Almaty in winter: what to see, where to go

City sights in winter

Even on frosty days Almaty lives a busy life. Central parks and streets offer their winter delights, and architectural gems of the city look especially colorful under the snow. Here are a few ideas for winter walks around the city:

28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park and Voznesensky Cathedral

The snow-covered alleys of Panfilov Park look magical in winter, and its main attraction, the Voznesensky (Zenkovsky) Cathedral, is stunning. This brightly colored Orthodox cathedral is considered one of the tallest wooden temples in the world. On the background of white snow its colorful domes look amazing. In winter, there is a skating rink in the park, and if you have your own skates, you can skate for free - a great way to feel the winter mood!

Kok-Tobe - panoramic view of the city.

Kok-TobeHill is a favorite place for visitors and residents of the city to see Almaty from above. In winter, you can go up by cable car directly from the center - a cabin will take you from Abay Avenue to the top of the hill in a few minutes. The scenery at the top is breathtaking: the city is like in the palm of your hand, especially beautiful in the lights in the evening. There are restaurants and cafes on Kok-Tob where you can drink hot tea or taste national cuisine while enjoying the views of the snowy metropolis.

Arbat and underground galleries

In winter, the pedestrian street Zhibek Zholy, which locals call Almaty Arbat, is also full of life. Street musicians and artists are often seen here even in the cold. A special highlight is the artistically decorated underground passages along the street: their walls are decorated with bright paintings and light installations, turning an ordinary passage across the road into a mini gallery. Such a walk along the winter Arbat leaves the warmest impressions.

Park of the First President

In the southern part of Almaty there is a huge park of the First President - and in winter it looks like a fairy-tale forest. Snow-covered trees and wide alleys against the backdrop of majestic mountains create a peaceful atmosphere. The city's large open-air skating rink is also flooded here, where you can skate for free. Take a thermos with hot tea and take a leisurely stroll - the park is especially quiet and beautiful in winter.

Green market

When it's freezing outside, it's time to visit the famous Green Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the city. The market is open all year round and in winter attracts visitors with the aroma of spices and oriental sweets. Here you can escape the cold by tasting fresh fruits, dried fruits, honey and nuts, which are sold on the stalls all year round. Don't pass by the row of national products: in winter it is especially pleasant to try a cup of hot koumiss or shubat (traditional drinks) and buy handmade souvenirs.

Culture and entertainment on frosty days

If the thermometer has fallen too low, there are plenty of places in Almaty where you can spend your time indoors. Kazakhstan's largest city is also the cultural capital of the country, so you won't be bored:

Almaty Theaters

The theater life of the city is rich and diverse. The Abay State Academic Opera and Ballet Theaterdeserves special attention - its building itself is an architectural landmark of Almaty . In winter, its stage traditionally hosts famous ballets and operas such as "The Nutcracker" and "Swan Lake" - a great opportunity to plunge into the magic of the holidays.

Drama lovers should go to the M. Auezov Drama Theater, an old theater. M. Auezov Drama Theater - the oldest drama theater in the country (founded in 1926), or to the Russian Drama Theater named afterM. Lermontov.Lermontov Russian Drama Theater, opened in 1933. These stages are known for their wonderful actors and diverse repertoire - from classics to modern productions.

Opera and ballet theater, drama theaters and even chamber stages in Almaty work in winter in regular mode - it is better to book tickets in advance to be sure to get to the performance you like.

Museums and galleries

A great idea on a cold day is to visit one of Almaty's museums.

For example, the Kasteev State Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Kazakhstan, where thousands of works of domestic and world masters are collected. You can easily spend several hours to see the art collections of Kazakhstan, Europe and Asia and not even notice the bad weather outside the window.

The Central State Museum on Dostyk Avenue is also interesting - there you will find expositions on the country's history, ethnography and nature.

Fans of unusual things should take a look at the Museum of Musical Instruments (located, by the way, in the same Panfilov Park): ancient dombras, violins, beshpents and other instruments will not leave indifferent.

And connoisseurs of modern art can visit Aspan Gallery or Art Gallery, where exhibitions of works by Kazakhstani and foreign artists are regularly held. As you can see, even in inclement weather in Almaty there is something to do and somewhere to go for a new cultural experience.

Modern entertainment

Of course, in a large city there are always the usual ways to pass the time. Almaty has plenty of shopping and entertainment centers, from the luxurious Esentai Mall to the family-friendly Mega Center. Here you can not only shop, but also go to the movies, rollerdrome or children's entertainment park - a great solution if you are traveling with children. By the way, it is in the shopping centers of the city that in winter often organize festive fairs and festivals. For example, New Year's Eve markets with Christmas trees, concerts and treats. Keep an eye on the event listings and you may be lucky enough to catch a winter festival under the roof of a shopping center.

You can book a hotel in Almaty with a discount of up to -65% on the website.

Ski resorts and active rest

Almaty offers a real winter paradise for lovers of active recreation. The city is surrounded by mountains, so just half an hour's drive away you can already ski or skate, play snowballs against the backdrop of fir trees and get a charge of vigor. Here are the most popular places for winter action:

Shymbulak Ski Resort

The symbol of winter Almaty is undoubtedly the Shymbulakresort . It is located in the high-mountain valley of Chymbulak, just 25 km from the center. You can get there by shuttle or by cable car from Medeu. Shymbulak is the largest ski resort in Kazakhstan, with slopes of different levels of difficulty with a total length of more than 20 km. There are training slopes for beginners and steep slopes for experienced riders. The infrastructure will please you: several elevators, equipment rentals, ski school, cozy cafes right on the slopes and even hotels to stay overnight at altitude. Even if you do not ski, it is worth climbing Shymbulak at least for the views and hot coffee at the top - the mountains here are delightful.

High-altitude Medeu skating rink

A few kilometers above Shymbulak is the legendary Medeuskating rink - one of the symbols of Almaty. It is the highest indoor skating rink in the world: the arena is located at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. Medeu became famous for the fact that during the Soviet era many world records in speed skating were set here, thanks to the crystal clear mountain air and excellent ice. Today the skating rink is open for everyone. In winter, mass skating to music, ice shows and other events are organized at Medeu. Even if you are not confident on skates, you can just come to admire - there are stunning views of the mountains around the rink, and the holiday atmosphere is felt every winter Sunday.

Other ski resorts

In addition to Shymbulak, there are several other places to ski near the city. These include Ak-Bulak resort (40 km from Almaty) - it is known for its steep slopes, which are loved by freeride fans. Also popular is the country eco-resort OI-Qaragai (Lesnaya Skazka), where there are about 20 slopes of different levels of difficulty, plus there is tubing, ziplines and other activities. And recently another small resort - Pioneer, located in the picturesque Ile-Alatau gorge, has opened . So there is a great choice of locations for skiing and snowboarding.

Keep in mind that on weekends and holidays the slopes can be crowded and parking lots fill up quickly - you should arrive early in the morning.

Sledding and snow fun

If alpine skiing is not your thing, but you want an active vacation, go to any of the mountain recreation centers around Almaty. Practically in every gorge (Medeu district, Alma-Arasan, Butakovka, etc.) in winter there are tubingrentals and simple slides for downhill skiing.

Locals like to go out on weekends with the whole family: they make snowmen, roast kebabs in the fresh air. You too can join this simple winter fun - for example, in the vicinity of Medeu or in the glade in Butakovo gorge there are always cheerful voices and laughter of children. The main thing is to dress warmly and bring a thermos with hot tea!

Nature around Almaty: lakes, waterfalls and canyons

Almaty surroundings are famous for their nature, and winter opens them from a new side. Snow-white landscapes of lakes and mountain valleys, frozen waterfalls and bizarre ice formations are all worth seeing. Where to go in winter from Almaty:

Big Almaty Lake (BAO)

Only 15 km away from the city, at an altitude of ~2500 meters, there is a picturesque Big Almaty Lake - the visiting card of Almaty. In summer it is emerald, and in winter the lake freezes, turning into a smooth white plain against the background of severe rocks. The contrast of turquoise sky, white ice and dark fir-trees around gives stunning shots for photo enthusiasts.

Keep in mind that the access for cars is closed now, and the last kilometers to the lake you will have to walk. However, the walk is worth it - the feeling of silence and majesty of the mountains near the snow-covered lake is unforgettable. Be sure to wear comfortable non-slip shoes and a warm jacket, because it is much colder up there than in the city.

Butakovka Gorge and frozen waterfall

In the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, about 20 km from the center, there is a picturesque ButakovkaGorge . In winter locals like to go here on small weekend hikes. The trail is not difficult (about 1-2 hours one way), but in the final part you will see Butakovskiy waterfall covered with sparkling ice. The frozen waterfall looks like a fairy-tale ice castle - a perfect place for beautiful photos. Not in vain it is noted that Butakovka is ideal for lovers of photography against the background of winter nature.

Take with you a thermos with tea and some snacks, wear non-slip winter boots - the route is not difficult, but in snowfall it can be slippery. The reward will be the silence of the mountains and magnificent views.

Charyn Canyon

If time allows you to go farther away, go to the Charyn Canyon (about 200 km from Almaty). Usually tourists visit Charyn in summer or fall, but in winter Charyn is a truly mystical place. The red rocks of the canyon are covered with frost, the air is transparent, there are almost no people - it feels like you are on another planet.

The main trail - the famous Valley of Castles - is especially beautiful in the winter months. Charyn is often compared to the Grand Canyon in the USA, and for good reason: the scenery is grandiose. Keep in mind that in winter there is ice on the roads, it is better to go by a prepared vehicle or with an excursion group. But the impressions of the snow-covered canyon will remain for a long time.

Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy

Almaty region is home to the famous Kolsai Lakes, a system of three mountain lakes in the Kolsai Gorge. It is more difficult to get to them in winter (about 5-6 hours of travel), but if you have a couple of free days, this trip is worth it. Lower Kolsai is completely frozen in winter, and sometimes tourists even skate there !

And Lake Kaindy, famous for its flooded spruce forest, looks even more mysterious in winter: the trunks of spruce trees stick out from under the ice like ancient guards protecting the peace of the reservoir. It is a stunning sight for nature lovers and photo lovers. You can spend the night in guest houses of Saty village at the foot of the mountains - a winter night in the village, a stove, hot tea and starry sky overhead will complement the trip perfectly.

Ice Volcano in Kegen

A unique natural phenomenon can be seen in winter in Kegen district (about 300 km from Almaty) - the so-called ice volcano. In the middle of the steppe, a spring springs out of the ground, and in the frost the water freezes, forming a cone up to 14 meters high ! Locals nicknamed it the Kazakhstan iceberg. From the top of the ice hill small splashes of water are constantly ejected, which makes it seem as if the volcano is "smoking". It looks especially beautiful in sunny weather - the ice shimmers with all shades of blue.

The road is not close (about 4 hours by car), but you will hardly meet such a miracle of nature anywhere else. If you make up your mind, dress warmer and stock up on hot tea, the steppe wind in winter is penetrating.

Chunja hot springs

When the snow and cold tire you out, it's time to take a relaxing trip to the Chundzha thermal springs. About 250 km north of Almaty, among steppes, there are underground hot springs. There are several resort zones with open-air pools filled with natural thermal water with temperature of +40°C and higher. Bathing in a hot pool under the open winter sky is a special pleasure!

Popular complexes such as Eco Park or Four Seasons have all amenities: comfortable rooms, cafes and even small water slides. Water is rich in minerals and is believed to be good for your skin and health. Just don't forget to take breaks and follow the recommendations for bathing time.

In general, spending a day at the hot springs is a great way to warm up and relax your body and soul in winter.

Winter cuisine and cozy delights

To fully experience the city, you need to get to know its gastronomy, especially in winter. After a cold walk around the city, you are tempted to go to a warm cafe and try something nourishing. In Almaty the choice is huge: from European and Asian restaurants to cozy canteens with home cuisine.

Be sure to try national dishes of Kazakhstan: rich beshbarmak, fragrant lagman, crispy baursaks. Many cafes offer a winter menu with hot soups (shurpa, lagman) and herbal teas with sea buckthorn or honey - just what you need in the cold!

A special treat is glögg and hot tea outside. In winter in many parks and squares of Almaty there are small tents selling hot drinks. To drink spicy mulled wine or tea with ginger, holding a warming glass and watching the snow fall - these moments make a winter trip truly atmospheric.

Don't forget about sweets: the Rakhatfactory in Almaty is famous for its chocolate and sweets, which are adored by the locals. Buying a set of branded chocolates "Kazakhstan" for your friends is a good idea, because this way you will literally "take away" a piece of local culture with you. Almaty is also famous for aport apples - in winter there are fewer fresh apples in the markets, but you can try baked apples with honey and nuts, which are served in some cafes as a dessert.

And finally, winter fairs. On New Year's Eve, the city holds festive fairs with Christmas decorations, concerts and treats. Here you can buy Christmas tree toys, valenki with national ornaments, warm souvenirs made of camel's hair. And at the same time you can drink a glass of hot mulled wine and feel yourself a part of the big festive rush.

Useful tips for travelers

Almaty winter is relatively mild (usually -5...-15°C), but sometimes there are severe frosts. Be sure to bring warm layered clothing, a hat, scarf and gloves - especially if you plan to travel to the mountains, where it can be windy. Mountain paths and trails can be slippery, so don't forget comfortable shoes with good tread. In the city, sidewalks can also freeze, so walk carefully.

If you are going on long country trips (Charyn, Kolsai, Chundja, etc.), it is better to join organized tours or hire a driver with an experienced off-road vehicle. In winter, some mountain roads are covered with snow and ice, and it can be difficult to drive on your own without skills. But in winter, such trips are often cheaper, there is less tourist traffic, and nature is more secluded.

Remember that daylight hours are short in winter. Plan a trip to the countryside early so that you can enjoy the place by daylight and return safely. In the mountains it gets dark quickly and gets much colder after sunset.

And the main thing is not to be afraid of the cold. Almaty residents themselves are very fond of winter and know how to enjoy it. Skating in the open air, weekend trips to the mountains, sitting in warm yurts with hot pilaf - all this is part of the local color. Join us!

Conclusion

As you can see, Almaty in winter is a whole kaleidoscope of impressions. In one trip you can combine urban recreation and mountain adventures, get acquainted with rich culture and delicious cuisine, and at the same time enjoy the beauty of Kazakhstan's nature in the snow. From busy skating rinks and ski slopes to quiet parks and museums, winter in Almaty offers entertainment for every taste. Perhaps, this is the secret of the city's special charm: everyone will find something to see and go to in winter, be it a lover of extreme sports or a connoisseur of quiet rest. Come and see for yourself - winter Almaty welcomes you and gives bright emotions to every traveler!