Almaty walking route: 5 stops from Big Almaty Lake to Medeu
Explore central Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital, on a 61.8 km route that showcases the city's diverse attractions. This 34-minute journey connects key landmarks highlighting Almaty's blend of Soviet heritage, Orthodox architecture, and modern urban life.
- Distance
- 61.8 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Arrival in Almaty & Hotel
- End
- Medeu & Shymbulak
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Arrival in Almaty & Hotel — Kazakhstan's largest city nestled against the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, serving as the cultural and economic hub for exploring the region's natural attractions.
- Hike to Big Almaty Lake — Alpine lake set at 2,500 meters elevation, renowned for its striking turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks and accessible via scenic mountain trails.
- First President Park
- Walk to Kok Tobe Gondola Station — Scenic pathway leading to a cable car ascending Kok Tobe hill, offering panoramic city views and access to recreational facilities atop the mountain.
- Medeu & Shymbulak — High-altitude sports complex featuring an Olympic ice skating rink and ski resort, representing Kazakhstan's winter sports heritage and mountain recreation hub.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Use Yandex app for taxi rides in Kazakhstan. It is safe and you can easily pay by card. Taxi from airport to central Almaty takes about 30 minutes.
- Where to stay
- Urban Locks Hotel offers a central but quiet location with spacious, clean rooms, comfortable beds, and en-suite bathrooms. Breakfast is included in room rate.
- Food
- Visit traditional istolovas (food places where you choose freshly prepared dishes at counter). Expect meals for around €7 with rice, meat stew, and bread.
- Save money
- Withdraw cash at Halik Bank ATMs during your trip. They allow you to safely withdraw larger amounts of Kazakhstani tenge than other banks.
- Timing
- Visit Big Almaty Lake on a sunny day with no clouds and not too hot. Arrive early on weekends as parking fills up quickly. Hike takes approximately 3-4 hours total.
- Tip
- Pay 1,300 Kazakhstani tenge entrance fee at the national park checkpoint before hiking to Big Almaty Lake. Pay by card or cash.
- Transport
- Take Yandex taxi to Ayusai Visitor Center, the closest drop-off point to Big Almaty Lake hike. Allow extra time to book taxi on way back as many hikers need rides simultaneously.
- Tip
- The water pipe trail to Big Almaty Lake takes around 1 hour. Follow the pipe all the way up, avoid walking on it as it is prohibited. Some parts include narrow metal staircases.
- Avoid
- You cannot access the shoreline or touch the water at Big Almaty Lake as it is the main drinking water source for the city. Visit the observation deck instead.
- Tip
- Respect dress codes when visiting mosques and cathedrals: remove shoes before entering, respect designated prayer areas, and follow gender-separated sections.
- Food
- Try Navat restaurants for atmospheric Central Asian cuisine. Navat refers to rock candy made from crystallized sugar and grape juice, used with tea. Expect higher prices than local restaurants.
- Timing
- Visit Ascension Cathedral in late April to see many tulips in Panfilov Park. Wild tulips originated in Kazakhstan. Cathedral is free to enter and shows natural light through stained glass.
Video on this route
ALMATY | Birthplace of Apples? | Kazakhstan Travel Documentary