The region of Almaty is named after Kazakhstan’s biggest, most vibrant and most pleasant city, the former capital Almaty. The city is a great base to sample some of the magnificent landscapes in the surrounding area.
There are mountains and glaciers, forests, lakes and rivers as well as deserts, lonely rocks, steppe views, rare animals and petroglyphs going back thousands of years.
Table of Contents
Itineraries
Few of the places mentioned in these routes can be reached by public transport. You will need your own transport or the help of a tour operator to reach the most interesting spots.
If you are cycling, see Cycling in Kazakhstan for our recommended cycling route in the Almaty region.
Red route – 4 days
If you don’t have a lot of time, take the red route, which takes in some of the most famous places around Almaty, with a variety of landscapes and a mix of pure nature and village life. You can also do this loop in 3 days in a hurry, or in 5 days if you like to take it easy.
This route will take you along Charyn Canyon (1), Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes (2), Bartogai reservoir and Assy Plateau (3) and Turgen Gorge (4).
Classic tour itineraries will take in Charyn Canyon’s Valley of Castles and the Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes in 2 days. You get to see the main sights, but we do feel you are missing out with this short trip.
Charyn’s territory is huge and there are other canyons to discover, and the slow route along the Assy Plateau is great not only because of the scenery, but also because you can meet shepherds here who make their summer camp on the zhailau mountain meadow – a rarity in Kazakhstan these days.
The Turgen Gorge is a great place for hikes of 1 to 5 days into the Tien Shan, away from the crowds.
Near to Almaty, Esik Lake (5) is more of a weekend getaway lake for locals rather than a must-visit for foreign tourists.
Green route – 6 days
Have a bit more time? Then add the green route for an extra 2-3 days of sightseeing joy. First up is Kapchagay (1), where you can stop to gamble or chill on the beach. Then a short detour to see the Buddha at Tamgaly Tas (2).
If you are really keen, you can then visit Besshatyr (3) to see the Scythian burial mounds, and possibly some animals, but most people prefer to head straight to Altyn Emel’s main sights (4). Most tours then head straight towards the Chundzha hot springs (7) before rejoining the red loop, but if you want, you can add the pagoda-shaped mosque of Zharkent (6) to your itinerary as well.
Blue route – 9 days
Got even more time? Want to get off the tourist trail? History and nature lovers will enjoy this extra loop that takes in the Tamgaly petroglyphs (1), the Taukum desert (2) and Balkhash lake (3).
The 9 days we counted includes the green and red route, but you could also just do the blue loop on its own, of course.
Remote destinations
In the far eastern corner of the province, where Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and China meet, stands Khan Tengri at 7010 m. It is usually approached from Kyrgyzstan’s Inylchek glacier, but you can try from the Kazakh side as well.
The area leading up to it is called Bayankol. If the border with Kyrgyzstan would not be there, this area would see tons of trekkers coming from Karakol. Instead, DIY trekkers have the place to themselves, even though you can now visit without the need for a permit.
Close to the border with China lies another mountain range, the Dzhungarian Alatau. Most will be satisfied with the mountains around Almaty, but if you want it a bit wilder, this is the place for you. Tekeli and Qapal are the usual entry points. In the back yards of Sarkand and Lepsy, though, wild apple trees with sublime genomes grow, seducing botanists.
If you are going to China, you can stop over in Zharkent for its curious mosque, or shop yourself mad in the Khorgos ICBC. If you are taking the more northerly exit to China, you can pass by Lake Alakol for a little beach holiday.
Tours
We work together with 2 tour operators (and their teams) in the Almaty Region: Indira and Asya & Alexey. We are always discussing and fine-tuning itineraries together. Below you can find a curated list of tour templates.
Next destinations
- The South: Medieval mausoleums, and national parks sheltering tulips, birds, mountains and bears
- The North: Kazakhstan’s brash new capital stands in stark contrast to modest Altai
- The West: Oil towns and stark desert landscapes, this is a geologist’s dream
- The Center: Remote steppe oddities of niche interest
Almaty region also borders Kyrgyzstan’s northern region (Bishkek) and beautiful Issyk-Kul. Or you might be heading to China.
More on Kazakhstan
- The basics
- Transport
- Regions