Experience the breathtaking beauty and rich culture of Kazakhstan with our comprehensive 5-day Almaty tour package. This carefully crafted journey takes you through the stunning landscapes of the Tian Shan mountains, vibrant local markets, pristine alpine lakes, and modern city attractions. Our package includes round-trip flights from Abu Dhabi with Air Arabia, comfortable 4-star accommodation at Shera Inn or similar property, daily breakfast, airport transfers, guided tours to Koktobe Hill, Shymbulak Mountain Resort, Big Almaty Lake, and Alma Arasan Gorge, plus comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies up to USD 50,000. Book your adventure today with flexible payment options through Tabby or Tamara – simply send us a WhatsApp message at +971 4 220 2133 to secure your spot on this unforgettable Central Asian expedition.
Why Choose Almaty for Your Next Adventure?
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s former capital and largest city, stands as a remarkable gateway between Europe and Asia, offering travelers an extraordinary blend of Soviet-era architecture, modern urban development, and stunning natural beauty. Nestled at the foothills of the magnificent Tian Shan mountain range, this cosmopolitan city serves as the perfect base for exploring some of Central Asia’s most spectacular landscapes while experiencing the warm hospitality that Kazakhstan is renowned for.
The city’s unique positioning at 1,100 meters above sea level provides visitors with crystal-clear mountain air and panoramic views that stretch from urban skylines to snow-capped peaks. Almaty’s rich cultural tapestry reflects its diverse population, where Kazakhs, Russians, Uzbeks, Koreans, and other ethnic groups have created a fascinating multicultural environment that’s evident in everything from the local cuisine to the bustling markets.
Your Comfortable Base: Shera Inn 4-Star Accommodation
Your home away from home in Almaty will be the elegant Shera Inn, a 4-star property that exemplifies Kazakhstani hospitality with modern amenities. Located strategically in the city, this hotel provides easy access to major attractions while offering comfortable standard rooms equipped with all essential facilities. The hotel follows international standards with check-in at 14:00 and check-out at 12:00, though early check-in and late check-out may be available subject to availability.
Each morning begins with a sumptuous buffet breakfast featuring both international dishes and local Kazakhstani specialties, providing the perfect fuel for your daily adventures. The hotel staff are well-versed in assisting international guests, ensuring your stay is seamless and comfortable throughout your visit.
Day-by-Day Journey Through Almaty’s Wonders
Arrival Day: Welcome to Kazakhstan
Your Almaty adventure begins the moment you land at Almaty International Airport, where our professional representative will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. This gives you time to settle in, recover from your journey, and prepare for the exciting days ahead. The evening is free for you to explore the immediate neighborhood, perhaps taking a gentle stroll to get your first taste of this fascinating city.
Koktobe Hill and City Discovery Tour
The second day introduces you to Almaty’s most iconic landmark – Koktobe Hill. This 1,100-meter elevation offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Central Asia, crowned by a 372-meter TV tower that serves as a beacon visible from throughout the city. The journey to the summit via smooth cable car is an experience in itself, gliding over the cityscape while the Tian Shan mountains create a dramatic backdrop.
At the summit, you’ll discover a wonderland of attractions that cater to all interests. The highlight for many visitors is the life-sized bronze statues of the Beatles, created by renowned Almaty sculptor Eduard Kazaryan in 2007. This unique monument, claimed to be the world’s only sculpture showing all four Beatles together, allows visitors to sit alongside the Fab Four, creating memorable photo opportunities with John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
The hill-top complex features several cafes and restaurants where you can sample local cuisine while enjoying the views, craft shops selling authentic Kazakhstani souvenirs, a thrilling roller coaster, a charming mini-zoo, and the famous ‘I Heart Almaty’ sign that has become synonymous with the city. Children will delight in the playground facilities, while adults can appreciate the perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities.
Your city exploration continues with a visit to the legendary Green Bazaar, a marketplace that has been the beating heart of Almaty’s commerce for over 100 years. Since 1875, this vibrant trading hub has welcomed visitors into an authentic oriental bazaar atmosphere where the air is filled with the aroma of spices, fresh fruits, and traditional delicacies.
The bazaar serves as a living museum of Kazakhstan’s ethnic diversity. Each vendor represents different cultural backgrounds, and experienced visitors can often identify their origins by the goods they sell. Kazakh vendors typically offer fresh dairy products and premium meats, while Uzbek and Tajik merchants present an abundance of fresh and dried fruits and vegetables. Korean vendors specialize in spicy salads and unique snacks, and Russian sellers offer an impressive variety of pickles, preserves, and herbal teas.
This cultural melting pot provides an excellent opportunity to sample local delicacies, purchase authentic souvenirs, and interact with friendly locals who are often eager to share stories about their products and traditions.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort Adventure
Day three takes you into the heart of the Tian Shan mountains with an excursion to Shymbulak Mountain Resort. This journey begins with a scenic drive to the Medeo tract, situated at 1,690 meters above sea level, where you’ll board a gondola for an unforgettable 20-minute aerial journey above pristine coniferous forests.
The gondola ride itself is a highlight, offering continuously changing perspectives of the mountain landscape as you ascend to the first level of the resort at 2,260 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views that showcase the raw beauty of the Kazakhstani mountains and the sense of unity with nature that only high-altitude destinations can provide.
Shymbulak Mountain Resort caters to adventure enthusiasts with numerous optional activities available for additional fees. The Alpine Park offers various outdoor challenges, while the GORILLA Zipline provides an adrenaline-pumping way to experience the mountain scenery. Paragliding opportunities allow visitors to soar above the peaks, while horse riding excursions offer a more traditional way to explore the alpine environment.
The Rope Park “Shymba” challenges visitors with obstacle courses set among the trees, while quad bike tours provide motorized exploration of mountain trails. During winter months, the resort transforms into a premier skiing and snowboarding destination, with the famous Medeo ice skating rink offering one of the world’s highest altitude skating experiences.
Big Almaty Lake and Alma Arasan Natural Wonders
The fourth day showcases Kazakhstan’s pristine natural beauty with visits to two spectacular locations. Big Almaty Lake stands as one of the region’s most photographed natural attractions, a stunning turquoise jewel nestled in a rocky bowl at 2,500 meters altitude. This 1.6-kilometer-long lake serves as a mirror for the surrounding Tian Shan mountains and towering fir trees, creating picture-perfect reflections in its crystal-clear waters.
The lake’s role as a crucial water source means swimming is prohibited, but this restriction doesn’t diminish its appeal. Visitors can spend hours hiking around the perimeter, capturing photographs of the ever-changing light on the water, and simply absorbing the peaceful atmosphere of this high-altitude sanctuary. Border guards maintain a presence around the lake area, and climbing on the dam is strictly forbidden for safety and security reasons.
Your natural adventure continues with exploration of Alma-Arasan Gorge, also known as Prohodnoye Gorge. Located at approximately 1,780 meters altitude on the Trans-Ili Alatau foothills, this location sits just 15 kilometers southwest of Almaty city center. The gorge represents an idyllic natural setting where spruce forests meet alpine meadows, granite slopes frame flowing rivers, and the entire landscape creates a sense of pristine wilderness.
The gorge offers numerous hiking opportunities for visitors of varying fitness levels, from gentle walks along river paths to more challenging climbs up granite slopes. The combination of different ecosystems within a relatively small area makes Alma-Arasan particularly interesting for nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Departure Day: Farewell to the Mountains
Your final morning in Almaty allows for a leisurely breakfast and final moments to soak in the mountain atmosphere before checking out of your hotel. Our transfer service ensures you reach the airport with plenty of time for your departure flight, concluding your Central Asian adventure with efficiency and comfort.
What’s Included in Your Almaty Experience
Your comprehensive tour package eliminates the stress of travel planning by including all essential elements for a memorable journey. Round-trip airfare with Air Arabia includes both 10kg hand baggage and 20kg checked luggage allowances, ensuring you have sufficient space for souvenirs and personal items.
Comprehensive travel insurance provides peace of mind with medical emergency coverage up to USD 50,000, protecting you throughout your journey. All airport transfers in Almaty are included, from arrival to departure, ensuring seamless transportation without navigation concerns.
Your accommodation at the 4-star Shera Inn provides comfort and convenience, while daily buffet breakfasts from day two onwards ensure you start each day properly nourished for your adventures. All major tours are included: the Shymbulak mountain experience, comprehensive Almaty city exploration, Koktobe hill adventure, Alma Arasan natural tour, and the spectacular Kolsay Lake excursion.
Professional English-speaking tour guides accompany all excursions, providing cultural insights, historical context, and practical assistance throughout your journey. These knowledgeable locals enhance your experience by sharing stories, traditions, and perspectives that independent travelers often miss.
Important Considerations and Practical Information
While your tour package is comprehensive, certain elements remain at your discretion to allow flexibility in your experience. Lunch and dinner are not included, providing opportunities to explore local restaurants, try street food, or dine at your hotel as preferences dictate.
Activity fees, cable car tickets, and monument entrance fees are additional expenses, allowing you to choose which optional experiences align with your interests and budget. Cable car fees for both Koktobe and Shymbulak adventures are typically around 30 USD per person, representing excellent value for the spectacular experiences they provide.
Tourist visa requirements vary by nationality, and our team can provide guidance on documentation needed for your specific situation. UAE residents with valid residency permits may be eligible for Visa on Arrival, though approval remains at the discretion of immigration authorities.
Airport transfers within the UAE are not included, allowing flexibility in your departure and return arrangements. Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions requires separate arrangement, ensuring transparency in what your package covers.
The Magic of Kazakhstan Awaits
Kazakhstan represents one of travel’s best-kept secrets, offering experiences that rival more famous destinations while maintaining authenticity and accessibility. Almaty serves as the perfect introduction to this vast country, combining urban sophistication with natural wonders, cultural diversity with warm hospitality, and modern amenities with traditional charm.
Your 5-day journey through Almaty and its surroundings provides just enough time to appreciate the region’s highlights while leaving you eager to return and explore further. From the summit of Koktobe Hill to the pristine waters of Big Almaty Lake, from the bustling Green Bazaar to the serene Alma Arasan Gorge, each day brings new discoveries and lasting memories.
The combination of included services and flexible options ensures your tour can be tailored to personal preferences while maintaining the security of professional organization. Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural immersion, natural beauty, or simply a unique destination off the beaten path, Almaty delivers experiences that exceed expectations.
Contact us today via WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to begin planning your Kazakhstan adventure. Our flexible payment options through Tabby or Tamara make booking convenient, while our experienced team ensures every detail of your journey is perfectly arranged. Discover why Kazakhstan is rapidly becoming Central Asia’s most exciting travel destination – your Almaty adventure awaits.
Overview
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Almaty, Kazakhstan with this specially curated 5-day tour package. From stunning mountain landscapes to vibrant city life, Almaty offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and adventure. This package includes round-trip flights from Abu Dhabi, a 4-star stay at Shera Inn Hotel or similar, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and guided tours to the most iconic attractions in the city and surrounding areas.
Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Almaty International Airport followed by check-in and relaxation. The next day, explore Koktobe Hill via a scenic cable car ride where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, cultural attractions, and even the world’s only Beatles monument. A visit to the famous Green Bazaar introduces you to the city’s lively trade traditions and local delicacies.
Day three takes you to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort, one of the region’s most famous alpine getaways. Here, you’ll ascend via gondola and discover breathtaking landscapes with options for skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, and other thrilling activities.
On day four, explore the mesmerizing Big Almaty Lake, a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by the Tian Shan mountains. Later, visit Alma Arasan Gorge, where serene alpine meadows and flowing rivers provide the perfect setting for relaxation and photography.
Finally, after a fulfilling trip, enjoy breakfast before your departure transfer back to the airport. With expert guides, comfortable accommodations, and a thoughtfully planned itinerary, this package ensures a memorable Almaty adventure.
