5 Days Almaty Kazakhstan Winter Tour - Ski Fun at Shymbulak Ski Resort

Welcome to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s Old Capital & Largest City! Upon your arrival at Almaty International Airport, your guide will greet you with a sign bearing your name at the arrivals gate. From there, it's about a 20 km drive to the downtown area. Enjoy your free time in Almaty.

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range, Almaty enchants travelers with its breathtaking natural setting, where snow-capped peaks are always in view. Known as the “Father of Apples” & “City of Apples”, it’s believed to be the genetic birthplace of modern apples. Spot whimsical apple art dotted all over Almaty - sweet, playful, and totally Instagram-worthy!

Once a pivotal city on the Silk Road, Almaty is celebrated for its relaxed, friendly vibe, making it a haven for hikers, foodies, and culture lovers. As Kazakhstan’s former capital (1929–1997), it retains a distinct Soviet-era charm, with leafy streets, grand avenues, and impressive cultural landmarks.

Almaty feels like a blend of European and Asian influences - clean, safe, and vibrant, with a multi-ethnic population of Kazakhs, Russians, Uyghurs, and Koreans. Be sure to try local delicacies like beshbarmak (a hearty meat and noodle dish) and shubat (fermented camel milk) for an authentic taste of nomadic heritage.

Free Time Ideas:
1.Almaty Metro Experience: It is a 18-meter-deep Soviet-era marvel. Ride affordable, scenic lines: Abay Station’s cultural murals, Zhibek Zholy’s art. See uniquely themed stations adorned with beautiful mosaics, murals & ornate chandeliers. It’s an artistic underground museum & a functional transit hub.
2.Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum: As the largest art museum in Kazakhstan, it showcases over 23,000 works from Kazakh folk art and renowned artists to Soviet-era masterpieces & European paintings. Must-sees include works by the museum's namesake, Abilkhan Kasteev, and a rich display of traditional Kazakh crafts.
3.Abay Opera House: Watch an evening performance (affordable) at one of Central Asia's oldest opera houses. It showcases world-class ballet & opera productions. Its elegant, Soviet-era architecture & grand interior provide a truly memorable cultural experience.
4.Night Life at Arbat Street: It is a vibrant pedestrian zone. Enjoy street performers, browse local art and crafts, and relax at one of its many cozy cafes. It's the perfect place to soak up the local culture.

Arrival Ideas:
1. For Flights: Almaty International Airport (ALA) is Kazakhstan’s busiest hub, offering direct flights from major cities like Istanbul, Dubai, Frankfurt, Seoul, Beijing, and Moscow. Check airlines like Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Air Astana for the latest schedules and connections.
2.For Visas: Kazakhstan offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 80 countries, including the U.S., EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Asia. Others apply for an e-visa online - fast, simple, and ready for your adventure! Always confirm requirements with official government sources before your trip.

A full day exploring Almaty’s highlights! Today’s Almaty tour blends history, culture & nature: Central State Museum (history buffs’ paradise), Central Mosque (golden domes), Green Bazaar (food & local life), Panfilov Park (honor heroes), Zenkov Cathedral (wooden architecture), Folk Instruments Museum (Kazakh culture & musical tradition), Kok-Tobe Hill (panoramic views).

First, visit Central State Museum of Kazakhstan (Closed on Tuesdays), the landmark of Almaty. Designed by well-known architect Andrey Pavlochich Zenkov and constructed in 1904-1907, it is one of Central Asia's largest and oldest museums, which endured a strong earthquake in 1911. The museum has 3 floors with more than 200,000 exhibits spanning from the Stone Age to modern times, and it offers a deep dive into Kazakh history. Must-sees include the iconic Golden Man replica (4th-century BCE Saka armor; a national symbol of Kazakhstan), Mongol-era artifacts, and traditional nomadic costumes.

Then, pay a visit to the Central Mosque (Closed on Friday). The mosque has a capacity of up to 7,000 people, is one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan. Minarets are located in the corners of the building, the domes of which are covered with real gold.

Nearby, the Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazar), a 19th-century market, buzzes with local life and offers a wide array of snacks and souvenirs. Must-sees: vibrant stalls of spices, fruits (apples of different colors), and handmade crafts. Must-tries: juicy samsa (meat pies), tangy kurt (dried cheese), horse sausage (kazy), and delicious dairy treats.

In the afternoon, explore 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park (Panfilov Park), a green oasis in Almaty. The park is named after Soviet General Ivan Panfilov, 28 soldiers are remembered for delaying the German advance into the Soviet capital of Moscow in 1941. "Great Russia, but nowhere to retreat. Moscow is behind us." These were the final words of political commissar Klochkov, a phrase that became legendary in Soviet history books. Stroll peaceful paths and honor the 28 WWII heroes at the solemn monument with an eternal flame. It shows us how hard war is and why we should care about peace.

Not far away, you’ll find the colorful Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, in honor of its designer, the Russian architect Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov. This landmark inside Panfilov Park is one of the best photography spots in Almaty.

Completed in 1907, this Tsarist-era wooden building (56 meters tall) is the second-tallest wooden church in the world. As a prime example of a Russian Orthodox church built without a single nail, it remarkably survived the devastating 1911 earthquake (magnitude 7.7) with minimal damage.

During the Soviet period, the cathedral was used to house a museum and a radio tower. Today, it accommodates 1,800 people and hosts regular services. Must-sees include the vibrant interior murals, the intricate iconostasis, and the historic bell tower. Its peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect place for contemplation.

Nearby, you can visit the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (Closed on Mondays), which was once the House of Officers. The wooden Russian-style building, erected in 1908, was designed by the same architect as the cathedral, Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov.

Kazakhstan is a multi-ethnic country with a long and rich musical history. You can explore over 1,000 instruments here, including Kazakh national musical instruments like wooden harps, horns, bagpipes, the lute-like two-stringed dombra, and the viola-like kobyz. Some were once played by famous composers. You may get a chance to enjoy live performances and interactive exhibits that celebrate the soul of Kazakh music. It's a must for music lovers.

At last, time to reach Kok-Tobe Hill, a symbol of Almaty. With an elevation of 1,100 meters, the hill offers breathtaking views of Almaty city & the snow-capped Shymbulak Mountain (Tianshan Mountains). Ride the scenic cable car, visit the Beatles monument, and snap photos of the iconic TV tower (372 meters tall). Enjoy the amusement park (self-pay; Ferris wheel & mini-zoo), souvenir shops, and local dining. It’s perfect for photography (sunset), relaxation, and family fun amidst nature!

Overnight in Almaty.

Shymbulak Ski Resort 

Shymbulak Ski Resort Or Medeo Skating Rink 

It is time to end your unforgettable 5 Days Almaty Kazakhstan Ski Tour. Your driver will ensure a smooth transfer to Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight.

Trip Extension: If you'd like to extend your adventures in Central Asia, consider exploring other notable regions like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, etc. Feel free to contact us to customize your extended itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your tour of Asia. We are dedicated to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe journey home!