Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains, Almaty is one of Central Asia’s most stunning destinations. With a rich history spanning centuries, a wealth of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures, and an alluring mix of modern and traditional styles, the city offers visitors an incredible array of experiences. If you’re planning a trip to Almaty and want to make the most of your time, check out our guide to the three best day tours in the city. Whether you’re interested in exploring the local history, learning about the region’s natural wonders, or sampling its vibrant cuisine, these tours are sure to be the highlight of your visit to Almaty.

The 3 Best Day Tours in Almaty

1. Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, via Charyn canyon. Private Day Tour from Almaty
2. Altyn Emel. Singing dune and Aktau mountains 2 days tour
3. 1 Day Tour: Tamgaly Petroglyphs

The 3 Best Day Tours in Almaty

1. Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, via Charyn canyon. Private Day Tour from Almaty

Nature-loving travelers will surely appreciate the chance to explore some of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural wonders through a private day tour from Almaty. This exclusive tour will take you to the beautiful Charyn Canyon, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore for a few hours, taking in the breathtaking views and beautiful surroundings. Afterward, you’ll visit a traditional Kazakh village, Saty, where you can experience the local way of life firsthand. You’ll also get to see the stunning Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, which offer unparalleled natural beauty. With personalized attention and an air-conditioned vehicle to travel in, you’ll have a comfortable journey, and all national park entry fees, lunch, dinner, water, and refreshments are included. This private tour offers an exclusive and unforgettable way to explore some of Kazakhstan’s most beautiful natural spots.

2. Altyn Emel. Singing dune and Aktau mountains 2 days tour

Explore the majestic Altyn Emel National Park on a 2-day tour that takes you to the remarkable Singing Dune and the fascinating Aktau Mountains. This private tour/activity is operated by FrozenRocks Backcountry Adventures and includes breakfast, dinner, and two lunches. Pickup is available at designated points, times varying per confirmation with the local provider. As this experience requires moderate physical fitness, it is not wheelchair accessible but service animals and strollers are permitted. You can cancel the booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and changes made within 24 hours of the start time will not be accepted. Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Almaty with the Altyn Emel. Singing Dune and Aktau Mountains 2 Days Tour.

3. 1 Day Tour: Tamgaly Petroglyphs

Our 1 Day Tour to Tamgaly Petroglyphs offers an unforgettable experience exploring the ancient rock carvings located in the nearby mountainside. The tour includes a pickup from any address in Almaty at 7:00 AM in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. During the tour, guests will enjoy a delightful lunch and bottled water provided by the tour company. The tour is suitable for most travelers and infant seats are available upon request. Please note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller accessible and near public transportation. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking and guests have up to 24 hours in advance to cancel for a full refund. Join us on this memorable day tour and discover the Petroglyphs of Tamgaly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Almaty

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, located in the southern part of the country, at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains. It is the major commercial, cultural, and educational center of Kazakhstan welcoming millions of tourists each year. In this blog post, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Almaty, its attractions, climate, culture, and more. Let’s start.

What is the Best Time to Visit Almaty?

The best time to visit Almaty is from April to October, as the city offers warm and sunny weather during this period. The temperature during the summer months, from June to August, can reach up to 30°C (86°F) with little or no rain. However, if you are interested in winter sports, then Almaty can be visited in winter, from November to March, when the weather is cold and there is a lot of snow making it perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

What are the Must-See Attractions in Almaty?

Almaty has a lot of must-see attractions that are worth visiting. Some of them include:

• Medeu Ice Skating Rink
• Chimbulak Ski Resort
• Kok Tobe Mountain
• Ascension Cathedral
• Zenkov Cathedral
• Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
• Almaty Opera House
• Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments
• Green Market

What is the Climate like in Almaty?

Almaty has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature during the summer months, from June to August, is 25°C (77°F), while in the winter months, from November to March, the average temperature drops to -4°C (25°F). It is important to note that Almaty experiences occasional earthquakes due to its location on a seismic belt.

What are the Main Cuisines of Almaty?

Almaty offers a diverse culinary scene with traditional Kazakh, Russian, and Central Asian cuisines being the main culinary influences. Some popular dishes in Almaty include:

• Beshbarmak – boiled meat with noodles and vegetables
• Pelmeni – meat dumplings
• Manti – steamed dumplings with lamb or beef filling
• Shashlik – grilled meat skewers
• Chak-chak – a sweet pastry made from fried dough and honey
• Boortsog – fried dough with sugar or honey

What is the Currency in Almaty?

The currency in Almaty is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). Most stores and restaurants in Almaty accept credit and debit cards, but it is always a good idea to carry some cash since some smaller establishments may only accept cash.

Is Almaty a Safe City for Tourists?

Almaty is considered a safe city for tourists. However, as with any large city, you need to exercise common sense when traveling. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be careful with your belongings in crowded places. It is also a good idea to keep a copy of your passport and other important documents in a safe place.

What are the Main Festivals and Events in Almaty?

Almaty hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including:

• Almaty Urban Forum
• Almaty Wine Festival
• Almaty Jazz Festival
• Almaty Marathon
• International Festival of Contemporary Art
• International Film Festival “Eurasia”

How to Get to Almaty?

The easiest way to get to Almaty is by plane. Almaty International Airport welcomes flights from major cities around the world, including Moscow, Dubai, Istanbul, Beijing, and Frankfurt, among others. You can also reach Almaty by train from neighboring countries, including Russia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

What is the Local Language in Almaty?

The official language of Kazakhstan is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken, and it is the most common language used in Almaty. English is not very common, but most tourist areas and hotels have English-speaking staff.

What is the Time Zone in Almaty?

Almaty is in the Almaty Time Zone (ALMT), which is 6 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+6).

Conclusion

Almaty is a beautiful and fascinating city that has a lot to offer to tourists. From its stunning natural attractions to its rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary scene, there are plenty of reasons to visit this city. We hope this blog post has answered some of your questions and helped you plan your Almaty trip. Remember to follow common-sense safety precautions, and you are sure to have a fantastic time in Almaty.

The 3 Best Day Tours in Almaty: Frequently Asked Questions

Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, offering a variety of touristic spots and breathtaking views. With so many exciting options to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which tours to take, especially if you’re on a tight schedule. To help you out, here are the most frequently asked questions about the three best day tours in Almaty.

1. What is the “Big Almaty Lake Tour,” and why is it considered one of the best day tours in Almaty?

The Big Almaty Lake Tour is a day trip that will take you to the stunning Big Almaty Lake, which is located 28.5 km southeast of Almaty. This lake is one of the most popular touristic spots in Kazakhstan due to its turquoise water and breathtaking mountain scenery.

The tour usually starts early in the morning, and it takes around four hours to reach the lake by car. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning nature views, including the mountains and the Almaty Water Reservoir. The tour also includes a visit to the Cosmo Station, home to telescopes that are used for scientific purposes.

2. What is the “Charyn Canyon Tour,” and why is it considered one of the best day tours in Almaty?

The Charyn Canyon Tour is a day trip that takes you to the stunning Charyn Canyon, which is located 200 km east of Almaty. The Charyn Canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon’s little brother due to its unique rock formations.

The tour usually starts early in the morning, and it takes around three hours to reach the Charyn Canyon by car. During the tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon, hike along the canyon’s rim, and visit the Valley of Castles, where you can explore unique rock formations that resemble medieval castles.

3. What is the “Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Tour,” and why is it considered one of the best day tours in Almaty?

The Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall Tour is a day trip that takes you to the stunning Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall, located in the Turgen Gorge, 70 km east of Almaty. The Issyk Lake is a beautiful lake known for its turquoise water and stunning mountain scenery. The Turgen Waterfall is a 30-meter-high waterfall located in a picturesque forested valley.

The tour usually starts early in the morning, and it takes around two hours to reach the Issyk Lake by car. During the tour, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake, hike to the Turgen Waterfall, and visit the Turgen Gorge. Along the way, you’ll also get to see unique fauna and flora, as well as learn about Kazakh culture and traditions.

4. How much do these day tours cost, and how can I book them?

The cost of these day tours varies depending on the tour operator and the number of people in the group. However, on average, the tours cost around $50 to $100 per person, which may or may not include lunch.

To book these tours, you can either book directly with a tour operator or book through a travel agency. We recommend doing your research in advance to find a reputable tour operator or agency that suits your needs and budget.

5. What should I bring with me on these day tours?

We recommend bringing comfortable shoes or hiking boots, warm clothing, sunscreen, water, a camera, and some snacks. The weather in Almaty can change rapidly, so it’s always better to be prepared for any scenario.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the three best day tours in Almaty. We highly recommend going on these tours if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience while in Kazakhstan. From stunning lakes to unique canyons and waterfalls, there’s no shortage of breathtaking sights to explore in Almaty. Don’t forget to book your tour in advance and prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime!