4.9
Big Almaty Lake
A glacial alpine lake that shifts from turquoise to deep emerald with the light, ringed by 4,000m peaks.
About Almaty
Where the steppe meets the snow-capped Tian Shan
Cradled at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau range, Almaty is a city where snow-dusted summits rise straight from leafy boulevards. Once the capital of Kazakhstan, it remains the country's cultural and culinary heart — a green metropolis of apple orchards, Soviet-era grandeur and a fast-rising design scene.
Within an hour you can swap espresso on a chic café terrace for a cable-car ride to Shymbulak's ski slopes, or the surreal turquoise of Big Almaty Lake. It is Central Asia at its most cosmopolitan, yet wilderness is always just beyond the skyline.
Local Culture
Almaty's identity is woven from nomadic Kazakh traditions, Russian influence and a young, creative urban pulse. Hospitality is sacred — expect to be offered kumis (fermented mare's milk) and endless cups of tea. Eagle hunting, the dombra lute and apple folklore (the city's name means 'father of apples') run deep in local life.
Travel Highlights
- Cable car to Shymbulak alpine resort
- Turquoise Big Almaty Lake
- Kolsai & Kaindy lakes day trips
- Green Bazaar food halls
- Soviet modernist architecture
- Region
- Central Asia
- Language
- Kazakh / Russian
- Currency
- KZT
Popular Attractions
Unmissable sights
The landmarks and natural wonders that define Almaty.
4.8
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Year-round alpine playground reached by a scenic gondola above Medeu skating rink.
4.9
Kolsai Lakes
A trio of mirror-still mountain lakes set among spruce forest, perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
4.6
Kok-Tobe Hill
Panoramic city-and-mountain views, a charming park and the famous Beatles monument.
4.8
Charyn Canyon
A 12km red-rock gorge often called Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon, sculpted over millions of years.
4.5
Green Bazaar
A riot of colour and aroma — dried fruit, horse meat, spices and Central Asian sweets.
Things To Do
Experiences & adventures
Curated activities to make your Almaty story your own.
Ski & Snowboard
Carve fresh powder at Shymbulak from December to April.
Alpine Trekking
Hike to glacial lakes and high mountain passes in summer.
Canyon Safari
4x4 expeditions through Charyn Canyon and the singing dunes.
Cable Car Rides
Glide above the city to Kok-Tobe and the alpine slopes.
Bazaar Food Tour
Graze through the Green Bazaar with a local guide.
Horseback Riding
Ride the steppe and forest trails around Kolsai.
Best Time To Visit
When to go to Almaty
Seasonal weather at a glance to help you plan the perfect window.
Spring
Apr – May
12–20°C
Blossoming orchards and green foothills.
Summer
Jun – Aug
22–30°C
Warm city days, ideal for lakes and trekking.
Autumn
Sep – Oct
8–18°C
Golden forests and crisp mountain air.
Winter
Nov – Mar
-8–2°C
Snowy peaks and prime ski season.
Food & Cuisine
A taste of Almaty
Signature dishes and where to savour them.
Beshbarmak
The national dish — boiled meat over wide noodles, served on a shared platter.
Lagman
Hand-pulled noodles in a rich spiced broth with beef and vegetables.
Manti
Steamed dumplings stuffed with seasoned meat and onion.
Baursak
Golden fried dough pillows served with tea and honey.
Modern Kazakh
Auyl
Yurt-inspired fine dining celebrating nomadic flavours.
Georgian
Daredzhani
Beloved for khachapuri and a buzzing terrace.
Central Asian
Navat
Lavish plov, lagman and live music in a tea-house setting.
Good to Know
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before travelling to Almaty.
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