I went to Almaty mainly to trek. I wanted to hike somewhere new, in a country I had not explored before. I travelled with my sisters, and over nine days we explored the city, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, canyon landscapes, and mountain resorts around Almaty. What I did not expect was to come back thinking less about the treks themselves and more about the destination as a whole – how easy this Almaty trip from India actually was, and the potential I see for Kazakhstan among Indian travellers in the next few years. But it’s not just the scenery. I liked the city too – the people, the greenery, the gardens, tasty Indian food, and the overall vibe of Almaty.
Almaty is clean, spacious, and well-planned, with wide roads, large gardens, and many university areas. I also found the city young and lively, and the people we interacted with were warm and welcoming. The city also has a strong family-oriented character while still feeling open and progressive. For Indian travellers, another big advantage is the food. Almaty has many Indian restaurants. We tried South Indian food, Punjabi food, vegetarian food, and other Indian dishes. We also felt safe and comfortable moving around the city throughout our trip.
We started our mountain trip at Shymbulak.
The three-stage cable car ride was an experience in itself. During our summer visit, we could also see the glacier from the upper section. We had planned to walk towards the glacier using sticks and crampons, but there was construction work, so we could only go up to the base. That was a bit disappointing.
Still, Shymbulak is worth visiting and is popular for skiing and hiking in the Almaty mountains.
For me, the waterfall itself was not the main highlight. The walk was. It was a nice climb through the forest, but I would suggest this more for young, fit travellers than for elderly people. Good walking shoes are a must.
Issyk Lake was another place I really enjoyed.
The emerald-coloured water, conifer trees and mountains around the lake immediately reminded me of Canada. It was one of those places where the natural surroundings were the main experience.
This was probably the toughest part of our whole trip.
We chose to explore the Big Almaty Lake area as a trek with a group of fellow hikers. It was much more challenging than I expected. So my advice is simple: this trek is good for regular hikers or people who can handle a moderately tough trek. I would not suggest it for someone who just wants easy sightseeing.
But was it worth it? Yes.
The views were beautiful, and reaching the lake after such a climb made the experience even more memorable.
Alma Arasan was crowded when we went, but I would still recommend including it in an Almaty itinerary. The forest, the flowing river and the whole natural setting make it a lovely place to relax. I feel this place would look even more beautiful in autumn.
Charyn Canyon was another place I did not want to miss.
The rock formations and landscape were impressive, and the overall scale reminded me of the Grand Canyon. Walking down was easy. The hard part was climbing back up in the midday heat. The good news is you do not have to walk the whole way. Eco-vehicles are available – depending on the route and current operating arrangements. Also, people who do not want to walk can still enjoy the canyon views from the top.
For me, Charyn Canyon is definitely an experience worth including in your trip to Almaty.
Kolsai was beautiful, but this is also where I feel travellers need to plan carefully.
The lake itself was lovely but the challenge was with the travel arrangements and stay. The property had a great location, but the service and upkeep did not meet the level of comfort I would expect from a premium holiday. At the property where we stayed, there were around 250 steps to the dining area and another 250 or so towards the lakeside. So I would not suggest this kind of stay for anyone with walking or mobility problems.
If you want to stay around Kolsai, I would suggest looking at Saty village as another option.
Oi-Qaragai was quite different from our other trekking spots.
It is a mountain resort where you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you like. There are zip lines, ski lifts and chairs, a luge ride, hiking trails, shooting activities and play areas. There are also different stay options, like treehouses, chalets, log cabins, yurts and regular hotel rooms. Indian food options are limited here, so it is best for those who do not mind trying other cuisines.
A few honest points, because I think this matters more than another list of attractions:
I feel Almaty can work for many different kinds of travellers.
Families can enjoy the mountain resorts and activities, while honeymooners who like mountains, nature and winter snow can have a lovely time. Youngsters and regular hikers will find plenty of trekking and adventure options. Even seniors with average walking ability can enjoy Almaty, as long as they skip the tougher hikes.
I went to Almaty mainly for trekking, but I came back thinking about the destination in a very different way. What stayed with me was not just the mountains and lakes, but how easily the city, nature and adventure can come together in one holiday.
When I visited Almaty, I got the same feeling I had about Turkey when we visited in 2010. It felt like a destination that Indian travellers were yet to discover in a big way.
Planning your own Almaty holiday? At Flamingo Travels, we can help you plan a trip around your interests, whether you are looking for trekking, scenic stays, or a more relaxed holiday.
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Yes. Almaty is easy to reach from India, offers visa-free short stays for Indian citizens, and has good Indian food in the city.
A direct flight from Mumbai to Almaty takes approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Indian citizens can currently visit Kazakhstan without a visa for short stays of up to 14 days per visit, subject to the latest entry rules. It is best to check the current requirements before travelling.
Yes. The Almaty region has both easy nature walks and challenging trekking routes. Choose a trail that matches your fitness level and experience.
Yes. Almaty offers a mix of nature, activities and scenic stays, making it suitable for different travel styles.
Popular options include Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake, Issyk Lake, Alma Arasan, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake.
Also Read: Best Places to Travel with Kids: 10 Family-Friendly International Destinations
I graduated in commerce from Bombay University and run a family-owned business where we believe in transparency, trust, knowledge distribution and provide quality tours to our customers. According to me “Customers are our brand ambassadors and employees are our biggest Strength”. I also believe that “Travel brings knowledge, Knowledge brings opportunity and Opportunity brings prosperity”. With God’s grace was awarded the “Best Female Entrepreneur of India” by Tourism awards Gujarat. And currently, I am actively involved in key decisions and itinerary staff management in the travel industry.
