Top Almaty How to Get Around in 2026

Embark on a private, 4 hours guided tour of Almaty, perfect for first-time visitors seeking a seamless introduction to the city. You'll explore iconic sites like the Central Mosque, Kok-Tobe Hill with its stunning panoramic views, and the vibrant Green Bazaar. This tour is designed to eliminate the stress of navigating Almaty on your own, offering a hassle-free experience as you uncover the city's cultural gems. Ideal for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts, this tour provides insider knowledge and memorable encounters with Almaty's rich traditions.

You will have a unique tour with a professional guide, who will be with a sense of humor and you will have fun. We will look at the city through the decades and sometimes even through the centuries; We will get to know Almaty as a small provincial town at the Asian borders of the Russian Empire, as rapidly developing capital of the Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan and as an independent state of modern times. We will see the house in the shape of a string-bag and the “Stalin cake house” We will find out how did they were solving the problem of running water in the 20th century and where did they get the local sea shells to face the houses in the 1960s being thousands of kilometers away from any sea. We will speak about the nature catastrophes of the region and how did the city survived it different times.

Step into the rich history and vibrant culture of our city on this unforgettable walking tour! Over the course of 2-3 hours, we'll visit places with historical and cultural significance such as: Zenkov Cathedral – Marvel at one of the world’s tallest wooden churches, an architectural masterpiece set in a beautiful park. Green Bazaar – Experience the sights, scents, and flavors of this lively market. Rakhat Chocolate Shop – Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to this beloved confectionery. Arbat Street – Stroll down this famous pedestrian avenue, alive with street artists, musicians, and cozy cafes. We also offer Wine Tasting (15$) at the local winery and Tasting Local Food (20$) experiences for additional price! Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply love exploring new places, this tour offers something for everyone. Join us for a journey through time, culture, and flavor—book your spot today!

Step into the heart of Kazakhstan with our captivating Almaty City Tour, a perfect blend of culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or someone who simply loves to explore vibrant city life, this tour has something for everyone. Why Choose This Tour? A Comprehensive Experience: Explore the rich cultural heritage, history, and natural beauty of Almaty in one day. Expert Guides: Learn about each landmark from our knowledgeable and friendly local guides who will share insights along the way. Breathtaking Views: Capture stunning photos of the city and surrounding mountains. Gastronomic Experience: During lunch, we can introduce you to the traditional kazakh cuisine. Otherwise, you can try great world cuisine in one of the many top restaurants of Almaty, the gastronomic capital of Kazakhstan. This tour can be flexible in terms of itinerary. If you have some places in mind that you want to visit, we are open to help you with that.

Private half day city tour where you can soak up the atmosphere of the city of mountains.If you are interested in history and want to hear interesting facts about our city, then this tour is a must for you! Our team of professional tour guides and driver with private comfortable vehicles are always at your service.

The Charyn canyon is a breathtaking place in the Tian-Shan mountain branches, which origin dates back to the Neogene period. The unique monument of nature, which is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, is located 200 kilometers from the city of Almaty. The landscape of the area is systematically changing, thanks to which the territory of the canyon was chosen by many representatives of flora and fauna, including individuals listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan. The most prominent and memorable places of the great gorge are the Valley of Castles, the Ash and Turang Groves, the Charyn River. The Eco Park operates on the territory of the Charyn canyon, where visitors can visit the mini-zoo, go on an off-road safari ride and quad bike, try a traditional Saka bath and have a tasty lunch at local cafes.

At 6:30 AM (during the weekend days) and 9:00 AM (during the week days), a comfortable jeep or SUV will pick you up directly from your hotel, and we’ll set off for Big Almaty Lake. Along the way, enjoy a scenic drive through Ile-Alatau National Park, surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountain peaks. The lake sits at an altitude of 2,511 meters in the Tien Shan Mountains, offering breathtaking views. Its turquoise waters and the panoramic mountain scenery promise an unforgettable experience. Special bonus for our guests! After visiting the lake (optional), you can explore Ayusai Waterfall, visit the falconry farm, and enjoy a horseback ride with an instructor (optional, extra cost). We’ll return to your hotel around 2:00 PM. Don’t hesitate to ask your guide for photos — we’ll be happy to capture your best moments!

Please read before booking! Visit one of Almaty’s top sights — Big Almaty Lake at 2,500 m. Learn its history and enjoy the mountain scenery. For last-minute bookings (24h), questions or special requests, contact me on WUP: +77779220042 before booking. Private tour or extensions to Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake, Almarasan Gorge available on request. Hiking poles and rain jackets provided upon request. We spend 30–60 min at the lake. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your passport. We also offer tours across Almaty & Almaty Region: Big Almaty Lake, Kok Tobe, City Tour, Shymbulak, Oi-Qaragai, Charyn/Moon/Black Canyons, Charyn River, Kolsai & Kaindy, shopping tours, shooting, snowbike tours.

We offer you to plunge into the traditional atmosphere of the Kazakh people and feel the whole flavor of nomadic life. The Kazakh people sacredly honor the customs and traditions inherited from their ancestors. The basis of the national character is hospitality - in Kazakh society it is considered a sacred duty. In Ethno-Village you will get acquainted with the magnificent life of the Kazakh people, customs and culture. The tour program includes: showing main national traditions, a tour of the base, familiarity with the Kazakh yurt, national games, Master class on cooking bauyrsak, Archery, Horseback riding , Show program "Kazak aul". After that the guests will be fed delicious national lunch. After lunch, a master class will be held on cooking national cakes, making felt and silver items. A busy day will be completed with Kara Zhorga's dance, which all of guests can enjoy with locals!

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Charyn Canyon on this unforgettable 1-day tour. Just a few hours from Almaty, Charyn Canyon is often called the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia,' boasting stunning rock formations and dramatic landscapes. Enjoy a comfortable journey in a spacious CUV with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way. Whether you're looking for scenic hikes, photography spots, or just a relaxing escape into nature, we can tailor the tour to your preferences. Join us for a day of adventure and exploration, customized just for you!

Take a guided backcountry ski tour with certified and passionate mountain guides who will be happy to walk you through the nicest ski spots and best lines near Almaty. We are happy to adjust tour based on your preferences and fitness level.

On this tour you will enjoy an authentic theatrical show program, which is an acquaintance with the customs and traditions of the Kazakh people in a specially created ethnographic village, located in a picturesque place at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. In the program, the guests will be acquainted with the life of nomads, with a national dwelling of Kazakhs - yurt, will enjoy master class on cooking Baursaks - a traditional flour product, cleaning and whipping wool, show with horses and horseback-riding. Then you will have a delicious lunch of the national Kazakh dishes. At the end of the program, you will be given an archery master class - the skill possessed by the nomadic Kazakhs. You will also be able to try your hand at horseback and take a short ride on one of the horses.

This guided day tour focuses on the Tamgaly (Tanbaly) Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological monuments in Kazakhstan. Rather than a simple transfer to the site, the experience is built around a structured visit with time to explore the main sections of the reserve and understand its historical significance. The tour is designed as a cultural experience, combining a guided walk through the canyon with observation of petroglyph clusters, ancient burial structures, and key viewpoints. All logistics, permits, and entrance fees are arranged in advance, allowing travelers to visit the site as a single, well-organized day trip from Almaty. This tour is best suited for travelers interested in history and archaeology who prefer a clear itinerary and professional organization over self-guided exploration.

Furmanov peak is the most popular place for local people as a hiking destination. Its height is only 3200 meters, there is zero avalanche danger and is suitable for everybody. The view is amazing from the top and will fascinate you. Before arriving to the peak there is a nice Winged swing where you can take amazing pictures. We will start the trekking from Medeo for around 6km, until the top, we will stop to the nice winged swing and before the summit.

We will drive along the former caravan route of the legendary Grate Silk Way with the views of Tian Shan mountains. We will get to know about the magic qualities of the Grate Steppe . On the way we will make a photo stop at the archeological area with the ancient Saki burial mounts which are thousands of years old but still can tell us the stories about the grate nomadic civilization of the antique times and there you will learn the story of how the terrible tragedy brought Kazakh people to the discovery of their national symbol. The third part of our journey takes us to the National park in the mountains where besides the stunning mountain views we will observe the sad ruins of the Soviet time resorts that witnessed one of the worst of natural disasters that happened in this area in July of 1963 that took many human lives and destroyed one of the wonders of this mountains. We will speak about the beauty and the danger of this place in the historical perspective.

Hi there, I'm Naz, your local Almaty foodie guide, the founder of "NonAlmatian" project, where we explore Almaty through the eyes of foreigners. I'm a traveler myself, and I can't really stand cliche touristic routes. So together we'll try to hit hidden gems in Golden Square and explore modern Kazakh cuisine. This tour is all about unique, but delicious taste experience! We'll have a stop at cute coffee shop that has authentic chocolate with 'kurt', that you won't find in any other market or coffee shop. We take you to the spots featured on the New York Times, adding that extra dash of cool to your gastronomy adventure.

Join us for a one-day guided ice climbing adventure near Almaty. In the morning, we’ll head to the mountains to spend the day climbing one of the three local waterfalls. If you’re new to ice climbing, we’ll teach you the basics and proper climbing techniques, and set up a top ropes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. For experienced climbers, this is a great opportunity to explore the Almaty mountains in a unique way. The ice climbing season typically begins in December and lasts until March.

This private jeep tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the most iconic and remote locations of Altyn-Emel National Park in a single day with the flexibility and comfort of a personalized experience. Unlike standard group tours, travelers enjoy a private off-road adventure with customizable stops, more time for photography, and access to dramatic landscapes far from crowded tourist routes. The itinerary combines the famous Singing Dune with the otherworldly Aktau and Katutau Mountains — three of the park’s most spectacular natural wonders. The experience is led by knowledgeable local guides who share insights about the region’s geology, wildlife, history, and nomadic culture. Traveling by 4x4 vehicle also allows guests to comfortably reach remote desert and mountain areas that are inaccessible to regular cars. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking authentic nature, epic landscapes, and a true Central Asian adventure beyond the typical sightseeing experience.

Discover the stunning landscapes of Kazakhstan's natural wonders on this full-day adventure from Almaty. Explore the breathtaking Charyn Canyon, where towering cliffs and the Valley of Castles await. Witness the dramatic, rugged beauty of the Black Canyon, and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the serene Kolsai Lake, surrounded by lush pine forests. This tour is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking to capture the essence of Kazakhstan's wild beauty. - Depart from Almaty at 07:00 and return by 21:00 - Explore Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, and Kolsai Lake - Learn about the region's unique ecosystems and legends - Lunch is not included; enjoy a meal on your own during the tour

Embark on a captivating two-day tour that covers the most picturesque destinations and "must-visit" attractions in the Almaty region: Kolsay & Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon. Prepare to be enthralled as you explore these natural wonders and immerse yourself in their breathtaking beauty. Our journey begins with a visit to Charyn Canyon, where you will have the opportunity to marvel at its astonishing views and traverse the enchanting Castle Valley, crafted by the interplay of rocks and sands. Afterward, in just a few hours, we will transition to the mountainous landscapes that have earned the nickname "Kazakhstani Switzerland." Here, you will revel in the unspoiled splendor of nature and be captivated by the magnificence of Kolsay Lakes. Located not far from Kolsay, our next stop will be the awe-inspiring wonder of Kazakhstan, Kaindy Lake. This remarkable lake was formed by an earthquake that obstructed the river's path, leading to the accumulation of water within a forest.

Enjoy a scenic journey to Big Almaty Lake on a private tour accompanied by a fluent English-speaking guide. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken through the security gates before heading up to the breathtaking mountain lake by car. Spend about 60 minutes exploring the area and enjoying the incredible views. Afterward, you’ll return by car to the security point and be driven back to your hotel. This is a 4-hour tour, giving you plenty of time to enjoy other attractions in the city while still experiencing one of its absolute highlights.

Why choose our Private Experience? Unlike the big crowded bus tours, we offer a journey that feels like traveling with a local friend who knows all the secrets of Kazakhstan. Here is what sets us apart: 100% Flexible & Private: This tour is just for you and your group. We don’t follow a rigid schedule. Want to spend an extra hour at the lake or stop for a photo in a random field of wildflowers? It’s your call. The "Hidden" Canyons: Most tours only show you the main Charyn Canyon. We take you deeper to the Moon Canyon, where you can enjoy and see more. SUV Comfort: Forget about bumpy old vans. You’ll travel in a clean, modern, and air-conditioned 4x4 SUV, perfectly equipped for mountain roads. We always have fresh bottled water inside Expert Local Storytelling: We don't just give you dates and facts. We share the legends, the history, and the modern life of Almaty Stress-Free Experience: From hotel pickup to the best lunch spots in local villages, we handle every detail

See Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon on this trip. Take a full-day tour of Charyn Canyon to enjoy the hiking and wildlife this area has to offer. A National Park, Charyn Canyon is made up of sedimentary rocks that are millions of years old. Close to the Chinese border, the park spans 154 kilometers with distinctive cliffs, such as the Valley of Castles, the Witch’s Gorge, and the Ghost's Gorge.

Kolsai lakes with azure and crystal-clear water, like a necklace, adorn the harsh ridges of the Northern Tien Shan. This system of 3 picturesque alpine lakes in the middle of forests and mountains is a real paradise for lovers of unspoiled natural beauty. A stunning unearthly landscape is the Kaindy Lake. Once there was a spruce grove here, but now fluffy branches flaunt under water, and above the turquoise surface - only bare treetops. This tour will amaze you from the first sight, because it includes everything: fascinating nature, different landscapes, horse riding, and, of course, delicious national food of Kazakh nation. Don’t miss your chance to get into the country of nomads.