Almaty

Almaty · 5 nights

Where the Steppe Meets the Sky.

The Journey

Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country, mostly steppe. Almaty is the exception: pressed against the mountains, the city that was Kazakhstan's capital until 1997. Tree-lined boulevards, Soviet-era civic architecture, excellent food, and a mountain backdrop that makes every clear morning theatrical.

The Zailiyskiy Alatau range, the northernmost edge of the Tien Shan system, begins effectively at Almaty's southern boundary. Medeo (1,691m) is a gateway valley; Shymbulak sits at the base of actual ski terrain. Issyk Lake, 70km east at 1,760m, offers turquoise water, pine forest, and silence.

For Indian travellers specifically: exotic landscape, manageable weather, Indian food at every meal, a city that does not overwhelm.

Signature Highlights

Medeo & Shymbulak - The Tien Shan Gateway
Issyk Lake
Kok Tobe Cable Car & Panorama
Almaty City Heritage
Green Bazaar & Rakhat

Your Experiences

Moments shaped just for you

Medeo & Shymbulak - The Tien Shan Gateway
Medeo: famous high-altitude sports complex at 1,691m. Cable car to Shymbulak adds 569m elevation in minutes; the view from 2,260m is the defining image of an Almaty journey.
Issyk Lake
Formed by a landslide ~10,000 years ago, 70km east of Almaty in the Trans-Ili Alatau. At 1,760m, the air is noticeably thinner and cooler; turquoise water; restorative silence.
Kok Tobe Cable Car & Panorama
Forested peak at 1,100m directly above the city; six-minute cable car ride; communications tower holding the record for world's highest TV tower from sea level.
Almaty City Heritage
Wooden Ascension Cathedral (1904, earthquake-resistant, built without nails), Brutalist Republic Square, ornate Soviet-era Opera House, green boulevards.
Green Bazaar & Rakhat
Central covered market with strong produce, spices, dried fruits, honey. Rakhat chocolate factory shop nearby, operating since 1942.

Day by day

Your Itinerary

6 days

01
Day 1 · Almaty
Airport transfer to hotel
Airport transfer to hotel; check-in 3pm; dinner at Indian restaurant. Evening free.
- Airport transfer to hotel
- Check-in 3pm
- Dinner at Indian restaurant
- Free
Meals:
B
02
Day 2 · Almaty
Central State Museum, Presidential Residence, Republic…
Central State Museum, Presidential Residence, Republic Square/Independence Monument, Abai Opera and Ballet Theatre; afternoon: Rakhat Chocolate Factory shop, Green Bazaar, 19th-century Verneny-era buildings.
- Central State Museum, Presidential Residence, Republic Square/Independence Monument,…
- Rakhat Chocolate Factory shop, Green Bazaar, 19th-century Verneny-era buildings
Meals:
B
03
Day 3 · Almaty
Cable car ascent from Medeo through Shymbulak ski resort
Cable car ascent from Medeo (1,691m) through Shymbulak ski resort (2,260m); Medeo dam; afternoon: Panfilov Park heritage (Ascension Cathedral, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Museum of Folk Musical Instruments).
- Cable car ascent from Medeo (1,691m) through Shymbulak ski resort (2,260m)
- Medeo dam
- Panfilov Park heritage (Ascension Cathedral, Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Museum of…
Meals:
B
04
Day 4 · Almaty
70km east in the Trans-Ili Alatau
70km east in the Trans-Ili Alatau; turquoise mountain lake at 1,760m surrounded by pine forest and granite peaks.
- 70km east in the Trans-Ili Alatau
- Turquoise mountain lake at 1,760m surrounded by pine forest and granite peaks
Meals:
B
05
Day 5 · Almaty
Central Park
Central Park (100 hectares); afternoon: Kok Tobe by cable car (1,100m), world's highest TV tower from sea level, city panorama, souvenir market.
- Central Park (100 hectares)
- Kok Tobe by cable car (1,100m), world's highest TV tower from sea level, city…
Meals:
B
06
Day 6 · Almaty
Free morning
Free morning; transfer to Almaty Airport. Flights not included in ground package.
- Free morning
- Transfer to Almaty Airport
- Flights not included in ground package
Meals:
B

Inclusions

5 Nights / 6 Days
Tien Shan Mountains
Cable Car Included
Indian Meals Throughout
English-Speaking Guide

Not included

International airfare unless explicitly mentioned
Visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses
Meals and experiences not listed
Gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff

Transfers

Private airport transfers and inter-city ground movement
Meet-and-greet at every airport with a dedicated host

Visa & Documentation

Visa guidance provided by our documentation desk
Passport valid for 6+ months recommended

Common Questions

Is Almaty suitable for families with children?+

Very much so. Gorky Park's amusement area, Kok Tobe cable car, Issyk Lake, and the Medeo-Shymbulak ascent all work well. The entirely Indian meal plan removes food anxiety entirely.

How high is Shymbulak? Will altitude affect us?+

Shymbulak sits at 2,260m, enough to notice lighter air for those not accustomed to altitude. We recommend ascending slowly and drinking water throughout the day. Most guests experience no significant difficulty.

Are there any language challenges?+

Kazakh and Russian are primary; English limited outside hotels. Our full-time English-speaking guide handles all restaurant communication and logistics.

Can we extend into the Kazakh steppe or other regions?+

Kazakhstan beyond Almaty (the steppe, Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Turkestan) can be incorporated as extensions. Speak to our specialists.

How far in advance should we book?+

Three to four months ahead gives the widest choice of rooms and guided days, and more for school holidays, festivals and peak season. Shorter notice is often possible; ask and we will check live availability.

Can the itinerary be customised?+

Yes. Every journey is a starting point: add or remove nights, swap a day's plan, change hotels or reorder the route, and your travel specialist re-plans the whole trip around it.