Kazakhstan · Trip plan
5 days in Almaty
Snowy peaks above a leafy city, with a ski resort 30 minutes away.
- Best time
- Dec – Mar, Jun – Sep
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹8,000 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹80,000
Planning a 5-day trip to Almaty? Here's a day-by-day Almaty itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
From December Shymbulak has snow for skiing, Medeu has the world's highest outdoor skating rink, and flights from India are short.
Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city, leafy and laid back, with the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains right behind it. Ski slopes, canyons and alpine lakes are all within easy reach.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr
- May
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to February: -10 to 2°C with snow; summer is warm and sunny.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Almaty
- 01
Shymbulak
A ski resort reached by gondola from the city.
- 02
Medeu
A giant open-air ice rink in the mountains.
- 03
Charyn Canyon
A smaller Grand Canyon, about 200 km away.
- 04
Kok Tobe
A hilltop park with city views by cable car.
Day by day
Almaty itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: The city
- Morning
- Panfilov Park and the colourful wooden Zenkov Cathedral.
- Afternoon
- Green Bazaar for dried fruit, nuts and local food.
- Evening
- Dinner of beshbarmak and plov.
Use Yandex Go for taxis.
- D2
Day 2: Medeu and Shymbulak
- Morning
- Medeu, the world's highest outdoor skating rink.
- Afternoon
- Gondola up to Shymbulak ski resort; skiing or just the views.
- Evening
- Back to the city for dinner.
Ski rental is available at Shymbulak.
- D3
Day 3: Charyn Canyon
- Morning
- Early start for Charyn Canyon, about 200 km east.
- Afternoon
- Walk the Valley of Castles to the river.
- Evening
- Back to Almaty late.
Join a tour; public transport doesn't go there.
- D4
Day 4: Lake and Kok Tobe
- Morning
- Big Almaty Lake in the mountains, frozen in winter.
- Afternoon
- Cable car to Kok Tobe hill.
- Evening
- City views at sunset and dinner.
Check the lake road is open in snow.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- Café morning on Arbat street.
- Afternoon
- Last shopping.
- Evening
- Fly home.
Dress in warm layers in winter.
Shorter or longer
Almaty in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in Almaty
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in Almaty
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Almaty trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹3,500 | ₹35,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹8,000 | ₹80,000 |
| Luxury | ₹22,000+ | ₹2,20,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Almaty is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Almaty for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Almaty
Beshbarmak
Boiled meat over flat noodles.
Plov
Rice with meat and carrots.
Baursak
Fried dough puffs.
Getting there
How to reach Almaty
- Travel
- Direct flights from Delhi (about 3.5 hours).
- Getting around
- Metro, buses and Yandex Go taxis; tours or a driver for Charyn and Kolsai.
- Visa
- Indians have short-stay visa-free entry to Kazakhstan; check the current number of days before you fly.
- Use Yandex Go for taxis.
- Winter temperatures drop to -10°C; dress in layers.
Before you go
What to pack for Almaty
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Thermals, gloves and a woollen cap
- Waterproof boots
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Almaty trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Almaty?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Shymbulak, Medeu, Charyn Canyon. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day Almaty trip cost?
Roughly ₹3,500 a day per person on a budget, ₹8,000 mid-range and ₹22,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹80,000 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit Almaty?
Dec – Mar, Jun – Sep. From December Shymbulak has snow for skiing, Medeu has the world's highest outdoor skating rink, and flights from India are short.
Where should I stay in Almaty?
Budget: Hostels near Panfilov Park (City centre), from about ₹2,000 a night. Mid-range: Hotel Kazakhstan (Abylai Khan Avenue), from about ₹7,000 a night. Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Almaty (Esentai Tower), from about ₹25,000 a night.
How do I reach Almaty?
Direct flights from Delhi (about 3.5 hours).
Do I need a visa or permit for Almaty?
Indians have short-stay visa-free entry to Kazakhstan; check the current number of days before you fly.
Is 4 days enough for Almaty?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Almaty?
December to February: -10 to 2°C with snow; summer is warm and sunny.
What food should I try in Almaty?
Beshbarmak: Boiled meat over flat noodles. Plov: Rice with meat and carrots. Baursak: Fried dough puffs.
How do I get around Almaty?
Metro, buses and Yandex Go taxis; tours or a driver for Charyn and Kolsai.
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