Looking for a private Almaty tour that's tailored to YOUR travel interests?

Find the perfect itinerary below, or design your own Almaty tour and experience the city (or perhaps a day trip beyond its borders to see more of Kazakhstan!) with a friendly and knowledgeable ToursByLocals guide.

Almaty

This walking tour of downtown Almaty is designed to maximize your enjoyment of the must see spots of the city.

The sites we'll visit are in close proximity to each other, so we'll travel at a relaxed pace. We''l have time to really breathe in the atmosphere of the city while I share the stories that make it so special.

In case if you decide to see even more and travel some longer distances we can use public transportation to check out the new downtown area.

Let's go!

Almaty downtown with your private guide

Walking Almaty tour

I would love to guide you and show my beautiful and ethnical city Almaty. I will meet you at the appointed place and we will start with a visit to Green bazaar - a place where you can see how local market look like and people trade their goods, try some of Kazakh national food. Then, we will visit Panfilov Park - named after the 28 heroes, who died for freedom and independence of the country. Zenkov Cathedral - the oldest building of the city, that is entirely wooden, built without any metal nails. Republic square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to independence.
After that visit the top of Kok-Tobe hill, where you enjoy the unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation deck. At the foot of the tallest TV tower in Kazakhstan, you can take a walk along the winding paths of the Kok-Tobe park, . At the end of the tour take a short ride from Kok Tobe by cable car and I will bring you at appointed place.

Almaty City Tour (length of tour 3-4 hours)

Half-Day Almaty Layover Highlights

Full Day Tour to Ethnic village and lake Issyk. starting from Almaty

Participating in this tour, you will have chance to feel the full immersion in the traditions and lifestyle of ancient Nomads.

You will learn more about their culture, customs and rituals, taste the local cuisine and national beverage "kymyz", enjoy spectacular performance of local artists, see, how kazakh people produce different thing from the sheep's wool and which sacred meaning has the most important part of Nomad's House "shanyrak".

The tour will be finished after visiting beautiful lake Issyk, located at the foothills of Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in the gorge Issyk.

Environmental fee in the National Park Ile-Alatau (on the way to the lake Issyk)

Dinner in local cafe in Issyk town or Almaty

Demonstration on Kazakh Traditional games and customs

Acrobats are demonstrating their skills sitting on the horseback

Brave Kazakh Girl is demonstrating perfect skills of horse-riding

View to the upper reaches of Issyk river and it's stream

Great combination of cultural and natural heritage

This 10 hour tour is designed the way you can explore the most striking places of Almaty. Inspite of the fact, that Almaty is a relatively recent settlement, the city has many attractions. You'll be introduced to both natural and architectural beauty of the "apple place", including the beauty of the mountains at Small and Big Almaty gorges and wil enjoy 30 min hunting birds show. The tour will end up at Kok Tyube hill where you will meet the sunset and have a dinner.

The most comprehensive one to explore the city

10 hour Grand Almaty tour

Known to locals as the "heart of Kazakhstan", Almaty is the city's original foodie neighborhood. My guided 4-hour walking food tour lets you experience Almaty like a local, in an authentic neighborhood where people live, eat and shop. You'll get to escape the crowds and really get a glimpse of daily life while tasting the best of what the city has to offer.

We will visit our local market and meet the vendors who have been there for generations, and taste the most delicious Kazak Food such as Beshparmak, Kazy, Baursaki and so much more. we will also be sampling everything from classic Kazakh dishes to a typical Kazakh street food snack.

Along the way, I will educate you with stories and insights into Kazakh's culture and history, while exploring the city's most fascinating offbeat landmarks.

There is no better way to really live like a local than on my "Taste of Almaty" Food Tour.

Wine tasting(3 red wine and 3 white wine)

Lets explore national cuisine and try local wine!

Local Market Tour "Taste of Almaty"

Charyn Canyon Full Day Tour - starting from Almaty

Unforgettable journey to one of the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon.

Located in 220 km from Almaty the canyon leaves a lasting impression with its grand splendor and beauty. It is also called "Small copy of Grand Canyon", but it has one big advantage - you can easily hike from the top to the bottom during couple of hours and be refreshed in the waters of cool mountain river. .

Ticket to Museum of National Arts and Crafts

Charyn Canyon National Park environmental fee

Variety of canyon's branches in Valley of Castles

Hiking in Charyn Canyon with national color

Bank of Charyn river with a view to Charyn Sandstone Castles

View to Charyn river and turanga trees, growing along it's banks (multifolia poplar)

View to the canyon from the top view point

Outdoor trip to one of the most impressive nature monuments of Kazakhstan

The Charyn Canyon is often considered the "kid brother" of the Grand Canyon, because of similar landforms of smaller scale. Hike, dine, and explore the Charyn Canyon on one of the unforgettable tours. You will be definitely inspired by the magnificent views of the part of Charyn river basin that formed a canyon, called as "Valley of Castles", which has developed over the past 12 million years. The depth of the valley ranges 50-300 m, the width rangers 20-80 m.

Water, wind and temperature, as a triple of the great architects, created this great landscape.
As soon as we reach the canyon, we will walk at the bottom part of it, 2 km one way, enjoying the views of sedimentary red walls with natural sculptures of dramatic forms. After 2 km of the gradual walk, we will reach a river stream surrounded by ancient trees and hosting camping area. If available, the return to the starting point of the hiking tour can be done via a special vehicle

Full day -11 hour- guided tour

Charyn (Sharyn) Canyon Tour

Full-Day Tour to Charyn Canyon and Bartogai Reservoir

I would love to guide you and show beautiful place Charyn Canyon which is located outside of city with fantastic and breathtaking views of Tien Shan mountains and Charyn River.

Day trip to Charyn Canyon and Bartogay water reservoir is a journey in East Kazakhstan, to the unforgettable types of huge canyons and rocks of different colors and shades.

Bartogay Reservoir was constructed on the Chilik River in 1986. This massive irrigation facility was the last major project of Soviet Kazakhstan.

Here you will have the opportunity to see the ashen grove and Castle Valley, part of the canyon with a 154-meter cliff-like tower.

Seeing firsthand all this beauty, you will forget about the long hours of driving to the canyon, and beautiful views of the Kazakh nature will long remain in your memory.

Trip To East Kazakhstan (length of tour 8-9 hours)

Experience the extraordinary mountain scenery in the close proximity to the city!

You will see amazing places in surrounding mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau, visit the highest ice-skating rink Medeu, reach an altitude of 3200 meters above sea level by cable car and admire the beauty of massive glaciers shining in the sun rays and enjoy traditional kazakh dishes with stunning view to the city from Kok-Tobe hill. .

Ticket to cable car Medeu - highest point of Shymbulak 

Lunch in kazakh restaurant on the top of Kok-Tobe hill 

View to Almaty city from the Kok-Tobe hill

Facade of high mountain Medeu ice skating-rink

View to the slopes of Shymbulak ski resort from the basic station

View from Talgar pass - the highest point of Shymbulak ski resort (3200 meters above sea level)

Taking pictures with symbol of Kazakhstan - golden eagle at Kok-Tobe hill

Explore More Mountains and less city with your private tour guide

The Best of Almaty city full day tour

You'll be driven to Big Almaty Gorge area to enjoy the beauty of the mountains anly a few miles from Almaty.
I will give a 30 min excursion at a little zoo of birds of pray up in the mountains. Then, the incredible and never dissapointing show stars. 5 kinds of birds, including golden and bold eagles, owl, vulture and a falcon will demonstrate their hunting skills under the guidance of a professional trainer Paul. The show lasts for 40 min. Monday is a day off and show season is March-November. The tour also includes a small walk at the park of the First President.

Half Day - 3 hours - Guided tour.

Tour to the Birds of Prey Show

We will visit Ethno Aul Village Gunns which is a captivating cultural destination nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Situated against the backdrop of the majestic Tien Shan mountains, this village offers visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Kazakh culture, tradition, and hospitality.

As you step into Ethno Aul Village Gunns, you are transported back in time to experience the essence of traditional Kazakh life. The village is meticulously designed to recreate the ambiance of a typical Kazakh settlement, complete with charming wooden houses, intricately carved ornaments, and vibrant textiles adorning every corner.

Day tour to Ethno Aul Village

Tour to Ethno Aul Gunny

Tamgaly is the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, dated latest Bronze age (2 millennium BC)
up to 19th century. The area of 30 square km concentrates the largest number of rock paintings ever found in the world! 5000! Images of people, animals, and sun-headed creatures will be a blast for your imagination.
Tamgaly is also the place of ancient settlements and burial mounds. You will definitely enjoy this tour that
can be easily associated with "time machine" travel!
Tour can be customized upon travelers' requests. Contact me if you need any other places on to add to the itinerary.

Historical site - Roundtrip from Almaty!

Tamgaly petroglyphs Tour

The magnificent lake Issyk at of 1800 m
elevation can be reached in about two hours
drive from Almaty.
The beauty is located in the valley with
the same name. You will enjoy the majestic
beauty of its turquoise water surface and
the Issyk Gorge, as well as listen to the details
of the natural disaster of 1963. At the lake you will have
free time for recreation at nature.
Then we will drive to Turgen valley and hike for about
40 min one way for 40 m high Bear waterfall. The next tour highlight is the museum of the Golden man (local Tutankhanum), representing the symbol of independence of Kazakhstan.

Entrance fee per person to the National park 

Almaty tours

Explore with 13 tours and 3 guides.

Alta

$ 120 (USD)

Galtsen C.

$ 190 (USD)

Darya P.

$ 817 (USD)

Alta

$ 550 (USD)

Galtsen C.

$ 150 (USD)

Darya P.

$ 402 (USD)

Alta

$ 524 (USD)

Galtsen C.

$ 355 (USD)

Darya P.

$ 328 (USD)

Alta

$ 200 (USD)

Galtsen C.

$ 210 (USD)

Alta

$ 406 (USD)

Alta

$ 455 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Almaty

Customize your tour

Almaty tours

Things to do in Almaty