Almaty is often called the "southern capital" of Kazakhstan and the "cradle of Kazakh statehood" in modern times. The city, which began as the fortress of Verny, has survived the eras of empires, the Soviet industrial breakthrough, and transformed into one of the most comfortable megacities in Central Asia. This place is unique in its location: here, busy avenues run directly into snow-capped mountain peaks, and the rhythm of the metropolis coexists with the silence of the gorges.
Tourists are attracted by the mountain landscapes, gastronomic diversity, and the unique atmosphere of Almaty, where in every district one can feel a connection to history, and the trees of numerous parks create a special microclimate, making it one of the greenest cities in Asia.
History of Almaty: From the Verny Fortress to a Modern Metropolis
The history of Almaty began in ancient times — during the Bronze Age, settlements already existed here. However, the modern chronicle of the city begins in 1854, when the military fortress of Verny was founded. The construction of the fortress gave rise to a city that quickly became the center of the Semirechensk region.
The city`s true flourishing began during the Soviet period. In 1927, Almaty, then called Alma-Ata, became the capital of the Kazakh SSR, and the city held this status for more than 60 years. During this time, active construction unfolded: majestic buildings in the Stalinist Empire style appeared, the famous park of culture and recreation was established, and industry developed. Engineer Andrei Zenkov erected wooden architectural masterpieces that still adorn the city today.
In 1997, the capital was moved to Astana, but Almaty did not lose its significance. It remained the country`s main financial, cultural, and scientific center. Today, Almaty is a city of over a million people that continues to grow, develop, and impress with its beauty, while carefully preserving its historical heritage.
Architectural Code of Almaty
The architecture of Almaty is a fusion of historical memory and modern urban solutions, where wooden architecture coexists with the glass facades of business centers.
Fragments of the old pre-revolutionary Verny can be found in the central districts. Wooden houses with carved window frames, merchants` mansions, and Art Nouveau buildings create a unique charm. The Ascension Cathedral in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is a unique monument of wooden architecture, built without a single nail according to the design of architect Zenkov.
Stalinist architecture of the 1950s is represented by grand buildings with colonnades, stucco, and bas-reliefs that adorn the main avenues. Later, the city was built up with microdistricts featuring "Stalin-era" and "Khrushchev-era" apartment buildings, as well as experimental projects, such as the famous "Titanics" in the Tastak district.
The beginning of the 21st century brought new architectural solutions to Almaty: residential complexes with unusual facades, glass-and-concrete business centers. However, unlike many megacities, Almaty has charted a course toward polycentric development, abandoning mindless high-rise construction in favor of a neighborhood-based approach and preserving the unique urban landscape.
Sights of Almaty
Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. The heart of the city and its main memorial complex. The majestic Memorial of Glory with the Eternal Flame, granite bas-reliefs, and the Ascension Cathedral standing among centuries-old spruce trees.
Medeo. A world-class high-altitude skating rink, the legendary "record factory," located in a mountain gorge. One of the most visited places not only by athletes but also by tourists.
Shymbulak. A year-round mountain ski resort, whose slopes are certified for international competitions. The cable car rises to an altitude of over three thousand meters, where snow lies even in summer.
Kok-Tobe. An observation deck atop the mountain of the same name, offering a panoramic view of Almaty and the mountain ranges.
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. One of the largest museums in Central Asia. It houses an exact replica of the "Golden Man" — a warrior of the Saka era, who has become one of the country`s symbols.
Green Bazaar. A lively Eastern market in the city center, where horse meat, dried fruits, spices, and souvenirs are sold. The authentic atmosphere of the old city.
Districts, Hotels, and Other Gems of Almaty
• Medeu District. A prestigious district located in the upper part of the city at the foot of the mountains. Here are the famous skating rink and parks, as well as elite residential complexes.
• Bostandyk and Almaly Districts. Central districts with developed infrastructure, home to museums, theaters, restaurants, the Palace of the Republic, and the Hotel Kazakhstan.
• Al-Farabi Avenue. The city`s main thoroughfare. Here are located offices of major companies, hotels, and cultural centers.
• The Small Ring. A route along the foothills, where the main attractions, parks, and architectural monuments are concentrated.
Unusual Corners and Modern Spaces
• Monument to Viktor Tsoi. A bronze Moro standing right on the sidewalk. A pilgrimage site for fans of the group "Kino," where they leave lighters and sing songs.
• Museum of Folk Musical Instruments named after Ykhlas. A fairytale wooden tower in the park, housing dombras, kobyzes, and sybyzgys from across the Turkic world.
• Art Spaces. The city is seeing an increasing number of galleries and creative clusters that reflect the spirit of modern Almaty.
• Museum of the City of Almaty. An exhibition covering the history from the Bronze Age to the present day, with unique artifacts, Saka cauldrons, and everyday objects from old Verny.
Surroundings of Almaty: Gems Beyond the Metropolis
Almaty is a gateway to the wild nature of the Tien Shan and the vast expanses of Kazakhstan`s deserts. Lakes, gorges, canyons, valleys, and glaciers are just an hour`s drive from the center, and each of these places deserves a separate journey. Even more beautiful locations are situated 200–300 kilometers from the city.
Big Almaty Lake. About 30 kilometers away. A jewel of the Northern Tien Shan, located at an altitude of over 2,500 meters among three majestic peaks. The lake is known for its remarkable ability to change the color of its water depending on the lighting and time of year — from soft turquoise to deep ultramarine. You can reach it by car along an unpaved road, and walking trails along the lake allow you to circle its perimeter and enjoy the views from different angles.
Charyn Canyon. About 200 kilometers away. This natural wonder is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, though in scale and age, Charyn surpasses its American "counterpart" — its age exceeds 12 million years. The main attraction is the Valley of Castles, where wind and water have carved whimsical rock formations resembling towers and fortresses. The Charyn River flows along the canyon floor, and along it grows a relict tugai grove — a place where you can take shelter from the scorching sun.
Kolsai Lakes. About 300 kilometers away. A system of three mountain lakes located at altitudes from 1,800 to 2,800 meters. The Upper Lake is considered the most picturesque — its mirror-like surface reflects the snow-capped peaks of the Kungey Alatau range. You can reach all three lakes on foot along a route that takes about 6–8 hours one way. The place is popular among trekkers and panoramic photography enthusiasts. Tourist camps and guesthouses are available in the area.
Lake Kaindy. About 280 kilometers away. One of the most unusual lakes in Kazakhstan, formed as a result of an earthquake in the early 20th century. Its main feature is the submerged spruce forest: tree trunks sticking out of the water create a surreal landscape that attracts divers, photographers, and seekers of unusual places. The lake is located at an altitude of about 2,000 meters and is surrounded by rocky slopes. The water here is so clear that the underwater forest is visible from the surface.
Altyn-Emel National Park. About 250 kilometers away. A vast protected territory in the desert, home to the famous Singing Dune — a sand dune over three kilometers long that emits sounds resembling organ music. In addition, the park features ancient Saka burial mounds, petroglyphs, and rare animals, including kulans and goitered gazelles. The desert landscapes of the park contrast with the mountain landscapes around Almaty, offering tourists the full spectrum of Kazakhstan`s natural zones.
Butakovka Gorge. About 15 kilometers away. A quiet green valley with mountain streams, pine forests, and waterfalls. A popular spot for picnics and walks among locals. People come here to escape the city noise, breathe the pine-scented air, and swim in the icy waters of mountain rivers.
Zailiysky Alatau Range. The main mountain range bordering Almaty to the south. This is where routes for trekking, paragliding, and mountain biking go. People come to the mountains for clean air and views that stay in memory forever. From any pass, panoramas open onto the city, the desert expanses, and the endless chain of snow-capped peaks.
Turgen Gorge. About 70 kilometers away. Known for its scenic waterfalls, relict spruce forest, and hot springs. Here you can combine hiking with bathing in thermal waters, which is especially pleasant during cooler seasons. The gorge is famous for its lush greenery in summer and golden colors in autumn, when deciduous trees paint the slopes in crimson tones.
Almaty is wonderful in any season, and each season opens up new opportunities for travelers. In winter, it offers the ski slopes of Shymbulak with certified trails and the legendary Medeo skating rink, where ice is preserved for up to eight months. In spring, the city is immersed in greenery and blooming apple orchards, while mountain rivers swell with water.
Summer offers the chance to ascend to high-altitude lakes, hike through the gorges, or explore canyons and deserts, when the mountains maintain comfortable coolness. Autumn paints the surroundings in crimson and gold, making every trip outside the city a true photo walk. The nature around Almaty is so diverse that in one trip you can see several climatic zones at once: from alpine meadows to semi-deserts, from glaciers to canyons.
