One Perfect Day in Almaty from Mountains to City lights
Description
Experience the best of Almaty in one perfect day — from alpine peaks to city streets. Start high above the city at Medeu, the world's highest skating rink, then ride up to Shymbulak mountain resort for breathtaking views of the Tian-Shan peaks. Watch the city stretch out below as you breathe in the fresh mountain air. Back in the city, explore Panfilov Park and the stunning wooden Ascension Cathedral, one of the few tsarist-era buildings still standing. Stroll through the vibrant Green Bazaar for local flavors and Kazakh treats. Stop by the famous Rakhat Confectionery — the sweet heart of Almaty since 1942. Finish at Kok Tobe hill for panoramic views of the city at its best. A lunch stop is included — time to taste local Kazakh cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Private Tour: Same full-day route for your group only — flexible pace, personal attention, no strangers. Hotel pickup from 8 AM. Maximum 8 people per group.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Medeu is a famous outdoor ice skating rink located in the mountains near Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is one of the highest ice rinks in the world, situated at an altitude of about 1,691 meters above sea level. Medeu was built in 1972 and has become a symbol of Almaty.
Enjoy with the view to Shymbulak mountain resort, which is located just 20 minutes from city. Visit 3200meters high mountain just with cable car. You can also take ski lessons there
The square was created by the decision of the first secretary of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan. It was opened in 1975 and in 1980 officially became the main square of the capital of Kazakhstan.
Panfilov Park is one of the most famous and beautiful parks in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is located in the city center and is named after the Panfilov Heroes a group of 28 soldiers who fought bravely in World War II. The park is a popular place for both locals and tourists to relax, walk, and enjoy nature.
In the middle of the park stands the Zenkov Cathedral, a wooden Orthodox church built without any nails, which is one of the main attractions of Almaty. The park also has monuments, fountains, and wide alleys surrounded by trees and flowers.
The Green Bazaar (also known as Zelyony Bazaar) is one of the most famous and lively markets in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It is located near Panfilov Park, in the heart of the city. The market has been a traditional trading place for many years and is popular among both locals and tourists.
Kok Tobe offers stunning panoramic views over Almaty. The best time to visit is 30–60 minutes before sunset for golden light and colorful skies. As the sun sets, the city lights create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You can choose nearest hotel from list. We will send you all information of pick up and transport the day before the tour. We will pick-up you from your hotel with our mini bus or send you taxi. You will come to nearest hotel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(33)
I had a lovely experience with Ayau as our tour guide in Kazakhstan for the city tour! She is bubbly, warm, and very easy to talk to, which made the tour feel comfortable and enjoyable. She shared many interesting local stories and insights about Kazakhstan, giving us a much better understanding of the country and its culture. Ayau is also very knowledgeable about the history of Kazakhstan and explained things in a way that was engaging and easy to follow. The pacing of the tour was just right. We never felt rushed, and there was enough time to enjoy each place. She was also incredibly helpful whenever we had additional requests during the trip and was always happy to assist. Overall, Ayau was a fantastic guide and really made our experience in Kazakhstan more memorable :)
At the agreed time, I was picked up punctually at the hotel by the tour guide Batyrkhan. The itinerary followed the described program and Batyrkhan always provided our travel group with all kinds of information about the country and its people. Anyone staying in Almaty should definitely take part in this excursion. A big thank you to Batyrkhan for the all-around successful day. 👍
Ayau, our guide, was very knowledgeable about the deep history of Almaty and Kazakhstan. She is friendly, personable and well informed. Some of our highlights was the Shymbuluk Mountain, the Ascension Cathedral and the Green Bazaar. I recommend this tour as well as Ayau as your guide.
Fantastic. Also booked an your till and the manager of the company was amazingly helpful. Very warmly recommended
Didi was very friendly. Felt like we were being taken about by a friend instead of a guide. We took Yandex from place to place since it was just the 3 of us. Ended up doing something outside of the itinerary which was to tide the metro to every station to see all the beautiful decorations in every one.
It was a great experience throughout the whole process. The manager contacted me a day prior to the tour to check the pickup address, then provided the time for the pick up. The car arrived on time. Damira, our guide, was very energetic, positive and informative. We had a great time as a group. I highly recommend this provider.
Naz was a great guide. Knowledgeable and kind. The tour included the highlights of Almaty. Naz explanations were light but complete
I ended up doing this tour privately because not enough people had booked for the date I was in Almaty. It was well worth the extra cost! I booked it last minute and the company contacted my quickly by WhatsApp, and they were very helpful in sorting out the change to the private booking. My guide Nurzhan was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and it honestly felt like hanging out with a friend all day rather than being on a tour. It was definitely useful to have the guided experience, especially as a woman traveling alone, because I noticed very few people outside of my hotel spoke English, and with the Cyrillic alphabet I would have been totally lost on my own. As it was just the two of us we were flexible on our timing during the day, which was also nice - I never felt rushed or like anything was dragging on. This was the perfect trip around all the key points close to Almaty, and a great way to see it all if it's your first time or you have limited time there as I did. If I am back in Almaty in the future I will definitely book with Kazakhstan, Very Nice again and I would love to do one of their more nature-focused trips to the canyon or lakes.
Didi was such a good guide . She was very knowledgeable and so friendly . The tour was was informative and she took care of our Group very well.
On March the 25th 2026 I went on the Almaty city day tour with Nurzhan as my guide. I have been on many tours but this hands down was the best. As it was more like travelling Almaty with a friend as opposed to just a regular guide, which is great for someone who was solo travelling. The tour started with a travel up the mountain on the ski resort, I was able to take some breath taking pictures. After that we went to the city and Nurzhan was very knowledgable taking me to a good eatery and to great memorials around the city. Finally the tour ended in the green bazar which is fantastic and is full of all types of groceries. Overall I would say that day tour scratched my Almaty itch and is a must do for anyone visiting the city. Considering the price it is completely a worthwhile venture! Ps the guide was great at taking pictures.
