Almaty is a unique city, which lies at the foot of the Ile Alatau Mountains, the northern spurs of the Tien Shan Mountains. It is the largest and most populous city in Kazakhstan, the center of business and cultural life, and the so-called southern capital.
As of August 2022, the city's population exceeded 2 million according to official data. Almaty is a multinational city where Kazakhs, Russians, Koreans, Uighurs, Tatars, Uzbeks, Azerbaijanis, Ukrainians, Germans, and representatives of many other attractions live. The majority of the population speaks Russian or Kazakh. English is not widely spoken so it is recommended to learn some survival phrases in Russian or Kazakh before your trip. View some essential phrases in Kazakh here.
Almaty is called the southern capital for a reason. The city is the center of cultural, financial, and business life of not only Kazakhstan but entire Central Asia. The city regularly hosts festivals, exhibitions, concerts, business meetings, and conferences. In addition, Almaty is the most vibrant city in Kazakhstan offering a fine array of after-hours entertainment.
Why is Almaty worth visiting?
Developed infrastructure, an abundance of attractions, rich history, and a favorable geographical location have really put Almaty on the map for tourists who often come back here, having fallen in love with this city. Almaty is surrounded by breathtaking nature and you don't need to travel far to see it. Just take a 20-minute drive from the city center and you'll see jaw-dropping scenery.
If you love skiing, skating or snowboarding, Almaty is the perfect city for you. Just take a city bus and it will take you to the Shymbulak Ski Resort and Medeu Skating Rink, the highest open-air skating rink in the world.
The city has many theaters, museums, parks, and shady alleys, where you can take a leisurely stroll on a hot day. For example, the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, founded in the 19th century, contains another attraction – the Ascension Cathedral. Also, it's worth taking a walk along the pedestrian Panfilov Street and Zhibek Zholy Street. Be sure to visit Kok Tobe Park, where you can see one of the symbols of the city – the Kok-Tobe TV Tower.
Almaty is surrounded by breathtaking nature, and not seeing it is definitely a crime. Take your time to explore nearby natural beauties, such as the Big Almaty Lake, Kok Jailau Plateau, Alma-Arasan Gorge, Bogdanovich Glacier, etc.
Local offers:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Group Tour")
If you need a refreshing day away from the city, join us on this tour of Charyn Canyon. Marvel at its stunning beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby rural area and market.
![Групповая экскурсия "Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]](/assets/cache_image/products/0_gallery/tours/astana-excursions/astana1_420x650_c98.jpeg "Групповая экскурсия \"Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I\" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]")
Идеальный вариант для первого знакомства со столицей Казахстана! Город во всех проявлениях менее чем за 3 часа: от административного сердца страны до экономического, молодежного и событийного хаба
On request
Don’t miss the chance to ski at Shymbulak Ski Resort, famous for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days, steady snow and the magnificent surrounding views!
On request
Day of skiing on the best and the largest resort in Kazakhstan, which matches the European standards of quality. This tour is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers and freeriders. The tour allows to ride both on the groomed slopes and off-piste with possibility of organizing backcountry nearby the resort.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
On request
Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
On request
Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.
On request
Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
On request
Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.
Climate of Almaty
The city has a temperate continental climate, with mountain-valley air circulation. This makes summer cooler and winter warmer than the rest of Kazakhstan.
