7 Days in Almaty & Nur-Sultan: From Charyn Canyon to Ethno-aul Huns

Arrive at Almaty International Airport (ALA). Take a taxi directly to your hotel in the Almaty City Center area for convenience, allowing for smooth immigration and baggage collection after your international flight. Estimated transfer time is 30-40 minutes.

"Almaty International Airport is good, neat, clean, and well-managed. It is located quite close to the city centre, which makes travel convenient. It’s better to take a Yandex taxi, as it’s cheaper and more reliable — local taxis may charge higher prices. You can easily buy a SIM card at the airport; there are plenty of options available at reasonable rates. If you wait to buy it in the city, you might find different plans that are often more expensive. An important tip: if you’re travelling from Dubai, avoid buying Kazakhstani Tenge there — the exchange rate is quite low. Instead, carry US Dollars or UAE Dirhams and exchange them directly at the airport for a better rate. Overall, it’s a good airport with a nice lounge and helpful facilities. However, one thing that felt unusual was the manual full-body security check. In this modern era, such physical checking seems unnecessary and uncomfortable."— Kaif Kamran

Explore the largest museum in Central Asia, showcasing Kazakhstan's rich history, culture, and archaeology through impressive collections and exhibits. Provides insight into the nomadic past and modern development of the country.

"It’s a nice museum overall but not that much to see and do compared to the National Museum located in Astana. For foreign tourist entrace fee is 5,000 Tenge. You can take photos inside. There’s a toilet, baggage counter and a cafe at the lower ground floor. Oh and just accross the museum, there’s a nice new park. Make sure to visit as well."— Roel Moises Acedillo

Visit the stunning, colorful Zenkov Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden buildings, located within the beautiful Panfilov Park. Admire its unique architecture and serene surroundings, offering a glimpse into Orthodox culture.

"What a beautiful place to visit.... The reel vs real life was a stunner.... The cathedral looked very good to the eyes and I couldn't take my eyes off it.... The place does not allow photography inside and that's a positive thing to note as such places should be seen with your real eye.... The inside of the cathedral was very colourful and the people there were so connected to the inner energy.... There are cafes and restaurants around the place and I visited during Christmas so I was fortunate to find an ice rink right next to the cathedral.... It was so eventful and crowded with kids that I enjoyed every minute in that place.... I recommend to visit during the evening hours...."— jaydev dev

Immerse yourself in local life at the bustling Green Bazaar. Explore stalls filled with fresh produce, spices, local delicacies, and souvenirs. This vibrant market is a true cultural and foodie experience, perfect for sampling local treats.

"A Must-Visit Cultural & Foodie Experience! 🇰🇿✨ If you want to experience the real heart of Almaty, Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar) is the place to go! It’s a vibrant, colorful market packed with energy, incredible aromas, and the warmest local hospitality. What I loved: • The Samples: The sellers of nuts and dried fruits are incredibly friendly and will give you plenty of free tastes before you buy! 🥜😋 • Fresh Variety: A huge selection of herbal teas, fresh fruit juices, honey, and local delicacies like kazy (horse sausage) and homemade cheeses. 🍯🥩 • Hidden Gems: Don't miss the delicious bakeries and small eateries around the market serving up fresh bread and shashlik. 🥖🔥 • Souvenirs: Head upstairs for traditional Kazakh clothing, hats, carpets, and handicrafts. Perfect for unique gifts! 🎨🎁 Pro Tips for Visitors: • Bring Cash: Not every stall takes credit cards, so keep some Kazakh Tenge on hand. 💵 • Go Early: Visit in the morning for the freshest produce and to beat the midday crowds. 🌅 • Bargain Gently: Polite bargaining is expected and part of the local experience! 🤝 Overall, it’s more than just a market—it’s a sensory journey through Kazakh culture. Highly recommended for foodies and families alike! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"— Sudar Aravindh

Take a scenic cable car ride up to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy the fresh air, explore the park at the summit, which includes a mini-zoo, amusement rides, and a TV tower. This offers a mix of nature and entertainment.

"We visited Kok Tobe Hill in Almaty on a Saturday evening and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Despite the chilly weather (around 2 °C) on arrival and dropping to near freezing at the top, the atmosphere was lively and electrifying once the sun went down. Kok Tobe is well known as a scenic recreation area perched high above the city, offering panoramic views, entertainment and a genuinely fun vibe that builds as the evening progresses. The journey up was an experience in itself. Riding the gondola cable car gives you sweeping views of Almaty spread out below, and as you ascend toward the summit, the city lights begin to glitter - it feels almost cinematic. Once at the top, the place truly comes alive in the evening. There’s a vibrant, joyful energy with rides like the Ferris wheel and Speed Coaster and of course the gondola cable ride back down, all of which added a delightful sense of adventure to our visit. It’s a mix of a scenic overlook, amusement park, and social hub and it’s easy to see why both visitors and locals enjoy spending time here as dusk turns into night. One practical tip from our visit: there aren’t many (if any) snack options at the very top, especially later in the evening, so it’s a good idea to grab food or drinks before you head up if you think you’ll get hungry. The evening breeze and cool temperatures make good snacks and a warm drink all the more comforting! Overall, Kok Tobe is a must-visit when in Almaty offering a unique blend of spectacular views, fun rides and lively night ambience. Whether you’re after breathtaking city panoramas, a fun date spot, or just a memorable evening out, it delivers on all fronts."— Samuel Pradeep

Visit the world-famous high-altitude ice skating rink, an iconic Almaty landmark nestled in the stunning Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and panoramic views of the valley before heading further up the mountain.

"Skating at Medeo at night The rink was glowing under the lights, and the mountains around looked like they were sprinkled with stardust. The crisp night air made every glide feel exhilarating, and I couldn’t stop laughing as I wobbled (and occasionally slid!) across the ice. There was something so special about seeing everyone twirling and skating with the city lights twinkling below. Even just standing there, taking it all in, made me feel like I’d stepped into a winter wonderland definitely a night I won’t forget!"— FJ scp

Ascend by cable car to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort, surrounded by breathtaking peaks. Enjoy panoramic views, mountain air, and explore the various levels of the resort. This is an excellent opportunity for short mountain walks and soaking in the alpine scenery.

"Shymbulak is absolutely beautiful — it truly feels like a dream winter town. I was deeply impressed by the scenery and atmosphere. Walking around here was such a pleasure, and even the taxi ride up the mountain was stunning with snowy landscapes all along the way. It had been snowing for two days during my visit, which made everything look magical. I had never seen anything like this before, and the experience felt unforgettable. There are many activities available such as skiing and other winter sports. I didn’t try them because I’ve never learned and felt a bit scared, but I saw that there are instructors and equipment rental available for visitors who want to try. The area is very convenient with restaurants and cafés nearby, yet it’s not far from the city. My taxi driver was also very kind and friendly, which made the trip even more pleasant. Overall, Shymbulak feels charming, welcoming, safe, and incredibly scenic. It is the most beautiful snowy mountain place I have ever seen. I highly recommend everyone to visit and experience it. One small disappointment for me was that I really wanted to try the snow tubing (sliding down the snow on an inflatable tube), but I couldn’t find this activity during my visit. I had seen in reviews that people were able to play it here, so I’m not sure if it was closed or located in another area. From what I experienced, Shymbulak has different zones — the middle area mainly has restaurants and cafés, while higher areas are for activities. I spent time walking and taking photos in the snowy forest, which was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. I also enjoyed playing with the snow and taking photos, even though the weather was very cold."— Choltisa Prasert

Visit the elegant Abay Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, a significant cultural landmark in Almaty. Admire its beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history as a center for performing arts in Kazakhstan.

"A wonderful cultural experience. Despite the language barrier, I enjoyed the opera very much. The music, the acting skills, the singing, the costumes and the stage setting. Also, the theatre setting is classical"— Ccc

Experience an authentic traditional Kazakh banya at Arasan Wellness & SPA, a historic bathhouse. This cultural ritual offers a unique way to relax and rejuvenate, providing insight into local traditions of wellness.

"The complex is huge. Thought i wanna visit each pool but security is very tight. You only allow to enter specific area you pay for service. The massage i have to give 3 star because it was rough as warned by others. I simply couldn't relax but cope for the pain. Therapist simply didn't listen when i voiced out it was painful. She said good and continue the roughness. The so called Hammam room is a steam room. That was good. Supposed to go back for second time just to try out others but realized may be not. Day time is good. Just only myself. Heard it will get busy after work."— Mansiang

Embark on a scenic drive into the Ile-Alatau National Park to reach Big Almaty Lake, a stunning natural reservoir nestled high in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Spend time admiring the lake's turquoise waters, taking photographs, and enjoying light hikes around its shores amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.

"Absolutely breathtaking! A must-do in Almaty, but be prepared for a challenging hike and plan your transport carefully. We were lucky to visit the day after it rained in the city and snowed up on the mountain, making the scenery incredibly beautiful. Transport: My advice is to take a Yandex Go or a private taxi to the closest drop-off point. The bus stop is very far away, and you'll want to save your energy for the actual hike. We were a group of 5 and rented a small van for 40,000 KZT (round trip), and the driver waited 6-7 hours. A regular taxi might be cheaper; I heard a one-way trip back could be 15,000 KZT. The Hike: The 'pipeline shortcut' is steep but rewarding. • 1:20 PM: Started hiking. • 3:13 PM: Reached the lake. • 4:50 PM: Started our hike back down. It took us (regular hikers) almost 2 hours to climb up, we spent about 1.5 hours at the top, and it was just over an hour to get down. 100% worth the effort!"— Junes Tran

Embark on a demanding full-day trek through the stunning Ile-Alatau National Park to Furmanov Peak, offering panoramic views of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and Almaty city. This adventure activity requires good physical fitness and sturdy hiking shoes. A guide is recommended for safety and navigation. Carry plenty of water and snacks.

"Stunning views from the top. Furmanov peak is doable for fit people. Start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon thunderstorms. The first 4km are an easy incline. The last 3km are more steep bur doable. The last 800m involves simple bouldering. There are plenty of signs so it is easy to find your way."— Maja Savevska

Discover Kazakhstan's rich history and diverse culture through extensive exhibits, from ancient artifacts to modern art.

"The exhibits themselves are quite nice. The issue with the museum is that the curation is extremely chaotic. There’s no sign telling you where to go, there’s multiple branching paths that don’t meet up later and there are so many dead ends. You’ll be walking into the Ancient Turkic States hall, somehow end up in the paleontology section, then suddenly in the Golden Hall etc. The museum would be genuinely enjoyable if they can re-design the layout as the exhibits are already interesting."— Saikhnaa

Visit one of Central Asia's largest mosques, an architectural masterpiece with stunning white marble and intricate decorations.

"A must visit place for all religion what a beauty this a can’t express . I visited there in January month the temperature was around -27 . You can not stand at the open half hour continues but please visit at least once in a life"— Fayez Badar

Ascend the iconic Baiterek Tower for panoramic views of Nur-Sultan's futuristic cityscape from its golden sphere observation deck.

"I visited Bayterek while wandering around Almaty and it was a pleasant surprise — the tower looks striking against the city and the golden sphere at the top is eye-catching. Inside there’s a small exhibition about the monument and an elevator that takes you up to the viewing area, which offers a nice panorama of the surrounding city and buildings. It felt clean and well-organized, the staff were helpful, and there are cafes and places to sit nearby, so it’s an easy and worthwhile stop if you’re sightseeing."— P

Walk along Nurzhol Boulevard, the grand pedestrian artery of Nur-Sultan, admiring the striking modern architecture, government buildings, and art installations.

"This beautiful area is perfect for strolling and appreciating its natural beauty. The maintenance is impeccable, making it even more captivating during the evenings."— Manish Gayan

Explore the unique pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, an architectural marvel dedicated to world religions and home to cultural events.

"Beautiful building, both outside and inside. The opera hall is truly impressive, and the traditional outfits from different cultures look wonderful together. It’s a fully guided tour, so you never feel lost. Everyone was very kind throughout, and the place is well adapted for people with limited mobility and those in wheelchairs. Recommended!"— albacristal

Visit the stunning Nur-Astana Mosque, known for its elegant white facade and golden domes, offering a serene and visually captivating experience.

"A beautiful white mosque with gold domes topping both the main building and each of the four minarets, which is best viewed across the reflecting pool in the front. Somehow the inside is just as stunning as the exterior, with a pale green-blue color scheme."— Matt B

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Astana Central Park, a large urban green space alongside the Ishim River, perfect for relaxation and admiring the city's natural side.

"This large park is surrounded on two sides by the Ishim River and contains a bunch of wonderful art and a few paved trails zigzagging through."— Matt B

Explore this unique open-air museum featuring a miniature map of Kazakhstan with replicas of its major landmarks and natural wonders, offering a comprehensive overview of the country's geography and heritage.

"Model exhibition of different regions of Kazakhstan. The individual models are impressive. Unfortunately, however, the exhibition is not in a well-kept condition, many inscriptions are missing. The tickets are cheap. If you want to take photos, you have to pay extra. All in all, a nice destination in good weather, but you should not plan more than one hour."— Oskar

Discover Kazakhstan's contributions to space exploration at this center, featuring exhibits on satellites, rockets, and the country's cosmonauts, providing insight into modern Kazakh technological achievements.

"There’s giant rockets sitting out in front of the Space Centre which you can see from the nearby highway and a number or buildings in southwestern Astana"— Matt B

Visit the beautiful Russian Orthodox Cathedral, known for its striking architecture and serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the city's diverse religious heritage.

"Lovely church, especially if you can go during a sermon."— Saikhnaa