Almaty is a city of unique opportunities for active recreation. Here you should only want and....
Your day, which began in the center of a modern Central Asian metropolis, will continue in the mountains in just 30 minutes. Then climb to the eternal snows of one of the peaks. A walk through alpine meadows to a moraine lake. And then a jeep ride across the vastness of the great steppe.
Rafting on sapboards along the Ili River along the rocks with petroglyphs. Sunset on the top of the Singing Dune - a beautiful sand dune, emitting melodious sounds. And then a night in a comfortable modern glamping with a view of the Charyn Canyon, the age of sedimentary rocks of which reaches 12 million years. All this in one day!
Almaty is ...
More than 5 climatic zones
from glaciers to deserts
More than 15 mountain peaks up to
4,973 metres high
More than 40 high-altitude lakes
More than 30 mountain rivers
225 species of wild animals
172 bird species
There is no such thing as "off season" in Almaty. You can plan a trip here at any time of the year.
Top 10 places around Almaty
Big Almaty Lake
The pearl of the city, located on the border of eternal snows and alpine meadows (2510 metres above sea level). The lake feeds Almaty with drinking water, and unforgettable emotions for travelers willing to climb up to it on mountain bikes, electric bikes or on foot.
Bukreev Peak
One of the most famous peaks in Almaty. It offers a panoramic view of the city and picturesque mountain gorges. It is named in honor of the famous Kazakh mountaineer Anatoly Bukreev.
Assy Plateau
A hard-to-reach location without crowds of tourists. Only sky, spacious high-mountain pastures and herds of horses grazing in the distance. It is here, perhaps for the first time in your life, that you can feel yourself alone with this world. And at night to look at the stars. It is not for nothing that in the 20th century an observatory with one of the largest telescopes in the world was built on this plateau.
Tamgaly tas
Keeper of the history of the region. Where a traveler can easily find ancient petroglyphs on steep rock walls.
Singing barchan
This sand dune, about 3 kilometers long and 150 metres high, is an ideal location not only for top shots for social networks, but also a unique natural object. Do you want to hear the sands sing? Come to the best natural concert in your life.
Aktau Mountains
The White Mountains, and that's how their name - Aktau - translates, emerged on the territory of the ancient Tethys Ocean. If you want to make your first paleontological discovery, come.
Tekes Waterfall
One of the most beautiful waterfalls around Almaty. A crystal stream of icy mountain water falls into a bowl, forming a small lagoon. And all this against the background of alpine meadows.
Kolsai Lakes
Three high-mountain lakes located far away from large settlements. Just you and nature. The most popular and easily accessible of them is the First Lake. If you wish, you can rent a boat and ride on its mirror-like surface.
Lake Kaindy
You have definitely seen it in photos if you have at least once thought about travelling to Almaty. Dark silhouettes of age-old fir trees rise above the azure water surface. You can get to the lake from the main road either on foot or on horseback.
Charyn Canyon
Another majestic and beautiful reminder of the ancient period of Kazakhstan's history. According to scientists, the sedimentary rocks of the canyon are up to 12 million years old.
Almaty is the Central Asian Mecca for mountain lovers.
The city is at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan. 30 minutes from the center and you're in the mountains. The best hiking routes, various climbing options and unique, comfortable ski resorts are waiting for you here. Shymbulak ski resort was recognized as the best ski resort by Ski Business in 2023 and is also in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest night slope in the world (2023). The city is also famous for its high-altitude skating rink Medeo, where you can skate at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level.
Ski slopes
Ski in comfort and explore new slopes with pleasure! Almaty ski resorts are something worth buying a plane ticket to the southern capital of Kazakhstan for. Breathtaking views of the Tien Shan, the purest mountain air and a large number of sunny days even in winter. This all creates excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding. The season in Almaty usually starts in November and lasts until the end of March, depending on weather conditions. Bonus: winter sports enthusiasts can go out on the ice of the world's largest high-altitude skating rink "Medeu" (1,691 meters), where more than 320 world records have been set.
TOP-5 ski resorts in Almaty
Shymbulak mountain resort
- 🚘 30 minutes from the city
- Kerey str, Zhanibek khandar 558/1
Oi-Qaragai mountain resort
- 🚘 30 minutes from the city
- Beskaynar village, 225
Ak-Bulak high-mountain resort
- 🚘 40 minutes from the city
- Soldier Gorge, 1 A/1
Family mountain resort Pioneer
- 🚘 30 minutes from the city
- Almatau village, 1-19
High-altitude skating rink "Medeu"
- 🚘 20 minutes from the city
- Gornaya street, 465
Climbing
Climbing in the mountains of Almaty is always a bright and positive experience. To make it as safe as possible for you, keep the coordinates of the rescue huts installed in remote, hard-to-reach parts of mountain routes. Each hut is equipped with a panic button, with the help of which the tourist can signal the rescuers. Also: first aid kit, route map, mobile device charging station, firewood, warm blankets and a non-perishable food kit.
Top 5 routes to mountain peaks
Simple rules
Remember: it is dangerous to go to the mountains alone.
It is important to take all your rubbish with you and dispose of it in designated areas in town.
On the trail it is customary to say hello to everyone you meet. This is mountain etiquette.
Give way to those walking up the trail. Don't take up the entire trail.
Do not play loud music. This can disturb people who come to the mountains for quiet and solitude.
Hiking
Top 5 routes for hiking
If you didn't manage to complete your route before sunset or decided to extend it and stay overnight in the mountains, keep a list of camping areas in the mountains near Almaty.
Top 10 activities in Almaty
Rafting
Mountain rivers of different categories of complexity make Almaty attractive for both professionals and amateurs of rafting. The rafting season starts in May and ends in October.
Every year professional rafting competitions are held near Almaty, where you can come not only as a participant but also as a fan. And in between rafting teams to pass the route for your own pleasure, under the guidance of professional instructors.
Paragliding
In tandem with an instructor or on your own. But always in compliance with all safety rules and regulations. Vivid impressions of heights, wind in your face and cinematic landscapes of the Tien Shan Mountains are waiting for you.
Jeep tours
Comfort and unique locations, where only highly professional drivers in prepared vehicles can go up. You will only have to choose a route and enjoy the views that are available only to a select few.
Horse riding
Feel like a nomad for at least a couple of hours. A mixture of ethnics and love of horses! At any time of year and on any route (in the mountains, in the steppe or a walk through blossoming apple orchards) it will be unforgettable!
Sup-surfing
Take a sapboard ride along the wide and majestic Ili River. Along the important historical and natural sights of Almaty. Or ride at sunset on the azure surface of the Kapchagai reservoir? Sapa is waiting for you.
Travelling on electric bikes
Almaty and Almaty residents choose an eco-friendly approach to active tourism. If you decide to conquer your favorite route on a bike, let it be an electric bike. The same speed and pleasure from extreme, with minimal harm to nature.
Rope-jumping
To test yourself and experience free flight? This city by the mountains is created for the brave and determined. You can jump in Almaty by coming to Gorilla Energy Park. The best views of the city and a unique location for jumping are provided for you.
Ziplining
A common activity in Almaty's mountain resorts. Try it everywhere you see this type of entertainment. Because to fly over the gorge, what can be more attractive!
Buggy riding
On slopes, mountain serpentines, overcoming mountain streams and sands. Vivid and joyful memories that will stay with you forever.
Shooting
Archery, bench or practical? The heirs of nomadic culture, with hunting in their blood, know a lot about it. Only to shoot in the XXI century prefer to shoot at inanimate targets, in compliance with all safety standards, in comfortable conditions. Would you like to try it?