Yelena & Sanjay
Things To Do
Walking Almaty Tours
Book a local tour guide who does walking tours. We'd recommend the Golden Quarter Tour if it's your first visit to the city.
Exploring Almaty and beyond
For those visiting from abroad wanting the explore the Almaty region we'd recommend an itinerary of 1-2 days in Almaty followed by a few days with a guide exploring the landscapes in the surrounding region. We've noted a suggested travel agent below (and will be adding a few more so stay tuned!), some recommended restaurants, attractions, and driving distance from Almaty. All of these are a few hours away from Almaty and you'll be also see the Kazakh steppes along the way! - Charyn Canyon - Kolsai Lakes - Kaindy Lake - Big Almaty Lake
Kolsai Tour Almaty
A local tour guide who can help you plan your adventures in Almaty and around Kazakhstan! All the guides are English speaking. Reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298251-d14040460-Reviews-Kolsai_Tour-Almaty.html
Dostar Trips - Tour Organiser
A local tour guide who can help you plan your adventures in Almaty and around Kazakhstan! All the guides are English speaking. We negotiated a small discount (c. 7% depending on a tour). Please enquire for Yelena&Sanjay rate.
Auyl restaurant
Booking can be made through ABR+ app. A very unique restaurant offering neo-nomadic cuisine. It was named as one of the 16 Most Beautiful Restaurants In The World, According To Prix Versailles. c.30 minutes drive from the Hotel. If using Yandex, search for Auyl.
Myod banya/ Bath House
If you like to visit a Banya (Russian bath house) - this place is a must! You won't find anything like it! They take group bookings if you'd like to organise a session with a few others Please book in advance as it is in high demand. 2024 prices (appx): $500 for 5 people, $70 for each additional guests. Parenie (steam treatment) $40-80 per person. Food and beverages are included.
Shymbulak
Enjoy the mountains close to the city!
Green Bazaar
Almaty's local market where you can buy pretty much anything :) Please leave valuables at the hotel and beware of pickpockets
Abilkhan Kasteev State Art Museum
A really unique museum to discover Kazakh art and culture
Ascension Cathedral
A beautiful church built without a single nail!
Medeu Skating Rink
The highest skating rink in the world! We recommend visiting this as part of a trip to Shymbulak and Auyl
Museum of Musical Instruments
A cool pit stop for music lovers
Arasan Bath House / Arasan Wellness & SPA
It is arguably the most beautiful public bath house in the region. If you have free time, Arasan might be the place to visit. The whole experience will take around 2-3h and will give you a taste of Soviet flair. Staff probably does not speak English, so research in advance as you are likely either love it or not so much. Advance booking is not required but do check the schedule as they admit guests at specific time slots in the morning/afternoon/evening. You can purchase tickets at the cashier desks, better have some cash on you. Entrance tickets are around $10 and an average treatment price is $20. Some insipration: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g298251-d6881988-Reviews-Arasan_Wellness_SPA-Almaty.html