Almaty Region Four Seasons Journey

Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan, Almaty is Kazakhstan’s
largest city and a vibrant cultural hub. Once the capital, it
remains the country’s beating heart — known for leafy
boulevards, art-filled cafés, and a dramatic alpine backdrop.
Wander through the bustling Green Bazaar, ride the cable car
to Kok Tobe for panoramic views, or visit the colorful Zenkov
Cathedral in Panfilov Park. Just a short drive away, skate at the
legendary Medeu rink or explore Shymbulak — a premier
mountain resort offering skiing, hiking, and alpine cafés year
round.
Stay in one of the city’s five-star hotels, with spa and wellness
centers, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views. Almaty’s
blend of Central Asian tradition, Soviet charm, and modern flair
makes it the perfect gateway to Kazakhstan’s wild beauty

Just outside Almaty, the Butakovka Visitor Center offers
easy access to forest trails, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping
mountain views. It’s ideal for gentle hikes, picnics, and short
treks into Ile-Alatau National Park — especially vibrant in
spring blooms and autumn colors.
Nearby, the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake glisten amid
soaring peaks, a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
In winter, enjoy world-class skiing at Shymbulak Resort or
glide across the ice at Medeu, the world’s highest Olympic
sized rink. Here, nature, sport, and fresh mountain air are just minutes from the city

A vast retreat where steppe, desert, and mountains meet.
Ancient petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago still
whisper the spirit of nomadic life.
In the heart of the park lies Besshatyr — the ancient necropolis
of Saka chieftains. These 2,500-year-old burial mounds,
encircled by stone altars and cliff petroglyphs, tell stories of
steppe kings and millennia-old traditions.
Wander where wild kulans and graceful gazelles roam free.
Reflect in solitude near sacred sites and the shimmering shores
of Kapchagay Lake. Spend the night in a traditional yurt near
the Altynemel Visitor Center, warmed by firelight beneath a
vast sky of stars

Carved over millions of years, Charyn Canyon stretches
154 km — a masterpiece of red rock formations that rise like
ancient sculptures.
Begin the day with a herbal tea ceremony in the crisp
canyon air; end it under the stars by a fire, as the soulful
sounds of the dombra echo through the cliffs.
The Charyn Visitor Center offers eco-cabin stays,
interpretive trails, and guided walks through the legendary
Valley of Castles. Expert local guides lead geology tours,
photography walks, and cultural evenings — deepening
your connection to this land’s ancient and living stories

On Almaty’s southern edge rises the majestic Zailiysky Alatau —
“Motley Mountains” in Kazakh — offering alpine scenery, rich
biodiversity, and deep cultural roots.
The Turgensai Visitor Center is the main gateway to the
park’s forests, rivers, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy guided
hikes, birdwatching, photography walks, and seasonal
workshops focused on nature and traditions