Date of travel: October 10, 2025
In our recent trip to Kazakhstan, we discovered the charm of Almaty, where majestic mountains meet vibrant culture! From the breath taking Charyn Canyon to the serene Big Almaty Lake, and from the historic Ascension Cathedral to the thrilling Shymbulak Ski Resort, Almaty is a treasure trove of natural beauty and adventure.
Geographical Highlights:
Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) is indeed a remarkable city! Located in the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains, it boasts breath taking scenery and a rich cultural heritage. As the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty served as the country’s capital from 1929 to 1997.
Situated at an elevation of 700-900 meters, the city is nestled in a seismically active region, experiencing regular earthquakes, including a devastating one in 1911 that caused significant damage. Despite this, Almaty remains a vibrant and historic city, steeped in tradition and natural beauty.
Almaty in a Nutshell:
Almaty offers a unique experience for visitors as you can unwind in steamy Russian baths, indulge in delicious Kazakh cuisine, or savour a cup of hot aromatic tea, immersing yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage. At the same time, modern amenities like large shopping malls and vibrant nightclubs showcase Almaty’s trendy and lively vibe.
Beyond the city limits, natural wonders like the majestic Charyn Canyon and stunning lakes such as Kolsai, Kaindy, and Big Almaty await exploration. Within Almaty itself, numerous historic monuments and adventure activities provide endless opportunities for discovery and excitement, making it a destination that truly has something for everyone.
Major Attractions of Almaty which we visited:
Visit to canyons and lakes on first day at Almaty had set the tone for an exciting trip (a blog has already been published), however, the second day was a thrill seeker’s paradise.
Day 2:
We headed to world famous Medeu Alpine Sports Complex surrounded by breath taking views of “ile Alatau” mountains of Tian Shan mountain range.
Medeu is a world-renowned, high-altitude ice skating rink located in Almaty, nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains at an impressive 1,691 meters above sea level. This iconic sports complex is not only the world’s largest mountain complex for winter sports but also a symbol of Almaty’s rich sporting legacy and cultural heritage.
Key Features:
- Activities: Winter- ice skating and ice hockey/bandy. Summer-bicycles, skateboarding, skating, volleyball etc.
- Exceptional Ice Quality: Medeu’s unique location and sophisticated freezing system ensure optimal ice conditions, making it a favourite among professional athletes and recreational skaters alike. Ice field area is 10500 sq.meters.
- Breath taking Scenery: Surrounded by stunning mountain views, Medeu offers an unforgettable skating experience amidst nature’s splendour.
- Rich History: With over 200 world records set here, Medeu has hosted numerous international competitions, including speed skating and figure skating events.
Visitor Information:
- Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (check official website for updates)
- Ticket Prices: 1,500 KZT to 3,000 KZT (discounts available for children, students, and seniors)
- Getting There: Take bus number 12 from Almaty city centre or a taxi.
Next attraction was The Health Stairs at Medeu, also known as the “Medeu Steps“, a popular fitness attraction located near the Medeu Ice Skating Rink.
Key Features:
– 1,740 steps leading up to a scenic viewpoint
– Elevation gain: approximately 300 meters
– Stunning views of the Medeu Ice Skating Rink and surrounding mountains
– Popular spot for fitness enthusiasts, locals, and tourists
We could manage only 500 steps and then stopped for scenic views and photographs.
Because of ongoing maintenance work at the rink, we did not have much things to observe, so we soared to Shymbulak Mountain Resort, a world-class ski destination and the largest ski resort in Central Asia nestled in the breath taking Zailiysky Alatau mountain range. This resort is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable skiing experience amidst stunning natural beauty.
Key Features:
– Ski Slopes: 25 kilometers of ski slopes catering to all skill levels, with a vertical drop of 1,000 meters
– Lifts: 10 modern lifts, including a high-speed gondola and chairlifts
– Snowmaking: Equipped with snow cannons to ensure optimal skiing conditions
– Night Skiing: Unique night skiing experience on certain days of the week
– Accommodation: Luxurious hotels and resorts, including Shymbulak Resort Hotel and Tenir Eco Hotel
Activities:
– Skiing and Snowboarding: Diverse slopes for all levels, with stunning mountain views
– Snowshoeing: Explore snow-covered forests and meadows
– Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating surrounded by majestic mountains
– Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying with a qualified instructor
– Mountain Biking: Ride down challenging trails with uplift service via gondola lift
Getting There:
– Public Transport: Take bus 12 from Almaty city center to Medeu, then gondola lift to Shymbulak.
– Taxi or Private Car: Available, but need to park near the gondola station and take either cable car or special electric vehicles till the resort.
Cable Car Ride:
Shymbulak Ski Resort offers a thrilling cable car experience with multiple stages, taking you to various levels of the mountain. Here’s an overview:
– First Stage: Medeu to Shymbulak Ski Resort (2,260 meters)
– Second Stage: Shymbulak Ski Resort to Talgar Pass (3,200 meters)
– Third Stage: Not explicitly mentioned, but the cable car ride consists of multiple stages, offering breath taking views
The cable car ride is approximately 4.5 kilometers long and takes around 15-30 minutes to complete, depending on transfers. You’ll enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding Tian Shan Mountains, with options to spot local wildlife, enjoy alpine dining, and take in the serene atmosphere. There are two types of cable cars, regular closed ones and open chair lifts type. For chair lift types, age limit is fixed at the age of 60 years because you need to move away very quickly as the lift stops at the station.
We were incredibly lucky to have a clear sunny day as we ascended via chair lift, soaking in the stunning views of snow-capped mountains surrounding us. A breathtakingly beautiful valley blanketed with snow awaited us, and we spent hours taking in the majestic scenery. The resort’s amenities, including clean toilet facilities and a lovely restaurant with open viewing decks, added to our comfort.
After refreshing ourselves with beverages, we descended via chair lift to Shymbulak Resort, where we indulged in a delicious lunch at an open-air restaurant overlooking the valley.
From speed skating to skiing, paragliding to mountain biking, Shymbulak offered an unforgettable adrenaline fix. It was an action packed day that left us grinning from ear to ear.
Tips:
– Best Time to Visit: Late November to early April for optimal snow conditions
– Language: English-speaking instructors available for ski lessons
– Budget: Consider visiting during shoulder season for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Day 3:
This day in Almaty was filled with excitement as we embarked on a city tour, exploring the vibrant Republic Square, home to the stunning Independence Monument and beautiful fountains.
The Independence Monument is a 91-foot tall column topped with Golden Warrior statue, symbolising strength and liberty.
We then visited the iconic Abay Opera House and Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, catching a glimpse of the country’s rich history and culture.
Next, we strolled through magnificent First President’s Park. Named after first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, this serene oasis features expansive green spaces, fountains, and monuments.
After quick stops near the Kazakhstan Hotel and Palace of the Republic, we took a thrilling cable car ride to Kok Tobe Hill, also known as Blue Hill. From the top, we marvelled at the breath taking views of the city and took in the attractions, including the towering Almaty TV tower, a 371-meter tall modern structure.
Next stop was famous Panfilov Park, a historic park named after the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who defended Moscow during World War II. The park is home to several attractions, including:
– Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension cathedral) : A stunning wooden Orthodox church built without nails, renowned for its intricate designs and architecture. It’s one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world and has survived several earthquakes.
– Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame: A solemn memorial honouring the soldiers who fought in World War II.
– Monument to Ivan Panfilov: A monument dedicated to the Soviet General who led the Panfilov’s Twenty-Eight Guardsmen.
We moved on to Green Bazaar, a historic and vibrant marketplace in Almaty. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing local culture, trying traditional foods, and shopping for unique souvenirs.
What one can expect
– Fresh Produce: A wide variety of fruits and vegetables, including locally grown produce like apples, apricots, and cherries.
– Local Delicacies: Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (meat and pasta), shashlik (kebabs), and kumis (fermented horse milk).
– Spices and Nuts: Explore the extensive selection of spices, herbs, and nuts, including local specialties like Kazakh saffron and mountain herbs.
– Traditional Clothing and Crafts: Find beautifully embroidered garments, carpets, and handicrafts, such as traditional Kazakh hats (tubeteika) and dombra instruments.
– Friendly Atmosphere: Engage with the friendly vendors, who are often eager to share the origins of their goods and offer samples.
– Timings: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tips:
– Bargain wisely, especially when buying in bulk.
– Compare prices and try samples before making a purchase
– Bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards and not to carry valuables and important documents with you in person. Keep them in the locker of your hotel.
We purchased lots of varieties of nuts, spices and warm clothings of excellent quality and then visited Rakhat Chocolate Factory located next to Green Bazzar. This one is actually a retail outlet selling varieties of good quality chocolates, cookies, candies as well as biscuits and can be described as chocolate lovers’ paradise. With this sweet experience we wrapped up another fun-filled day at this great city.
Day 4:
Last day was reserved for Oi-Qaragai, a mountain resort located about 44 km from Almaty.
It is another popular destination for both winter and summer activities, offering a range of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Key Features:
– Skiing and Snowboarding: 13 km of slopes, 11 lifts, and ski schools for all levels
– Cable Car: Offers breath taking views of the surrounding mountains with open-bench style cars
– Trolley Park: World’s third-largest, stretching 2903m, perfect for thrill-seekers
– Hiking and Trekking: Various trails for all fitness levels with scenic views
– Horseback Riding: Explore the beautiful trails on horseback with experienced guides
– Thermal Spa: Inside a traditional Kazakh house, high quality thermal bath and spa available.
– Dining: Restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including local and Georgian options
The park has a beautiful garden and many restaurants at ground levels for which no payment is required. One needs to purchase cable car tickets, though management offers free bus rides at hourly intervals.
Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort offers an exciting experience with its natural beauty, adventure activities, and cozy restaurants. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this resort has something for everyone.
At the end, I would like to state that our decision to take personalized private tours with a local guide gave us a unique and insider’s perspective on this great city.
Key Facts:
Location: Kolsay Lakes National Park, southeast Kazakhstan, about 300km east of Almaty.
Elevation: The lakes are situated at different altitudes, with the first lake (lower lake) at around 1,000m, the second (middle lake) at 2,500m, and the third (upper lake) at 2,700m.
Activities: Hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and picnicking.
Best Time to Visit: Late May or late September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Accommodation: Options range from guesthouses to yurts and campsites.
What to Expect:
– Crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains and forests.
– Scenic hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty.
– Opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy local flora.
– Camping and picnic areas for a closer connection with nature.
Tips and Essentials:
– Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night
– Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring necessary gear
– Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
– Try local food and drinks, such as traditional Kazakh cuisine and tea.
Kolsay Lake is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its unique landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and abundant wildlife make it an unforgettable experience.
14 thoughts on “A Dream Trip to Almaty, the Largest City of Kazakhstan”
Long but adventurous and well enjoyed tour. Must have enjoyed the car lifts at Shymbulak….
Sooo well narrated that one can visualize all the picturesque places along with the wonderful pics.
Thanks a lot. Yes, chair lifts were really adventurous.
“As I wandered through Almaty’s moonlit streets, the city’s secrets whispered in my ear.” Sandip’s prose weaves a spell, transporting us to a world where mountains meet sky and reality blurs, like a jazz solo smooth and rich, conjuring the city’s old-world charm and the gilded dreams of those who wander.
‘The world is a beautiful book, and those who stay at home read only one page,’ Tagore’s words echoed.
What a lovely analysis and nice feedback Kinnerbhai. Highly appreciate dear. Thanks a lot.
Very detailed description of the beautiful landscape!! Seems like a must visit location. 😊😊
Thanks for your lovely remarks. It is indeed a beautiful location
After reading the blog I am eager to visit this place as soon as possible. Thank you for such detailed descriptions. 👍
Thank you so much for lovely comments. Even I do not mind again visiting this place with you.
I’ve never been to Kazakhstan, but reading your amazing blog made me feel like I was right there with you, enjoying those spectacular views! You’re an incredible blogger — please keep writing! You’re helping so many travelers get first-hand insights and inspiration!
Thanks Purna. Such lovely and encouraging comments. Highly appreciate. Delighted to know that you have liked the blog.
Very brilliant description of different places and very very beautiful pics .
Thanks Uttam for your encouraging reviews.
Really stunning pictures and a truly informative blog.
Thank you so much Adrija. Glad to know that you liked the blog.