Book Your Almaty Trip Now
April to June and September to October
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Vegetarian Options & Non-Vegetarian Options
1. Lagman (Veg version) : Hand-pulled noodles with vegetables in a rich broth.
2. Kyrgyz/Samsa (Veg): Baked triangular pastry filled with potato, pumpkin, or cheese.
3. Beshbarmak (Veg version): Flat noodles with onion sauce (veg alternative to meat version).
4. Baursak: Deep-fried fluffy dough balls served as a snack.
5. Manti (Veg): Steamed dumplings filled with pumpkin or potato.
1. Beshbarmak : Kazakhstan’s national dish — flat noodles topped with boiled meat (usually beef/horse) and onion broth.
2. Shashlik : Grilled skewered meat (lamb/chicken/beef).
3. Plov: Central Asian rice dish made with meat, carrots, and spices.
4. Kazy: Traditional horse-meat sausage eaten on special occasions. 5. Manti: Large steamed dumplings filled with minced meat and onions.
Attractions
Big Almaty Lake
What it is: A stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by mountains at 2,500m altitude.
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Tip: Go in the morning for crystal-clear lake color and fewer crowds.
Medeu Ice Skating Rink
What it is: World’s highest open-air skating rink tucked between mountains.
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Tip: Visit in winter for skating; in summer, go for views and hiking trails nearby.
Kok Tobe Hill
What it is: A hilltop viewpoint overlooking the whole city with rides, cafés, and a mini zoo.
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Tip: Take the cable car at sunset – the best photo time.
Charyn Canyon
What it is: Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon,” famous for red rock formations and the Valley of Castles.
Time needed: Full day trip
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — trails are sandy and uneven.
First President’s Park
What it is: A beautifully landscaped city park with fountains, mountains in the background, and walking areas.
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Tip: Best visited around 5-7 PM when the lighting becomes soft.
Panfilov Park
What it is: A central green park dedicated to WWII soldiers with monuments and walking paths.
Time needed: 30-45 minutes
Tip: Combine it with Zenkov Cathedral inside the same area.
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)
What it is: A famous local market for dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, horse meat, spices, and souvenirs.
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Tip: Prices are cheaper on the first floor; taste samples before buying.
Alamty Metro
What it is: A clean, modern, and beautifully designed underground metro system, known for its artistic stations and efficient connectivity.
Time needed: 30-45 mins
Tip: Visit during the day to admire the architecture; keep small change for tokens or use a transport card for convenience.
Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
What it is: A colorful wooden Orthodox church built without nails — Almaty’s most beautiful architecture.
Time needed: 30-45 minutes
Tip: Visit early morning to enjoy peaceful surroundings.
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
What it is: The largest history museum showcasing Kazakh culture, traditions, and artifacts.
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Tip: Audio guides help understand exhibits better.