· KZ

Almaty

Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty: Where Mountains Meet Metropolis in Kazakhstan Almaty, nestled at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan mountains, captivates visitors with its unique blend of Central Asian culture and modern cosmopolitan charm. Onc…

#City#Urban#Cultural#Mountains#Central Asia

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Almaty.

Top Hotels in Almaty

Top Flights to Almaty

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Almaty.

Tours

Kok Tobe Hill

A popular recreational area offering panoramic views of Almaty, accessible by cable car or road.

Zenkov Cathedral

A wooden Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park, noted for its distinctive architecture.

Big Almaty Lake

A picturesque natural alpine lake located in the mountains close to Almaty, ideal for hiking and picnics.

Shopping

Green Bazaar

A bustling marketplace in the heart of Almaty, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional crafts.

Esentai Mall

A luxury shopping mall in Almaty, featuring high-end brands, dining, and entertainment options.

Outdoor

Medeu Skating Rink and Ski Resort

A world-famous ice rink and a ski resort located in the mountainous area above Almaty, offering both winter sports and summer hiking.

Almaty Central Park

A large public park in Almaty, featuring amusement rides, a zoo, and beautiful walking paths.

Ile-Alatau National Park

A vast national park with diverse flora and fauna, providing opportunities for trekking and wildlife watching.

Altyn-Emel National Park

Known for its unique Singing Dunes and diverse landscapes, it is a perfect place for nature exploration.

Shymbulak Ski Resort

A popular ski resort located in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range, offering skiing and snowboarding.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Almaty.

Currency

₸ | KZT | Kazakhstani Tenge

Population

2 million

Languages

Kazakh, Russian, English

Average weather

Almaty

Jan

-1°-10°

Feb

1°-8°

Mar

7°-2°

Apr

16°5°

May

22°10°

Jun

27°15°

Jul

30°18°

Aug

29°17°

Sep

23°11°

Oct

14°5°

Nov

7°-1°

Dec

1°-8°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Almaty.

What people love

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, offers a unique travel experience with a mix of modernity and natural beauty. Here are some pros of traveling to Almaty:

Spectacular Mountain Scenery: Almaty is surrounded by the stunning Tien Shan mountains, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing.
Cultural Diversity: The city is a melting pot of different cultures, with influences from Kazakhstan, Russia, and Central Asia. Visitors can explore the diverse architecture, cuisine, and traditions of the region.
Vibrant City Life: Almaty has a lively urban scene with modern shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife options. Visitors can explore the bustling streets, markets, and cultural events in the city.
Historical and Architectural Sites: Almaty boasts a rich history with a mix of Soviet-era architecture, traditional Kazakh buildings, and modern structures. Tourists can visit landmarks like the Ascension Cathedral, Central State Museum, and the Republic Square.
Warm Hospitality: Kazakh people are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. Travelers to Almaty can expect a warm welcome and genuine interactions with locals.
Accessibility: Almaty has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro system, making it easy for tourists to navigate the city and explore its attractions.

Overall, traveling to Almaty offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and urban amenities, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic and diverse travel experience.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Almaty, Kazakhstan could include:

Language Barrier: While many people in Almaty may speak English, the primary language is Kazakh or Russian. This could pose a challenge for travelers who do not speak these languages.
Weather Extremes: Almaty experiences hot summers and very cold winters, which may not be ideal for travelers who are not accustomed to such temperature extremes.
Pollution: Almaty is known for having air pollution issues, especially during the winter months when coal is commonly used for heating. This could impact visitors with respiratory issues.
Traffic Congestion: The city can have heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, which could make getting around challenging for tourists.
Limited Tourist Infrastructure: Almaty may not have as developed tourist infrastructure compared to other popular tourist destinations, which could make it more challenging for travelers to navigate and find amenities.
Cultural Differences: Kazakhstan has its own unique culture and customs which may be unfamiliar to some travelers. It's important for visitors to be respectful and aware of these cultural differences.

Please note that these are general potential cons and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research and prepare accordingly before visiting any destination.

Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan, has a rich history that reflects its strategic location and cultural significance. Here is a detailed history of Almaty, highlighting significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Bronze Age: The area around Almaty has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Archaeological discoveries indicate that the region was part of the Silk Road, witnessing the exchange of cultures and goods.
Saka and Wusun Tribes: Around 1000 BCE, it was home to the Saka and Wusun tribes, known for their rich nomadic culture.

Middle Ages

Medieval Settlements: By the 10th century, several medieval settlements, such as Almatu and Talhiz, were established in the region, serving as important trading hubs on the Silk Road.

Russian Empire Period

Foundation of Verniy: In 1854, the Russian Empire established a fort called Verniy on the site of present-day Almaty. This fort was intended to secure the empire's southeastern frontier.
Growth as a City: Over time, Verniy grew into a settlement, attracting Russian peasants and merchants. By 1867, it was designated as a city.

Soviet Era

Almaty as Capital: In 1929, Almaty (then known as Alma-Ata) became the capital of the Kazakh ASSR, replacing Kyzylorda. This status fueled rapid development and modernization.
World War II: During World War II, Almaty became a refuge for people evacuated from the western parts of the Soviet Union. Industries and cultural institutions relocated here, contributing to its growth.
Post-War Development: After the war, Almaty continued to develop, expanding its industrial base and becoming a center of education and culture.

Independence and Modern Era

Independence of Kazakhstan: Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan declared independence in 1991, with Almaty as its capital.
Relocation of the Capital: In 1997, the capital was moved to Astana (now Nur-Sultan), but Almaty remains the country's largest city and economic hub.

Significant Landmarks

Zenkov Cathedral: Built between 1904 and 1907, this wooden cathedral is one of the few structures that survived the 1911 earthquake.
Kok Tobe: A mountain located near the city, offering panoramic views of Almaty and featuring a popular recreation area with a TV tower.
Panfilov Park: Named after the Panfilov division soldiers, this park is home to several monuments and the Zenkov Cathedral.
Central State Museum: One of the largest museums in Central Asia, showcasing Kazakhstan's history and culture.
Medeu Skating Rink: Located in the mountains above Almaty, it is a famous high-altitude ice rink known worldwide for setting numerous speed-skating records.

Historical Figures

Panfilov Heroes: Soldiers from Almaty who played a significant role in the defense of Moscow during World War II.
Dinmukhamed Kunaev: A prominent Soviet-era leader from Kazakhstan, who contributed to the development of Almaty and the Kazakh SSR.

Almaty's history is a testament to its importance as a cultural and economic center in Kazakhstan, blending ancient traditions with modern developments.