Before you go
Before you go
Places to stop
Places to add
Almaty Central Park
Almaty Central Park is one of Kazakhstan's largest and most cherished urban parks, located in the heart of Almaty city. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Tian Shan mountains, the park offers shaded walking paths, amusement rides, outdoor cafes, and green spaces perfect for relaxation. A popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, it hosts seasonal events and festivals. The park is easily accessible and a wonderful place to experience everyday Kazakh city life.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Altyn-Emel National Park
Altyn-Emel National Park protects a vast and diverse landscape of steppe, desert, and mountains east of Almaty, most famous for the Singing Dunes (Aylytau) — a 3-km field of sand dunes whose loose grains produce an organ-like resonance when the wind conditions are right. The park also contains the Aktau White Mountains of chalk and clay formations resembling a moonscape, ancient Scythian burial mounds, wild onagers (Asiatic wild asses), and petroglyphs. It is one of Central Asia's most biodiverse and undervisited protected areas.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lake (Bolshoye Almatinskoe Ozero) is a stunning glacial lake at 2,511 meters in the Tian Shan mountains just 15 km south of Almaty's city center, enclosed by 4,000-meter peaks. The lake's vivid turquoise color — produced by glacial melt and minerals — against the backdrop of snowy mountains and alpine meadows creates an almost impossibly picturesque setting. The lake is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park that protects the mountains immediately behind Kazakhstan's largest city.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is Kazakhstan's most spectacular natural wonder, a 90-km canyon system on the Charyn River east of Almaty whose red sandstone walls rise 200-300 meters in formations resembling the American Southwest. The Valley of Castles section — 2 km of the most dramatic spires, pillars, and towers eroded from the red rock — is the most visited section, accessible on a 3-km loop trail from the canyon rim. The canyon's remote desert location, three hours from Almaty, makes it a significant expedition.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Ile-Alatau National Park
Ile-Alatau National Park stretches across the Northern Tian Shan mountains immediately south of Almaty, Kazakhstan, offering dramatic alpine landscapes within easy reach of Central Asia's largest city. At elevations from 1,000 to 4,600 meters, the park encompasses glaciers, alpine meadows ablaze with wildflowers, deep gorges, and forests of Tian Shan spruce. Medeo skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort within the park provide year-round recreation for Almaty residents and visitors.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Shymbulak Ski Resort is a notable point of interest, offering visitors an opportunity to experience the distinctive character and appeal of this destination. Whether for its natural beauty, cultural significance, or unique atmosphere, it provides a rewarding experience as part of a broader exploration of the area.
Almaty · Kazakhstan
Zenkov Cathedral
Zenkov Cathedral is a significant religious and cultural site , attracting both worshippers and cultural visitors. The site's architectural beauty and spiritual heritage make it an important landmark reflecting the region's religious traditions and historical character. A meaningful place for cultural exploration and quiet contemplation.
Almaty · KazakhstanRelated reading