10 Epic Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan (2026 Guide)

Snowy peaks on the horizon, neon cafes buzzing after dark, and wide green parks filled with locals sipping coffee. That's Almaty in a nutshell.

Up until 1997, Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan (now it's Astana), but it's still the country's largest city with over 2 million people. Set in the picturesque foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, it's one of Central Asia's most underrated backpacker destinations.

This is where Soviet history collides with modern Kazakhstan, resulting in a raw, welcoming destination full of surprises. Here are our picks for the top 10 experiences not to miss.

1. Explore the Otherworldly Altyn-Emel National Park

This full-day trip from Almaty is one of the most surreal outdoor adventures you can have in Kazakhstan. It takes about 4 hours to drive there, but the landscapes are absolutely worth it.

Don't miss:

• Singing Dune: A giant sand ridge that literally hums when the wind blows – it has to be heard to be believed
• Aktau and Katutau Mountains: Colorful volcanic clay formations that look like something out of a sci-fi movie
• Sunset at the dunes: The colors are absolutely incredible

Go in the early afternoon to catch sunset over the dunes – it's an unforgettable experience.

2. Visit Big Almaty Lake

This stunning glacial lake sits at 2,511 m above sea level, only 15 km from central Almaty. Surrounded by sharp rocky peaks, the views from the shore will literally stop you in your tracks.

You need to hike about 6 km uphill to get to the lake from the trailhead, so you'll need a reasonable level of fitness. But the peace and quiet plus those views make every step worth it.

This was personally one of our favorite days in Kazakhstan – don't miss it.

3. Discover Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon

This epic full-day tour packs three incredible landscapes into one adventure:

• Kolsai Lakes: Chain of high-altitude emerald lakes nestled among pine forests and dramatic peaks
• Kaindy Lake: A mystical sunken forest with tree trunks rising eerily from the water – truly magical photos here
• Charyn Canyon: Often compared to the Grand Canyon, this dramatic red rock gorge is just as impressive in its own right
  

It's a long, tiring day, but the diversity of landscapes makes it well worth it. This is definitely one of the best day trips from Almaty.

4. City Walking Tour: Culture and Landmarks

Getting orientated with a local guide is a great way to start your trip. You'll see:

• Panfilov Park and the iconic Zenkov Cathedral – stunning Russian Orthodox architecture
• Green Bazaar – sample fresh samsa and drink tea with locals
• Learn about Kazakh history and culture from a local perspective

It's the perfect introduction to the city.

5. Hit the Slopes at Shymbulak

If you're visiting Almaty in winter (December to March), don't miss the chance to ski in the Tian Shan mountains. Shymbulak is quickly becoming one of Central Asia's best ski resorts.

The views from the lifts over the mountains are absolutely incredible, and there's terrain for all ability levels. Even if you're not a skier, the apres-ski with hot chocolate up in the mountains is worth the trip.

6. Explore Almaty by E-Bike

An e-bike tour is a fantastic way to see more of the city without wearing yourself out. You'll get taken to leafy boulevards, historic squares, colorful neighborhoods, and scenic viewpoints that most tourists miss.

Since the motor does all the climbing for you, you can just enjoy the ride and stop for photos whenever you want. Highly recommended.

7. Trek to the Glacier Ice Cave in the Tian Shan

For adventure lovers, this hike is unmissable. You access it via the Shymbulak ski resort, then hike up to the Bogdanovich Glacier to find an incredible ice cave where sunlight filters through blue ice walls.

You need good hiking boots and warm clothes – it's cold inside even in summer. This is definitely one of the most memorable adventurous things to do in Almaty.

8. Live Like a Nomad in a Kazakh Ethno-Village

Experience traditional Kazakh nomadic culture by spending a day in an ethno-village. You'll get to:

• Watch locals milking mares
• Try your hand at traditional crafts
• Make and taste traditional beshbarmak (Kazakhstan's national dish)
• Sip fermented mare's milk (kumis) if you're feeling adventurous

It's an authentic look at a way of life that's still practiced in the country today, and the hospitality is incredible.

9. Shoot Firearms at a Shooting Range

This is definitely not for everyone, but if you've ever wanted to shoot an AK-47, Mosin-Nagant, or Glock under professional supervision, this is your chance.

It's an adrenaline-pumping experience that you definitely can't do in many countries. Safety is taken very seriously with full briefings before you start.

10. Eat with a Local Family

Our favorite experience in Almaty was being invited into a local family's home for dinner. You'll get to share homemade traditional dishes like:

• Beshbarmak: The national dish – boiled meat with noodles
• Kazy: Horse meat sausage – a local specialty
• Manti: Savory steamed dumplings

It's wonderful to connect with locals over a meal and hear stories about daily life in Kazakhstan. This is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave.

Getting Around Almaty

• Public transport: Buses and metro with cheap fares (~$0.25 per ride). Buses can get crowded at peak times but the metro is fast and clean.
• Ride-sharing: Yandex works well and is affordable.
• Walking: The city center is quite walkable with lots of green space.
• Car rental: Easy to rent a car if you want to do day trips independently.

When to Go

• Spring (April-June): Best for hiking, wildflowers, comfortable temperatures
• Summer (July-August): Good for city trips and alpine hiking, though it can get hot in the city
• Winter (December-March): Perfect for skiing and snow activities
• Autumn (September-October): Great for mountain scenery with changing leaves, fewer crowds

FAQs

Is Almaty safe for tourists?

Yes, Almaty is generally very safe for tourists. As with any big city, just keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.

Do I need travel insurance for Kazakhstan?

Absolutely! Always get travel insurance before any trip, especially when you're doing adventure activities like hiking. We recommend SafetyWing for long-term travelers.

Final Thoughts

Almaty surprised us in all the best ways. Few Western travelers make it here to Central Asia, which means you get to experience a fascinating culture without the crowds that plague more popular destinations.

From hiking glacial lakes to sharing dinner with a local family, this city has something for every type of traveler. Don't overplan your trip – some of the best memories come from spontaneous detours and chatting with locals.

If you're looking for an underrated destination in Central Asia that delivers big on wow-factor experiences, Almaty should definitely be on your list.

Source: Original article from The Broke Backpacker