Almaty, located in southeastern Kazakhstan, is the gateway to an array of breathtaking landscapes. Bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, this region showcases diverse terrains that captivate travelers. From serene steppes to arid deserts, lush forests to picturesque lakes along the Tian Shan, and ancient canyons to majestic mountain slopes, Almaty has it all. Embark on a journey to discover the enchanting wonders of Almaty by exploring our curated list of top-rated attractions and must-visit places.
The City Square in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan
About Almaty
Situated at the base of the Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty is a city with a rich history as a prominent stop along the Central Asian route of the ancient Silk Road. Flourishing between the 7th and 14th centuries, the city gradually declined following the waning of commercial activities on the Silk Road in the 15th century. From the 19th century until 1929, Almaty was under Tsarist rule. During World War II, Russia relocated approximately 30 factories and some schools to Almaty. Eventually, it became the capital of Kazakhstan.
Best Places to Visit in Almaty
Today, Almaty remains an industrial, historical, and scientific hub of Central Asia. In 1997, the government of Kazakhstan relocated the capital to Astana (renamed Nur-Sultan in 2019). Nevertheless, Almaty continues to thrive as the primary cultural and commercial center, boasting the largest population in Kazakhstan. With its picturesque surroundings and abundant green spaces, the city offers a unique blend of Soviet heritage and the lifestyle of a new generation of Kazakhstan. Visitors can enjoy diverse cuisine, friendly locals, and numerous parks, making Almaty an enticing destination for exploring Central Asia.
A street in Almaty, Kazakhstan, adorned with parks and trees, with the majestic Tian Shan mountain range visible in the distance. Almaty is renowned for being one of the prominent cities along the historic Silk Road. It is often referred to as the ‘Golden Triangle’ due to its proximity to three notable attractions in Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Altyn-Emel National Park.
What is Almaty known for?
Almaty has gained fame as a significant city on the renowned Silk Road trading route. It is also recognized as the ‘Golden Triangle’ since it is situated close to three prominent destinations in Kazakhstan: Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, and Altyn-Emel National Park.
- Charyn Canyon: A magnificent canyon stretching approximately 154 kilometers (120 miles) along the Sharyn River, located about 200 kilometers (120 miles) east of Almaty, near the Chinese border.
- Kolsai Lakes: One of Kazakhstan’s most breathtaking locations, characterized by a unique mountain watershed encompassing three distinct natural zones and showcasing a remarkable variety of rare flora and fauna.
- Altyn-Emel National Park: Situated in the Ili River Valley, this park encompasses diverse landscapes, including sandy deserts, mountains, and rich flora.
Almaty is often referred to as “the city of apples.” The Almaty region, previously known as Alma-ata (meaning ‘Father of Apples’ in Kazakh), is believed to be the birthplace and genetic development site of numerous apple varieties.
In the 4th century BC, Alexander the Great stumbled upon an apple while passing through this region on his way to conquer Persia. He brought the apple back to Greece, leading to their widespread recognition and becoming a popular symbol in Western culture. Examples include the golden apple engraved with the words “For the most beautiful,” chosen by Paris as a gift to the goddess Aphrodite, which sparked the Trojan War in Greek mythology. Another instance is the forbidden fruit, also depicted as an apple, which Adam and Eve ate. It is fascinating that the origins of such a well-known symbol in Western culture can be traced back to this land in the East.
Golden Apple, by Leah Mariani
Top Attractions in Almaty City (Best Places to Visit in Almaty)
Panfilov Park and the Memorial of Glory
Panfilov Park is a renowned green space in Almaty, covering 18 hectares. It features straight paths and large old trees that create a picturesque setting. The park is named after Panfilov, a hero who bravely fought the Nazis near Moscow with 28 Red Army soldiers. There is a memorial dedicated to these soldiers and all Kazakh soldiers who lost their lives in the two world wars. On Kazakhstan’s Victory Day, I had the chance to visit the park and witnessed the heartfelt tribute paid to the fallen heroes.
Zenkov Cathedral (Best Places to Visit in Almaty)
Zenkov Orthodox Cathedral, located in Panfilov Park, showcases typical pre-Soviet architecture. Constructed from 1904 to 1907, it is considered the second tallest wooden building globally and has withstood numerous earthquakes without the use of iron nails in its structure. Following the restoration that took place after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the cathedral boasts a pleasing exterior design with its blue-white-yellow color combination, resembling a vibrant multicolored ice cream. However, stepping inside reveals a tranquil and grand space adorned with Christian murals and regal-inspired interiors. Finding solace in one corner of the room, I gazed at the gentle smile of the Mother of God and experienced a profound sense of peace.
Museum of Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments
Located in Panfilov Park, the Kazakh Folk Musical Instruments Museum is housed in a unique wooden building designed by the same architect as Zenkov Cathedral. It is a must-see attraction for those interested in traditional Kazakh music. The museum exhibits a wide range of traditional musical instruments, including trumpets, bagpipes, wooden harps, and stringed instruments such as the dombra and kobyz. Additionally, Turkish, Kyrgyz, and Uzbek folk instruments are also on display.
Green Bazaar
The Green Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Central Asian markets. Spanning two floors and a large area, this bazaar offers a true taste of traditional Central Asian food and a wide variety of modern products. You’ll find an assortment of spices, nuts, dried fruits, meat, fish, processed food, fermented food, medicinal herbs, dairy products, and more from across Central Asia. There are also restaurants serving delicious dishes like laghman (noodle broth), kazy (horse meat sausage), beshbarmak (boiled noodles with horse meat), kurdyuk (salted or smoked lamb rump fat), kymys, and shubat (fermented horse and camel milk). Additionally, the bazaar features numerous stalls offering affordable Kazakh souvenirs.
One of the best places to visit in Almaty is the Kök-Töbe Cable Car.
Kök-Töbe Hill and Cable Car
Kök-Töbe, known as ‘Green Hill,’ is a hill rising 1,100 meters high in the southeastern part of Almaty. A scenic cable car ride takes you up the hill, offering a panoramic view of Almaty nestled amidst the mountains of Tian Shan. At the hill’s summit stands a towering 372-meter TV tower visible from afar, making it a popular attraction for visitors to Almaty.
The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
The Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, one of the largest museums in Central Asia, is located in Almaty. With over 200,000 artifacts, this museum houses Kazakhstan’s significant collections related to history, culture, politics, and modern archaeology. It takes you on a journey spanning from the Bronze Age to World War II and the present day.
Tips for Traveling to Almaty
Visa
Kazakhstan has implemented a visa-free program for several countries, including Vietnam. Citizens of these countries can stay in Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa. However, it’s important to ensure that your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and has enough blank pages for the entry stamp.
How to Travel to Almaty
Almaty serves as the primary air hub of Kazakhstan and is well-connected to the rest of the world, making air travel the most convenient option.
From Vietnam, Vietjet Air offers direct flights from Cam Ranh – Nha Trang airport to Almaty, but the fares are usually high, ranging from 800 to 900 USD for a round trip.
Alternatively, you can choose to fly with Air Astana of Kazakhstan with a layover in a third country such as Bangkok (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Seoul (South Korea), or New Delhi (India). The round-trip fare ranges from 500 to 600 USD, depending on the timing. It is advisable to check the visa application process in the transit country. For convenience, transiting in visa-free countries like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur is recommended for Vietnamese citizens.
Best Time to Visit in Almaty
The ideal time to visit Almaty is during late spring and early autumn, specifically from May to September. This period showcases the city’s vibrant greenery, perfect for exploring Almaty and its surrounding areas through activities like trekking and hiking to waterfalls, lakes, and mountains.
Accommodation
Hotels and Accommodation in Almaty
Similar to other tourist cities, Almaty offers a wide range of lodging options such as hotels, motels, and dorms. Additionally, short-term rental apartments are quite popular in the city. On booking.com, you can find fully furnished apartments for 3-4 people in the downtown area at around $45 USD per night. One recommended option is the Heartwarming LOFT located at 131 Makatayeva Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan. It offers a centrally located and fully equipped apartment with nearby shops and restaurants. The owner is friendly and accommodates early check-ins or late check-outs if the apartment is available.
For more hotel options, you can check out Agoda.com, Booking.com, or Klook.com.
Transportation
Taxis are a convenient and affordable mode of transportation in Almaty due to the low gasoline prices. You can use the Yandex app to book a taxi. From Almaty International Airport to the city center, taxi fares range from 3,000 to 4,000 tenge (around $7-9 USD). However, be cautious of higher prices charged by airport taxis.
To explore Almaty and its surroundings, you have options like the metro, city buses, rental cars, and bicycles.
If you plan to use the metro or buses, remember to purchase Onay Cards (transport tickets).
SIM Cards
When visiting Almaty, Kazakhstan, two popular SIM card options are Kcell and Beeline. Depending on the duration of your stay, it is recommended to purchase a SIM card with an appropriate capacity. For convenience, it is advisable to buy a SIM card at the airport, as there is a registration counter available to assist you.
Money Exchange in Almaty
The currency in Kazakhstan is the tenge, with an exchange rate of 1 USD = 445 tenge. Whether you exchange your money at the airport or a bank in the city, the difference in exchange rates is minimal. To simplify your travel experience, consider exchanging your money at a bank kiosk located at the airport, which accepts USD, EUR, and RUB (Russian Ruble).
For more information on what to do in Almaty, click *here.*
