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The places to visit near Almaty, Kazakhstan, are a thrilling blend of natural wonder, cultural history, and outdoor adventure. Nestled below the Tien Shan mountains, Almaty presents an impressive set of opportunities for day trips or long weekends. You can choose from incredible alpine lakes, ancient petroglyphs, and gorgeously rugged canyons. The areas surrounding Almaty have something to offer every kind of traveller. Visiting these sites will allow you to dig deeper into Kazakhstan’s very interesting past and vibrant landscapes beyond the metropolitan region.
10 Places To Visit Near Almaty
These places to visit near Almaty encompass a variety of landscapes in Kazakhstan, including towering mountains, beautiful lakes and creeks, and everything in between.
1. Charyn Canyon
Photo: Bgag / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most amazing natural sites of Kazakhstan is Charyn Canyon, which is approximately 200 kilometres east of Almaty. More often than not likened to the Grand Canyon because of its spectacular rocks, Charyn is about 80 kilometres long along the Charyn River. The canyon is particularly known due to its Valley of Castles; here one can find a fantastic view with gigantic and worn-out rock columns that produce the feeling of being in a fantastic world. The region is an ideal place for hiking, photography, and camping, and there are easy walking paths as well as harder ones.
Highlights: Valley of Castles, towering rock formations
Activities: Hiking, photography, camping
2. Big Almaty Lake
Photo: Tore Khan / Wikimedia Commons
Big Almaty Lake is a beautiful mountainous reservoir only 15 kilometres away (south) of Almaty city, sitting at an altitude of 2,511 meters in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The glacier melt provides the lake with its amazing turquoise waters, which contrast expertly with the snow-capped mountain tops. It is a very important source of drinking water for the city of Almaty, and hence, no people are allowed to swim to maintain its purity. The place is very scenic with hiking trails, picnic grounds, and camera shots of the pristine landscape. An opportunity to feel the fresh mountain air and experience a relaxing tranquillity in a few minutes.
Highlights: Turquoise alpine lake, mountain views
Activities: Hiking, sightseeing
3. Tamgaly Tas
Photo: Alex Moliski / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Tamgaly Tas, located approximately 170 kilometres northwest of Almaty, is one of the most fascinating places to visit near Almaty, featuring a large number of ancient petroglyphs. These petroglyphs were carved more than 2,000 years ago by nomadic tribes and depict animals, human beings, and religious icons, and offer an engaging insight into the pre-history of Central Asia culture. It is situated on the Ili River and is encapsulated in the beautiful canyon with jagged cliffs, which makes this site even more beautiful. Tamgaly Tas is listed on the UNESCO Tentative list because this cultural place has a magnificent landscape.
Highlights: Ancient petroglyphs, Ili River backdrop, cultural landmarks
Activities: Rock carving exploration, riverside walks, history tours
4. Kolsai Lakes
Photo: Timas38 / Wikimedia Commons
The Kolsai lakes are three beautiful alpine lakes about 300 km southeast of Almaty, set in the Tien Shan mountains of Northern Asia. These lakes are considered a major attraction of the Northern Tien Shan and are known as the Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan because they are situated at different elevations, surrounded by dense pine forests, and flanked by lofty mountains. The first lake can be accessed by a simple car ride, whereas the second and third lakes can be accessed only through hiking or horseback riding along beautiful paths. The region is good for trekking, camping, fishing, and horseback tours.
Highlights: Three crystal-clear alpine lakes, dense pine forests
Activities: Trekking, horseback riding, camping in the wild
5. Issyk Lake
Photo: Fukurukudzu / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most serene and picturesque tourist attractions near Almaty is Issyk Lake, which is approximately 270 kilometres southeast of the city. The lake is located at a height of about 1,750 meters in vast pine forests and mountains that rise up into the air, giving it a very clear and scenic view. Visitors who want some solitude in nature will find it in the Issyk Lake; unlike some of the more popular lakes in the neighbourhood, it is calmer, and visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the quiet. Activities here are hiking on stunning nature trails, fishing in the clear waters, and camping in old yurts.
Highlights: Quiet alpine lake, forested surroundings, scenic tranquillity
Activities: Hiking, fishing, relaxing stays in guesthouses or yurts
6. Altyn-Emel National Park
Photo: Saltanat-alikhanova / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most distinctive places to see near Almaty, we may include such national parks as Altyn-Emel National Park, which is situated about 250 kilometres north-east of Almaty. This big nature preserve is famous due to the variability of the landscapes: desert, mountains, and steppes. It has one of the most renowned tourist attractions, which is the Singing Dunes; here, the sands have been moving to produce an unusual humming when the wind blows. It also has wild animals that are rare, which include kulan (wild ass), goitered gazelle, and Asiatic wild sheep. The sites include archaeological sites, ancient petroglyphs, hiking, and wildlife.
Highlights: Singing Dunes, desert landscapes, rare wildlife
Activities: Wildlife spotting, desert trekking, archaeological site visits
7. Talgar Mountains
Photo: Matti Blume / Wikimedia Commons
The Tian Shan of Kazakhstan is characterised by the Talgar Mountains, which have the highest mountain in the Trans-Ili Alatau, namely Pik Talgar (4,979m). They are known to be ruggedly beautiful and have steep slopes and extensive glaciers, such as Korzhnevsky, and provide mountaineering adventures. Climbers and hikers find them interesting, since they are next to Almaty. The area is rich with fauna and flora, and thus it becomes a perfect tourist attraction for eco-tourism. Near Almaty, attractive sights include the scenic Left Talgar Gorge, which allows a multi-day hike crossed with alpine meadows and over crystal clear streams, stunning views of the peaks and glaciers surrounding it.
Highlights: Alpine peaks, green meadows, glacier views
Activities: Hiking, trekking, mountain biking
8. Kok Tobe Hill
Photo: Ahmet Mert / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kok Tobe is one of the best attractions near Almaty, and it sits at 1,130m above sea level, 100 meters east of the town. Visitors are taken to Kok Tobe Park via a scenic cable car ride that presents a view of the city. In this case, a mini-zoo, an amusement ride such as a Ferris wheel, a fast coaster, and food outlets of all kinds serve to entertain the large audience. There is a special bronze picture of The Beatles as people there play their music, and it is one of the favourite places to take pictures. It is an amazing mixture of the beauty of nature and leisure activities.
Highlights: City panoramas, cable car ride, leisure attractions
Activities: Sightseeing, dining, relaxing walks
9. Kapchagay Reservoir
Photo: Timas38 / Wikimedia Commons
Kapchagay Reservoir is a large artificial lake, 80 kilometres north of Almaty, a common summer resort in Kazakhstan. This large lake is created with the help of a dam on the Ili River and is about 180 kilometres long, with sandy beaches, especially within the western shores of the lake along the city of Konayev (formerly Kapchagay). The reservoir has a lot to offer, and other activities, which include swimming in warm waters in the summers, boating, jet skiing, and fishing in the reservoir; carp, bream, and catfish. The Kapchagay Reservoir is an important hydroelectric scheme and also one of the places to visit near Almaty.
Highlights: Sandy beaches, warm lake waters, beachfront resorts
Activities: Swimming, boating, water skiing, beach lounging
10. Medeu Skating Rink And Shymbulak Ski Resort
Photo: Aleksei Mikhalchuk / Pexels
Medeu Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort, situated in the beautiful Trans-Ili Alatau mountains above Almaty, are prime places to visit near Almaty, and they offer recreational activities all year long. Medeu is renowned as the world’s largest speed skating rink, located at 1,691 meters above sea level, where skaters set over 120 world records on its unique pure mountain water ice. Many people visit Medeu every day to skate, and visitors can also climb the “Stairs of Health” up the protective mudflow dam for stunning views. Just above Medeu, and conveniently reached by a scenic cable car, is Shymbulak Ski Resort at a height of 2,260 meters.
Highlights: World‑record outdoor ice rink, alpine ski slopes, cable cars
Activities: Ice skating, skiing, snowboarding, summer hiking
The places to visit near Almaty showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich culture. From breathtaking canyons and peaceful alpine lakes to vibrant cultural sites, each destination offers a unique glimpse into Kazakhstan’s heritage. Adding these spots to your itinerary will make your trip more exciting and memorable. Ready to explore beyond Almaty? Start planning your unforgettable adventure today with TripXL and fuel your wanderlust.
Cover Photo: Aibek Skakov / Pexels
