Almaty: Surrounded by the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains
In the morning, coffee at the city’s best restaurant; in the evening, a sunset over the canyon. Almaty has made it into Vogue’s top 14 destinations for 2025, and its surrounding area offers all this within a couple of hours’ drive.
City Getaways · Nature · Gastronomy
Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city, combining history, tree-lined streets, markets, modern culture, and views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, all of which create one of the most vibrant atmospheres in Central Asia.
Almaty: surrounded by the Zailiyskiy Alatau
Almaty is a melting pot of contrasts: the Soviet heritage of the Golden Square and the glass towers of the new districts; street food at the ‘Green Bazaar’; the tranquillity of Panfilov Park; and the excitement of the Shymbulak ski resort. And in the surrounding area lie the Martian-like landscapes of Charyn, the turquoise lakes of Kolsai and the legendary flooded forest of Kaindy. All of this is within a 2–3-hour drive of the city centre.
CITY OF CONTRASTS
CULTURE & NATURE
The Southern Capital
New Kazakhstan
from $80 per person
The price is quoted ‘from’ and is for information purposes only. The final price is calculated on a case-by-case basis and confirmed by a manager at the time of booking.
The historic centre of Almaty, where iconic buildings, charming streets and the atmosphere of the old town have been preserved. It is home to the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre, the ‘Kazakhstan’ Hotel, Astana Square and the popular Panfilov pedestrian street.
The Golden Square
One of Almaty’s most famous parks, featuring the Memorial of Glory and the Eternal Flame. This place honours the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and remains an important part of the city’s history.
Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen
One of the tallest wooden Orthodox churches in the world, built without the use of nails. One of Almaty’s architectural landmarks.
The Cathedral of the Ascension
A colourful market where you can experience the local culture, sample traditional foods, and buy spices, dried fruit, sweets and traditional souvenirs.
Green Market
A legendary sports complex situated at an altitude of 1,691 metres above sea level. During the tour, guests will learn about the history of the complex and see the famous mudslide-protection dam.
The Medeu High-Altitude Ice Rink
A cable car ride up to one of Central Asia’s most famous mountain resorts. Panoramic views of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, walks, the mountain air and cosy restaurants make this a must-visit destination.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort
An iconic landmark in Almaty, situated at the summit of the mountain of the same name. The cable car ride, walking paths and viewing platforms offer the chance to see the city from above and enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Kok-Tobe
One of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural landmarks. Over millions of years, wind and water have sculpted unusual rock formations here, giving the canyon its name, ‘The Valley of Castles’.
Charyn Canyon
A museum of contemporary art showcasing iconic works by Kazakhstani artists alongside pieces by renowned international artists. Here, Kazakhstan’s national culture, history and contemporary life are explored through painting, sculpture and large-scale installations within the context of global art.
Almaty Museum of Arts
A cascade of mountain lakes, surrounded by coniferous forests and the high peaks of the Northern Tien Shan. The crystal-clear water, tranquillity and incredible scenery make Kolsai one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan.
The Kolsai Lakes
A unique mountain lake, famous for its submerged coniferous forest. The trunks of the fir trees rising straight out of the water create one of the most unusual natural landscapes in Central Asia and make Kaindy a true symbol of Kazakhstan.
Lake Kaindy
Tour locations:
Locations are selected using a modular approach: the programme can be tailored and adapted entirely to your individual requirements. Any attractions or points of interest you are interested in can be added to the final itinerary.
Stories of those who saw the world differently
‘What I remember most about Almaty is that, in a single day, you can stroll through the old town centre, pop into the bustling bazaar, and find yourself high up in the mountains just an hour later. You rarely come across such a contrast anywhere else.’
— Alisher
‘I could have spent half a day at the Green Market. I particularly liked the fact that the stallholders are happy to tell you about the local produce and let you try it before you buy.’
— Madina, food blogger
‘The trip up to Shymbulak was one of the highlights of the trip. The cable car alone is worth the journey. As you climb higher, you realise just how close the mountains are to the city.’
— Sanjar, founder of the start-up
‘The sheer scale of the Charyn Canyon and the majestic cliffs of the Valley of Castles are so breathtaking that, for a moment, you forget where you are.’
— Aigerim, content creator
‘The mystical submerged forest of Lake Kaindy and the mirror-like surface of Lake Kolsai, set amongst the coniferous forests, provided the perfect and very peaceful conclusion to our journey.’
— Alina, brand designer
‘The first thing that caught my eye was the sculpture by Jaume Plensa. I particularly liked the fact that we happened to be there for a workshop where the children were simply sitting and drawing. It made the museum feel very lively.’
— Daniyar, photographer
Answers to important questions:
Astana showcases modern Kazakhstan through its architecture and scale, whilst Almaty reveals the country through its mountains, leafy streets, historic centre and proximity to natural landscapes.
A full day is enough for a first visit to the city. If you’re planning to visit Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy or the Great Almaty Lake as well, it’s best to allow three days.
Of course. Each season reveals Almaty in its own way. In spring, the city is awash with greenery and blossoming gardens; in summer, the mountain trails and natural attractions are ideal; in autumn, the parks and mountain scenery are particularly beautiful; and in winter, snow-capped peaks, ski resorts and the city’s cosy atmosphere await visitors.
Astana showcases modern Kazakhstan through its architecture and scale, whilst Almaty reveals the country through its mountains, leafy streets, historic centre and proximity to natural landscapes.
A full day is enough for a first visit to the city. If you’re planning to visit Charyn, Kolsai, Kaindy or the Great Almaty Lake as well, it’s best to allow three days.
Of course. Each season reveals Almaty in its own way. In spring, the city is awash with greenery and blossoming gardens; in summer, the mountain trails and natural attractions are ideal; in autumn, the parks and mountain scenery are particularly beautiful; and in winter, snow-capped peaks, ski resorts and the city’s cosy atmosphere await visitors.
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