Almaty: Why This City Is the Hidden Gem of Central Asia

The City That Completely Surprised Me

By Roxy | Roxys Travel Plan | Best Time to Visit: July to September | Reading Time: Approx. 8 Minutes

I’ll be honest: Kazakhstan wasn’t at the top of my list.

Kyrgyzstan had already won my heart long before I arrived. And then came Almaty — a city I fell in love with within just a few hours. Not only because of the skyline and the countless restaurants, although both are impressive. But because of what lies behind the city. Literally behind it. Mountain after mountain after mountain.

Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city, home to nearly two million people, with a modern center, a thriving café culture, and some of the best food in Central Asia. Then you take the metro or a bus for twenty minutes and suddenly find yourself on a hiking trail overlooking snow-covered four- and five-thousand-meter peaks. There is simply nowhere else in the world where a city and wilderness come together quite like this.

The City Itself: Modern, Vibrant, Unexpected

Downtown and Architecture

Almaty lost its status as Kazakhstan’s capital in 1997 when the government moved to Astana, now known again as Astana. But that change ultimately benefited the city.

Freed from the weight of government administration, Almaty reinvented itself as the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, a startup hub, and the gastronomic center of Central Asia.

Panfilov Street, lined with plane trees and cafés, feels more like Vienna than Kazakhstan. The Zenkov Cathedral, built entirely from wood and one of the few structures to survive the devastating 1911 earthquake, is photogenic at any time of day.

Food and Café Culture

Almaty’s café scene can easily compete with many European cities.

Specialty coffee, modern Kazakh cuisine, and influences from Uzbekistan and Russia come together to create a surprisingly sophisticated food scene. The Green Bazaar is a must-visit, offering fresh fruit, nuts, and dried fruits of a quality you rarely encounter elsewhere.

Nature: From the City Center to the Mountains in 20 Minutes

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake sits at an elevation of 2,511 meters and is famous for its deep turquoise color and dramatic setting among 4,000-meter peaks.

The lake can be reached in roughly an hour from the city center. A paved road leads almost all the way to the shoreline, while those willing to continue on foot will find peaceful viewpoints and stunning mountain scenery.

The hike to the lake is an absolute recommendation.

Shymbulak und Trekking

The gondola from Medeu, the world’s highest-altitude ice skating rink at 1,691 meters, takes visitors within minutes to the Shymbulak ski resort at 2,260 meters.

During winter, Shymbulak is one of Central Asia’s premier ski destinations. In summer, it becomes the gateway to countless hiking trails and mountain adventures in the spectacular Tian Shan Mountains.

Charyn Canyon and the Surrounding Natural Wonders

Four hours east of Almaty lies Charyn Canyon, a dramatic canyon system often described as Central Asia’s answer to the Grand Canyon.

Red sandstone cliffs, bizarre rock formations, and a winding river create one of Kazakhstan’s most striking landscapes.

The same region is also home to some of the country’s most spectacular lakes: Kaindy Lake, famous for the submerged tree trunks rising from its waters after an earthquake; the turquoise Kolsai Lakes surrounded by dense forests; and the remote Lake Issyk.

Together, these natural landmarks form one of the most beautiful destinations in southeastern Kazakhstan and can easily be combined into a multi-day trip from Almaty.

Trekking around Almaty

Butakovka Waterfall

Butakovka Gorge is one of the most accessible hiking areas on the outskirts of Almaty.

The trail follows a forested valley that gradually opens as you gain elevation. After roughly two kilometers, hikers reach the picturesque Butakovka Waterfall.

Those who continue higher are rewarded with alpine meadows and panoramic mountain views. The route is family-friendly while still offering an authentic Tian Shan mountain experience.

Trans-Ili Alatau QuerungThe Trans-Ili Alatau range south of Almaty offers some of the finest trekking routes in Central Asia.

Trails climb from elevations of around 1,500 meters to well above 4,000 meters, passing glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote valleys along the way.

Unlike many famous mountain destinations around the world, these trails remain remarkably uncrowded. Most routes begin directly from the Almaty region and range from challenging day hikes to multi-day treks lasting three to seven days.

Practical Information

• Entry Requirements: Visa-free for German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens for up to 30 days

• Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). ATMs are widely available throughout the city

• Language: Kazakh and Russian. English is commonly spoken in central cafés and hotels

• Transport: Metro, buses, and taxis via the Yandex Taxi app

• Best Time to Visit: May to October for trekking, December to April for skiing

  
  

Combining Almaty with Other Destinations

Almaty is the ideal starting or ending point for a journey through Central Asia.

The city combines modern infrastructure with spectacular natural surroundings and is strategically positioned between the region’s most exciting destinations. From Almaty, the Kyrgyz border can be reached within a few hours, while Bishkek is just a 90-minute flight away.

The combination of Almaty and Kyrgyzstan is widely considered one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Central Asia, blending city life, high mountains, yurt camps, and some of the region’s finest trekking routes.

Those with more time can easily extend their journey into Uzbekistan.

Historic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Tashkent perfectly complement the mountain landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Together, they create an unforgettable three-country journey combining Silk Road history, cultural diversity, and some of Central Asia’s most impressive natural scenery.

Plan Your Central Asia Journey With Us

If this guide has inspired you to discover Kazakhstan, feel free to get in touch with us to start planning your next adventure.

Whether you are looking for boutique hotels, hidden cafés, culinary experiences, private guides, or a tailor-made itinerary through Kazakhstan, we would be delighted to help create the perfect trip for you.

Our recommendations and initial travel consultations are, of course, completely free and without obligation — an opportunity to design a journey that truly matches your travel style, interests, and pace.

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