Things to do & places to visit in Almaty Region, Kazakhstan

Almaty Region #3 destination in Kazakhstan 2023. The average rating score is 4.50 based on 1.504 traveler reviews, of 179 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Almaty, current date and time: Saturday, May 11, 2024, 2:18.

Almaty Region Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

68°F - 41°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

18%

Chance of rain

50.0 millimeters

Amount

15.3 mph

Wind speed

51%

Humidity

15.3

Daylight length

5:25 AM

Sunrise

8:44 PM

Sunset

56%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (32)

Top destinations in Almaty Region 95

See more 83 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (301 reviews)
- Magnificent and Enchanting.
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Canyons

Most iconic place to visit in Kazakhstan, I took a day trip from Almaty leaving early morning with a group of exciting Russian tourists, this colourful rock formations on the dried stream of Charyn river offer panoramic views at every angle. The guide gave an hour and half to walk up to the final view point. Signages and informative display boards are excellent. It's a bit risky on some edges and one has to be extremely careful in taking photographs. It was windy and cold and therefore it's advisable to wear warm clothes and a protective cap. A must visit to enjoy the wonder and grandeur of nature. See more..
5.0 Kolsai Lake (271 reviews)
- Memorable forever.
Bodies of Water

About 300 km away by road from Almaty, this is the most magnificent lake to visit by all travelers to this beautiful country. I left early in the morning in a tourist bus with a load of Russian tourists, friendly and noisy. The enchanting views of snow clad mountains all along, wide landscape makes the journey less tiresome. Located at 3000 mt high, this lake, most beautiful offers a boat ride, walking through the meadows and a small restaurant nearby. As I travelled during the third week of October, the winter began to show it's ferocity. It's windy and cold, therefore one should wear layers of woollen clothes, sturdy shoes and cover the head. There are charges to be paid for the boat ride. I was told there is a camping facility for those who intend to stay overnight. I cherish those memorable moments forever as the moving clouds, distant valleys, snow clad peaks, thick forest around leave beautiful impressions forever. See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (80 reviews)
- Spectacular view of mountains!
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

It was two incredible days on tour to Altyn emel national park. Be prepared for the long driving. On the first day we drove 500 km, but it's worth it! Spectacular view of Aktau mountains I've never seen before. Landscape remind me the planets from the Star wars movie. If you traveling around Central Asia you must visit this place! See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (40 reviews)
- Fantastic place in winter time!
National Parks • Canyons

The canyon is the second largest canyon after Grand canyon in the US. When you enter you will already see the panorama of the place! The car can come close to the panorama where you can start the hiking. It takes around 1-2.5 hours to enjoy the view. The first part is a bit steep since you will go down. After you will hike between canyons. The road path is only toward the river. It's better to hike till the end since you will see a beautiful view with river. It is a great place to see the sunset special from the panorama!! See more..
5.0 Plateau Assy (10 reviews)
- Highland with lots of horses on the pastures.
Spent 2-3 hours Valleys

Highland with lots of horses on the pastures. Silent nice nature, amazing fields of blue flowers, at least in June. See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (9 reviews)
- Nice sand dune in the middle of non-desert area
Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Nice sand dune in the middle of a non-desert area. Its tiring to climb up the dune but fun to come down sliding with the sound of the drums due to the slide due to which it gets the name of Singing dune. Fun activity for all including children. See more..
5.0 Lower Kolsai Lake (8 reviews)
- Amazing place in winter time!
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

It was worthy to visit incredible lake in winter time! It was frozen and was so beautiful so that didn't want to leave this place. It's a perfect place to take wonderful winter photos and videos! Look at my some photos from there! We were so staying in Sati village where you can find the homestay easily. It takes around 40-50 min to get to Kolsai from Sati! See more..
5.0 Slava Stolyar (7 reviews)
- Delicious food, relaxing atmosphere and warm welcome
Eco Tours • Food Tours

I had an amazing day at Slava's place. I was warmly welcomed by him and his wife, and had a degustation of cheese and wine, which are all natural and delicious products. Slava is very good at explaining what he does, because he does it with his heart, and I was very happy to see how cheese is made. I then had his amazing vegetable barbecue, with the cheese melting in there: his suluguni is even better than in Georgia! I was lucky enough to have great weather and could relax near the pool and play with their wonderful and smiling little girl, and tried their herbal ziziphora tea that they collect in the mountains. All in all a great experience that I can only recommend. See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (6 reviews)
- Left Talgar valley
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • Hiking Trails • Geologic Formations

The most beautiful place near Almaty is Left Talgar valley. Trekking route: Kim-Asar gorge – Butakovsky pass – Sulusay spring – Left Talgar valley – KazPI meadow – Small Talgarsky pass – Big Talgarsky pass – Shymbulak. There are a few treks: Big Almaty round travel (Tourist's pass 4000 m), Dmitriev glacier and other places. See more..
5.0 Rybatskaya Usadba (4 reviews)
- Семейный отдых
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Рыбацкая Усадьба наше любимое место отдыха-именно отдыха с семьёй! Чисто, ухоженно, опрятно. Никто не мешает, у каждого свой сектор, можно взять беседку, если семья, если один-я беру сектор без беседки. Можно детям устроить пикник, поставьте палатку, пожарьте мясо-вот именно за такими впечатлениями мы туда и едем. Хотите прогуляйтесь, территория огромная, хотите медитируйте, тишина, благодать. Рыбу мы там всегда ловим, кто не ловит-значит не умеет. See more..
5.0 Turgenskoye Gorge (4 reviews)
- Gorge-ous!
Spent 2-3 hours Geologic Formations

We've traveled to Turgen Gorge a number of times, in all seasons, and it's always beautiful. If you get your hands on a 4wd vehicle, the Assy plateau is an amazing add-on for this trip. See more..
5.0 Things to Do in Almaty Region (4 reviews)
- Aktau and Katatao mountains.
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

We did this as a part of Altyn Emel tour which covers Aktau and Katutau mountains. We thought Aktau was more beautiful than Katutao though it was easier to walk at Katutao mountains as they were smaller than Aktau. Aktau is more beautiful than Katutau in case you are short of time. In case you are only doing one day in Altyn Emel do Aktau and Singing Dune. See more..
5.0 Lake of the Glacier Manshuk Mametovoi (3 reviews)
- Ледниковое озеро для подготовленных горных туристов
Open now - 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Имеет смыл подняться к озеру и переночевать здесь в палатке (июнь - октябрь), тогда вы точной прочувствуете высокогорье. Обязательна теплая одежда и хороший спальник. Отсюда можно совершать альпинистские восхождения.
Имеет смыл подняться к озеру и переночевать здесь в палатке (июнь - октябрь), тогда вы точной прочувствуете высокогорье. Обязательна теплая одежда и хороший спальник. Отсюда можно совершать альпинистские восхождения. See more..
5.0 Kairakskiy Waterfall (3 reviews)
- Скрытая красота!
Spent More than 3 hours Waterfalls

Очень красивый и зрелищный водопад. Дорога к нему ведет долгая, но очень интересная и красивая, через множество мостиков и переходов через реку. Звук водопада заставляет оглядываться и искать его глазами, но он предстает прямо перед вами лишь за очередным поворотом.
Красивый, мощный, вдохновляющий!
Классно оборудованы смотровые площадки See more..
5.0 Tornado 777 (3 reviews)
- Отличное
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos

The new casino "Tornado 777" brings to your attention more than 180 slot machines, 18 game roulettes, a 24-hour restaurant that includes more than 8 different directions in the kitchen. There is also a hotel with comfortable rooms for different categories of accommodation. Your comfortable stay and positive emotions are our credo! See more..
5.0 Ak Bulak Cable Car (2 reviews)
- Nice view cable car
Spent < 1 hour Trams

We visited Akbulak cable car on January, 2019. We liked it due to nice mountain view and nice mounatin air. See more..
5.0 Sokol Race Track (2 reviews)
- sokol race track
Spent < 1 hour Game & Entertainment Centers

it is a must to visit when somebody is visiting Almaty, u’ve a lot of different car race installations within one circuit See more..
5.0 The Orthodox Church in Zharkent (2 reviews)
- Outside view
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals

Quick look at this beautiful church as we were passing. Worth a detour to visit. Wasn't open, but it was late on a Tuesday, a stroll around the grounds is recommended anyway. See more..
5.0 Pogrebetskogo Peak (2 reviews)
- Climbing Pogrebetsky peak in September
Mountains

See more..
5.0 Architecture and Art Museum Zharkentskaya Mechet (2 reviews)
- Impressive
Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The mosque Zharkent was built in 1887-1892 for the public money collected by the first Guild merchant Uali Ahun Yuldashev. Its architecture, structure and decorations are the building of the Ili Neighborhood, constructed by the method of constructional art of Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The construction and decoration of the mosque was led by the architect Hong Pique (Mukan). See more..
5.0 Upper Kolsai Lake (2 reviews)
- Дикая природа, единение с природой
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

Мы посетили верхнее озеро в рамках многодневного похода в сопровождении с гидом. Оптимально заночевать неподалеку от озера, чтобы проснувшись на заре, увидеть необычайные цвета, которым раскрашивается поверхность воды на восходе солнца. Воздух невероятный, дурманящий запах луговой травы. И ощущение единения с природой. See more..
5.0 Steppesurf (1 review)
- Try this wakesurf
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Surfing & Windsurfing

Nice place to have fun during summer time in Almaty. Suitable for beginners. English speaking trainer. Based in Marina Club. Just 1 hour from city center. See more..
5.0 Museum-Reserve Tamgaly (1 review)
- Amazing place
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited here early on a Sunday morning. We arrived around 9.30. It is about 2 and a half hours drive from Almaty off the road towards Bishkek. There is hardly any signage and when you arrive it doesn’t feel like you are arriving at a world heritage site. There are two yurts and a cash office. We parked our car and then you walk through the 2km of tracks. It is an amazing site and one of the best things I have seen in the Almaty region so far. The petroglyphs are from the 13th and 14th century BC. We spent nearly 3 hours exploring this site. I highly recommend if you get a chance to see the petroglyphs then go see them. See more..
4.5 Lake Issyk (116 reviews)
- Lovely surroundings
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

We had lovely autumn weather to visit this beautiful location. There are great views to keep walkers and photographers happy. It was quite busy with school parties at the start of the walk from the car park to the lake but we soon found a tranquil spot. The toilet and other facilities are poor but that did not distract from a great visit. See more..
4.5 Tamgaly Tas (79 reviews)
- Up close and personal with history
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was an amazing experience. It's not everyday that you have the chance to get up close and personal with history. I took a trip to Tamgaly Tas with my Kazakhstan History and Culture class at University in my study exchange semester. Our guide was really great and informative, and it was just so cool to see these old, old, very old petroglyphs up close. Most areas had no ropes or barriers to keep you a distance away from the rocks. Walking around the area was part of the amazing experience, just imagining people from ages ago drawing these images and living there. I'd totally recommend a trip here!!! Bring water, sunblock, a hat, and some snacks! See more..
4.5 Lake Kaindy (43 reviews)
- Great place to hike and enjoy the nature
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water

I just come from Kazakhstan. It was incredible exploration trip. Why I like Kaindy in winter time is that it's a great time when it not crowded, fresh winter air. First it seemed like I woul never come to Kaiyndy since it took around 1 h to get there. There were riders who were offering their horses. Despite it was a bit challenging I felt great at the end of hiking. The place is wonderful, and has its own charm!! See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Almaty Region (34 reviews)
- Tamgaly / Tanbaly, KZ
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

In addition to ancient settlements and burial sites from the Bronze Age, this mountain gorge contains thousands remarkable rock carvings. See more..
4.5 Turgen Waterfalls (21 reviews)
- Don't expect too much to avoid disappointment
Spent 2-3 hours Waterfalls

To start from the end - the waterfalls are not very impressive, and walking 7-8 km to the Kairak waterfalls and back on the same footpath (total of c. 15 km) could be disappointing if all you want is to reach the waterfalls. However, the path itself along the running river is nice with many flowers and butterflies during August. It's climbing steadily some 400 meters in height, but in a moderate slope, that is becoming steeper in the last kilometer before the waterfall. It took us about 3 hours uphill, and 2 hours downhill (same way). Allow an extra hour or 2 for rest along the way. See more..
4.5 Things to Do in Almaty Region (15 reviews)
- Absolutely breathtaking.... Literally
Waterfalls

This place is absolutely amazing and well worth a visit. It's situated only approximately 30 minutes from the city, easy to locate and hard to get lost in. there is a steady climb of a couple kilometres into the mountains and then a very rough couple kilometres through boulders and stinging nettle. I would highly recommend making sure you wear really good footwear long pants and maybe even bring a long shirt with you. The climb can be a little bit difficult especially if you're not used to the air and altitude so make sure to take breaks. If you're game make sure to jump under the waterfall it's an amazing experience.... See more..
4.5 Zharkent Mosque (12 reviews)
- Hidden gem
Religious Sites

Must see if you are in this part of Kazakhstan, a rare example of a mosque built in the Chinese style. Very quiet for our visit, but we were shown around. Please note it is not used as a mosque now, so no need for headscarf, it is a museum with other exhibits. Well worth a visit. See more..