Explore Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, which is located among the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. There are a wide range of activities to experience during a Kazakhstan tour for every kind of visitor, ranging from natural wonders to cultural sites.
Visit Kok-Tobe Hill, where you can take a cable car ride and admire scenic views of the city. Chukotka is the place to be if you're a nightlife enthusiast, because of the exciting vibe, great music, and enthusiastic audience. During your trip to Almaty, you can also visit the Central Mosque and offer prayers. If you are traveling in the winter you can partake in an ice skating session at Medeu, a famous rink set in beautiful mountain scenery.
With three ski lifts that reach 3,200 meters, Shymbulak Ski Resort also provides fantastic skiing conditions together with cosy accommodations. So, pack your bags to head for an adventure filled with wonderful experiences as you immerse yourself in an Almaty trip!
1. Explore the Green Bazaar: Enter the lively Green Bazaar, where you can browse kiosks filled with aromatic spices, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Savour traditional appetizers and learn about special Central Asian dishes. Glance through the areas that have handmade clothes, crafts, and furniture.
Location: City Center, near Rahat Chocolate Factory, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
Timings: Mondays closed, open Tuesdays-Saturday 9 AM - 7 PM
Price: Free entry
2. Hike to Kok-Tobe Hill: Experience breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, and clouds by hiking up Kok-Tobe Hill. Visit the miniature Kok-Tobe Zoo to witness exotic creatures like caracals and civets, and birds like ostriches and guinea fowls. From the mountaintop, you can see the imposing Almaty TV tower.
Location: Eastern edge of Almaty
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: KZT 2000 (INR 324 approx)
3. Visit the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Enter the Central State Museum and marvel at the priceless treasures that tell the narrative of Kazakhstan. Get a chance to explore the Hall of Gold, which is home to Scythian gold, balbals, and archaeological findings.
Location: Samal-1, 44, Almaty 050059, Kazakhstan
Timings: Closed on Tuesdays, Open 9 AM-6 PM Monday to Sunday
Price: KZT 500 (INR 82 approx)
4. Wander Through the Almaty Botanical Garden: Explore the Main Botanical Garden, home to a wide variety of international plants. Discover themed gardens with rare tulips. Discover tranquil ponds, colourful roses, and tropical flora. Remember to stop by the Japanese Garden, which features arching bridges, arbours, and stone lanterns.
Location: Timiryazev St 36Д, Almaty 6050040, Kazakhstan
Timings: Open 10 AM - 7 PM everyday
Price: KZT 850 (INR 140 approx)
5. Discover the Big Almaty Lake: Take in the breathtaking mountain scenery and towering Tien Shan firs surrounding Big Almaty Lake is one of the best things to do in Almaty. See a spectacular show of eagles and other hawks at the Sunkar Falconry Center on your way back.
Location: Trans-Ili Alatau mountains
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price: KZT 200 (INR 33 approx) if you are driving yourself
6. Hike in the Ile-Alatau National Park: Explore the tranquil spruce forests, glaciers, and Alpine meadows of Ile-Alatau National Park. Hike along the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau Mountains, where you can see lynx, mountain goats, and snow leopards. Watch over 300 different kinds of birds like Himalayan snowcocks, and Ibisbills.
Location: Almaty, str. Sanzhar Zhandosov, Kazakhstan
Timings: Open 24/7
Price: KZT 200 (INR 34 approx)
7. Visit the Central Mosque: Exploring the Central Mosque to see its enormous, peace-symbolizing turquoise dome is one of the unmissable activities to do in Almaty. Discover the large prayer hall where you can see beautiful mosaics, carpeted floors and enormous chandeliers that add to its splendour.
Location: Pushkin St 16, Almaty 050016, Kazakhstan
Timings: Open everyday 5 AM - 10 PM
Price: Free of Cost
8. Enjoy Skii at Shymbulak Ski Resort: Enjoy snowboarding and skiing at Shymbulak Ski Resort, which has eight lifts and 20 kilometres of slopes. Experience exhilarating runs at altitudes ranging from 2,260 to 3,180 meters. Visit the resort's café or sauna to unwind afterwards.
Location: Kerey and Zhanibek Khans St 558/1, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan
Timings: Open every day from 9 AM - 12 PM
Price: Day passes range between KZT 7876 - KZT 13126 (INR 1274- INR 2124 approx)
9. Relax at Arasan Baths: Enjoy calming massages and sauna treatments in Turkish, Finnish, and Russian styles. In this traditional Kazakh bathhouse, relax and let the serene surroundings soothe your nerves. It's the perfect spot to relax and wind down in Almaty.
Location: Тулебаева, д.78 (уг.ул., Айтеке Би), Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: Open daily 7 AM - 10:40 PM
Price: KZT 800 -KZT 2000 (132 INR -331 INR)
10. Visit Kazakhstan Museum Of Arts: One of the best activities in Almaty is to explore more than 23,000 pieces of art at the Kazakhstan Museum of Arts. To provide a thorough understanding of artistic traditions, the museum also showcases breathtaking East Asian art from China, Japan, India, and Korea.
Location: микрорайон Коктем-3, 22/1, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Timings: Mondays closed, open Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM
Price: Adults-KZT 500 (INR 82 approx), Children-KZT 200 (INR 33 approx)
Situated in the bustling city of Almaty, Zelyony Bazaar is a popular shopping spot, also known as the ‘Green Bazaar’. Lined with several vibrant shops and stalls, it is one of the best places to experience the lively culture of Almaty. Wander through the narrow lanes, explore various shops and bargain your best for a wholesome experience at the market.
The Palace of the Republic in Almaty, Kazakhstan, stands as a symbol of cultural significance and architectural splendour. Completed in 1970, this monumental structure has served as a venue for various events, including concerts, conferences, and official ceremonies. Designed by renowned architects N. Kolchin, A. Statsenko, and A. Kim, the palace showcases a unique blend of Soviet modernism and Kazakh traditional elements, featuring a distinctive facade adorned with intricate patterns and symbols.
The Rakhat Chocolate Factory shop in Almaty is a must-visit destination for all chocolate lovers. As one of Kazakhstan's most popular and historic chocolate brands, Rakhat offers a delightful array of high-quality confections. The shop is located adjacent to the factory, providing an immersive experience where visitors can purchase various chocolates and candies. You may also indulge in other sweet treats directly from the source.
The Tien Shan Mountains, or "Mountains of Heaven," span Central Asia, covering China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Known for rugged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes, they offer a paradise for trekkers and adventurers. Home to diverse ecosystems and the famous Khan Tengri peak, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Almaty is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including Kok-Tobe Hill and Ile-Alatau National Park. Cultural highlights like Zenkov Cathedral and the Central State Museum add to its charm. Adventure seekers flock to Shymbulak Ski Resort for skiing and snowboarding. The Green Bazaar is a must-visit for local delicacies like Kazy and Shelpek.
The best time to visit Almaty is from June to August when the weather is warm, with temperatures between 20°C to 30°C. It is the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities like hiking in Ile-Alatau National Park. You can also visit between November and March, and enjoy skiing at Shymbulak Ski Resort or explore Big Almaty Lake.