Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Almaty, Lakes & Canyons

Quick answer

The best things to do in Kazakhstan for a short trip are based around Almaty: the Medeu–Shymbulak gondola into the Tian Shan, sunset at Kok-Tobe, the turquoise Big Almaty Lake, and a long day to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. In winter, swap the lakes for skiing and snow play at Shymbulak.

12 things worth your time in Kazakhstan

01
Medeu and the Shymbulak gondola
Nature
A three-stage gondola from the Medeu ice rink to Shymbulak and up to the Talgar pass at about 3,200 m, 25 minutes from the city.
4–5 hoursGondola roughly ₹1,500–2,500 (KZT 9,000–15,000) for the full ride, varying by day and season
Go early on a clear weekday; clouds often build over the peaks by early afternoon.
02
Skiing and snow play at Shymbulak
Experience
A proper ski resort so close to a city that you can ski in the morning and be back for lunch in Almaty.
Full dayDay ski pass roughly ₹3,500–6,000; rentals extra
Season runs roughly December to April; book beginner lessons ahead over New Year.
03
Kok-Tobe
Landmark
A hilltop park above the city with a view over Almaty and the mountains, small rides for children and the Beatles statue.
2 hoursCable car about ₹500–700 return
Go up for sunset and stay for the city lights.
04
Big Almaty Lake
Nature
A milky turquoise reservoir at about 2,500 m, ringed by peaks, about 1.5 hours from Almaty.
Half dayTour about ₹2,500–4,500 (KZT 15,000–25,000)
It is a drinking-water reservoir: view it from the path, no swimming. Weekdays are quieter.
05
Charyn Canyon
Day trip
The Valley of Castles, a red-rock canyon about 200 km east of Almaty that walks like a smaller Grand Canyon.
10–12 hoursShared tour about ₹3,500–6,000, often combined with lakes
The walk down to the river is easy but exposed; carry water and a hat in summer.
06
Kolsai and Kaindy lakes
Day trip
Kolsai is a forest-ringed alpine lake; Kaindy has the drowned spruce trunks standing straight out of blue water.
Long day or overnightUsually combined with Charyn; local 4x4 to Kaindy extra
Roads are best June to October. An overnight in Saty village breaks the long drive.
07
Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral
Landmark
A pastel wooden cathedral completed in 1907, said to have been built without nails, which survived a major earthquake, inside a leafy park.
1 hourFree
Combine with the Green Bazaar, a 10-minute walk away.
08
Green Bazaar
Food
Almaty's covered market for dried fruit, nuts, honey, kurt cheese balls and Korean-style salads.
1–1.5 hoursFree to browse
Vegetarians will find plenty to snack on; ask for tastes before buying.
09
Arbat (Zhibek Zholy)
Shopping
A pedestrian street with artists, buskers and souvenir shops, the easiest evening stroll in the city.
1–2 hoursFree
Look for felt crafts and dombra miniatures rather than generic magnets.
10
Ile-Alatau hikes
Nature
Easy to moderate forest trails, such as the Butakovka waterfall walk, within 30–40 minutes of the city.
2–5 hoursSmall national park fee
Go with a guide or a well-marked trail app; mobile coverage drops in the valleys.
11
Almaty Metro
Experience
A short metro line with Soviet-style mosaics, marble halls and chandeliers.
1 hourUnder ₹30 per ride
Ride from Raiymbek Batyr to Alatau for the most decorated stations.
12
Astana add-on
Day trip
Kazakhstan's futuristic capital, with the Baiterek tower and Khan Shatyr tent, about 1.5–2 hours by air from Almaty.
1–2 nightsDomestic flight extra
Only worth adding on a trip of six nights or more; Almaty's mountains are the bigger draw.

What are the best things to do in Kazakhstan?

For Indian travellers, Kazakhstan usually means Almaty: a green, walkable city with the Tian Shan mountains rising straight behind it. Four nights is enough for the city, the Shymbulak gondola, Big Almaty Lake and one long day to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. Visa-free entry for up to 14 days makes it an easy short break.

What you do depends heavily on the season. June to September is for lakes, canyons and hikes. December to March is for snow: Shymbulak's ski slopes, the Medeu outdoor rink and white mountain scenery a few hours from Delhi. Spring and autumn are good for the city and Charyn, less so for high lakes.

How to plan the long day trips

Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy are 200–300 km east of Almaty on slow roads. As a single day trip, expect to leave by 6 am and return late. An overnight in Saty village is far more pleasant and lets you see Kaindy in the morning light. Big Almaty Lake is a separate half-day to the south.

Getting around Almaty

Yandex Go taxis are cheap and reliable; most drivers speak Russian, not English, so keep addresses on your phone. The metro is short but handy for the centre. Cards work almost everywhere, though small markets prefer cash in tenge.

Download an offline translation pack for Russian; English is limited outside hotels.

Plan the rest with our Kazakhstan trip cost, best time to visit Kazakhstan, where to stay in Almaty, the Kazakhstan food guide and Kazakhstan visa rules.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Almaty?

Four nights covers the city, Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake and a long day to Charyn Canyon with Kolsai and Kaindy. Five or six nights lets you overnight near the lakes or add Astana. Indian passport holders can stay up to 14 days per visit without a visa.

Can you do Charyn, Kolsai and Kaindy in one day?

Yes, many tours do, but it is a 14–16 hour day with most of it on the road. With children or elderly parents, choose a two-day tour with a night in Saty, or do Charyn alone as a shorter day trip.

Is Almaty good for a snow holiday from India?

Yes. Shymbulak is a proper ski resort 25 minutes from the city, with lessons, rentals and snow play for beginners. Combined with short, direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai and visa-free entry, it is one of the easiest snow trips for Indian families from December to March.

How we checked this page

Last reviewed 28 October 2026

Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.