Almaty Tour Packages

Every journey begins with a feeling. In Almaty, that feeling comes from cool mountain air, wide open views, and a city that moves gently through each day. The city is situated in Kazakhstan and offers dramatic mountain views and expansive landscapes. Snowy peaks, green valleys, city cafés, and lively streets all come together in one place. 

From January to September, about 1,13,000 tourists from India visited Kazakhstan. More Indian travellers are now choosing Kazakhstan, and Almaty is becoming a regular stop on their trips.

This guide covers everything needed for planning Almaty tour packages, including where to go, how to plan, top places to visit, the best season to travel, local food to try, and the most popular things to do across the city.

What Makes Almaty Special

Almaty stands apart from other cities in Kazakhstan for many reasons. It once served as the country’s capital and still carries that cultural depth. Known as the birthplace of apples, the city proudly holds the nickname Apple City. Old Soviet buildings and modern areas stand side-by-side, which is why many travellers choose Almaty tour packages.

Here are the reasons travellers include Almaty in their list:

• Mountains

Almaty is defined by dramatic mountain views that rise close to the city. The Trans-Ili Alatau range, part of the northern Tian Shan mountains, stretches along the southern edge. Skiing and snowboarding draw winter crowds. Hiking trails and open views reward summer visitors during ideal months.

• Lakes

Lakes around Almaty feel raw and untouched. Bright blue water rests quietly among the Tian Shan mountains and draws people in naturally. Big Almaty Lake often becomes a simple day outing for photos, relaxed walks, and moments spent soaking in the natural setting.

• Culture & History

Almaty is often seen as the most developed and culturally diverse city in Kazakhstan. The city reflects Silk Road history, nomadic roots, and Soviet era buildings. Daily life also includes modern cafés, art spaces, and a contemporary urban lifestyle that many visitors find welcoming and easy to understand.

• Green Cityscape

Almaty has a strong presence of green space built into daily city life. Parks sit across different areas, and streets are lined with trees and small fountains. Central Park covers around 125 hectares and opens towards snow-capped mountains. Apple trees remain closely linked to the city’s identity. Sustainability efforts are visible at the Green Bazaar, a historic covered market known for fresh local produce.

Top Places Covered in Almaty Tour Packages 

Almaty tour packages usually include the main highlights of the city. Travellers often visit places like Medeu, city squares, and nearby natural areas in one trip. Simple outdoor activities and sightseeing come together to help explore Almaty. Many plans also allow a short Talgar visit by adding simple Talgar tour packages for a nearby outing.

These are the top attractions included in every Almaty holiday packages: 

• Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake (BAL) is a high-altitude natural reservoir located about 15 kilometres south of Almaty, at 2,511 metres above sea level. The lake is known for its turquoise and milky blue water. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pine trees, and summer wildflowers, the area feels quiet and raw. Swimming is not allowed, as it supplies water to the city. No shops are nearby, so visitors should prepare for sudden weather changes.

• Charyn Canyon 

Charyn Canyon is a 12-million-year-old red rock wonder inside Charyn National Park. Often compared to the Grand Canyon, it features tall, wind-carved cliffs and the Valley of Castles. Many Almaty holiday packages include this trip for river walks and light adventure. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather.

• Kok-Tobe Hill

Kok-Tobe Hill rises about 1,100 metres above the city and offers wide panoramic views of Almaty. Also called the Blue Hills, it features a recreation park and a cable car ride from the city centre. Restaurants, small activities, a zoo, monuments, the Fountain of Desires, and a bronze band statue installed in 2007 keep visitors busy. Sunsets remain a major draw. Around two to three hours is enough, making it a must-visit when booking Almaty tour packages. 

• Zenkov Cathedral

Zenkov Cathedral is a well-known Russian Orthodox church built entirely from wood. Located inside Panfilov Park, it ranks among the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Designed by Andrey Pavlov Zenkov, the structure famously survived the 1911 earthquake.

• Panfilov Park

Panfilov Park, officially known as the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, is a historic urban green space created in the 1970s to honour soldiers who defended Moscow during World War II. Open 24 hours, the park invites walking, monument visits, church exploration, and relaxed photography throughout the day.

• Bartogai Lake

Bartogai Lake is a man-made reservoir built in the early 1980s for irrigation near Almaty. The lake features turquoise water, dry rocky shores, and wide views of the Sogeti and Toregyar mountains. Visitors often stop here for water activities and quiet time surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

• Issyk Lake

Issyk Lake is an alpine reservoir around 70 kilometres east of Almaty, at 1,756 metres, in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. A natural rockslide formed it thousands of years ago. Bright turquoise water, pine-covered cliffs, and the Kremlin Wall rock formation draw visitors. Day trips here often appear while planning Talgar tour packages as well, along with short walks and relaxed sightseeing.

• Kolsai Lake

Kolsai Lakes, known as the Pearl of the Tien Shan, feature three emerald alpine lakes in the Tian Shan mountains. Located about 300 kilometres from Almaty, they are often paired with Almaty tour packages. The lower lake remains the most accessible, surrounded by spruce forests and steep peaks.

• Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake is a surreal alpine lake in the Tian Shan mountains near Almaty. Formed by a 1911 earthquake, it stretches about 400 metres and reaches 30 metres in depth. Cold, clear water preserves submerged spruce trees, creating a turquoise underwater forest. Even during summer, water temperatures stay below six degrees, making it popular for photography and diving.

• First President’s Park

First President’s Park is a 75-hectare urban park opened in 2011 to honour Nursultan Nazarbayev. The park features a grand archway, a large central fountain, and views of the Tian Shan mountains. It has open lawns, walking paths, planted trees, and flower areas. People visit for walks, light jogging, and relaxed time with family.

Best Time to Visit Almaty

Travel plans often depend on the weather and comfort. Travel dates usually depend on planned activities and weather conditions. Weather affects outdoor plans and city travel, while comfortable seasons make daily plans easier to manage. Many travellers choose Almaty tour packages based on seasonal conditions to avoid weather-related disruptions.

These are the best times to visit Almaty: 

Activities Included in Almaty Holiday Packages

Almaty has many outdoor activities linked to the surrounding Tian Shan mountains. Visitors can take part in water activities, land-based outings, and some air experiences. These activities suit different comfort levels and are spread across natural areas near the city. Many Almaty tour packages include these experiences to offer a complete and active travel plan.

These are the top activities available in Almaty:

• Skiing: Skiing in Almaty focuses on the Shymbulak Ski Resort, located just outside the city. High-altitude slopes reach up to 3,200 metres and operate from December to April. Easy access from Almaty makes the resort a common stop, and some travellers include it while planning Talgar tour packages.
• Ice Skating: Ice skating is popular in and around Almaty. A high-mountain outdoor rink offers open views and hosts major events. Inside the city, smaller public rinks stay busy during winter and are easy to visit.
• Hiking: Hiking in Almaty gives quick access to the Tian Shan mountains. Trails lead towards Big Almaty Lake, Furmanov Peak, and Kok-Zhailau. Routes vary from simple walks to steep climbs. Paths pass mountain views, small streams, and waterfalls, and higher sections open wide views that make the climb worthwhile.
• Paragliding: Paragliding near Almaty offers wide mountain views from the air. Flights usually start from the Aşıkkoniyar Plateau, about thirty kilometres away, or near the Shymbulak area. Tandem flights run throughout the year with trained instructors, allowing most age groups to experience the Tian Shan mountains from above.
• Jeep Tours: Jeep tours in Almaty focus on off-road travel through natural areas. Tours usually use SUVs or UAZ vehicles for short trips or longer journeys. Several Almaty tour packages cover jeep routes through Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake, nearby plateaus, and surrounding natural areas.
• Horseback Riding: Horse riding in Almaty takes place on mountain trails and open valleys. Rides are common in Ile-Alatau National Park and near Kolsai Lake. The activity runs year-round and suits beginners and experienced riders. Short rides and longer routes include wildlife views and nomadic experiences.
• Scuba Diving: Scuba diving near Almaty happens in cold mountain lakes like Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake. The water is very deep and extremely cold, so only trained divers using dry suits usually go in, and most beginners prefer to skip this activity.
• Boating & Kayaking: Boating near Almaty takes place on mountain lakes, mainly at Kolsai Lake. Kayaks and pedal boats are easy to find there. The water remains calm and suits short, relaxed rides. Nearby areas also support basic water activities during the warmer months.
• Cable Car Ride: Cable car rides in Almaty offer clear views of the city and nearby mountains. Rides to Kok-Tobe Hill and the gondolas at Shymbulak Ski Resort run throughout the year. As the cable cars move upward, the view slowly opens to show city buildings, tree-filled parks, mountain slopes, and lakes spread out in the distance, giving a clear sense of Almaty from above.

Food & Cuisine in Almaty

Food in Almaty reflects daily life and long-held traditions. Local meals combine nomadic Kazakh cooking with Central Asian, Russian, and Uyghur influences. Meat, dairy, noodles, tea, fresh bread, and pastries appear often. Shared plates are common at the table. Many Almaty tour packages include food stops to experience these comforting dishes.

These are the foods and local flavours to try in Almaty:

Book Your Next Almaty Tour Package With EaseMyTrip

A well-planned trip keeps travel simple and stress-free. Booking flights, stays, and local travel early helps avoid last-minute changes. Time on the ground feels smoother, and days stay flexible. Local planning knowledge prevents rushed sightseeing and missed places. EaseMyTrip helps manage these details in a clear way, without fixed plans or hidden charges. Almaty tour packages can be customised with clear pricing, and planned schedules still allow time for food walks, markets, and relaxed breaks.

Browse Almaty holiday packages on EaseMyTrip today and plan a trip that feels easy from start to finish.