The Best Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan

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Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, is often considered the country’s cultural and economic heart. Located in the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains, Almaty is a developed metropolis that was once the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty, but was moved to Astana in 1997 due to the vulnerability of earthquakes and the limited rooms to expansion. Me, my wife and my daughter visited Almaty, part as a broader road trip through Central Asia and we found that Almaty has a lot to offer any visitor, whether you’re looking to do some shopping at the local Bazaar, hike through stunning natural surroundings, or delve into the city’s Soviet past!

In this blog, I’ll guide you through the top things we discovered to do in Almaty. Make sure to read the entire article, so you don’t miss out on any of the must-visit attractions!

1. Wander Around Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Panfilov Park is one of Almaty’s most iconic landmarks, offering a peaceful respite in the middle of the city. Named after the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who died defending Moscow in World War II, the park is a beautiful green space filled with trees, pathways, and memorials. The central feature of the park is the Zenkov Cathedral, a striking Russian Orthodox Church that is one of the few wooden structures in the world built without the use of nails. Instead, the cathedral’s wooden structure is held together using interlocking wooden joints and dovetailing techniques.

As you stroll through Panfilov Park, take a moment to visit the Eternal Flame, a war memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died during World War II. Opposite to the eternal flame lies a large World War II monument depicting a group of Soviet soldiers from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who, according to Soviet accounts, died heroically defending Moscow from Nazi forces in 1941. According to the official story, these soldiers, led by General Ivan Panfilov, fought against overwhelming German forces and destroyed 18 tanks with minimal equipment. All men is said to have died in the battle making the ultimate sacrifice to stop the Nazi advance, with the famous phrase attributed to them: “Russia is vast, but there’s nowhere to retreat—behind us is Moscow!”

HOWEVER, after the fall of the Soviet Union, declassified documents revealed that the story might have been exaggerated or even fabricated as part of Soviet wartime propaganda. Investigations suggested that some of the soldiers had survived the battle, and elements of their heroic stand were exaggerated.

This myth demonstrates the power of narrative during times of war and how it can shape historical memory, regardless of the factual accuracy behind the events.

2. Explore the Green Bazaar

If you want to get a real taste of local life in Almaty, the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar) is the place to go. This bustling market, offers everything from fresh produce and meats to traditional Kazakh delicacies and souvenirs. The bazaar is a great place to sample local food, such as baursaki (fried dough), kurt (dried cheese balls), and kazy (horse sausage), which are staples of Kazakh cuisine.

In addition to food, the Green Bazaar is a also a great place if you are looking to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts. You’ll find traditional felt hats, embroidered textiles, and handmade carpets, all of which make for unique gifts or keepsakes. Be sure to bring some cash, as many vendors do not accept cards, and don’t be afraid to practice your bargaining skills – it’s all part of the experience!

3. Ascend Kok-Tobe Hill for Panoramic Views

I always love getting a bird’s-eye view of any city that I visit and the easy way to get that in Almaty is to take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill, which offers solid panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Kok-Tobe is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during sunset when the city is bathed in a golden glow.

At the top of Kok-Tobe Hill, you’ll find an amusement park and a few restaurants, and a even a small zoo. A kind of unexpected landmark in Kok-Tobe is the Beatles Statue, a bronze sculpture that is said to be the only Beatles monument in Central Asia. Tickets costs around $10 for a round trip, which is OK, considering that you can basically spend the whole day up there.

4. Visit the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

For those interested in learning about more about, other than my (very) brief history lesson of it, the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is the place to visit. Located in a grand building near Republic Square  (the building really is grand), this museum is one of the largest in Central Asia and houses a vast collection of artifacts, art, and exhibits.

The museum covers a wide range of topics, from Kazakhstan’s prehistoric past to its Soviet era and post-independence development. Some of the most impressive exhibits include the Golden Man, a replica of a Scythian warrior’s burial suit made entirely of gold, and a display of traditional Kazakh clothing and jewelry. The museum also features artifacts from the Silk Road, showcasing Kazakhstan’s role as a crossroads of ancient trade routes.

Overall, the Central State Museum offers great insight into Kazakhstan’s unique blend of cultures with its influences from Russian, Mongolian, and Turkic civilizations. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the country’s past and present.

5. Hike or Ski in the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains

Skiing my not be the first thing you think about when you think about Kazakhstan, but due to Almaty’s location at the base of the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains, along with the country’s long and cold winters actually makes it in an ideal spot for anyone that wants to go skiing . The Shymbulak Ski Resort is one of the top ski resorts in the Almaty region and the whole of Central Asia. The resort has 10 lifts and is situated on an elevation of around 2300 meters and located only a 15-minute drive from Almaty!

During the warmer months, hiking is one of the most popular activities in the mountains. One of the most accessible and rewarding hikes is the Medeu Gorge, home to the world-famous Medeu Ice Rink for being the highest ice rink in the world at 1,691 meters. From the Medeu Ice Rink, you can hike up to Shymbulak Ski Resort, which offers stunning views of the gorge and the city below. The trail is moderately challenging but well worth the effort for the great scenery.

6. Discover Big Almaty Lake

Just 30 kilometers outside of the city, Big Almaty Lake is one of the most scenic natural attractions in the region. This stunning turquoise lake is surrounded by towering mountains and is a popular destination for hiking, picnicking, and anyone looking to get some great photos.

The Big Almaty Lake is located at an altitude of over 2,500 meters, and the road to the lake offers some great views of the surrounding peaks. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the crystal-clear waters of the lake, which change color depending on the season and weather conditions. The area around the lake is a protected nature reserve, so while swimming is not allowed (guards actually patrol the area), you can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake or hike to higher viewpoints for even more spectacular vistas.

The best time to visit Big Almaty Lake is during the summer and early autumn when the weather is mild and the lake is at its most vibrant.

7. Take a Day Trip to Charyn Canyon

If you’re looking to experience Kazakhstan’s natural beauty beyond the city, a day trip to Charyn Canyon is highly recommended. Located about 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, though on a smaller scale.

The canyon is part of the Charyn National Park and stretches for about 154 kilometers along the Charyn River. The most famous part of the canyon is the Valley of Castles, named for the towering rock formations that resemble ancient fortresses. The red and orange hues of the canyon walls, combined with the dramatic landscape, make Charyn Canyon a dream for anyone looking to snap some Instagramable photos.

8. Experience Kazakh Culture at the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre

Named after the famous Kazakh poet Abay Qunanbaiuly, the Abay Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of Almaty’s cultural gems. Established in 1934, the theatre is known for its world-class performances of opera, ballet, and classical music. Attending a performance at the Abai Theatre is a perfect way to experience the cultural traditions of Kazakhstan.

The theatre’s repertoire includes both classic works from the Western canon, such as operas by Verdi and ballets by Tchaikovsky, as well as Kazakh productions that reflect the country’s musical heritage. The theatre itself is a classic example of Soviet-era architecture, with its grand facade and opulent interior.

Even if you’re not a regular opera or ballet attendee (like myself), watching a performance at the Abai Theatre is a memorable experience that will give further insight into Kazakhstan’s cultural life.

9. Relax at the Botanical Garden

The Almaty Botanical Garden is a calm oasis in the city center of Almaty. Established in 1932, the garden covers more than 100 hectares and is home to a wide variety of plants from Kazakhstan and around the world.

The garden is divided into different sections, including arboretums, greenhouses, and flower gardens. Here you can take a leisurely stroll along the garden’s many paths, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and read about the diverse plant life that thrives in the region. The botanical garden is especially lovely in the spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom, but it’s also a great place to visit year-round.

10. Discover Almaty’s Soviet Architecture

If you are a frequent reader of my blog you know that I love Soviet Architecture! Almaty’s Soviet past is still clearly visible in its architecture, with many buildings and mosaics from the Soviet era scattered throughout the city.

Some of the most notable examples of Soviet architecture in Almaty include the Hotel Kazakhstan, a towering structure that was once the tallest building in Central Asia, and the Kazakh State Circus, a unique circular building that hosts circus performances. The Palace of the Republic, with its imposing facade and large concert hall, is another impressive example of Soviet-era design.

As you walk through Almaty’s streets, you’ll also notice the influence of Soviet urban planning, with wide boulevards, large squares, and parks.

11. Visit the Independence Monument

Located in Republic Square, the Independence Monument is a significant symbol of Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union. The monument, which features a golden statue of a man riding a winged snow leopard, is surrounded by a series of smaller statues that depict important figures and events from Kazakhstan’s history.

Kazakhstan’s attitude toward its independence from the Soviet Union is one of pride and cautious pragmatism. The country was the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence, doing so on December 16, 1991, after the dissolution of the USSR became inevitable. The government, particularly under its first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, aimed to balance its desire for independence with maintaining strong ties to Russia due to geographic, cultural, and economic connections.

Kazakhstan’s independence is celebrated annually on December 16, and it is viewed as a turning point that allowed the nation to pursue its own path, embracing political sovereignty, economic reforms, and the revival of Kazakh culture and language. However, Kazakhstan’s leadership has historically maintained a careful diplomatic approach, fostering positive relations with both Russia and the West, while promoting a multi-vector foreign policy to ensure the country’s stability and growth.

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