The city
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Kok Tobe and its cable car | A cable car from the centre to a hill with views over Almaty and the mountains. | City centre |
| Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral | A large park with a colourful wooden cathedral at its centre that survived the 1911 earthquake. | City centre |
| Almaty Central Mosque | One of Kazakhstan's largest mosques, with a blue dome and white minarets. | North of the centre |
| The Green Bazaar | A market of dried fruit, nuts, honey and local food. | City centre |
The mountains
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Medeu and Shymbulak | An ice rink in the valley, and a cable car up to the Shymbulak ski resort. | About 30 minutes from the centre |
| Big Almaty Lake | A turquoise lake at about 2,500 metres among the peaks. | Private cars are banned; go by tour or shuttle |
Further afield
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Charyn Canyon | A deep red canyon with castle-like rocks, often called the “little Grand Canyon”. | About 3 hours |
| The Kolsai lakes | Three lakes among pine forests and mountains. | About 5 hours; best with a night there |
| Lake Kaindy | A lake with the trunks of a sunken forest rising from turquoise water. | Near Kolsai |
Tips before you go
- Saudis can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days, registering on QazETA before travel.
- Summer is for the lakes and mountains, winter for skiing at Shymbulak.
- Allow a night on the road for Kolsai and Kaindy, as the distance is long.
Hotels in Almaty
Flights to Almaty
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Almaty?
Big Almaty Lake, Medeu and Shymbulak, Kok Tobe, Zenkov Cathedral, the Central Mosque, the Green Bazaar, Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai lakes.
How do I get to Big Almaty Lake?
On an organised tour or shuttle, as private cars are banned on its road.
How far is Charyn Canyon from Almaty?
About 3 hours by car.
Planning your trip to Kazakhstan? Read Travel to Kazakhstan from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.