Nestled at the foothills of the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty stands as Kazakhstan’s largest city and cultural hub. Despite relinquishing its capital status to Astana in 1997, this cosmopolitan city of over 2 million residents continues to captivate visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant urban energy. As the commercial heart of Kazakhstan, Almaty offers a perfect blend of Soviet-era architecture, modern amenities, and breathtaking mountain vistas—all while being surprisingly affordable compared to many Western travel destinations.
Fun Facts About Almaty
Almaty isn’t just another city in Central Asia—it has some fascinating quirks that make it truly unique. The city’s name translates to “place of apples,” and for good reason! Almaty is believed to be the ancestral home of all cultivated apples in the world. Wild apple forests still grow in the mountains surrounding the city, and apple imagery can be spotted throughout Almaty’s streets and public spaces1
Did you know that Almaty boasts the world’s highest ice skating rink? The Medeu Skating Rink sits at 1,691 meters above sea level, making it a record-holder and a favorite winter destination for both professionals and recreational skaters
Another fascinating feature is Almaty’s metro system—one of the newest in the world (opened in 2011) and also one of the deepest! Some stations are located approximately 70 meters underground, requiring escalator rides that take nearly four minutes to complete. The stations are beautifully decorated, reminiscent of Moscow’s famous metro stations1.
Best Time to Visit
Almaty experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for travelers:
Summer (June to September): This is peak tourist season when temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F). The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and surrounding mountains. Expect higher accommodation rates and more crowds during this period.
Spring (April to June): A delightful time as the city awakens from winter. Cherry blossoms create picturesque settings in parks and gardens. Weather is mild with temperatures between 15-25°C (59-77°F), and tourist crowds are smaller than in summer.
Autumn (October to November): The city transforms with vibrant foliage. It’s less crowded, and accommodations are more affordable. Weather begins to cool but remains comfortable for outdoor activities.
Winter (December to March): Temperatures often drop below freezing, but this is prime time for winter sports enthusiasts. The nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and accommodation rates are generally lowest during this period.
How to Reach Almaty
By Air: Almaty International Airport (ALA) serves as Kazakhstan’s main air hub with connections to various international destinations. The airport is located about 15 kilometers from the city center. Taxis to downtown typically cost between 3000-5000 KZT (approximately $7-12), while buses 79 and 92 offer affordable options at 150 KZT (about $0.35) per trip.
By Train: If you’re already in Central Asia, trains connect Almaty to other major cities in Kazakhstan. Overnight trains run to Astana and Shymkent (about 12 hours), and connections to Bishkek in neighboring Kyrgyzstan take 4-5 hours.
By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Almaty with other Central Asian cities. The journey from Bishkek to Almaty takes approximately 4-5 hours by road.
Cost of Living and Budget Guide
Almaty is relatively affordable for travelers coming from Western countries:
Accommodation:
- Budget: Hostels from 4,000-6,000 KZT ($9-14) per night
- Mid-range: Hotels from 12,000-25,000 KZT ($28-58) per night
- Luxury: 35,000+ KZT ($82+) per night
Food:
- Street food/Fast food meal: 2,000-3,000 KZT ($5-7)
- Mid-range restaurant meal: 3,000-6,000 KZT ($7-14) per person
- Upscale restaurant dinner for two: 12,000 KZT ($28)
Transportation:
- Single public transport ticket: 150 KZT ($0.35)
- Monthly transport pass: 6,000 KZT ($14)
- Taxi ride within the city: 1,500-3,000 KZT ($3.50-7)
Activities:
- Museum entrance fees: 500-2,000 KZT ($1.15-4.60)
- Kok Tobe cable car: 3,000 KZT ($7) round trip
- Ski lift pass at Shymbulak (winter): 7,000-10,000 KZT ($16-23)
Daily Budget Guide:
- Budget traveler: 15,000-25,000 KZT ($35-58) per day
- Mid-range traveler: 25,000-50,000 KZT ($58-116) per day
- Luxury traveler: 50,000+ KZT ($116+) per day
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: City Exploration
- Morning: Start at Republic Square and Independence Monument. Admire the architecture of the former Presidential Palace (now City Hall) and the impressive Independence Monument with its symbolic golden warrior.
- Mid-morning: Visit Panfilov Park and the stunning wooden Zenkov Cathedral, built without a single nail. Don’t miss the Memorial of Glory dedicated to the Panfilov Heroes.
- Afternoon: Explore the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar) to sample local delicacies, including Kazakhstan’s famous horse meat products, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Evening: Take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for sunset views over the city. Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants on the hill and experience the amusement park attractions.
Day 2: Nature and Mountains
- Morning: Early trip to Big Almaty Lake. This stunning alpine lake sits at 2,511 meters above sea level and showcases brilliant turquoise waters against a mountain backdrop.
- Afternoon: Visit Medeu Ice Skating Rink (or in winter, continue to Shymbulak Ski Resort for skiing). In summer, enjoy hiking in the area.
- Evening: Return to the city and stroll through Central Park. Enjoy dinner at one of Almaty’s traditional Kazakh restaurants.
Day 3: Culture and Modern Almaty
- Morning: Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan to learn about the country’s history and culture.
- Afternoon: Take a ride on Almaty’s impressive metro system, stopping to admire the beautifully decorated stations. Then visit the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments.
- Evening: Explore Almaty Central Mosque, then enjoy your last night with dinner and drinks in the trendy Dostyk Plaza area.
Day Trip Options
- Charyn Canyon: Often called the “Grand Canyon’s little brother,” this spectacular natural formation is about a 3-hour drive from Almaty.
- Kolsai Lakes: A series of three mountain lakes known as the “Pearls of Northern Tien Shan.” Requires a full day trip (better as an overnight excursion).
- Altyn-Emel National Park: Famous for its “Singing Dunes” that make musical sounds when the wind blows across them.
Top Attractions and Experiences
Natural Wonders
- Big Almaty Lake: A stunning alpine lake surrounded by forested mountains. The lake’s striking turquoise color changes throughout the day depending on the light.
- Charyn Canyon: An impressive 300-meter deep canyon carved over millions of years by the Charyn River. The most famous section is the Valley of Castles with its unusual rock formations.
- Kolsai Lakes: A chain of three mountain lakes connected by hiking trails. Perfect for nature lovers looking to experience Kazakhstan’s pristine wilderness.
City Highlights
- Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral: A peaceful green space housing the colorful wooden Zenkov Cathedral, built in 1907 without using a single nail. It miraculously survived a 1911 earthquake that reached 10 on the Richter scale.
- Kok-Tobe Hill: Accessible by a scenic cable car ride, this hill offers panoramic views of the city. Enjoy family-friendly attractions like a Ferris wheel, mini-zoo, and restaurants.
- Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar): A vibrant market where you can sample local foods, buy souvenirs, and observe daily Kazakh life. Don’t miss trying kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (camel milk).
- Republic Square: Almaty’s main square, featuring the Independence Monument and formerly housing important government buildings during the Soviet era.
- Almaty Metro: Worth experiencing for its beautiful station designs and impressive engineering. The escalator ride down is an attraction in itself!
Winter Activities
- Medeu Ice Skating Rink: The world’s highest skating rink, set in a picturesque mountain setting. Open year-round with various activities.
- Shymbulak Ski Resort: A modern ski resort offering excellent slopes for all levels at prices much lower than comparable European destinations.
Travel Tips for Almaty
Language: Kazakh and Russian are the primary languages. English is limited but growing in tourist areas. Having a translation app like Google Translate is helpful. Learning a few basic Russian phrases can go a long way.
Money: The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available in the city center. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but carry cash for smaller establishments and markets.
Transportation Tips:
- The metro is clean, efficient, and a tourist attraction in itself
- Yandex.Taxi app works well for ordering taxis
- Local ride-sharing is common—residents often pick up passengers for a fee
- Buses are affordable but can be crowded
Safety: Almaty is generally safe for tourists. Use normal precautions as you would in any large city. Be careful when hiking in mountains and follow local guidance for weather conditions.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Remove shoes when entering someone’s home
- It’s customary to bring a small gift when visiting locals
- Respect Islamic customs at religious sites
- Public displays of drunkenness are frowned upon
Connectivity: SIM cards are inexpensive and available at the airport or mobile shops in the city. Mobile internet is fast and reliable in urban areas.
Food and Drink:
- Try beshbarmak (national dish with meat and noodles)
- Sample kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and shubat (fermented camel milk)
- Horse meat is a local delicacy
- Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water
Conclusion
Almaty offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and urban convenience that makes it an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking something different. From its remarkable mountain backdrop to its fascinating mix of Soviet heritage and modern Central Asian identity, the city provides experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. Best of all, it delivers these distinctive adventures at a fraction of the cost you’d pay in Western Europe or North America.
Whether you’re watching the sunset from Kok-Tobe Hill, skiing at Shymbulak’s world-class slopes, or sampling exotic cuisine at the Green Bazaar, Almaty rewards visitors with unforgettable moments. As Kazakhstan continues to develop its tourism infrastructure, now is the perfect time to discover this hidden gem before the secret gets out.
Pack your curiosity, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to be charmed by Kazakhstan’s vibrant “City of Apples.”
