Nestled amidst the majestic Tian Shan mountains, Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, paints a serene picture with a blend of breathtaking natural views, vibrant culture, and centuries-old history. Whether you are a history enthusiast seeking the Silk Road’s legacy, a foodie with a penchant for diverse cuisine, or an adventurer craving mountain vistas, many Almaty tourist places are available for your vacation and adventure.
We will explore the top places to visit in Almaty for your unforgettable adventure. Before delving into places to visit for Almaty sightseeing, we suggest you take travel insurance for financial cover against unforeseen travel-related circumstances, including flight cancellations, theft, accidents, etc.
Top Places to Visit in Almaty
- Big Almaty Lake
- Gorky Central Park
- Shymbulak Mountain Resort
- Nedelka Fountain
- Kolsay Lakes National Park
1. Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake is the largest lake in Kazakhstan, surrounded by the Trans-Ile Alatau mountains. This natural alpine reservoir is 1.6 km long, situated at 2,511 metres above sea level in a rocky bowl at an altitude of 2,500 m. It is a primary water source for the city of Almaty, the most populous and cosmopolitan city in Kazakhstan. Almaty is well-connected with major cities of the world by air and roads. Tourists can come to Almaty and hire a cab to explore the Big Almaty Lake, around 15 km from the city centre.
Things to Do at Big Almaty Lake
- Visit the astronomical observatory situated above the lake.
- Go hiking or cycling or enjoy a picnic with friends and family by the lake.
- Explore the lake, waterfalls, and glaciers in the Ile-Alatau National Park.
2. Gorky Central Park
Gorky Central Park is among the most popular places to visit in Almaty for families, kids, and also enjoy a solo, casual walk amidst nature. It offers ample green spaces, tree-lined pathways, grassy lawns, picturesque landscapes, and several outdoor activities. The well-maintained Gorky Central Park appeals to all Almaty tourists for its relevance for all age groups. The park was established in the 19th century and named after Maxim Gorky, a Russian writer.
Things to Do in Gorky Central Park
- Explore amusement rides, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and carousel in the park.
- Check out an array of cafes and food stalls for refreshments and snacks.
- Try traditional Kazakh dishes, cuisines and Uzbeki food items after Almaty sightseeing.
3. Shymbulak Mountain Resort
Shymbulak, or Chimbulak, is the largest ski resort in Central Asia and lies near Almaty. People looking for Almaty things to do that accelerate their adrenaline should try skiing, snowboarding, and other activities at this mountain resort. It lies about 25 km south of Almaty city at 2,200 metres above sea level. Plan your visit in the winter (November to May) to enjoy lots of snow and create unforgettable memories.
Things to Do in Shymbulak Mountain Resort
- Take a skiing tour with a guide and explore some of the best slopes in Kazakhstan.
- Go for paragliding and explore the Medeu skating rink, which lies at 1691 metres and is the highest in the world, with 125 world records in its kitty.
- Have a memorable Almaty sightseeing trip with Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Cableway and enjoy stunning views of the mountains and vineyards.
4. Nedelka Fountain
The Nedelka Fountain is a landmark site among several nearby Almaty places to visit, including Kok Tobe, Zenkov’s Cathedral, Charyn Canyon, and The Big Almaty Lake. It was designed by M.K. Safin in 1972 and lies next to the Ballet Theatre and Abay Opera in the Golden Square. The unique feature of Nedelka Fountain is its seven forged arches, which represent seven days of the week.
Things to Do in Nedelka Fountain
- Visit the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, built in honour of 28 guardsmen who died defending Moscow during World War II.
- Explore the National Museum of Kazakhstan.
- Visit Abay Opera, Ballet Theatre, Panfilov Street, Tulebayev Street, Monument to V. Tsoi, Kurmangazy Conservatoire, Memorial to Denis Ten, and more.
5. Kolsay Lakes National Park
Kolsay Lakes National Park lies between the Talgar District and the Raiymbek District of the Almaty area in Kazakhstan. It is also known as the “Pearls of Tien Shan” and is located in Southeast Kazakhstan on the northern slope of the magnificent Tian Shan mountains. Almaty tourists can take the train to Almaty 1, head to Shelek, and from there travel to Kolsay Lakes National Park.
Things to Do in Kolsay Lakes National Park
- Visit Charyn Canyon, one of the prominent Almaty places to visit, for climbing and trekking activities. It is also known as the Valley of Castles.
- Explore Lower Kolsai Lake, situated at the height of 1616 m and the most accessible among all the lakes of this region
- Visit Kaindy Lake and Saty village.
Best Time to Visit Almaty
Almaty in Kazakhstan offers moderate weather from June to September, with temperatures varying between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade. Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) are considered the best times to visit for cultural festivities and blooming landscapes. People looking for Almaty places to visit for winter games should go during the December and January months. Some Almaty tourists find summertime (August to September) the best time to enjoy the scenic views of the lakes.
Travel Insurance for Almaty
As you finalise your plan of things to do in Almaty, remember to get a travel insurance policy for financial protection against unexpected events, including trip cancellations, theft, accidents, etc. After purchasing travel insurance, keep a copy of the policy documents handy, including emergency contact numbers, during the trip to Almaty. It will help in seeking assistance or filing a claim while on tour. A comprehensive travel insurance plan provides peace of mind. Safe travels!