Almaty and the mountains
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Big Almaty Lake | A turquoise lake between snowy peaks, one of the finest sights in Central Asia. | The road is closed to private cars, and swimming is banned |
| Medeu and Shymbulak | A high-altitude ice rink in the mountains, and a cable car to the Shymbulak resort for skiing in winter and views in summer. | About 30 minutes from central Almaty |
| Kok Tobe | A cable car from the city centre to a view over Almaty and the mountains, with rides for children. | Almaty |
Canyons and lakes
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Charyn Canyon | A red rock canyon reminiscent of the Grand Canyon, with a path between the rocks. | About 3 hours from Almaty |
| The Kolsai lakes and Lake Kaindy | Mountain lakes among spruce forests; Kaindy has trees standing in the water. | About 5 hours from Almaty |
Astana
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Bayterek tower | The capital's symbol, with views over Astana's modern towers. | Astana |
| Hazrat Sultan Mosque | One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, with white domes. | Astana |
| Khan Shatyr | A huge mall shaped like a transparent tent, with an indoor beach. | Astana |
Tips before you go
- Saudis enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days, with the QazETA electronic entry permit.
- The best time is May to September, and December to February for skiing.
- The roads to the canyons and lakes are long, so a tour by car with a driver suits them best.
Hotels in Almaty
Flights to Almaty
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Kazakhstan?
Big Almaty Lake, Medeu and Shymbulak, Kok Tobe, Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes, and the Bayterek tower in Astana.
Can I drive to Big Almaty Lake?
The road is closed to private cars; you reach it on foot, by bike or with the drivers who are allowed through.
Do Saudis need a visa for Kazakhstan?
No, visa-free for up to 30 days, with the QazETA electronic entry permit.
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.