5-Day Almaty Expedition: Nightlife and Sightseeing with Friends
Almaty, Kazakhstan
5 days
About Almaty, Kazakhstan
Discover Almaty, the cultural and financial hub of Kazakhstan, nestled in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. This vibrant city offers a unique blend of modern architecture and Soviet-era charm. Visit Panfilov Park, home to the Zenkov Cathedral, a stunning wooden structure, or explore the Central State Museum to delve into Kazakhstan's rich history. Enjoy a cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic city views and visit the bustling Green Bazaar for local produce and handicrafts. For nature lovers, the nearby Big Almaty Lake and Medeu outdoor ice rink offer breathtaking scenery and adventure. Almaty is a melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse culinary scene from traditional Kazakh to international cuisine. Experience the warm hospitality of Almaty, a city that beautifully combines tradition and modernity.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Experiencing Local Culture
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Green Bazaar, a lively market where you can buy fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional Kazakh items.
Lunch
Have lunch at a local café, where you can try some Kazakh delicacies.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit the Arasan Baths, a famous public bathhouse with separate sections for men and women. It's a great place to relax and experience a traditional Kazakh sauna.
Dinner
Enjoy a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try a variety of Kazakh and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening exploring the city's nightlife. Visit a local bar or nightclub and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 3
Panoramic Views from Kok-Tobe Hill
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Kok-Tobe Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city. You can reach the top by cable car.
Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant on Kok-Tobe Hill, where you can enjoy delicious food with a stunning view of the city.
Afternoon
After lunch, explore the attractions on Kok-Tobe Hill, including the Beatles monument, the Ferris wheel, and the mini-zoo.
Dinner
Have dinner at a restaurant in the city center, where you can try a variety of local and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening exploring the city's nightlife. Visit a local bar or nightclub and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 4
Natural Beauty of Big Almaty Lake
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Big Almaty Lake, a natural alpine reservoir located in the mountains. It's a great place for hiking and photography.
Lunch
Have a picnic lunch by the Big Almaty Lake. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful views.
Afternoon
After lunch, continue exploring the area around the Big Almaty Lake. You can go for a hike or just relax by the lake.
Dinner
Have dinner at a local restaurant in the city, where you can try a variety of Kazakh and international dishes.
Evening
Spend the evening exploring the city's nightlife. Visit a local bar or nightclub and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 5
Adventure at Shymbulak Ski Resort
Morning
Start your day with a visit to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Even if you're not into skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful mountain views and take a cable car ride.
Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant in the Shymbulak Ski Resort, where you can enjoy delicious food with a stunning view of the mountains.
Afternoon
After lunch, explore the Shymbulak Ski Resort. You can go for a walk, take a cable car ride, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful views.
Dinner
Have your farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant, where you can enjoy a variety of international and local dishes.
Evening
Spend your last evening in Almaty exploring the city's nightlife. Visit a local bar or nightclub and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Attractions in Itinerary (8)
1Central State Museum
One of the largest museums in Central Asia, it houses a rich collection of artifacts reflecting Kazakhstan's history.
2Panfilov Park
A beautiful park named after the Panfilov Heroes, 28 soldiers who died fighting against Nazi invasion.
3Zenkov Cathedral
A stunning Russian Orthodox cathedral made entirely of wood, without any nails.
4Green Bazaar
A bustling market where you can buy local produce, spices, and traditional Kazakh foods.
5Arasan Baths
Arasan Baths is a public bathhouse that combines Russian, Finnish and Oriental bath traditions. It is an architectural landmark, featuring a grand facade and intricate interior designs.
6Kok-Tobe Hill
A popular tourist spot offering panoramic views of the city of Almaty. It also features a variety of entertainment facilities including a zoo and amusement park.
7Big Almaty Lake
A natural alpine reservoir located in the mountains, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
8Shymbulak Ski Resort
A popular ski resort offering a range of winter sports activities.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Beshbarmak
Beshbarmak is a traditional Kazakh dish, often considered the national dish of Kazakhstan. It is a hearty meat dish usually made with boiled lamb or beef and served over pasta.
Kumis
Kumis is a traditional fermented dairy product made from mare's milk. It is a popular drink in Kazakhstan and is often consumed during special occasions.
Baursaki
Baursaki are deep-fried dough balls that are a common snack in Kazakhstan. They are often served with tea and can be sweet or savoury.
Shashlik
Shashlik is a popular dish in Kazakhstan, typically made from marinated cubes of meat grilled on a skewer. It is often served with onions and a side of bread.
Kazy
Kazy is a traditional Kazakh sausage made from horse meat. It is often served as part of a larger meal and is a popular dish in Kazakhstan.
Kurt
Kurt is a traditional Kazakh snack made from dried curdled milk. It is often consumed as a snack and is a popular food item in Kazakhstan.
Manti
Manti is a type of dumpling popular in Kazakhstan. It is typically filled with meat and served with a side of sour cream.
Chak Chak
Chak Chak is a popular dessert in Kazakhstan. It is made from deep-fried dough that is then coated in honey and left to harden.
Kompot
Kompot is a traditional non-alcoholic beverage in Kazakhstan. It is made by boiling various fruits in water with sugar and is often served chilled.
Samsa
Samsa is a popular snack in Kazakhstan. It is a baked pastry filled with meat, onions, and spices.
Shubat
Shubat is a traditional Kazakh drink made from fermented camel's milk. It is a popular drink in Kazakhstan and is often consumed during the summer months.
Plov
Plov is a popular dish in Kazakhstan. It is a rice dish cooked with meat, carrots, and spices, often garnished with fresh herbs.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan is during the late spring and early autumn, specifically from April to June and September to early November. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. The city is beautifully adorned with blooming flowers in spring, while autumn offers a stunning display of fall foliage. Winter can also be an interesting time to visit if you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, as Almaty is home to some of the best ski resorts in Central Asia. However, the weather can be quite cold and harsh for those not accustomed to it.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
January 2 | Tue | New Year Holiday |
January 7 | Sun | Orthodox Christmas Day |
March 8 | Fri | International Women's Day |
March 21 | Thu | Nauryz |
March 22 | Fri | Nauryz Holiday |
March 23 | Sat | Nauryz Holiday |
March 25 | Mon | Nauryz Holiday observed |
May 1 | Wed | Unity Day |
May 7 | Tue | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
May 9 | Thu | Victory Day |
June 16 | Sun | Kurban Ait |
July 6 | Sat | Day of the Capital |
July 8 | Mon | Day off for Day of the Capital |
August 30 | Fri | Constitution Day |
October 25 | Fri | Republic Day |
December 16 | Mon | Independence Day |
How to get around
Public Bus
Public buses are a common way to get around Almaty. They cover a wide area of the city and are quite reliable. However, they can get crowded during peak hours. You can pay for the bus using cash or a transport card which can be purchased and topped up at various locations around the city.
Metro
Almaty's metro system is a convenient and efficient way to travel around the city. It's clean, modern, and the trains run frequently. The metro system is not extensive, but it covers some of the main areas of the city. You can pay for the metro using a transport card.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Almaty. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through a taxi company. It's recommended to negotiate the fare before starting the journey. There are also several taxi apps available for use in Almaty, including Yandex.Taxi.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services are popular in Almaty. The most commonly used ridesharing app is Yandex.Taxi, which works similarly to Uber. It's a convenient and affordable way to get around the city. You can pay for your ride through the app using a credit or debit card.
Bicycle
Almaty is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated bike lanes. There are several bike rental services available, making it easy to explore the city on two wheels. However, be aware that Almaty is quite hilly, so cycling can be challenging in some areas.
Car Rental
Renting a car is another option for getting around Almaty. This gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. However, traffic can be heavy and parking can be difficult in the city center. An international driving permit is required to rent a car.
Tram
Almaty has a small tram network that covers some parts of the city. It's a cheap and eco-friendly way to travel, but it's not as fast or convenient as other modes of transport. You can pay for the tram using cash or a transport card.
Foot
Many of Almaty's attractions are located close together, making it possible to explore the city on foot. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of sidewalks and pedestrian zones. Walking is a great way to experience the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
Important information
Currency₸ KZT
Time zoneUTC+6
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone3
Drinking waterOpt for bottled water
Power sockets
Voltage220 V
Things to know about Almaty, Kazakhstan as a first time visitor
1
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and served as the country's capital until 1997.
2
The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken and understood.
3
The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
4
Almaty operates on Kazakhstan Standard Time, which is six hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+6).
5
The city has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Average temperatures range from -4°F to 30°F (-20°C to -1°C) in winter and 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C) in summer.
6
Tipping is not customary in Kazakhstan, but it's appreciated in restaurants and cafes. A tip of around 10% is considered generous.
7
Public transportation in Almaty includes buses, trams, and a metro system. Taxis are also widely available.
8
Kazakhstan uses the type C and F plug sockets. The standard voltage is 220 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
9
Almaty is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it's advisable to take precautions against pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
10
Traditional Kazakh cuisine is meat-heavy, with dishes like beshbarmak and shashlik being popular. Vegetarian options may be limited.
11
Drinking tap water is not recommended in Almaty. It's best to stick to bottled water.
12
Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country, but Almaty is quite cosmopolitan and tolerant. However, it's still important to respect local customs and traditions.
13
The dress code is generally casual, but it's advisable to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
14
Healthcare facilities in Almaty are adequate, but it's recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
15
Almaty is located in a seismic zone, so familiarize yourself with safety procedures in case of an earthquake.
16
The city is surrounded by mountains, which can cause rapid weather changes. Always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities.
17
If you're planning to visit rural areas, be aware that facilities may be basic and English may not be widely spoken.
18
Smoking is banned in public places in Almaty, including restaurants, cafes, and bars.
19
Almaty's air quality can be poor, especially in winter, due to pollution and its location in a mountain valley. If you have respiratory issues, take necessary precautions.
20
Visitors to Kazakhstan must register with the local authorities within five days of arrival. Most hotels will do this for you, but if you're staying in private accommodation, make sure your host registers you.
Basic Kazakh to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Сәлем | Sälem | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Сау болыңыз | Sau bolıñız | Leaving or saying goodbye |
Please | Өтінемін | Ötinemin | Making a request |
Thank you | Рахмет | Rahmet | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Иә | Iä | Agreeing or confirming |
No | Жоқ | Joq | Disagreeing or denying |
Excuse me | Кешіріңіздер | Keshiriñizder | Getting attention or apologizing |
I'm sorry | Кешіріңіз | Keshiriñiz | Apologizing |
Do you speak English? | Сіз ағылшынша сөйлейсіз бе? | Siz ağılshınsha söyleysiz be? | Trying to communicate |
I don't understand | Мен түсінбеймін | Men tüsinbeymin | Having trouble understanding |
Where is the bathroom? | Дәретхана қай жерде? | Däretxana qay jerde? | Looking for the bathroom |
How much does it cost? | Бұл қанша тұрады? | Bul qansha turady? | Asking for the price |
I need a doctor | Маған дәрігер керек | Mağan däriger kerek | In case of emergency |
Can I use my credit card? | Мен кредиттік карта пайдалануға бола ма? | Men kreditik karta paydalanuğa bola ma? | Shopping or dining |
Where is...? | ... қай жерде? | ... qay jerde? | Asking for directions |
Can you help me? | Маған көмек көрсете аласыз ба? | Mağan kömek körsäte alasız ba? | Asking for help |
I'm lost | Мен жолдан тап қаттым | Men joldan tap qattım | When you're lost |
Water | Су | Su | Ordering water |
Food | Тамақ | Tamaq | Ordering food |
Cheers | Құттықтау | Quttıqtau | Making a toast |
Packing List
Clothing
Underwear (5 pairs)
Socks (5 pairs)
T-shirts (5)
Long-sleeve shirts (2)
Jeans or comfortable trousers (2 pairs)
Shorts (1 pair)
Sweater or hoodie (1)
Lightweight jacket (1)
Pajamas (1 set)
Swimsuit (1)
Comfortable walking shoes (1 pair)
Sandals or flip-flops (1 pair)
Hat or cap for sun protection (1)
Sunglasses (1 pair)
Gloves (1 pair)
Scarf (1)
Toiletries
Toothbrush (1)
Toothpaste (1)
Floss (1)
Deodorant (1)
Shampoo (1)
Conditioner (1)
Body wash or soap (1)
Razor (1)
Shaving cream (1)
Lotion (1)
Sunscreen (1)
Lip balm (1)
Personal hygiene items
Prescription medications
First aid kit
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or ID card
Credit and debit cards
Cash and coins
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and/or car rental reservations
Emergency contacts and addresses
Maps and guidebooks
Travel pillow
Earplugs and eye mask
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Power bank
Headphones or earbuds
Laptop and charger
Camera and charger
Memory cards for camera
Travel adapter for plugs
E-reader or tablet
Miscellaneous items
Snacks
Bottled water
Books or magazines
Travel games or playing cards
Notebook and pen
Reusable shopping bag
Umbrella or rain poncho
Travel laundry detergent
Travel-sized sewing kit
Weather Conditions
Almaty, Kazakhstan experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. If you're planning a trip, it's essential to consider the season and pack accordingly. During the summer months, from June to August, temperatures can reach up to 86°F (30°C). It's the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking in the Tian Shan mountains or exploring the city's parks and gardens. Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing to protect yourself from the sun. In contrast, winter in Almaty, which runs from November to February, can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to as low as -4°F (-20°C). Snowfall is common, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit the nearby ski resorts. Pack warm clothing, including a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat, and consider investing in thermal layers. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures. Spring can be quite wet, so it's advisable to pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Autumn, on the other hand, is relatively dry but can be chilly, especially in the evenings. Lastly, Almaty is located in an area prone to seismic activity. While it's not directly weather-related, it's still a natural phenomenon that could affect your travel plans. Stay updated with local news and follow any safety instructions provided by local authorities. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip. Enjoy your visit to Almaty!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | -1° / -10° | January is the coldest month in Almaty, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, making it a great time for winter sports enthusiasts. |
February | 1° / -9° | February is still quite cold, with a slight increase in temperature. Snow is still present, offering beautiful winter landscapes. |
March | 9° / -3° | March sees the start of spring with temperatures slowly rising, but nights can still be chilly. The snow begins to melt, revealing the greenery beneath. |
April | 18° / 4° | April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures. The city is in full bloom, making it a great time to explore the outdoors. |
May | 23° / 9° | May is warm and sunny, with long daylight hours. It's an excellent time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. |
June | 27° / 13° | June marks the beginning of summer with temperatures rising significantly. The weather is ideal for hiking and exploring the city's parks. |
July | 29° / 15° | July is the hottest month in Almaty, with temperatures often exceeding 25 degrees. It's a perfect time for mountain trekking and enjoying the city's outdoor cafes. |
August | 28° / 14° | August is still quite hot, but temperatures start to cool down towards the end of the month. It's a great time to visit the city's lakes and rivers. |
September | 23° / 9° | September marks the start of autumn with temperatures dropping. The city is adorned with fall colors, making it a picturesque time to visit. |
October | 16° / 4° | October is a cool month with temperatures continuing to drop. The fall foliage is in full swing, offering stunning landscapes. |
November | 7° / -1° | November is a chilly month with the first signs of winter. It's a quiet time to visit, with fewer tourists and serene landscapes. |
December | 1° / -7° | December is a cold month with snowfall starting again. It's a magical time to visit, with the city adorned in Christmas lights and snow. |
Did you know?
Places near by Almaty, Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon
A unique natural monument built of sedimentary rocks, which age is about 12 million years. It's often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA.
Big Almaty Lake
A natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south from the center of Almaty.
Medeu
The highest mountain sports complex in the world. It includes a speed skating and bandy rink, and a ski resort.
Shymbulak
A ski resort near Almaty, located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range.
Turgen Gorge
A gorge located in the Ile-Alatau National Park, known for its beautiful nature and waterfalls.
Tamgaly
A petroglyph site in the Semirechye, Kazakhstan. It has been protected since 2004 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kapchagay Reservoir
A large reservoir on the Ili river. It's a popular destination for water sports and beach activities.
Bishkek
The capital of Kyrgyzstan and the country's largest city. It's known for its wide boulevards and marble-faced public buildings.
