9 Best Day Trips From Almaty (Kazakhstan) For Couples And Solo Travellers

Which Almaty Day Trips Are Actually Worth It

The best day trips from Almaty range from a twenty-minute cable car ride to a five-hour drive into the middle of nowhere, and honestly, that’s what makes this city such a brilliant base.

I spent 17 days in Almaty and used most of them chasing day trips in every direction, so I’ve got a fairly good feel for which ones earn their spot on your itinerary and which ones are a waste of a day.

I’ll be honest, my favourites were Kok Tobe, Charyn Canyon, and Medeu, and not for the reasons you’d expect.

Kok Tobe is the easy one. You’re up there in minutes, and it’s more about the view over the city than anything else. Medeu is similar, close enough to fit into an afternoon, but it hits differently once you’re standing at altitude looking down at that huge dam.

Charyn Canyon is the opposite story entirely. It’s a proper trek out there, and I remember driving through what felt like an endless, empty desert to reach it. There’s a stretch of that drive, somewhere between the flat nothing and the first glimpse of the canyon walls, where I had one of those strange, dreamy moments you don’t plan for.

The kind of hour that makes an entire trip worth it.

That’s really the tension with day trips from Almaty. Some are practically on your doorstep; others will eat your whole day and half your energy getting there and back.

Whether you’re travelling solo or as a couple, working out which is which before you commit matters, because a wasted day in a city like this is a genuine shame.

Map Of Best Day Trips From Almaty

Kok Tobe

This one is technically inside the city, but it was one of my favourite places in the city to spend a day.

You could spend the whole day here alone or with your family.

It’s about 14 kilometres from the centre of Almaty, and I recommend booking this tour to get there. It combines some fun places like Medeu and Shymbulak.

When I visited, I was blown away by the views down onto the city. Wait until sunset for the best colours in the sky. There’s a monument dedicated to The Beatles where you can hear the speakers replay some classic songs. There was a Ferris wheel on top, which I rode around, and I could see the Almaty TV Tower in the distance.

There’s food, a small zoo with loads of animals, so it’s great for a family day out. My personal favourite was watching people taking the alpine coaster car down the side of the hill. Loads of fun.

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My only regret is not taking the Alpine Coaster.

If you are short on time, prioritise the alpine coaster, Beatles monument, Ferris wheel, animals and take time to relax and enjoy the views.

The cable car doesn’t take long to get to the top, and it’s so worth doing.

Exploring the Coolest Ferris Wheel Ever! Kok Tobe | Almaty, Kazakhstan

• Best Season: Spring to Autumn (April-October). The cable car and outdoor attractions are most enjoyable in warmer weather, though it’s accessible year-round
• Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: 10.00 AM – 09.00 PM, Fri-Sun 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM, gondola open from 10.00 AM – 10.45 PM
• Suggested Duration: 4-6 hours
• Address: 4WH4+W2 Almaty, Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon

If I get back to Almaty, this is non-negotiable.

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Charyn Canyon is located about 215 kilometres from Almaty.

The rock formations, colours, shadows and light made me fall in love with this place. Canyon lovers often refer to it as the “Grand Canyon’s little brother.” If you Google both, it is hard to tell which is which.

In nearly 20 months of travel in Asia, this was likely the most impressive place I visited in terms of raw natural landscape. The good news is that Charyn Canyon is very accessible from Almaty. You can easily reach it by taxi or by renting a car.

It takes around three hours to get there.

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If you travel early in the morning as I did (I left at 06.00 AM), you can sleep in the car.

In a couple of hours, you will wake up in what feels like a sci-fi movie, swerving through craters and canyons. You won’t want to forget this in a hurry, so make sure you bring a camera.

What made Charyn Canyon special was how quiet it was, yet the land was so big.

When I hiked along the canyon’s edge, it was the best bit. You can walk down through the middle of the canyon, but I preferred to look down into the canyon and appreciate the views from above.

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Rock climbers can test their skills on the canyon’s cliffs, while camping lovers can spend a night under the starry skies.

The cost is 350 KZT ($0.74/€0.65/£0.56) per tent. There is also accommodation at the entrance to the Canyon, where you can book, should you want more comfort, as well as a second day exploring deeper into the landscape. The Canyon is 154 kilometres long and opened in 2004.

It is said to be 12 million years old.

Charyn Canyon Day Tour, Kazakhstan - This place is CRAZY!

There is a restaurant and souvenir shop, and you can arrange excursions from here also. Its natural beauty, accessibility, and uniqueness make it a perfect day trip from Almaty.

This place is unmissable.

• Best Season: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October). Autumn offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Cost: 1,427 KZT ($3.00/€2.66/£2.27) per person, car 476 KZT ($1.00/€0.89/£0.76), tent 350 KZT ($0.74/€0.65/£0.56)
• Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 07.00 PM
• Suggested Duration: 3-4 hours
• Address: 932H+GM Tamerlik, Kazakhstan

Black Canyon

I nearly skipped this one to save money, and it was the worst instinct I had all trip.

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The Black Canyon was simply outstanding.

The biggest tip I can give you is to do what we did. We did a Charyn, Kolsay Lake, & Moon Canyon Private Tour, and our driver was friendly and informative. As it’s located about a three-hour drive from Almaty, it is perfect for a day trip from the city.

As we drove along the roads, you’ll find it hard to know where to look, as every angle has something unique to offer. The landscape of the Canyon is characterised by its deep, narrow gorges and towering cliffs.

I’ll be honest, this was one of the best things we did near Almaty.

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Our driver brought us to a wonderful viewpoint beside Black Canyon, where we were able to take decent vistas of the landscape.

There were only a couple of other tourists there at the time, and there was barely another car to be seen on the long and never-ending roads. It was here that we stumbled across one of the military bunkers.

In 1969, there was a skirmish between the Soviet Union and China, so the canyon has some historical significance too. As you drive, you’ll witness the sheer scale of the cliffs rising high above you. The play of light and shadow on the rugged terrain made my mouth drop.

One of the best ways to experience the Black Canyon is to take a leisurely hike along the cliffs of the canyon.

As we were in a rush for time, we only had about half an hour here to take it all in, but it was enough for us to appreciate the raw beauty.

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During the day, the rugged cliffs and deep gorges stand in stark contrast to the vibrant flora that adds splashes of colour to the landscape.

As the sun sets, the canyon takes on a different character, with the shadows intensifying and the stars illuminating the night sky.

• Best Season: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October).
• Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Suggested Duration: 4-6 hours
• Address: 7V2X+8X, Aktogay, Kazakhstan

Kolsai Lake

I thought the hype about Kolsai Lakes was overblown, but it wasn’t.

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Located four hours from Almaty, this lake gave me a peaceful escape from any problems I had in the city.

After 293 kilometres of driving to the lake, you can have a huge lunch there for about 2,854 KZT ($6.00/€5.32/£4.54) per person at Kolsay Lakes Hotel.

You will see lots of traditional yurts before you make the short walk to the lake.

As you venture towards Kolsay Lake lower, you’ll find yourself surrounded by trees, mountain cliffs and emerald water below. There is a nice viewpoint and bench where you can sit back and take a moment to enjoy the views.

But it’s the crystal-clear, emerald waters of the lake that reflect the mountains that are wonderful. The peaks encircle the lake, creating a wonderful vista, which is the big attraction for me.

I urge you to take as many photos as you can.

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One of the best ways to explore Kolsai Lake is by taking a leisurely hike along its shores.

There is a steep decline down a narrow path beside the road. It was being built when we were there, and it is here that you can also rent a paddle boat, kayak or canoe. As I had an injury at the time, I opted not to go out on the water.

To simply sit back and relax with tea and coffee and gaze out at the wonderful Kazakh nature was the most enjoyable thing to do for me.

If you can, make sure you get out on the water. It looked like so much fun. You will see the wooden trail path leading deeper into the valley along Kolsai Lake. If you keep going another 6 kilometres approximately, you will find Sredneye Ozero Kol’say and Upper Kolsai Lake, a further 4 kilometres.

Kolsai Lake was the most peaceful place I went to.

• Best Season: Summer (June-August) or Early Autumn (September).
• Cost: 713 KZT ($1.50/€1.33/£1.13) per person
• Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 07.00 PM
• Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
• Address: X8QG+75, Kurmeti, Kazakhstan

Kaindy Lake

The colour of the water didn’t look real, and I still don’t fully believe the photos.

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If you want a serene, peaceful and untouched natural lake, then look no further than Kaindy Lake.

The lake is approximately 290 kilometres away from Almaty, and the journey takes around 4-5 hours by road. What blew my mind was the underwater forest, which grows up and out of the water. The backdrop of the mountain behind makes for a special setting, and surprisingly for me, the lake is usually around 5-8°C (41-46°F).

When we arrived at the lake, we first saw the tall trees. As we got closer, we started to see parts of the lake, and lo and behold, the trees sprouting up and out of the water.

The lake was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1911.

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The tremors triggered a massive landslide that blocked the gorge and created a natural dam.

Over time, rainwater filled the valley, submerging the surrounding forest. The trees, now standing upright underwater, give the lake its unique appearance.

The drive to the lake is simply crazy, no other way to describe it. The car was bouncing around like a pinball machine. But the last part can be physically tough if not arranged correctly. You can also take a horse ride up to the lake. Several men on horses came past me when I was at the car park, which I could have taken up to the lake.

Our driver dropped us at Lake Kaindy Carpark, where we got the EcoTaxi all of 1.3 kilometres to Kaindy Lake Campsite and walked another 500 metres up and down the demanding hill before we got to Kaindy Lake.

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Though difficult, it was completely worth the sweat and pain for those views.

My advice would be to spend at least an hour here exploring the banks of the lake and to just sit and be present. We decided not to arrange for the taxi to bring us back to our driver, but we regretted this because we underestimated how tiring it was.

Arrange a taxi to take you to and from the lake unless you are an experienced hiker who loves hardship.

• Best Season: Late Spring to Early Autumn (May-September).
• Cost: Entry 858 KZT ($1.80/€1.60/£1.36) per person, 107 KZT ($0.23/€0.20/£0.17) per car, and camping is 375 KZT ($0.79/€0.70/£0.60)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
• Address: XFM8+X9X, Каинды, Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake

I am an idiot for missing this.

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A visit to Big Almaty Lake is a great day trip from the city, but I sadly could not make it because of health issues. But from all the images online, it looks like a scenic place to visit for sure.

Since the 2023 pollution and too many people visiting meant it had to be closed and reopened numerous times. You cannot simply rock up today in a taxi before you confirm with locals whether it is actually open or not.

The lake is a natural glacier which was formed after an earthquake. In the early 20th century, leaders started to bring drinking water to the city of Almaty. Today, the lake serves as a vital reservoir for the surrounding area for agriculture.

Kazakhstan has a nature I have never witnessed before, and no better place than one of its many impressive lakes. No cars are allowed to go right now, but you can walk around beside the lake.

I hope to visit Big Almaty on my next trip.

• Best Season: Late Summer to Early Autumn (August-September).
• Cost: Free
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
• Address: 3X2M+JJF Bol’shoye Almatinskoye, Almaty, Kazakhstan

Medeu

My only regret here is not ice skating.

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Medeu in Almaty is another great day trip from Almaty, and somewhere I wish I had spent more time.

It is located among the Tian Shan mountains and 1691 meters above sea level. Medeu offers visitors different ways to explore Kazakh culture.

Skiing and ice rink skating are the main activities. You can enjoy great views from the high ground. You can make your way to the top of the hill by walking, or you can take the cable car. We saw many Segways going up the hill too, but I believe people travelled to Medeu on them.

When we arrived (at the end of October), the cable cars were out of service until November 1st.

This is due to the bad weather, so we couldn’t use them ourselves.

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You can use the ice skating rink, which is the world’s largest high-altitude outdoor ice rink (10,500 square metres).

The rink is well-maintained and provides the perfect setting to glide across the ice while surrounded by brilliant mountain views. Again, it was closed when we arrived! But it opened on November 20th until the end of March.

But Medeu isn’t just about ice skating.

The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and trekking, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness. You can partake in strolls to challenging hikes, and there’s usually something for every level of fitness and interest.

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Accessing Medeu from Almaty is easy.

Located just 15 kilometres southeast of the city, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach this mountain oasis. Yandex worked so well for us and cost about 3,218 KZT ($6.77/€6.00/£5.12). Cheap and reliable.

Or you can get Bus number 12 from Dostyk Avenue, which costs about 536 KZT ($1.13/€1.00/£0.85).

• Best Season: Winter (November-March) for ice skating. Summer (June-August) for mountain views and hiking access.
• Cost: Free but 3,000 KZT ($6.31/€5.59/£4.77) per person for a skating session
• Opening Hours: 08.00 AM – 12.00 AM
• Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
• Address: Gornaya St 465, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan

Altyn Emel National Park

I kick myself for missing Altyn Emel National Park, but I need to mention it as a great day trip from Almaty.

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It takes about 4-5 hours (300 kilometres) to get there from Almaty, but it’s meant to be one of the best places to visit in all of Kazakhstan. You may have heard of the singing dunes. This is where you can find them.

This noise is made by the wind blowing, and it sounds like a musical instrument of sorts. Fossils have been found here dating back 300 million years, which is insane.

In the park, you can find eco-toilets, gazebos, shade awnings, drinking fountains, and observation decks, all making the experience much more pleasant.

Most of my research suggests spending 2 to 3 days there rather than rushing it all in 24 hours. Or you can book a tour which does it in one day or two days with the Aktau Mountains.

It looks otherworldly, and on my next trip, it will be the first thing on my itinerary.

• Best Season: Spring (April-May) or Autumn (September-October).
• Cost: Entry 1,150 KZT ($2.42/€2.14/£1.83), car 300 KZT ($0.63/€0.56/£0.48)
• Opening Hours: 24 hours
• Suggested Duration: 4-6 hours in the park
• Address: Науаи көшесі 208/2, Алматы, Kazakhstan

Is Almaty Worth Visiting?

Yes, Almaty is certainly worth visiting.

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You can see Panfilov Park, Kok Tobe Hill, and Zenkov Cathedral or take one of the day trips from the city.

Zenkov Cathedral impressed me with its colourful design, as well as having so many people laughing and joking in the park. This surprised me.

17 days was plenty of time to see everything, including the day trips, but because we had health issues, it did not happen as planned. I think 4-6 days would be perfect for Almaty.

The city is surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains, providing perfect views and opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking and skiing are common. The city’s cultural scene is alive, with theatres, museums, and art galleries showing travellers the history and heritage of Kazakhstan.

If you’re a couple or solo traveller looking for a destination that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy, Almaty is worth a visit.

Where To Stay In Almaty?

The best place to stay in Almaty is the city centre.

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If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Almaty, I highly recommend Zhibek Zholy.

We stayed there during our visit, and it was superb. The hotel offers excellent amenities, including free laundry service and cosy, warm rooms. Here we paid 11,110 KZT ($23.36/€20.71/£17.67) per night, which was good value for what we got.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, ensuring a pleasant stay. Located in a convenient area, Zhibek Zholy Гостевой Дом was only a short walk to restaurants or a short Yandex ride into the city centre.

I booked a couple of nights at DD Hotel Almaty, but didn’t stay the second night because the receptionist was so rude, but the room was very nice.

We also stayed in the Railway Hotel, and as you may guess, it is close to the train station, which means you can walk to it if you are travelling in Central Asia.

Staying around Dostyk Avenue is good for couples, and consider Abay Avenue for the best costs on hotels.

Almaty’s Day Trips Are Worth Your Time

After spending seventeen days in Almaty, the city’s true magic lies just beyond its limits.

Whilst Almaty feels like a modern European city at times, the surrounding landscapes are what make this destination unforgettable. If you’re short on time, prioritise Charyn Canyon, Medeu, and Black Canyon.

The day trip to Charyn Canyon showed me how brilliant the landscapes in this region can be. Those rust-coloured cliffs stretching endlessly made me understand why people travel halfway across the world to see Kazakhstan.

Give yourself at least 4-6 days in Almaty to properly explore these areas. The drives are long, and rushing through means missing what makes each place special.

Any questions, just ask.

Thanks for reading,

James

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FAQs

How To Get To Kolsai Lake From Almaty?

Hiring a driver for the day is the best way to reach Kolsai Lake from Almaty. Our driver collected us at 06.00 AM sharp with no issues. The vehicle had seatbelts, which are uncommon in Central Asia, making the journey feel safer than other car trips we took. Group bookings are available with larger vehicles and buses for bigger parties. This option offers flexibility and comfort for the long drive to the lake.

Is Almaty Safe For Tourists?

Almaty is generally safe for tourists with relatively low crime rates. A September 2023 study showed a nearly 15% decline in both minor and severe crimes. I never felt in danger during my time there. Take standard precautions like watching your belongings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and staying vigilant in crowds. The city has experienced declining crime rates in recent years, making it increasingly secure for visitors.

How Many Days In Almaty Is Enough?

4-6 days in Almaty is the right amount of time to see the best bits and do some day trips. You can visit Zenkov Cathedral, the museums, parks, and see Charyn Canyon or even Altyn Emel National Park at this time.

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