Top 10 tourist attractions in Almaty Kazakhstan

The largest city in Kazakhstan is Almaty that is a perfect example of modernisation, as well as, the preservation of ancient traditions. Located at the south-eastern foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains, Almaty has beautiful scenery, the highest population density, and a plethora of sights for every type of tourist. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a history lover or a cultural and traditional sites lover, this city will suit everyone.

Almaty is the cultural and economic capital of Kazakhstan, which gave the city a large number of iconic buildings, from ski resorts to parks and markets. It also boasts an incredible urban buzz along with a combination of Soviet style buildings, contemporary shopping centers, and hints of the native Kazakh flavor. For the tourist attractions in Almaty today, the city boasts of a blend of city break adventures and nature’s beauty that will suit every adventure traveler.

A trip to Almaty cannot be planned by just getting a flight to the city. Travelers will need to have passports and such things as a Kazakhstan visa, depending on what their country’s requirements are. Indian citizens will have to get a Kazakhstan visa in India for them to be allowed entry into the country. For your convenience, most travel packages also provide visa support and can also assist in organizing your tour to the best Almaty sightseeing, giving you an incredible experience of the largest and vibrant city of Kazakhstan.

Here are the  Top 10 tourist attractions in Almaty Kazakhstan

1. Medeu Skating Rink

Medeu is the highest outdoor skating rink in the world, situated at 1691 meters above sea level in the Medeu Valley. During the period of snow this is one of the favorite places for skating in Almaty and in the period of summer it is a wonderful view of the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. It is also an ideal place for pictorial and view point.

2. Shymbulak Ski Resort

For nature enthusiasts the Shymbulak Ski resort is among the most famous tourist attractions in Almaty. Shymbulak – 25 km from the city center – is a skiing, snowboarding and hiking spot. Thus, it is located in a picturesque area with surrounding snow-capped mountains and green valleys, so it operates all year round. Shymbulak is always a great destination no matter if you’re coming here to ski in winter or hike in summer.

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3. Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is one of the most picturesque alpine lakes situated approximately in 15 kilometers from Almaty city. Located in the midst of snow capped peaks, this beautiful place is ideal for trekking and capturing pictures. The lake is known for the striking turquoise color with the possibility to vary depending on the season and weather. This is one of the most visited attractions in Almaty that will be interesting to visit for lovers of nature.

4. Panfilov Park

Located in the central area of Almaty, Panfilov Park is one of the city’s most popular green areas and places with historical significance. The park has the beautiful Zenkov Cathedral, which is a unique wooden architecture with remarkable works and history. Tourists can also tour through a number of memorials meant for the soldiers that fought in world war two. This is a serene place to relax after having taken time to visit some of the attractions around the area.

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5. Kok-Tobe Hill

Kok-Tobe Hill is really recommended for every visitor to Almaty, as there is no other place to get such a spectacular view of the city. At the top, there is a lively park with restaurants, an amusement park and a television tower. This sort of hill can be accessed through the cable car where you can get to have a view of the city and other mountains.

6. Almaty Central Mosque

The Almaty Central Mosque remains the biggest mosque in Kazakhstan and a beautiful structure. This one is one of the major religious places in the city and tourists who are eager to know more about Kazakhstan’s spiritual and historical values visit the place. It also has beautiful Islamic design and the management allows tourists to move around the mosque and admire the designs.

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7. Green Bazaar

Forcing a visit to the Green Bazaar is without a doubt a must for anyone interested in a cultural experience. This continues to be an active market with scored of shops selling fruits and vegetables, spices, dried fruits and nuts, and local Kazakh souvenirs. It is an ideal place for getting the feeling of Almaty as a large commercial city and taste its delicacies and purchase souvenirs of various types.

8. Almaty Opera House

This is a cultural facility in Almaty that presents performances of opera, ballet, and classical music by outstanding world performers. It is a perfect place for everyone who wants to learn more about the art of Kazakhstan. Whether it is a theater performance or just architectural beauty of the building, this cultural attraction is one of the seven wonders of Almaty for tourists.

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9. Medeu Gorge

If you are an admirer of hiking and beautiful nature, do not forget about Medeu Gorge. This is a stunning gorge situated close to the Medeu Skating Rink and which features cliffs and waterfalls as well as stunning views. If hiking or just enjoying the natural scenery is the traveler’s cup of tea, then this is one of the best places to go to in Almaty.

10. The Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments

The Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments is an interesting place that represents the history of music in Kazakhstan. Here, one can find the exposition of old Kazakh musical instruments that are several hundreds of years old. This museum offers a great source of information on the cultural history of the region and particularly of interest to music lovers.

How to Get a Kazakhstan Visa

In this case, the first thing that any tourist needs to do before he/she can proceed to travel to Almaty is to secure a Kazakhstan visa. Luckily, most travelers can request a Kazakhstan visa online or through the Kazakhstan Embassy for India. The process is quite simple and travelers need to be ready with all the documents they will need including confirmation of accommodation and return flight.

Those coming with a tour package in Kazakhstan, most tour companies provide services for the visa processing, thus making the trip to be more relaxed. In any case, it is advisable to apply for the Kazakhstan visa in advance and if you are a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you will have to do so.

Ideal Time for Applying for the Kazakhstan Visa for Indians

Indian citizens can get their Kazakhstan visa from India before they travel because the process is not done on arrival. However, there is the normal processing time that takes between 5 to 10 business days. Perhaps you also need to pay attention to the seasonal visa requirements depending on the time of your journey.

Conclusion

From the mountainous to the cultural, Almaty has numerous tour Almaty attractions for any type of tourist. With beautiful nature, interesting culture, and spectacular sceneries, Almaty offers a great place for various types of tourists. Always book your trip in advance and get your Kazakhstan visa as soon as possible if you are applying for a Kazakhstan Visa. This is where we recommend you consider opting for a Kazakhstan tour package so that you don’t miss out on any of the best attractions in Almaty.

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