Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, is a vibrant cultural and economic hub nestled in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Though no longer the capital, it remains the heart of the country in many ways, offering a rich blend of nature, Soviet-era history, modern architecture, and cosmopolitan life.

General Overview

Location: Southeastern Kazakhstan

Population: ~2 million

Climate: Continental – cold winters and hot summers. Best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October).

Top Attractions

1. Kok Tobe Hill

A hilltop recreation area with panoramic views of the city.

Attractions include a small zoo, souvenir shops, cafes, and the famous Beatles monument.

You can take a cable car up from the city center.

2. Medeu Ice Skating Rink & Shymbulak Ski Resort

Medeu is the world’s highest ice rink, located at 1,691 m above sea level.

Shymbulak is a popular ski resort just a short ride further up the mountains.

Great for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

3. Big Almaty Lake

A stunning alpine lake about 25 km from the city.

Beautiful year-round, especially in late spring and early fall.

Access may be restricted due to its role as a water reservoir.

4. Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)

A lively local market where you can try and buy local produce, dried fruits, nuts, and horse meat products.

Great for experiencing authentic Almaty life.

5. Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Offers a deep dive into Kazakhstan’s history and ethnography.

Exhibits cover prehistoric, medieval, Soviet, and modern periods.

6. Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral

Home to the beautiful Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), a wooden Orthodox church built without nails.

A peaceful park dedicated to WWII heroes.

Cuisine to Try

Beshbarmak – national dish of boiled meat with noodles.

Kazy – horse meat sausage.

Lagman – hand-pulled noodles in a rich broth.

Baursaki – fried dough balls.

Almaty has a vibrant café scene and international cuisine as well.

Shopping & Souvenirs

Look for felt products, traditional hats (tyubeteikas), carpets, and local sweets.

Dostyk Plaza, Esentai Mall, and Mega Center are popular for modern shopping.