Almaty, formerly known as Alma-Ata, is the largest city in Kazakhstan and is nestled in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in the southeastern part of the country. While it's no longer the capital (that moved to Astana in 1997), Almaty remains Kazakhstan's vibrant cultural, financial, and scientific hub.


History

Almaty's history dates back to the Bronze Age (1000–900 BC) with early settlements of farmers and cattle-breeders. During the Saka and Wusun periods (700 BC to 1st AD), it was a residence for various tribes and an early educational center. The city flourished as a key trading, craft, and agricultural center along the Silk Road from the 10th to 14th centuries, even having its own mint.
The modern city was founded in 1854 as a Russian military fortification called Verny. Its population grew rapidly with the arrival of the railroad in 1930. Renamed Alma-Ata in 1921 (meaning "father of apples" in Kazakh, a nod to the region's wild apple forests), it became the capital of the Kazakh ASSR in 1929 and then the Kazakh SSR in 1936. After Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, Alma-Ata served as the capital until 1997 when it was relocated to Astana. The city's name was officially changed to Almaty in 2011, reflecting its original Kazakh name.


Culture

Almaty is considered the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, a melting pot of Central Asian, European, and Russian influences.

• Language: Kazakh is the primary language, but Russian is also widely spoken and understood, especially in urban areas.
•  
• Festivals: The city hosts numerous vibrant festivals, including:
  • Nauryz Meyrami: The Kazakh New Year in March, celebrating spring with traditional music, dances, and food.
  • Almaty Film Festival: Held each autumn, showcasing Kazakh cinema.
  • Apple Fest: An autumn celebration of the city's apple heritage, with orchard walks and apple-inspired dishes.
  • Spirit of Almaty Festival: A celebration of Kazakh culture, featuring traditional music, dance, and craftsmanship.
  • Zhetisu Folk Music Festival: Showcases traditional Kazakh music played on ancient instruments like the dombra and kobyz.

 

• Arts and Museums: Almaty boasts a high concentration of higher educational institutions, theaters, and museums. Notable cultural institutions include:
  • Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater
  • A. Kasteev State Museum of Art (one of Central Asia's largest art museums)
  • Almaty Museum (interactive museum on the city's history)
  • Central State Museum of Kazakhstan (covering all periods of the Republic's history)
  • Atlas Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (unique museum dedicated to national musical instruments)
• Cuisine: Almaty offers a diverse culinary scene with Kazakh, Russian, and international cuisines. Traditional dishes like beshbarmak (meat and noodles) are popular.
• Etiquette: When visiting homes or places of worship, it's customary to remove shoes. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon, and modest dress is advisable, especially in formal settings. Elders are highly respected.

Economy

Almaty is the largest economic center of Kazakhstan and a significant financial, scientific, and industrial hub in Central Asia.

• Key Sectors: Trade is a major contributor to Almaty's economy, with robust retail trade. The city is home to the stock exchange and the largest banks in the country.
• Industrial Production: The manufacturing industry is economically significant, including mechanical engineering, light and food industries, and pharmaceuticals. Production of building materials and metal-plastic products is also widespread.
• Investment: Almaty attracts substantial domestic and foreign investment, with significant growth in fixed capital investment.
• Contribution to GDP: Almaty's Gross Regional Product (GRP) has shown strong growth, contributing a significant portion to Kazakhstan's overall GDP.
• Strategic Location: Its favorable geographical location makes it a crucial hub for international transportation networks, including the "Western Europe - Western China" corridor, leveraging its historical role on the Silk Road.
• Tourism: Tourism is a growing industry, with a focus on ecotourism, mountain hiking, river rafting in summer, and skiing in winter.

Geography and Climate

Almaty lies in the northern foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, part of the Tian Shan mountain range, at an elevation of 700–900 meters. This location provides a stunning mountainous backdrop and a relatively mild climate with warm, dry summers and quite cold winters. However, being in a tectonically active area, Almaty has a history of earthquakes and mudslides.
Almaty is known as a "very green city" with numerous parks, gardens, and squares, and its wide tree-lined streets contribute to its beauty. It's also an international sporting center, hosting various events and boasting the Medeu Skating Rink, the highest-altitude ice skating rink in the world.
 
 

From New Delhi (DEL) to Almaty (ALA)
 

• Direct Flights: Air Astana is a key airline offering direct flights from New Delhi to Almaty. IndiGo also offers direct flights.

 

• Flight Duration (Direct): Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 50 minutes.

 

• Connecting Flights: Many other airlines offer connecting flights with layovers in cities like Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates, Flydubai), Tashkent (Uzbekistan Airways), and Istanbul (Turkish Airlines). These flights can take significantly longer, ranging from 8 to over 20 hours depending on the layover.

 

• Frequency: There are multiple direct and connecting flights daily.

 
 
From Mumbai (BOM) to Almaty (ALA)
 

• Direct Flights: Air Astana recently launched direct flights from Mumbai to Almaty, commencing on April 20, 2025, operating three times a week (Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays).

 

• Flight Duration (Direct): Approximately 4 hours 25 minutes.

 

• Connecting Flights: Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Uzbekistan Airways, and Air Arabia offer connecting flights with layovers in their respective hubs. These can range from 9 hours to over 20 hours.

 

• Frequency: With the new direct service, there are now more convenient options, in addition to numerous connecting flights.

 

General Travel Information for Almaty

• Airport: The main airport is Almaty International Airport (ALA).

 

• Visa Requirements: Indian citizens generally require a valid visa to enter Kazakhstan. It's essential to check the latest visa regulations and apply well in advance. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.

 

• Airport Connectivity: Almaty International Airport is well-connected to the city center by taxis, buses, and the Almaty Metro, making it easy to reach your accommodation.

 
 

Activites mentioned are for presentation purpose only,not all activites are covered in the tour due to time & duration constrain.

Nature & Outdoor Adventures:

 

• Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink: Visit the world's highest-altitude ice skating rink. Even if you don't skate, the setting is stunning, and you can climb the "health ladder" (842 steps) for panoramic views.

 

• Shymbulak Ski Resort: Accessible by a gondola from Medeu, Shymbulak offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in winter. In summer, it's a great spot for hiking, mountain biking, and enjoying the alpine scenery.

 

• Big Almaty Lake: A beautiful turquoise alpine lake located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, offering breathtaking views and a popular spot for hiking and photography.

 

• Charyn Canyon: Often called the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia," this spectacular canyon is a few hours' drive from Almaty and offers incredible geological formations, especially the "Valley of Castles."

 

• Kolsai Lakes: A series of three stunning mountain lakes, known for their emerald green waters and surrounded by lush forests. Ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and camping.

 

• Altyn-Emel National Park: Home to the "Singing Dune" (a large dune that emits a low hum in dry weather) and ancient petroglyphs, this national park offers unique desert landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

 

• Hiking in the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains: Numerous trails cater to all levels, from easy walks to challenging treks, offering stunning vistas and fresh mountain air.

Cultural & City Explorations:

 

• Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral): A magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park, famous for being one of the world's tallest wooden buildings constructed without nails.

 

• Central State Museum of Kazakhstan: Explore thousands of historic Kazakh artifacts, offering a deep dive into the country's rich history and culture.

 

• Panfilov Park: A serene park in the city center, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and home to the Zenkov Cathedral and the Eternal Flame memorial.

 

• Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar): A bustling traditional market where you can experience local life, buy fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and traditional Kazakh delicacies. It's a great place for sensory immersion and souvenir hunting.

 

• Kok-Tobe Hill: Take a cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful at sunset. The hill also features a small amusement park, a zoo, and restaurants.

 

• Museum of Folk Musical Instruments: Discover a unique collection of traditional Kazakh musical instruments, some of which you can even hear played.

 

• Abai Kazakh State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre: Catch a performance of traditional Kazakh or classical opera and ballet in this historic and architecturally impressive building.

 

• Arbat Walking Street: A lively pedestrian street with street performers, artists, cafes, and shops, great for an evening stroll.

 

• Central Mosque: Visit one of Central Asia's largest mosques, showcasing beautiful Islamic architecture.

 

• Kazakhstan National Museum: Provides a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan's history, culture, and art.

Other Experiences:

• Try Local Cuisine: Indulge in traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), laghman (noodles with meat and vegetables), shashlik (kebabs), and kumis (fermented mare's milk).

 

• Coffee Shops and Bakeries: Almaty has a thriving cafe culture, with numerous modern coffee shops and traditional bakeries.

 

• Shopping: From modern malls to traditional bazaars, Almaty offers diverse shopping experiences.

DAY 1    

WELCOME TO ALMATY –  QARAGAI MOUNTAIN RESORT

1500 Hrs    Welcome to Almaty – City of a thousand colours! After clearing custom & immigration procedures followed by baggage collection, you will be met by our English-speaking office staff in the arrival’s hall. 

1600 Hrs
Meet & Greet with your tour guide & transfer to the Mountain Resort Oi- Qaragai.

The resort lies in a picturesque mountain gorge and is only a 40-minute drive from Almaty. Upon arriving at Oi Qaragai Mountain resort, one would feel as though you are somewhere in Europe. Surrounded by the virgin nature of the Tien Shan foothills, offering sincere service, Eurasian culture, providing all Guests with the opportunity to get together with the close people, partners, colleagues in active leisure with comfortable living conditions and healthy meals.


1730 Hrs Arrive at the resort & check-in to your rooms. 

Remainder of the day at your leisure to explore the property & it’s surroundings. 
Enjoy dinner at one of 5 restaurants available on the resort territory. (Direct payment)


DAY 2    

OI QARAGAI MOUNTAIN RESORT

Breakfast at the resort. 

Day at leisure at the resort 

Enjoy various activities provided by the resort – 

Paint Ball 
Hiking Tours
Mountain Cart
Archery 
Rope Park 
Climbing Wall Park 
Zip Line 
Horse Riding 
Spa 
Enjoy Lunch at one of 5 restaurants available on the resort territory. (Direct payment)
Enjoy dinner at one of 5 restaurants available on the resort territory. (Direct payment)


DAY 3    
WELCOME TO ALMATY

1545 Hrs    Breakfast at the hotel. 

1200 Hrs

Check-out formalities. You will be met by your English-speaking tour guide and driver. 
Transfer to your city hotel & Check-in. 

1900 Hrs  
 Panfilov Promenade&Arbat walking tour

Evening walk around Panfilov promenade. The promenade which overlooks the Kazakh Opera & Ballet theatre is lined with small shops, eateries, and cafes & beautiful lights. You will enjoy hearing many local musicians singing songs & playing local musical instruments. The tour will end on Arbat street. 

2000 Hrs  
Dinner at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)


2200 Hrs 
Hotel drop-off.


Day 4    ISSYK LAKE |ALMA-ARASAN| FALCON SHOW

Breakfast at the hotel.  

1000 Hrs    Visit to Issyk Lake!!
The Issyk Lake tour is especially designed for all mountain lovers who can first hike to the beautiful cliffs called ‘The Kremlin walls’ and later camp at the lake side taking in the fresh air and scenic beauty. The tour would start by taking you to the spectacular gorges of Trans-Ili- Alatau along the Kuldja tract famous for trade caravans.  In between, you would get a dose on history, as the tour would take you to see the burial mounds of the Saka Period, the Ostrich Farm and the Issyk Barrow. The route would finally take you to Issyk Lake, where you can enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the turquoise water surface and a view of the surrounding area. One can click photographs to seize the moment or can just laze around and read a book or soak in the silence of the natural beauty.

1400 Hrs    Lunch at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

1500 Hrs    Almarasan George
The Almarasan George is inaccessible from the bottem; the bridge on the trail along the river has been washed away. And the trail through the former Almarasan sanatorium is blocked by a private territory guarded by men with machineguns. The private territory stretches for serval tens of hectares.

1700 Hrs    Falcon Show

You visit falcon farm, where it is possible to see an unforgettable show with birds of prey,
and later it will be possible to look at their life, to take a set of pictures and with great.
Mood to return to the city.

2000 Hrs    Dinner at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

2200 Hrs    Hotel drop-off.


Day 5    PANFIOV PARK & ZENKOV CATHEDRAL | KOKTOBE
0700 – 1000 Hrs Breakfast at the hotel.  

1030 Hrs
Panfiov Park &Zenkov Cathedral
Its Almaty’s most popular strolling and picnic places for people of all ages. The Park is named and dedicated to the Panfilov Heroes who were 28 soldiers of an Almaty Infantry. Their memories are etched at the fearsome war memorial east of the Zenkov Cathedral which depict soldiers from all 15 soviet republics on the map of USSR. The Park is lush green area and it’s a good place to sit, rest, relax and see the bustling sights of the city.

‘ZenkovCathedral’, is one of the most beautiful, magnificent and architectural monuments of the city of Almaty with the height of 56 meters and is located in the green Panfilov Park of Almaty. A. Zenkov had supervised the construction of this cathedral in the early 19th century and legend goes that it was built without a single nail. But unfortunately, it’s not true. Although the design is remarkably unique but it’s because of the advanced technological expertise of that time. They used the construction concept of Semi ruche which meant using of reinforced concrete, timber preservation and ventilation.

1400 Hrs
Lunch at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

1730 Hrs
    
Visit to KokeTobe Hill
KokTobe is the highest point in the city of Almaty standing on a 1100 m hill at the south-east edge of the city. It is worth a visit to KokTobe because of its panoramic view of the city from all directions. To reach the KokTobe hill, one should take a cable car ride which starts near Hotel Kazakhstan and goes over some of the oldest parts of Almaty and the magnificent fruit growing gardens. Once you reach the KokTobe hill, you would see the famous 372 m high TV Tower which is visible from far and offers great views of the mountains and the city plus many attractions at the top including many restaurants serving cuisines from across the globe. 

2000 Hrs    Dinner at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

2200 Hrs    Hotel drop-off.

Day 6    SHYMBULAK| GREEN BAZAAR + RAKHAT CHOCOLATE SHOP

0700 – 1000 Hrs    Breakfast at the hotel.  

1000 Hrs    Visit to Shymbulak Mountains
Proceed on an excursion to the beautiful mountain resort of Shymbulak via Gondola to level3and services of our English-speaking guide.

“Shymbulak Ski Resort” is in the beautiful ZailiyskiyAlatau mountain at 2260 above sea level. It is 25 Km from theCityCentreofAlmaty city and has an average temperature of +25C in the summer &-7C in the winter months. The average snowfall is around 1.5M. It is usually very sunny as the average number of sunny days a year can reach 90%. Ski seasonnormally beginning in December and can run in April.

1400 Hrs    Lunch at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

1500 Hrs    Green Bazaar + Rakhat Chocolate Shop
If you are among these, who don’t like to go to a mall and prefer the outdoor market among fresh air and belong to the old-school shopping type, then without wasting any time, head straight towards the Zelyony Bazaar located close to the Paniflov Park in Almaty. Also, known as the Green Market, this market is your typical local market where you can purchase everything starting from meat to spices to fruits to even clothes and furniture. The key to shopping here is that you should have a flair for bargaining, and you can get everything at a very reasonable rate. 

You will be delighted to see the colourful atmosphere and the variety of goods available.

Right next door is the famous Rakhat Chocolate shop. Rakhat which means pleasure in Kazakh is the oldest manufactures of chocolates dating back to almost 70 years. Around 3500 workers work in basically 2 factories, one located in Almaty and one in Shymkent city. They also make chocolates for people suffering from diabetes and their low-calorie products like candies, cookies and waffles are a range among the people and tourists.

2000 Hrs    Dinner at restaurant of your choice. (Direct payment)

2200 Hrs    Hotel drop-off.


Day 7    RETURN HOME

0430 Hrs    Packed breakfast &check-out from the hotel.

It’s time to say good-bye to this beautiful city. Our driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight home or to an onward destination.

Hotel :                      2 N- Qaragai MountainResort & Almaty 
Hotels for choice 4 N : Kazhol park, Kazzhol Almaty,Rahat Palace,Novotel Living palace,Dostyk


UPGRADE TO FULL BOARD
On Request  (Valid for group size of 8 people and above)

UPGRADE TO INTERNATIONAL MEALS
Pay U$ 30 per person/per meal and enjoy delicious international food. (Valid for lunch only from Mon-Fri) – Set Menu

Inclusions:

• Airport meets& greet.
• Chocolates & refreshing napkins served on board your vehicle.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi on board all our vehicles.
• 2 nights stay at Oi-Qaragai Mountain resort in a Treehouse. (Without balcony)
• 4 nights stay as per choice of hotels mentioned above.
• Daily breakfast.
• Dedicated English speaking guide throughout the trip.
• Souvenir upon departure courtesy Kazin Dmc.
• Dedicated private vehicle with driver throughout the trip.
• Vehicle & guide at disposal daily for 12 hours
• (1000 hrs – 2200 hrs) – City portion only
• Sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary above.
• Gondola tickets to Shymbulak – Level 3
• Gondola tickets to KokTobe.
• Falcon Show entrance
• 2 bottles of water daily per person.
• Hotel taxes.

Exclusions:

• 5% Bed tax payable to the hotel at the time of check-in.
• Flights
• Expenses of personal nature
• Meals (unless or otherwise specified)
• GST & TCS (For India only)
• For those who require visa to enter KZ, U$ 85 per person will apply – E-visa eligible countries.
• Prices are calculated as per $1=460 Tg
• Rates are net & non-commissionable.
• Rates are per person on sharing a room basis.
• Above is a sample price and is subject to availability & currency fluctuation.
• Package is based on flight KC908/907 Ex. Delhi.
• Package price are not valid on black-out/exhibition dates.
• 2 Pax cost is based on English speaking driver-cum guide.

SPICE UP YOUR TRIP BY CHOOSING FROM OUR LIST OF ACTIVITIES

S.NO	Activity Name	Price in U$ (Per Person)
1	Private outdoor picnic set-up with lunch near River/Lakeside	On Request
2	Private Pool Party in a Villa	On Request
3	Party in a stretch Limo with music (2 hours)	On Request
4	Party in a stretch Limo with Hostesses & champagne (2 hours)	On Request
5	Paragliding	On Request
6	Go-Karting + Buggy adventure	On Request
7	Double barrel shotgun shooting experience	On Request
8	Night club hopping	On Request
9	3rd Longest Zipline in the world	On Request
10	Ski Learning experience (Dec-Apr)	On Request
11	Snowmobile experience (Dec-Mar)	On Request
12	Ride a Huskie experience (Dec-Mar)	On Request
13	Private Pool Villa party	On request
14	Hot Air Ballooning	On Request
15	River Rafting with BBQ lunch	On Request
16	Yacht Party	On Request
17	Gyro Plane experience	On Request
18	Cessna – Learn to fly a plane	On request

 

*** Shall be communicated before the tour.