Almaty City Tour: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Nature
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Almaty City Tour: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Nature

Active
(7 reviews)
5h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the heart of Kazakhstan with our captivating Almaty City Tour, a perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or someone who simply loves to explore vibrant city life, this tour has something for everyone.

Why Choose This Tour?

A Comprehensive Experience: Explore the rich cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty of Almaty in one day.

Expert Guides: Learn about each landmark from our knowledgeable and friendly local guides who will share insights along the way.

Breathtaking Views: Capture stunning photos of the city and surrounding mountains.

Gastronomic Experience: During lunch, we can introduce you to the traditional kazakh cuisine. Otherwise, you can try great world cuisine in one of the many top restaurants of Almaty, the gastronomic capital of Kazakhstan.

This tour can be flexible in terms of itinerary. If you have some places in mind that you want to visit, we are open to help you with that.

Available options

City Tour + Shymbulak & Medeu

Shymbulak / Medeu excursion<br/>Pickup included

Almaty City Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation
Bottled water
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Guide service

Detailed itinerary

1

You will visit Almaty’s bustling Green Bazar, where the vibrant colors, rich scents, and lively sounds of local markets will get you to know a bit more about Kazakh life. From fresh produce to intricate handicrafts, the bazaar offers a mix of sights and smells that capture the essence of the city. Fresh local fruits, dried nuts, chocolate, milk and meat products are some of the authentic items to try here.

2

Located just next to the Green bazar, there is a famous Rakhat chocolate factory. The fragrant smell of chocolate spreads throughout the entire area. There is a nice shop where you can buy fresh products from the factory, including classic “Kazakhstan” chocolate, often used as a souvenir.

3

Marvel at the stunning Zenkov Ascension Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden structures in the world of its time. Its traditional christian orthodox design and rich history will impress you as you explore its interiors, showcasing culture and architecture in all its splendor.

4

Stroll through 28 Panfilov Park, a beautiful green space dedicated to the brave soldiers of the Panfilov Division who fought during WWII. Visit the War Memorial, where you'll learn about Kazakhstan’s important role.

5

Relax and unwind in the serene Central Park, a beloved green space for both locals and tourists. Enjoy a leisurely walk, rent a paddleboat on the lake, or simply take in the beauty of nature in the heart of the city.

6

Stroll down Arbat Walking Street, a charming pedestrian-only area lined with cafes, shops, and street performers. It's the perfect place to soak in the lively atmosphere of Almaty.

7

(This site is Optional). Take a ride up to Kok Tobe Park, where panoramic views of the city against the backdrop of the majestic Tien Shan mountains will take your breath away. Whether you're sipping coffee at a mountaintop café or enjoying the picturesque landscapes, this is the perfect spot for stunning photos and taking some time to relax. The park offers different activities, especially for kids. You will find an amusement park, rope park, small zoo, etc. Koktobe is also a great place to buy souvenirs, there are several souvenir shops with a good variety and decent prices.

8

(This site is optional). You can choose this option and add a visit to famous Shymbulak and Medeu during the city tour. Both of these sites are located up in the high mountains around Almaty, allowing you to reach the highest altitude of 3200 meters in a relatively short time. Modern cable cars will take you to several stations of Shymbulak resort. Where you will get to see snowy peaks, ice glaciers and coniferous forests covering the slopes. The resort has many cafes and restaurants. You will also see the Medeu skating rink from the top.

9

World famous Medeu skating rink is located at the altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. It attracts thousands of skaters during winter and becomes a host of many festivals/events during warm season.

Medeu is located on the way to Shymbulak resort. We will see this Almaty landmark from the cable car or a top viewpoint if you choose this option.

What's not included

Lunch
Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide
RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.9
7 reviews
5★
6
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Almaty

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant blend of modern urban life and stunning natural beauty. Known for its apple orchards, scenic mountain backdrop, and rich cultural heritage, it offers a unique travel experience with its bustling markets, Soviet-era architecture, and nearby outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Kok Tobe Hill

Kok Tobe Hill offers panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, featuring a TV tower, a small amusement park, and a restaurant.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint 1-2 hours Free to enter, fees for attractions

Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, is a wooden Russian Orthodox church located in Panfilov Park. It's one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and a notable example of Russian architecture.

Historical/Religious 30-60 minutes Free

Green Bazaar

Green Bazaar is a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and local crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture and sample traditional Kazakh cuisine.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu Skating Rink is a popular destination for ice skating and ice hockey. Located in the mountains, it offers stunning views and a unique sporting experience.

Sports/Adventure 2-3 hours Entrance and rental fees vary

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake located in the Ile Alatau National Park. It's a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Nature/Scenic Viewpoint Half-day to full-day trip Free to enter, fees for parking and guided tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Beshbarmak

A traditional Kazakh dish made with boiled meat (usually horse or lamb) and noodles, served with a broth.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Lagman

A hearty noodle soup with chunks of meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with vegetable broth and no meat.

Shashlik

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, usually lamb, chicken, or beef.

Main course Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Baursaks

Deep-fried dough balls, often served as a snack or breakfast item.

Snack Vegetarian, can be vegan if made with vegetable oil.

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Skiing Snowboarding Ice skating Spa treatments Tea house visits Park picnics

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Almaty for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Kazakh, Russian
  • Widely spoken: Russian, English
  • English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone

ALMT (Almaty Time, GMT+6)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations

Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Violent crime is rare, but travelers should exercise caution at night and in poorly lit areas. Political protests and demonstrations can occur, so it's best to avoid large gatherings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air
  • Almaty International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center
By train

Almaty-2 Railway Station

By bus

Sayarnaya Bus Station, Sairam Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Almaty. They are affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Kok Tobe Saryarka Zhetysu

Day trips

Charyn Canyon
200 km (124 miles) • Full-day trip

Charyn Canyon is a stunning natural wonder located about 200 km east of Almaty. Known as the 'Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,' it offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a unique desert landscape.

Kolsai Lakes
300 km (186 miles) • Overnight trip

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Kolsai Lakes National Park. They offer breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a serene mountain setting.

Issyk Glacier
60 km (37 miles) • Half-day to full-day trip

Issyk Glacier is a unique glacier located about 60 km east of Almaty. It's one of the few glaciers in the world that can be reached by car, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Festivals

Almaty Apple Festival • September Almaty International Film Festival • September Almaty Jazz Fest • June

Pro tips

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Kazakh or Russian to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
  • Visit the Green Bazaar for an authentic taste of local life and to sample traditional Kazakh cuisine
  • Take the cable car up to Kok Tobe Hill for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains
  • Explore the nearby mountains and lakes for a unique blend of outdoor adventure and cultural experiences
  • Try traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, lagman, and shashlik at local restaurants and markets
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 6-95
1
Childs
Age 0-5
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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