Almaty, a gem in Central Asia, is a must-visit location for travel enthusiasts. As the largest city in Kazakhstan, it shares borders with China and Kyrgyzstan.

The city boasts a subtle charm, amazing food, beautiful restaurants, and stunning nature within and just outside the city. The majestic snow-covered Tien Shan mountains are visible from everywhere in Almaty, making it easy to fall in love with this city.

I had different expectations when I visited Almaty, but city's charm surpassed all my initial assumptions.

[PS: with credit to Deepak's high school friend & his colleague for their very helpful tips and insights, making my trip memorable]

Shymbulak peak (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

When to go

The best time to visit Almaty is between June and September when the weather is pleasantly warm. During this period, you might only need a light jacket in the evenings. Winters, on the other hand, can be quite cold, making it an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts. However, I haven’t experienced Almaty in winter as yet, so keep a look out for more tips in the future.....

Tips to remember

There are certain things that first-time travelers should keep in mind when traveling to Almaty.

• Taxis are plentiful, easy to get, and very economical. It is recommended to download the Yandex Go app for booking taxis, but remember to get a local SIM card as the taxis can only be booked through a local number and not through your international number (UBER, OLA, BOLT, etc. do not operate in Almaty). Also, these taxis accept cash only, so you need to exchange into local currency at the airport itself or get the taxi driver to take you first to a currency exchange counter and then to your destination (a normal process with them so don't stress).

• The currency of Kazakhstan is Tenge, however, exchange counters are not in abundance in Almaty. While banks do provide currency exchange services, their rates may not be as favorable. Please carry your passports for changing the currency. There are no currency exchange counters at the airport (at least I was not able to locate one upon arrival). However, there are ATMs from which you can withdraw local currency.

• There are many taxi operators at the airport as well — private drivers who can take you to your hotel but charge a lot more, while the Yandex Go taxis charge only a third of the price for the same trip. For instance, I paid 9,000 Tenge for a trip from the airport to my hotel in the city center, while a Yandex Go taxi charges only 3,000 Tenge.

• You can also share a ride by waving down any car. If the driver stops and agrees to take you (a common practice across Russia), you can get dropped off at your destination.

• Note that taxis in Almaty do not display any taxi signs.

Places To Stay

The preferred place to stay in Almaty is near Arbat Street. This street is full of activities and has numerous eating joints nearby, especially Quick Food. Also, do not miss the Doner Kebab joints on the Abylai Khan Ave. nearby (they do have some vegetarian options as well).

Five-star hotels in Almaty are not very expensive. However, they are usually quiet and not bustling with people, with the exception being Hotel Kazakhstan, which has a very vibrant reception. This was an old Soviet-era hotel that recently got renovated. Be sure to ask for renovated rooms when staying here. The hotel is not near Arbat Street but is close to the Kok Tobe cable car station, and there are many good sit-down restaurants in and around.

Hotel Kazakhstan (Source: Booking.com)

Lot of budget places to stay as well in Almaty. Please check rates on various hotel booking sites – www.booking.com, www.agoda.com, www.expedia.com, to name a few.

Ritz Carlton is one of the most upmarket hotels in Almaty situated in the Central Business District (CBD) with luxury shopping brands in and around the hotel.

Communication

The people of Almaty are extremely friendly and often go out of their way to help you. However, not many people speak English, including hotel staff, restaurant employees, and taxi drivers.

While Kazakh is largely spoken, Russian is the most common language in Almaty. It's a good idea to download Google Translate (or similar) to help communicate with the locals.

Restaurants have menus in Russian, so in case English menu is not available, please request the staff to help translate it for you (and finally the bill).

Wandering Around

For trips within the city, use the Yandex Go app to book taxis (self driving is also an option, but you need to get used to using Russian).

For trips outside the city, you can book through websites like Viator, GetYourGuide, and Expedia. Many local operators also offer similar services.

Alternatively, you can ask your hotel to arrange the day trip taxi for you.

Top Places to see in Almaty

• PARKS

Almaty is a very picturesque city, surrounded by majestic snow-covered mountains. There are many things to explore in and around the city. If you love green spaces, Almaty is the place to be. It is full of large parks with beautiful fountains and flowers.

Almaty is also a city of fountains; they are everywhere. You could easily call it the "Fountain City."

One of the best parks that I recommend is the 28 Panfilov Park. The Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral (a Russian Orthodox Church), is located in this park. The entire structure is made of wood without a single nail.

Zenkov Cathedral (Source: Deepak Azad)

This park is also home to the war memorial called The Memory of Glory with an eternal flame. The monument is dedicated to commemorate the triumph in World War II.

Another beautiful park in the city is the First President Park. This 180-acre park is adorned with stunningly large fountains.

Presidents' Park (Source: Deepak Azad)

Astana park, Central Park are few others which can also be explored.

• KOK TOBE HILL

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from this hill, especially after dark when the city is twinkling with lights. It's an entertainment park featuring rides, a small zoo, and a few restaurants. Interestingly, it also hosts the only Beatles statue in the world.

There are two ways to reach the hill: by cable car, which costs 3000 tenge one way (5000 tenge for a round trip), or by minivan, which costs 800 tenge for a round trip. Alternatively, you can walk, which is about 4 km both ways. No private cars are allowed at the hilltop.

The best spot to view the city is from the area near the cable car station at the top. There are some good restaurants with fantastic views, but are on the steeper side.

Kok Tobe viewpoint (Source: Deepak Azad)

• SHYMBULAK

A popular ski resort near Almaty, situated at an altitude of 3200m above sea level, offers a unique experience for visitors. The only way to reach the resort is by cable car, which has three stops. Tickets can be purchased for all three stops, two stops, or just one. Children & young adults upto the age of 21 are charged almost half price (3000 tenge), while the adult ticket costs 5000 tenge.

It's advisable to buy the ticket right till the top.

Getting There

• The cable car starts from the ground level, where the cars are parked.

Stops Overview

1. First Stop: This is the most vibrant stop and bustling with restaurants, eating places, activities.

2. Second Stop: Facilities are limited to just a washroom.

3. Third Stop (3200m): The topmost stop - the hill top, having bit of snow all year round. There are only single portable washrooms available.

Tips and Advice

• Food: The food at the ground level, where the cable car starts, is quite expensive. It's better to use the restaurants at the first stop, which offers a variety of eating places and good sit-down restaurants.

• Washrooms: The washrooms at the ground level are three floors down from the cable car station, which are really inconvenient to use for the elderly, those with kids and limited mobility to climb down 3 floors to the parking level and back. The first stop has better facilities. Advisable to use washrooms at first level.

• Weather: Even during the summer months, it's cold at the top, so advised to carry jackets (helps in light rain as well).

• Activities: While skiing is not open in the summer, visitors can still admire the snow-covered peaks and trek all around to the fullest. The resort is very popular for skiing during the winter months.

Shymbulak Peak (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• CHARYN CANYON

The Charyn Canyon, often referred to as a mini Grand Canyon, stretches about 50 km and is located roughly 200 km outside Almaty.

Highlights

• Scenic Walk: There's a beautiful 2.6 km (one way) walk inside the canyon where you can follow the former riverbed down to the current river (with strong current and cool water).

• Shuttle Service: Small vans are available to take you to the end of the canyon for 500 tenge one way. Most people walk to the river and take the van back.

• Limited Shuttles: Only two vans are available, each seating 12 people, so the wait for the return journey can be long—sometimes up to two hours.

Tips for Visitors

• Facilities: There are no eating places or drinking water at the end of the canyon walk, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks.

• Restrooms: The toilets available are in poor condition and lack water, so plan accordingly.

• Ticket Purchase: Tickets for the van must be bought on-site and are not available online or from the starting point. The van will not stop for tired walkers on the way, so be prepared for the full walk if necessary.

• Views and Experience: The view from the canyon is fantastic, but there's little to do while waiting for the van return. The experience is memorable and highly recommended despite these challenges.

Cheryn Canyon (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• KOLSAY LAKE and KAINDY LAKE

The mountain lakes near Almaty are among the most stunning in the region. Surrounded by majestic mountains, these lakes feature clear blue waters that beautifully reflect the trees and peaks, creating a breathtaking landscape. They are located a bit further away from Charyn Canyon, making them a perfect addition to your travel itinerary.

Visitors can stay overnight while exploring both the canyon and the lakes.

Accommodations range from simple hotels to traditional yurts, providing a clean and comfortable experience amidst the gorgeous scenery.

One of the standout attractions is Kaindy Lake or the Sunken Forest Lake as it is fondly known as. This unique location is famous for its submerged tree trunks, which remain frozen in the cold water as a result of the earthquake many years ago, offering a captivating and picturesque sight that draws nature lovers and photographers alike.

Kolsay Lake (Source: https://adventurousgina.com/f/kolsay-lakes-national-park-the-swiss-alps-of-kazakhstan)

• BIG ALMATY LAKE

The lake, surrounded by majestic mountains, is a vital water source for the city of Almaty.

Highlights

• Permission Required: Secure permission in advance through your hotel or a local travel agent. They usually charge $12 per person or $50 for a group of four to take you to the lake.

• Transport: A special vehicle, driven by local Kazak or military drivers, will take you to the lake.

• Document Check: Carry your passport, as guards will check documents before entry.

Access and Amenities

• Starting Point: The journey begins at the Ili Alatau National Park, where you can also hike to the lake, though it’s a long walk.

• Alternative Transport: Battery scooters or bicycles are available for rent to make the trip easier.

• Scenic River: A beautiful river flows near the park, ideal for taking photos.

Visitor Tips

• Facilities: The park has good & clean washrooms and a small kiosk selling good burgers, hot dogs, and drinks.

• Dining Options: There’s also a larger restaurant for those looking to enjoy a meal.

• Picnicking: The park is a popular spot for picnicking, making it a great place to relax after your visit to the lake.

Big Almaty Lake (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• LAKE ESIK/ ISSYK

The lesser-known lake is much less crowded than other lakes, offering abundant natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 1 km walk from the parking area to the lake, which allows for a leisurely experience in the stunning surroundings.

For those seeking convenience, battery-operated cars are available for hire, as well as horses and battery-operated bicycles and scooters.

The lake features tree trunks emerging from the water, much like Kaindy Lake, adding to its picturesque charm and creating a unique atmosphere for visitors.

Issyk Lake (Source: https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• TURGEN GORGE

The gorge (good 1 hour drive from the issyk lake) offers stunning views, with high green mountains on either side and the Turgen River flowing in between. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility.

From the gorge, visitors can also head to the Assy Plateau, home to a notable observatory. This elevated area provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

There are also picnic spots along the river, complete with benches, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal while surrounded by nature's beauty.

The restaurant at Turgen Gorge has a toilet where you may require to pay few tenges.

Other than this I couldn't find any other toilet.

Bear waterfall - is a must visit waterfall located in the Turgen Gorge Park. The route to the waterfall is easy and short with a hike of 1.3 km one way. The on route scenery is spectacular with the Bear Stream is flowing throughout the hike. Must do for travel enthusiasts and those who are fit and love hiking.

Turgen Gorge (Source:https://www.amateurphotographer.in/about-us/)

• GREEN MARKET

Known as the Green Market, this vibrant marketplace originally focused on selling vegetables but has since expanded to offer a diverse range of products. Visitors can find everything from spices and prepared foods to meat and dairy. One of the highlights of the market is the famous horse meat, a local delicacy that draws both residents and tourists alike.

PLACES TO EAT

Almaty offers a plethora of dining options, with small cafés and restaurants found everywhere. The main challenge for visitors may be the language barrier, but using Google Translate can help.

The city's infrastructure is very impressive, with well-built roads, electric scooters, busses, metro, etc. that makes it easy to explore, even when venturing outside the city to visit the canyon and lakes.

PEOPLE

The people of Almaty are extremely friendly, very helpful and approachable, they try to help you to their best of ability.

Almaty offers much more than you might expect, delighting visitors and making them eager to return again and again.

Let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below and I will be more than happy to answer.