Things to do in Almaty
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Top 10 attractions in Almaty
Big Almaty Lake
Big Almaty Lakeis at an altitude of approx. 2,511 m and is a natural alpine lake in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan created by seismic activity. The lake is fed primarily by glacial meltwater and is clear and cold, with its color shifting between light green and blue-green depending on the season and light. A dam at the northern end of the lake provides a wide vantage point. Standing on the dam, you can see several snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake basin: Soviet Peak at an altitude of approx. 4,317 m to the southeast, Ozyorny Peak to the south, and Tourist Peak to the southwest, all reflected in the lake water. Take a slow walk along the lakeside trail to capture the changing light and shadows on the water and mountains from different angles. Higher up above the lake sits the domed Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory. It is a drive of approx. 1 hour from the city, heading up along the winding mountain canyon and through stretches of spruce forest. For visitors with good stamina, the entire canyon can also be used as a hiking route. Mountain weather is changeable, and temperatures are significantly lower even in midsummer. Compared to midsummer, the frozen lake in winter offers a different kind of snowy landscape.Almaty · 23.5km from downtown
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is a hill on the southeastern edge of Almaty, with an elevation of approx. 1,070 m, rising approx. 200 m above the city. Its name comes from the Kazakh language, meaning "green hill," which is why it is also often called "Green Hill." It is one of Almaty's city landmarks. The area at the summit has been developed into a leisure park. You can reach the top in a few minutes by cable car from the city center. On the way, you can overlook the streets and distant mountains, and the cable car ride itself is an experience. The attractions at the summit are quite concentrated: the 372 m tall Almaty TV Tower stands here, and the panoramic platform next to the tower is the perfect spot to overlook the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The park also features a Ferris wheel and a bronze statue of The Beatles—John Lennon sits on a bench holding a guitar, with Paul, George, and Ringo standing beside him. The apple-shaped wishing fountain echoes Almaty's name as the "City of Apples." Visiting in the evening is especially recommended; as the sunset sinks into the city skyline and the lights begin to twinkle, the night view from the panoramic platform captures the distant snow-capped mountains in the same frame. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants scattered on the mountain.Almaty · 13.9km from downtown
Ile-Alatau National Park
Ile-Alatau National Park is famous for its magnificent mountain scenery and rich biodiversity, aiming to protect and showcase the unique ecosystems and natural beauty of the Tianshan Mountains. The park covers a vast area and encompasses a variety of landforms, including towering mountains, expansive grasslands, clear lakes, and dense forests. The park features multiple hiking trails suitable for hikers of all levels. These trails not only lead visitors through magnificent natural scenery but also offer opportunities to observe various plants and animals up close. In addition, the lakes and rivers within the park provide an ideal environment for fishing and picnicking. Ile-Alatau National Park not only attracts visitors with its natural beauty but also holds significant cultural and historical value. The park contains several archaeological sites that showcase the rich history and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. Visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and historical relics here to learn about the local cultural background.Almaty · 15.5km from downtown
Medeu
The Medio Sports Complex is named after it was built in the Medio Scenic Area, 15 kilometers away from the urban area, with an altitude of 1520-1750 meters. From Medeo Snow Mountain, you can take the cable car straight up to Shenbulak Snow Mountain, which can reach a height of 3,200 meters and overlook the panoramic view.Almaty · 16km from downtown
Almaty Botanical Gardens
There are beautiful garden areas and paths that wind through the woods. The garden areas are lovely, with a wide variety of plants and trees. There are many squirrels in the botanical garden, and swans and fish in the pond.Almaty · 3.9km from downtown
Family Park
Almaty · 5.7km from downtown
Baum grove
Almaty · 8.1km from downtown
Fantasy World Almaty
Almaty · 1.7km from downtown
Abay Kunanbaiuly Monument
Almaty · 3.9km from downtown
Butakovsky Gorge
Almaty · 16.9km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Almaty
Featured Cultural experiences in Almaty
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Almaty
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Free things to do in Almaty
Big Almaty Lake
Almaty · 23.5km from downtownKok Tobe
Almaty · 13.9km from downtownIle-Alatau National Park
Almaty · 15.5km from downtownMedeu
Almaty · 16km from downtownAlmaty Botanical Gardens
Almaty · 3.9km from downtownFamily Park
Almaty · 5.7km from downtownBaum grove
Almaty · 8.1km from downtownFantasy World Almaty
Almaty · 1.7km from downtownAbay Kunanbaiuly Monument
Almaty · 3.9km from downtownButakovsky Gorge
Almaty · 16.9km from downtown
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What travellers say about Almaty
zomitrip16 October 2024
5.0
As of October 2024, the road is closed partway, so you can use YandexGO to get there partway. From there, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on foot for adults to Almaty Lyk.
There are several trash cans along the way, and you can take a rest in a pension-like place (only this one place).
Please be aware that the temperature and weather are prone to change, so don't forget to bring warm clothes and food.
The scenery of Almaty Lyk is very beautiful and worth seeing. Perhaps because it is difficult to get there, there are few tourists now, so you can enjoy it quietly.
Big Almaty Lake
Even1 July 2020
4.0
If you want to overlook the entire city of Almaty, then KokTobe Park is the place to go. The park is located on the top of KokTobe Mountain, 1,100 meters above sea level. Get in the cable car, accompanied by beautiful dombra music, as the altitude continues to rise, the whole city begins to slowly appear at your feet. The top of the mountain is not only a great place to overlook Almaty, but also a magnificent panoramic view of the foothills of Zailiysky Alatau, which is more beautiful than any other angle in the city.
Kok Tobe
benx61353 April 2026
5.0
A cool-looking amusement park in Almaty, located on the same street as the Nomad Riding School and the State Circus.
Fantasy World Almaty
