Almaty, the largest city and cultural heart of Kazakhstan:

Almaty, Kazakhstan – Tourist Information Guide

Overview

Almaty is a vibrant city located at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in southeastern Kazakhstan. It’s known for its scenic beauty, Soviet-era architecture, modern cafes, ski resorts, and rich cultural heritage. Though no longer the capital, Almaty remains the country’s financial and cultural hub.

Top Tourist Attractions

1. Kok-Tobe Hill

Panoramic views of the city.

Accessible by cable car or road.

Small amusement park, souvenir shops, and a monument to The Beatles.

2. Medeu Ice Skating Rink

World’s highest Olympic-sized skating rink.

Open year-round for skating and hiking.

Great gateway to Shymbulak ski resort.

3. Shymbulak Ski Resort

Kazakhstan’s premier ski destination.

Winter skiing and summer hiking.

Cable car ride offers stunning mountain views.

4. Big Almaty Lake

Turquoise alpine lake surrounded by peaks.

A popular day trip from the city.

5. Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)

Located in Panfilov Park.

A striking Russian Orthodox cathedral built entirely of wood.

6. Central State Museum

The largest museum in Kazakhstan.

Exhibits on history, ethnography, and ancient artifacts.

7. Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)

A bustling local market for fruits, meats, spices, and souvenirs.

Great for tasting local delicacies like kurt, kumis, and chak-chak.

8. Almaty Metro

Beautiful, clean, and inexpensive.

Features artistic Soviet-style architecture.

Nature & Day Trips

Charyn Canyon – Often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” around 3–4 hours by car.

Tamgaly Tas – Buddhist petroglyphs on rocks along the Ili River.

Turgen Gorge – Waterfalls, hot springs, and forest hikes.

Food & Cuisine

Kazakh cuisine is meat-heavy with Central Asian and Russian influences:

Beshbarmak – National dish made with boiled meat and pasta.

Lagman – Uighur-style hand-pulled noodles.

Shashlik – Skewered grilled meat.

Baursak – Fried dough balls.

Plenty of international restaurants and modern cafes available across the city.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October): Mild weather, best for sightseeing.

Winter (Dec–Feb): Snow activities and skiing.

Summer (July–August): Can be hot in the city, but great for mountain trips.

Getting Around

Public Transport: Metro, buses, and trolleybuses are efficient and cheap.

Taxis: Apps like Yandex Go and Bolt are popular.

Language: Russian is widely spoken. English is common in tourist areas.

Travel Tips

Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT).

Visa: Many nationalities have visa-free access; check in advance.

Safety: Almaty is generally safe; normal precautions apply.

Altitude: Some mountain areas may cause mild altitude sickness—stay hydrated.