Itinerary in Almaty, Without Being a Basic Tourist
Alright, let’s get real: Kazakhstan probably isn’t on your bucket list. But that’s only because you don’t know it better yet. The truth is Almaty has mountains, history, food, and adventure. And the best of all? It is still under the radar. If you’re sick of overpriced, overcrowded ski resorts and over-exposed winter destinations, let me introduce you to your new favourite destination.
Then again, if you’re the kind of traveller who hates wasting time Googling “Itinerary in Almaty,” I got you.
Without further ado, follow my six-day itinerary below, which covers unique experiences like skiing in Shymbulak, riding horses around a frozen lake, hiking through Kazakhstan’s version of the Grand Canyon, ice-skating in the mountains, and sipping on horse milk in a nomadic village!
Getting There with AirAsia X
Getting to Almaty from Kuala Lumpur is so easy now thanks to AirAsia X. They run four flights a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) from Kuala Lumpur, and a round-trip ticket will only set you back MYR1,189/USD249. That’s cheaper than a weekend in Bali, and way more interesting.
AirAsia’s inaugural flight took off on 14 March 2024, and nearly 97,525 people have already boarded the flight, despite the destination remaining low key. Since they have already been let in on the secret, when will it be your turn?
Day 1: Touchdown + First Taste of Almaty
5:40 PM (ALA time): I landed at Almaty International Airport and immediately felt like I stepped into a postcard-perfect winter scenery. Snow-covered trees, crisp air, and that extraordinarily peaceful silence that only exists in cold-weather cities. I checked into ibis Almaty Jetisu, a centrally located hotel equipped with all of the travellers’ essentials.
8:00 PM: For dinner, I went straight to Sandyq, a Kazakh restaurant that looks like an Instagram dreamy shot. Think traditional yurt-style decor, warm lighting, and plates of food big enough that make you wonder where have they been in your life. I dug into a feast of local dishes, took about 50 pictures I’ll never post, and called it a night.
Day 2: Markets, Mosques, and Skating in the Mountains
10:00 AM: Started the day at Almaty Central Mosque, a stunning white-and-gold building that looked straight out of an architecture magazine. The intricate tilework? Chef’s kiss.
10:30 AM: I wandered through Green Bazaar, where the vendors are the real highlight. Want to taste something? Just wait until the sellers shove it into your hands without you even asking. I left with a stomach full of dried fruits, nuts, and a few mystery snacks I still can’t identify.
12:00 PM: After that, I strolled through 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park – Almaty’s version of the world famous Central Park in New York – but with way more history and fewer tourists. At the heart of it stands Ascension Cathedral, an all-wooden Orthodox church that survived earthquakes, wars, and time itself.
1:30 PM: Lunch was at U Afanasicha Restaurant, a cosy little spot where the portions were meant for someone twice my size. No complaint.
3:00 PM: By afternoon, I was gliding (read: struggling) across the ice at Medeo Skating Rink. This isn’t just any rink: it’s the highest open-air skating rink in the world! Olympic athletes actually train here. Meanwhile, I spent most of my time trying not to eat ice.
5:30 PM: Dinner was at Auyl Restaurant, a homey spot where you feel like you’ve been adopted by a Kazakh family. If you want authentic local flavours without any touristy gimmicks, THIS is where you go.
Day 3: Skiing at Shymbulak & Sunset Views at Kok Tobe
If you think Kazakhstan and skiing don’t belong in the same sentence, let me stop you right there. Shymbulak Ski Resort is THAT ski destination, minus the ridiculous price tags of the Alps.
11:30 AM: I took a cable car up to the resort, and let me tell you, the views alone are worth the trip. Snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see! No influencer edits are necessary. Whether you’re a ski pro or just here for the après-ski vibes, this place delivers.
3:30 PM: Lunch was back at U Afanasicha Restaurant, because whenever you find a good spot, you don’t question it, and you go for more than once.
5:40 PM: After lunch, I headed to Kok Tobe, Almaty’s highest point, for a next-level sunset view. There’s also a weird, oversized Beatles monument here, because why not?
6:30 PM: Dinner was at Abay Restaurant, an elegant spot where the food is just as good as the ambience, perfect way to wrap up the day.
Day 4: Charyn Canyon- Kazakhstan’s Own Grand Canyon
7:00 AM: I woke up at 7:00 for the road trip to Charyn Canyon, which is a three-hour drive away. This place is what happens when Mother Nature flexes towering red rock formations, deep valleys, and absolute silence. The kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way possible.
11:00 AM: I hiked through the Valley of Castles, which sounds like something from the Game of Thrones. It’s one of the most surreal landscapes I’ve ever seen.
12:00 PM: Lunch was in Saty Village, a tiny town surrounded by mountains and fresh air so clean it probably added years to my life.
2:00 PM: Then, I headed to Kolsay Lakes, which is in the summer are famous for their crystal-clear reflections of the mountains. In winter? Completely frozen. The lakes were covered in thick ice, creating a vast, untouched landscape that looked like something straight out of Narnia.
4:30 PM: I checked into Kolsay Prestige 4 Hotel, a rustic lodge straight out of a winter fairytale. Dinner was served by the fireplace, and I swear I’ve never slept better in my life.
Day 5: Kaindy Lake & Back to Almaty
10:00 AM: Started the morning at Kaindy Lake, which is even more surreal in winter. Normally, this lake is famous for its eerie underwater forest, with tree trunks sticking out of the water. But in winter, the lake is completely frozen, transforming into a hauntingly beautifully, ice wonderland.
To explore the surrounding area we rode horses through snow-covered trails, making the journey even more magical. Trotting through the quiet, frozen landscape felt like stepping into a scene from an old Kazakh nomadic adventure.
12:30 PM: Lunch was at Baiseit Village, a quite countryside stop before the long drive back to Almaty. Simple food, good company, no complaints.
7:30 PM: Checked-in back to ibis Almaty Jetisu.
Day 6: One Last Culture Fix Before Heading Home
11:00 AM: Before heading to the airport, I made a final stop at Huns Ethno Village. Here, I got a crash course in Kazakh traditions and experienced an incredible horseback performance, where skilled riders showed off their speed and precision in traditional games.
I even learned to make a local fried dough snack from scratch, kneading the dough and frying it until it was golden brown. To top it all off, I tried horse milk, a staple in Kazakh culture, with its slightly tangy and fizzy taste, definitely an acquired flavour but worth the experience.
3:00 PM: Lunch was at Huns Village, where I enjoyed one last local meal before saying goodbye to Kazakhstan. I wasn’t ready to leave, but my 7:00 PM AirAsia flight wasn’t going to wait for me.
Is Almaty Worth It?
YES!!! This city is the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and affordability. If you want a winter destination that isn’t painfully overdone, this is it. Almaty is the answer.
And with AirAsia X making it ridiculously easy and affordable to get here, you really have no excuse. Book that ticket because Almaty is waiting!
Before you go, let me hook you up with more winter magic. My Things to Do in Almaty During Winter guide has all the best spots, from skiing to hidden gems. Check it out here and start planning!
*Gaya Travel Magazine team members express our heartfelt gratitude to AirAsia for making the writer’s trip to Almaty possible and smooth-sailing.
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