Top 10 Must-See Places to Visit in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan that offers stunning scenery, historical sites, and all the sights and sounds of a growing cosmopolitan city. This active city is situated in the foothills of the beautiful Zailiyskiy Alatau range and gives the guests a chance to meet both the spirit of the big city and the quiet mountains. If you are walking through its modern streets, visiting cultural sites, or enjoying travel experiences in the open spaces, Almaty will meet every traveler. This is why Almaty is rapidly taking a place among the most popular touristic destinations in Kazakhstan and inviting tourists from all over the world.
While wandering around this vibrant city, you will come across numerous Almaty tourist attractions that can serve as evidence of the city’s versatility. Almaty has a lot of stories to tell, starting from the top of Kok-Tobe Hill and ending with the cultural centres and bazaars. It also has some of the most picturesque parts of nature, including Big Almaty Lake and the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Outdoor lovers and history enthusiasts will find everything they are looking for in Almaty, making it one of the places you must visit when in Almaty.
In order to get the best out of your trip, here are some of the most interesting travel attractions that are found in Almaty, and each one has its own distinct features. Historical buildings, cultural sites, natural beauty—you name it, you get it. This is a fantastic city to be in. Travelers who intend to visit Kazakhstan should definitely ensure that they visit Almaty. To make your travel as smooth as possible, make sure to apply for your Kazakhstan visa in advance. That is why let us consider the top 10 places to visit in Almaty to make your trip as remarkable as possible.
Here are the Top 10 Must-See Places to Visit in Almaty, Kazakhstan
1. Shymbulak Ski Resort
Located in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountain range Shymbulak is one of the most popular Almaty attractions for skiing and snowboarding. This ski resort has good slopes for learners and the advanced and stands out with the best view of mountains around. Well, even if you’re not into winter sports, the sight from the top is going to leave you in awe. Almaty citizens and guests of the city would gladly include this resort in their list of places to visit during the winter.
2. Medeu Skating Rink
The Medeu Skating Rink is an ice skating rink situated only a little lower than Shymbulak, and it is the highest altitude ice skating rink in the world. This historical landmark has served as the venue for many speed skating record performances and is a fascinating experience if not for the alpine view. It is another place that sums up the best destinations to consider when in Almaty especially for the fun seekers.
3. Panfilov park and Zenkov Cathedral
The Panfilov Park is a park area that is located in the centre of Almaty. It hosts the Zenkov Cathedral – a blend of the wooden structure that is one of the most beautiful samples of Russian Orthodox architecture in Central Asia. The park is good for a walk, and the cathedral is a site to see for anyone interested in history and architecture.
4. Big Almaty Lake
Located not far from the city, Big Almaty Lake is a picturesque high mountain lake that reveals the spirit of Almaty’s landscape. The clear water in combination with the mountains surrounding the area makes it a beautiful experience. This is a perfect place for outing to feel the nature and it is among the places to visit when in Kazakhstan.
5. Kok-Tobe Hill
Kok-Tobe Hill is a famous place which gives an opportunity to see the whole picture of Almaty. It is accessible by a cable car ride which is a ride worth taking in itself! If you find yourself at the top, walk around, visit the television tower or capture the sight of the city. It is an ideal place through which one can view the entire city and all the surrounding area.
6. Almaty Central Mosque
Almaty Central Mosque is a magnificent architectural delight, with white marbles and a warm tint inside and is open to the public. This mosque is not only a place of worship but also a place to look at the work of art. It is highly recommended to everyone who wants to learn more about the cultural and religious potential of Kazakhstan.
7. Green Bazaar
This means that for a true and real feel of the place, it is important to visit the Green Bazaar! This crowded market is full of interesting visuals, audial, and olfactory stimuli and local food, spices, and vegetables. That makes it one of the most unique places in Almaty to taste some of the traditional Kazakh cuisine and buy souvenirs.
8. Museum of Musical Instruments
The Museum of Musical Instruments in Almaty contains an interesting exposition of the traditional instruments of Kazakhstan. This is a great place to learn more about music instruments starting from the ancient stringed instruments, percussion instruments and wind instruments. This is one of the best Almaty tourist places to visit if you are interested in cultural experience.
9. Almaty Opera House
For those people who are fond of theatres and performances, Almaty Opera House is a place to go. The appearance of the building is elegant and the theatre stages operas, ballets, and concerts of classical music. This is an excellent place to watch the performances of the Kazakh non-commercial scene and have a good time in town.
10. Charyn Canyon
Although located a bit deeper into the country, Charyn Canyon is a natural attraction that you should not omit if visiting Kazakhstan. This fabulous geological phenomenon is said to be similar to the Grand Canyon, and it provides very attractive features and trekking adventures. It’s a perfect place for a one-day trip from Almaty as it has totally different types of views.
Conclusion
Thus, Almaty is a city that can provide the guests with a vast variety of exciting experiences, ranging from the contemplation of the natural scenery to the appreciation of the cultural performances. From hiking to the beautiful Big Almaty Lake, visiting the historical building of Zenkov Cathedral, to skiing at Shymbulak, Almaty has it all, making it an incredible city. Since there are so many places that a traveller must visit in Almaty, it is not a wonder that this city is now on the list of the best travel destinations for those who are ready to discover Kazakhstan.
When organizing a tour in Kazakhstan,Kazakhstan you should not skip Almaty. Rich with beautiful views, interesting history, and sights, it is among the most popular places to visit in Kazakhstan. Targeted at tourists of different kinds starting from the lovers of active tourism and finishing with the fans of culture tours, Almaty will not leave you without impressive impressions of your travel. Do not miss all the great and interesting Almaty tourist attractions that make this city unique!
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