Almaty Travel Guide
Set against the snow-capped peaks of the Zailiysky Alatau on Kazakhstan's southern frontier, the cosmopolitan city of Almaty, now home to about 2.3 million people, is a flourishing symbol of Kazakh prosperity. It's a major commercial hub for Central Asia, with its vibrancy evident in 24-hour supermarkets, upscale restaurants, lively nightlife and nearby ski resorts.
Central Almaty is leafy and attractive, full of shops, cafés and parks. Visitors often explore the Presidential Palace, the National Museum and admire the colourful Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral located in Panfilov Park. Upscale shopping tends to mirror Western boutiques, but the Green Market and Barakholka Bazaar offer authentic bargains and an energetic atmosphere.
Almaty is well known as a winter sports destination. Shymbulak, located about 16 miles (25km) south in the Zailiysky Alatau, is the largest ski resort in Central Asia. Smaller nearby resorts such as Ak-Bulak and Tabagan also offer skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, and other cold-weather activities. The Arasan Sauna Centre is a favourite spot during winter, popular with both locals and visitors.
Outdoor adventures are available year-round. Travellers can enjoy horseback riding around the scenic Kolsai Lakes, ride the Koek Toebe cable car to the amusement park at the top, hike through the striking red and orange landscapes of Charyn Canyon, or visit the Tamgaly Petroglyphs. Located about 106 miles (170km) northwest of Almaty, the petroglyph site is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring approximately 5,000 ancient rock carvings dating from the Bronze Age to the 19th century.