Flights to Almaty

Arriving in the city

The international terminal opened in 2024, and taxis and ride-hailing cars reach central hotels in 25 to 40 minutes. City buses run to the centre more cheaply but take longer with luggage. Flights from London land early in the morning, so ask your hotel about an early check-in.

Around the centre

Panfilov Park is home to the pastel-painted Ascension Cathedral, built of wood in the early 20th century. Nearby, the Green Bazaar sells dried fruit, nuts, cheese and horse-meat sausage. A cable car climbs from the city to Kok Tobe hill, with its TV tower, cafés and views across the city. The Central State Museum covers nomadic history, gold artefacts and traditional yurts.

Into the mountains

The Medeu ice rink, high above the city, leads to a gondola up to Shymbulak, a ski resort in winter and a hiking base in summer. Big Almaty Lake, a turquoise reservoir surrounded by peaks, is around an hour's drive south. Further out, tours run to Charyn Canyon, Kolsai lakes and Kaindy lake. The city is known as the home of the wild apple, and its name is often linked to the word for apple.

When to plan your trip

June to September is ideal for walking and lake trips, and September brings apple harvest. Winters are snowy and cold, with skiing from December to March, and smog can settle over the city on still winter days. Nauryz, the spring festival in late March, fills the parks with yurts, music and traditional food, and is a lively time to visit. Autumn brings golden foliage to the foothills and clear views of the peaks from the city.

Planning a ski or hiking trip? Call 020 7871 4545 and we'll check baggage allowances for your kit.