Almaty, Kazakhstan is an incredibly beautiful and unique destination that is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for any traveler. Located in the foothills of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, the city is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including apple and cherry orchards, lush green valleys, and snow-capped mountain peaks. As the former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, home to a wide variety of cultural attractions, such as the National Museum of Kazakhstan, Central State Museum, and the iconic Radostovets Tower.
Almaty also boasts some of the best outdoor activities in the world. There are plenty of hikes, biking trails, and nature reserves to explore, as well as alpine skiing resorts and a variety of other outdoor activities. The city is also home to numerous public parks, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Almaty is also a great destination for foodies. From traditional Kazakh dishes to international cuisine, the city offers something for everyone. The city also boasts a bustling nightlife, with a wide range of pubs, clubs, and bars to choose from.
No matter what you’re looking for, Almaty is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Medeu District: This district is located at the foothills of the Alatau Mountains and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is home to the Medeu High Altitude Skating Rink, the Kumbel Ski Resort, the Shymbulak Ski Resort, and the Almaty Zoo.
2. Bostandyk District: This district is known for its shopping centers, restaurants, and nightclubs, and is one of the more affluent areas of the city. It is also home to the Almaty Central Stadium and the National Museum.
3. Auezov District: This district is home to the International University of Information Technologies and the Almaty Financial Center. It is also the site of the new Almaty Tower, which is a modern skyscraper that offers great views of the city.
4. Dostyk District: This district is home to many of the city's universities and is a popular student area. It is also home to the Kazakh State Circus, the Almaty Central Mosque, and the Kazakhstan National Library.
5. Almalinsky District: This district is located on the banks of the Malaya Almatinka River and is known for its parks, monuments, and churches. It is also home to the Palace of the Republic and the Kazakhstan State Opera and Ballet Theater.
1. Central State Museum – Located in the heart of Almaty, this museum is the largest museum in Kazakhstan and showcases the culture, history, and heritage of the country.
2. Kok Tobe Tower – Built on the top of a mountain, this tower offers a stunning view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It also houses a variety of attractions such as a dinosaur park, a petting zoo, and a cable car.
3. Panfilov Park – This large park is home to a variety of monuments, sculptures, and historical sites. It also includes a lake and several gardens.
4. Medeo Ski Resort – Located just outside of Almaty, this ski resort is the largest in Central Asia and offers a variety of ski runs, trails, and lifts.
5. Chimbulak Ski Resort – Another popular ski resort located near Almaty, Chimbulak offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities and is surrounded by stunning mountain views.
1. Beshbarmak: This traditional dish is made up of boiled noodles and large chunks of boiled mutton or beef, served with a side of onion sauce.
2. Kazy: This dish is made from horse meat that is smoked and then boiled, served with a side of steamed potatoes.
3. Pilaf: This popular rice dish is cooked with a variety of ingredients such as meats and vegetables, and is often served with a side of meat or fish.
4. Lagman: This noodle dish is a combination of boiled noodles, vegetables, and meat, and is usually served with a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
5. Manti: These steamed dumplings are filled with either meat or potatoes and are served with a side of sour cream and garlic sauce.