About Almaty
Almaty Province, the vibrant heart of southern Kazakhstan, offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, this region is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with world-class skiing at Shymbulak Resort, breathtaking hikes in the Ile-Alatau National Park, and serene alpine lakes like Big Almaty Lake. The provincial capital, Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata), serves as Kazakhstan's cultural capital, boasting elegant tree-lined boulevards, Soviet-era architecture, and the stunning Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park. Travelers can explore the ancient Silk Road history at the nearby Tamgaly Tas petroglyphs, sample delicious Kazakh cuisine like beshbarmak and plov at local markets, and experience the warm hospitality of nomadic traditions. From the bustling Green Bazaar to the tranquil Medeu skating rink and the panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill, Almaty Province delivers an unforgettable Central Asian adventure where mountain wilderness meets urban sophistication.
Things to do in Almaty
Private Full Day Almaty City Tour
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 2,239
5.0 (54)
Charyn, Kolsay&Kaiyndy Lakes 2days tour with Mount View Stay
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 1,511
5.0 (35)
1 Day Group Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake and Kaindy Lake
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 1,455
5.0 (25)
Almaty city tour. Shymbulak, Koktobe, Green market, Park 28 Panfilov's guardsmen
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Discovering 6 Stunning Sights on Private Tour of Charyn Canyon
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon - Private Day Tour
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Ancient petroglyphs of Tanbaly - UNESCO World Heritage
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 1,668
5.0 (19)
1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 997
5.0 (19)
One day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy and Kolsay Lakes
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 2,910
5.0 (17)
Private DayTour - Pearl Lakes Kolsai & Kaindy (Flooded Forest) via Charyn Canyon
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Private tour from Almaty 6 days in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Almaty, Kazakhstan
3-Day Private Horseback Riding and Hiking Tour in Kolsay
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 21,266
5.0 (14)
Almaty Jeep Private Full-Day Tour: Kolsay, Kaindy & Charyn Canyon
Almaty, Kazakhstan
From GHS 2,687
5.0 (14)
4-Day Private SUV Tour from Almaty - The most beautiful Sights
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Altyn Emel. Singing dune. 1 day tour
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Travel Tips for Almaty
Getting Around
Almaty has an extensive public transport system: buses, trolleybuses, and a single metro line (useful for key destinations). Purchase a 'Onay' card for all public transport. Taxis are affordable; use ride-hailing apps (Yandex.Taxi, inDriver) to avoid overcharging. Car rentals are available but driving in the city can be chaotic with aggressive local drivers. For mountain destinations, organized tours or private drivers are recommended. Walking is pleasant in the city center, though sidewalks can be uneven. Bicycle sharing exists but infrastructure is limited.
Best Time To Visit
May to September for hiking and outdoor activities (pleasant temperatures, green landscapes). December to March for skiing and winter sports (excellent snow conditions at Shymbulak). September-October for autumn colors in the mountains. Avoid late winter (February-March) when air pollution can be high. Major festivals include Nauryz (Persian New Year, March 21-23) with traditional celebrations and Almaty Apple Festival in September celebrating the city's namesake fruit.
Local Customs
Kazakh culture emphasizes hospitality; accept offers of tea or food when visiting homes. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes when entering homes. Handshakes are common, but wait for women to initiate. Elders are highly respected. Tipping is not traditional but appreciated in restaurants (5-10%) and for good service. Avoid discussing sensitive political topics. When offered food or drink, accept at least a small amount. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Photography of government/military buildings is prohibited.
Safety Information
Almaty is generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions: avoid poorly lit areas at night, be vigilant in crowded places (markets, public transport) for pickpocketing, and don't display valuables. Common scams include taxi overcharging (use apps like Yandex.Taxi), fake police asking for documents/bribes (always ask for official ID), and currency exchange scams (use banks/exchange offices). Avoid political demonstrations. Mountain areas require proper preparation for weather changes and potential landslides. Road safety can be poor outside cities. No specific areas are off-limits, but exercise caution in remote regions near the Kyrgyz border.
Health Information
Medical facilities in Almaty city are relatively good, with several modern private hospitals (e.g., Interteach, City Hospital No. 7) offering international standards. Rural areas have limited services. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance covering medical evacuation. Recommended vaccinations include routine shots plus Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Tick-borne encephalitis is a risk in forested/mountain areas from spring to autumn. Altitude sickness can occur in mountain regions. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water. Air pollution can be high in winter. Pharmacies (apteka) are widely available in cities.
Languages Spoken
KazakhRussian
Quick Facts
Currency
Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)
₸
₸
Timezone
Asia/Almaty +06:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+7
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
2.1 million
Area
224000 km²
Government
Provincial administration (Akimat) headed by an appointed Akim (governor)
ISO Code
ALA