I spent about five days exploring Almaty, Kazakhstan, and quickly discovered that there’s so much more to the city than meets the eye. From stunning mountain landscapes and alpine lakes to vibrant markets and historic landmarks, Almaty is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and city life. Here are my top 5 things to do in and around Almaty to help you make the most of your trip!
There are plenty of tours to choose from in Almaty, but I decided to join a walking tour that took us through some of the city’s highlights, including Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar, a local chocolate shop, and Arbat. The tour was a great way to get an introduction to Almaty while learning about Kazakhstan’s history, culture, and everyday life from a local guide. The tour is about 2.5 hours and covers roughly 3.5–4 km on foot.
One of the highlights was visiting Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral) [pictured to the left] in Panfilov Park. The cathedral is particularly unique because it is made out of wood without nails. Its colorful exterior is beautiful, but stepping inside was just as impressive, with intricate religious artwork and details throughout.
I really enjoyed doing a walking tour because it gave me much more context than simply visiting these sites on my own. Instead of just seeing the buildings and monuments, I learned why they are significant and how they fit into Kazakhstan’s history. If you’re visiting Almaty for the first time, I’d definitely recommend starting with a walking tour—it’s an easy way to get your bearings and learn more about the city.
Link to tour: Check out the GuruWalk tour I took here
2. Do a Free Walking Tour of Almaty
For one of the best views over Almaty city, hop on the gondola up to Kok Tobe, the highest point in the city at around 1,100 meters above sea level. The short ride offers beautiful views of Almaty as you climb above the city, and once you reach the top, there’s plenty to explore, including cafés, restaurants, shops, and a small amusement park. On weekends, Kok Tobe comes alive with local families enjoying the fresh air, relaxing, and having picnics.
A round-trip gondola ticket costs around 10,000 Tenge for adults. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take the Fast Coaster back down or hike your way up or down the hill. It’s an easy addition to a day exploring Almaty and a great spot to get a different perspective of the city.
Gondola Location: Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Cableway
3. Take the Kok Tobe Hill Gondula to see Almaty City View
If you’re looking for a taste of Kazakhstan’s incredible mountain scenery, Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes should be high on your list.
Located in the Tian Shan Mountains about 300 km from Almaty, Kolsai is known for its crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by pine forests and dramatic mountain peaks, while nearby Kaindy Lake is famous for its surreal sunken forest, where spruce trees rise straight out of the turquoise water.
The lakes can be visited as part of an organized day or multi-day tour from Almaty, which is the easiest option if you don’t want to worry about transportation. If you prefer to explore independently, you can also drive toward Saty village, although Kaindy’s final stretch requires a high-clearance 4×4 due to the rough mountain roads.
4. Take a Tour to Visit Kolsai and Kaindy Lakess
One of my favorite day trips from Almaty was Charyn Canyon (known as the Grand Canyon’s little brother). The red rock formations and views are incredible, and it’s a great way to get out of the city and see a different side of Kazakhstan. The Valley of Castles is the main highlight and is definitely worth the hike!
You can combine Charyn Canyon with Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes on a 2–3 day tour from Almaty. This is a great option if you want to see all three without having to figure out transportation yourself and keep costs minimal. Accomadations and meals are usually included in these tours.