5 Tage in Almaty
Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar und Kok Tobe Hill an Tag 1, Medeu Skating Rink und Shymbulak Ski Resort an Tag 2 und ein Ausflug nach Big Almaty Lake & Ile-Alatau National Park an Tag 3. Die übrigen 2 Tage bringen einen Ausflug nach Charyn Canyon und City Center.
Tag 1: Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar und Kok Tobe Hill
Morgens
Zenkov Cathedral
In City Center.
Vormittags
Green Bazaar
At the Green Bazaar, head to the second floor for a cheap and authentic lunch at the communal food hall, where you can try beshbarmak or laghman.
Essen
Traditional Kazakh
Beshbarmak is traditionally eaten with hands ('besh barmak' means 'five fingers'), but utensils are perfectly acceptable in restaurants.
Wohin: Beshbarmak at Gakku, Kazy (horse sausage) at Zheti Kazyna, Kumys (fermented mare's milk) - try cautiously!
Nachmittags
Kok Tobe Hill
Abends
The Museum of First President (Former Presidential Residence)
The beautifully preserved former residence of President Nazarbayev, set in a park with fountains and offering a glimpse into the early independence era of Kazakhstan.
Tag 2: Medeu Skating Rink und Shymbulak Ski Resort
Morgens
Medeu Skating Rink
Essen
Uighur & Dungan
The area around the Green Bazaar and Zhibek Zholy street is the best place to find authentic, affordable Uighur eateries.
Wohin: Lagman at Lagman Noodles on Zhibek Zholy, Samsa (baked meat pies) from street ovens, Chuchpara (dumpling soup) at Dungan Aul
Nachmittags
Shymbulak Ski Resort
In Zhetysu & Bostandyk Districts.
Abends
Barakholka (The Flea Market)
A massive, sprawling market on the city's outskirts, selling absolutely everything from Soviet memorabilia and carpets to car parts and livestock.
Tag 3: Ausflug nach Big Almaty Lake & Ile-Alatau National Park
1-1.5 hours by car/taxi.
A breathtaking glacial lake nestled high in the Tian Shan mountains. The intense turquoise water against stark peaks is a iconic Almaty image. The surrounding national park offers serious hiking trails for all levels.
Höhepunkte: Big Almaty Lake viewpoint, Hiking to the nearby Ozerny peak, Visiting the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory, Spotting ibex and snow leopards
Tag 4: Ausflug nach Charyn Canyon
3 hours by car.
Often called Kazakhstan's 'Grand Canyon,' this dramatic 80km-long canyon features stunning red-rock formations carved by the Charyn River over millions of years. The 'Valley of Castles' is the most accessible and impressive section.
Höhepunkte: Hiking through the Valley of Castles, Views from the canyon rim, The ash grove 'Sogdian Forest' by the river, Photography at sunset
Tag 5: City Center und Kok Zhailau Plateau
Morgens
City Center (Around Panfilov Park)
The historic and administrative heart of Almaty, centered around the serene Panfilov Park. This area is defined by grand Soviet-era buildings, significant monuments, and cultural institutions, offering a walkable concentration of major sights.
Außerdem hier: Panfilov 28 Guardsmen Memorial, Museum of Kazakh Musical Instruments, Republic Palace, Arbat Pedestrian Street
Nachmittags
Kok Zhailau Plateau
A vast, beautiful alpine meadow in the Ile-Alatau National Park, accessible by a challenging hike or 4x4 vehicle from Shymbulak.
Abends
Dungan Mosque (in the village of Zharkent)
A stunning wooden mosque built without a single nail by Dungan (Chinese Muslim) craftsmen in the late 19th century, featuring a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Vor der Reise
Vom Flughafen
Almaty International Airport (ALA) is 15km north of the city. The cheapest option is public bus #79 or #92 to the city (150 KZT, ~1 hour). A Yandex Go taxi costs 2500-4000 KZT (~€5-9) and takes 30-45 mins depending on traffic. Official airport taxis are more expensive.
Unterwegs in der Stadt
The city center (Panfilov Park, Abay Opera, pedestrian Arbat) is very walkable with wide sidewalks. To reach foothill neighborhoods or spread-out attractions, public transport or taxis are necessary.
Tipps von Einheimischen
- Download Yandex Go or InDriver for taxis; they're far cheaper and more reliable than hailing cabs on the street. Cash payment is common.
- For the best views of the city without the Kok Tobe crowds, hike or take a taxi to the Kok Zhailau plateau or the TV Tower area (access may be restricted, view from nearby).
- Carry small change (KZT 100-500 notes) for public toilets, as many in parks and bus stations charge a small fee (around 50-100 KZT).
