Almaty

1. Ascension Cathedral: Located in Panfilov Park, the Ascension Cathedral is renowned for its striking wooden structure. Constructed in the early 20th century, it is famous for its colourful facade​​.
2. Big Almaty Lake: Situated 25 kilometres south of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is a stunning attraction here. The lake is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
3. Medeu Skating Rink: Located in the Medeu Valley at 1,691 meters above sea level, the Medeu Skating Rink is the highest of its kind in the world. It's famous for hosting international skating competitions​.
4. Green Bazaar: The Green Bazaar, located in the heart of Almaty, is a vibrant market where visitors can experience the local life. It is famous for selling spices as well as traditional foods like kymyz and shubat​​.
5. Central State Museum: The Central State Museum offers an extensive collection of artefacts that trace Kazakhstan’s history. It features exhibits on archaeology, ethnography, and history, providing valuable insights into the country's heritage​.

1. Navigate the city via Metro: Almaty's metro system is notable for its metro stations adorned with intricate murals. Tickets cost about 14 INR, making it an affordable and visually engaging way to navigate the city​​.
2. Visit Kok-Tobe Hill: Kok-Tobe Hill, accessible by a scenic cable car ride, offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains like Tien Shan. The hill features a small amusement park, restaurants, and a zoo​​.
3. Walk down Arbat Street: Arbat Street, a lively pedestrian area, is home to shops like Silk Way and cafes like Trattoria. It’s perfect for shopping, nightlife, and enjoying lively street performances​.
4. Relax at Arasan Baths: Near Panfilov Park, Arasan Baths offers a variety of spa treatments, including Turkish or Russian steam baths. It’s a top choice of activity for relaxation after a day of exploring Almaty​​.
5. Go to the Ballet: The Abay Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater presents ballet and opera performances. Tickets start at around 285 INR, providing an affordable cultural experience in Almaty​.

The best time to visit Almaty is from June to September perfect for outdoor activities like hiking at Big Almaty Lake and Kok-Tobe Hill. The clear weather is great for exploring Arbat Street and enjoying its street performances and outdoor cafes. Alternatively, you can visit during the shoulder seasons (April to May), ideal for hiking and exploring the Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon​. For a more pocket-friendly trip with fewer tourists, consider visiting Almaty during the waning season in winter. Despite the cold, you can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding at Shymbulak Ski Resort​.

Yes, Almaty is home to the Ile-Alatau National Park, featuring the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains, the picturesque Big Almaty Lake, and the Turgen Gorge. Another notable park is Altyn-Emel National Park, known for the Singing Dunes and the Ili River. This park provides also unique opportunities to observe rare wildlife like the Persian gazelle and the Przewalski's horse.

Almaty is famous for its natural beauty, including the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains and Big Almaty Lake. The city is also known for its cultural landmarks, such as the Ascension Cathedral and the Central State Museum. Additionally, it hosts the Medeu Skating Rink, the highest ice skating rink in the world​.

Yes, Almaty boasts a vibrant nightlife. You can enjoy cocktails and a lively atmosphere at Barmaglot Bar or head to the rooftop bar at Hotel Kazakhstan for stunning city views. Chukotka is great for live music, and the Underground Club is known for its energetic crowd and dynamic music scene.