of strengthening the unity of our people,” stated Tokayev.

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