16 Ridiculously Beautiful Day Trips from Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty, Kazakhstan is one of my favorite cities in the world and one of the places that I feel most at home in.

I have spent around a year in the cultural capital of Kazakhstan (collectively over several trips!), and one of the best things about the city is that there are so many day trips from Almaty that are mind-blowing.

The nature in the Almaty region is so diverse; you can find alpine lakes, desert canyons, and the most beautiful poppy fields you’ll ever lay eyes on. This is a guide to the best Almaty day trips. I also share how to get there, including some tour options that make things far easier.

Tourism in Almaty is starting to pick up lately, and getting to some of these places is SO much easier than when I went. I can’t wait to go back and revisit many of them with ease (and fewer tears!).

If you have any questions about these day trips, please send me a message or leave a comment. Thanks!

How to Rent a Car in Almaty

The best way to reach all of the places listed in this guide is by renting a car. Do I recommend this? Kind of. And kind of not. If you speak Russian or Kazakh, I think renting a car is a seamless process and one that you will be happy with.

If you don’t speak the local language, this could prove to be a challenge for you. Not only because the process of renting a car is stressful, but because there are bribes on the roads in Kazakhstan.

Things are getting better, but it is just something to be aware of. Fortunately, I have never had an issue in KZ, but I know others who have. Click here to check Kazakhstan rental car rates and availability.

Best Day Trips From Almaty (Overview and Map)

The Almaty region of Kazakhstan is so diverse and nothing short of breathtaking, no matter where you may end up. I have called Almaty home a couple of times and spent a lot of time in Kazakhstan over the last decade and I know Almaty better than your average traveler or the one who goes there for a week and thinks they are an expert.

You simply can not go there for a short amount of time and see it all or visit every place outside of the city. I used to think it was because of the lack of infrastructure, but it is more that there are just so many things to see outside Almaty.

Some of these day trips are better in summer than in winter (okay… very few… Almaty is a place that pulsates during the warmer months). I am listing the best seasons to travel to each place as well as the distances for each.

Here is an overview of the Almaty day trips listed in this guide:

• Charyn Canyon
• Issyk Lake
• Big Almaty Lake
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy
• Huns Ethno-Village
• Bartogay Reservoir
• Altyn Emel National Park
• Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort (Lesnaya Skazka)
• Kok-Tobe
• Butakovskiy Waterfall
• Poppy fields around Almaty
• Tamgaly Tas
• Shymbulak and Medeu
• Turgen Gorge (and the waterfalls)
• Furmanov Peak
• City of Nomads
• Extra: Abandoned hospital (IVOV)

Day Trips From Almaty (On a Map!)

Fees to Enter Places

Most places on this guide require a fee. Usually just around $2-3 per person (give or take). Please bring enough extra cash (KZT = Kazakhstani Tenge) with you for the trip to cover these fees.

I highly suggest bringing at least $20 for any day trip. Part of that money will go toward the fee and then I recommend having that other for emergencies or in case you end up without a ride back to Almaty. Hitchhiking is common in Kazakhstan, but I always pay a fee to the driver.

Best Day Trips From Almaty (Details)

I am listing these day trips with some of the popular destinations first. If you scroll through it, you will see some lesser-known gems (and some places right in Almaty that you can spend a whole day at).

1. Charyn Canyon

🚗 Almaty to Charyn Canyon distance: 218 km (135 mi); drive takes about 3 hours
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

Charyn Canyon is easily one of the most popular day trips from Almaty. Everyone I know who visits Kazakhstan heads there. And rightfully so… it is such a highlight and one of the things that make Kazakh nature so great.

Often called the little sister of the Grand Canyon, it is definitely smaller but remains impressive. Tourism has boomed there over the years, so don’t expect to have the place to yourself anymore, but I still encourage heading out that way.

I have visited Charyn Canyon three times over the years, and I tend to wander about and do my own thing, even if joining a tour. There is a small cafe by the river where you can have a drink. There is a small entrance fee of around 1000 KZT (about $2) that will need to be paid if you visit with your own car. Bring your passport.

When is the best season or time to visit Charyn Canyon? I have been in both summer and autumn. Both days were warm, and there was no snow there. I liked autumn better, however, because the crowds weren’t large and the heat wasn’t quite as unbearable.

How do you get to Charyn Canyon from Almaty? Of course, you can drive there, but if you’re looking for cheaper options, join an organized tour that goes out there. The one I linked also goes to Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes. It is a long day trip, but the scenery is jaw-dropping!

2. Issyk Lake

🚗 Almaty to Issyk Lake distance: 79 km (49 mi); drive takes about 1 hour, 45 minutes
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

One of the most interesting day trips from Almaty is Issyk Lake. No, not the one in Kyrgyzstan… the one close to Almaty nestled in the beautiful and majestic Trans-Ili Alatau. This lake has a tragic history and is technically ‘man-made’ these days after a horrific landslide ruined the lake and killed thousands of people in the 1960s (the Soviet Union stated that only 100 people died, when that was later proven untrue).

The lake has clear, teal waters that are fed by the Esik River. There are opportunities around to grill and camp, and there are even remnants of the Soviet Union’s past there, which is very rare to see in Kazakhstan these days. During the summers, it can be packed with locals and kids… but the shoulder seasons are rather nice up there.

There is a small eco-park fee that is required if you visit on your own. It is about 3000 KZT (around $6).

When is the best season or time to visit Issyk Lake? Spring, Summer, Autumn. Just don’t visit too close to winter on either side of things, as there will likely still be snow up there. I went in late spring. The lake freezes in winter.

How do you get to Lake Issyk? In order to get from Almaty to Issyk, you will need to find a marshrutka to the city of Esik. From there, you can order a taxi and head to the lake. The driver can wait for you there. Otherwise, there are now tours heading out that way, and this one is pretty popular!

3. Big Almaty Lake

🚗 Almaty to Big Almaty Lake distance: 30 km (18 mi); drive takes about 1 hour
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

Often referred to as BAO (stands for Bol’shoye Almatinskoye Ozero), this lake is such a symbol of Almaty that I highly recommend you not leave the area until you visit. Big Almaty Lake sits high up in the mountains and is a flashy teal color that will blow your mind. It used to be that you could take a car or taxi all the way to the lake, but those days are gone (and have been since 2020). More on that below.

You can not swim in Big Almaty Lake. The water from the lake is the drinking water for the city of Almaty, and you can notice this as it runs down the mountain in pipes to the population. You only need a half-day up at Big Almaty Lake unless you plan to do some serious hiking.

Big Almaty Lake requires a small fee for visiting of around 2000 KZT (about $4). Bring your passport with you as I have been checked there (long before the fee was in place).

When is the best season or time to visit Big Almaty Lake? Late summer or early autumn. If you visit in spring or early summer, the water color is a milky blue (which is pretty), but the bright teal happens in late summer and early autumn. In winter, it will be covered in snow.

How do you get to Big Almaty Lake? These days, you will need to take a taxi to the visitor’s center about 8km (about 5mi) from the lake. From there, you can continue to the lake on foot, your own bike, or an electric bike that you can rent at the visitor center.

If hiking there independently feels a bit daunting, you can always take a tour up that way. This one goes to BAO and an apple orchard.

4. Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake

🚗 Almaty to Kolsai Lakes distance: 283 km (175 mi); drive takes about 4 hours
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

To be honest, this is not done best as a day trip, but I am including it because, with a personal car, you can manage it. I don’t think you can do both the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy as a day trip on the same trip, but you can likely manage one or the other on a day trip from Almaty.

On the other hand, there are day tours that hit up Kolsai and Kaindy in addition to Charyn Canyon. I did one of my trips as an overnight in Saty and the other as a day trip (way too rushed).

Just remember that if you’re looking to do some hiking, visiting as a day trip may not be a feasible option. It is a great place to add to your Almaty itinerary, however.

Lake Kaindy is stunning. There is a sunken forest at the lake that is such a mesmerizing image that you’ll never be able to mentally rid yourself of it. The Kolsai Lakes were my favorite, though.

I only went to Kolsai-1 as I was working and couldn’t make the hike to Kolsai-2, but it was incredible. Both of my trips were in October (I’ve been twice), and I am still blown away by the beauty of Kazakhstan and the Kolsai Lakes at this time.

There is a small fee you must pay, but you also need to realize that getting to Kaindy requires a special type of vehicle and some drivers will be waiting there to take you (which will require some extra cash).

When is the best season or time to visit Kolsai Lakes? Summer or Autumn. I have not been in winter, but I imagine it is rough with the snowfall. I have only visited in October (but in two different years).

How do you get to the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy? To get to the lakes, you must get to Saty village first. Reaching Saty from Almaty takes about 4 hours. Once in Saty, you will have to go further to the lakes or have an all-purpose vehicle to take you to Lake Kaindy.

Alternatively, tours are now offering day trips to the Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy! The trip also makes a stop at Charyn Canyon. This is a 17-hour day trip, so prepare yourself for a long day!

5. Huns Ethno-Village

🚗 Almaty to Huns Ethno-Village distance: 48 km (29 mi); drive takes about 1 hour, 24 minutes
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

If you’re interested in the Kazakh cultuer and its nomadic history, visiting Huns Ethno-Village is an excellent day trip! I have only been one time but I definitely will take others there if they travel to Almaty with me next time.

Founded over fifteen years ago, Huns Ethno-Village’s main highlight is its Kazakh Aul show, where warriors open the gate with spears and perform a stunt show atop horses!

Once it is done, there is a lunch (veggie and halal options available!) and other activities like archery and learning more about the eagle hunters of Central Asia.

When is the best season or time to visit Huns Ethno-Village? I went in autumn, but I can imagine it offers a culturally-rich experience at any time of the year. You can see more about their packages here.

How do you get to Huns Ethno-Village? You can drive there or set up transportation at the time of booking. If you want to take a private tour there (which will also stop at Issyk Lake that I discussed above!), that is a good option. You can check more about rates and availability here.

6. Bartogay Lake and Reservoir

🚗 Almaty to Bartogay Reservoir distance: 193 km (119 mi); drive takes about 2 hours, 30 minutes
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

Bartogay is a reservoir that was made during the early 1980s and is a very unpolluted source of water today. The area is pristine… and coming from Almaty, you realize how nice of a change of scenery that can be. certain time of the year allows for fishing in the lake, which is fed by the Chilik River at the base of the Sogety Plateau. The lake collects water in winter and feeds the population in summer months.

When is the best season or time to visit Bartogay? Summer. Like most places around Almaty, you will want to go here during the warmer months.

How do you get to Bartogay from Almaty? Reaching the reservoir via a rental car is very easy; otherwise, you really should sign up for a tour that will take you out that way (like this Kolsai/Kaindy/Bartogay trip).

7. Altyn Emel National Park (& the Singing Dune)

🚗 Almaty to Altyn Emel distance: 223 km (138 mi); drive takes about 2 hours to the first entrance
➡️ Check tour prices and availability

Wow… this place. Altyn Emel National Park is listed on the UNESCO tentative list and is one of the most gorgeous places in Kazakhstan, if not Central Asia. The arid park is also home to the Singing Dune, a dune that has sonic vibrations that give people the illusion that it is singing with the noise created by it.

The park itself is teeming with nomadic history and various landscapes. And it is huge! It is really suggested to see the park on an overnight (or multiple days) and stay in Basshi village, but if you go solely for the Singing Dune, you can do a day trip.

When is the best season or time to visit Altyn Emel? Shoulder season- spring or autumn. I went in September. The park becomes violently hot in the summers, and it is not suggested to visit if you’re not prepared for extreme heat. Most tours to the Singing Dune will cease taking place during the summer months as a result.

How do you get to Altyn Emel from Almaty? You can drive there, just be sure you have a car that can handle off-roading a little bit. Altyn Emel is a huge national park, and there are a couple of official entrances.

The main one, at Altyn Emel, is around 223 kilometers, or 138 miles, away from Almaty. You will have additional time from there to make it into the park. To reach the main entrance of the park, plan on about three hours.

Alternatively, you can take a tour to Altyn Emel (and the famous singing dunes). This one is with Steppe Spirit (I have taken a lot of tours with them in the past, including one to Altyn Emel!), and it also goes to Aktau Mountain. Beware – this is an 18-hour day trip!

8. Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort (Lesnaya Skazka)

🚗 Almaty to Oi-Qaragai distance: 41 km (25 mi); drive takes about 1 hour
➡️ Check resort prices and availability

I didn’t know about this place until I was invited to an event there in late spring / early summer of 2018. I went with my friend, and it turns out that Oi-Qaragai Canyon (formerly and still better known as Lesnaya Skazka) is a resort in the mountains at the Oi-Qaragai Canyon and far removed from everything else.

In the summer, there are adventure activities, and in the winter, it is a ski resort (that still has plenty of adventurous activities).

When I went, there was ziplining, cultural events and food, and more. You can also stay overnight at the resort if you want to escape the city a bit.

When is the best season or time to visit Lesnaya Skazka? Anytime! It is a ski resort in winter and home to several adventurous activities in summer.

How do you get to Lesnaya Skazka from Almaty? The best way to get to the resort is by private car or by hiring a taxi. You can also speak with the resort beforehand to see if they will accommodate a city pickup.

9. Kok-Tobe

🚗 Almaty to Kok-Tobe distance: 14 km (8.5 mi); drive takes about 26 minutes (can take cable car)
➡️ Check city tour prices and availability

Kok-Tobe isn’t a day trip from Almaty, per se. It is more of a place to spend your day, or at least half of it, in Almaty. You can take a cable car there and decide how long you want to spend up there. The cable car is 8000 KZT round-trip (or 4500 KZT one way).

Once at the top, you can walk around, have lunch, see the Beatles statue, ride theme park rides, or just chill out. I sometimes forget how special the area really is.

While it is more of a place that children will enjoy, the kid in me still loves it. It offers gorgeous views of Almaty if the smog levels are low and it is also a place to watch the sunset.

When is the best season or time to visit Kok-Tobe? I have been in all seasons. I liked summer better, for obvious reasons, but you can venture up there year-round. More is open up on Kok-Tobe in the summer months, though.

How do you get to Kok-Tobe from Almaty? You will take a cable car from the right side of the Palace of the Republic off Dostyk Avenue. The cable car ride takes around 10-15 minutes to the top. The cable cars are newer and built to high standards.

You can also take public transportation up there if you feel comfortable navigating it… but I think the cable car is pretty special and recommend that (the bus is only 1000 KZT, though). Alternatively, if you take this city tour, it will take you to Kok-Tobe, Medeu, and Shymbulak.

10. Butakovskiy Waterfall

🚗 Almaty to Butakovskiy distance: 30 minutes by bus and then 2.5-3 hours to the waterfall (hiking)
Hiking details: 4.4-kilometer (2.7-mile) out and back; elevation gain 385m (1263ft), easy/moderate level
➡️ Check waterfall hiking tour prices and availability

The hike to Butakovskiy Waterfall is fairly easy compared to other Almaty hikes. I had a difficult time doing it because I got lost at the start and ended up hiking toward Furmanov Peak, which is way beyond my skill level. Once I was nice and tired, I ended up on the right path and my legs felt like jelly.

The waterfall is pretty and nestled in a really stunning area in the mountains. There is a green valley that you will walk through before climbing the rocks up a stream to the waterfall and I met so many friendly Kazakhs in that valley that it made the entire day worth it in the end.

When is the best season or time to visit Butakovskiy Waterfall? I went to the waterfall in late spring and early summer. It wasn’t all that powerful then, so I suspect it will be barely noticeable in autumn. Wouldn’t recommend this in winter if you’re an unskilled winter hiker. The waterfall is frozen in winter.

How do you get to Butakovskiy Waterfall from Almaty? To start the hike to Butakovskiy Waterfall, you will take the bus to Medeu and then go slightly down until you see an area with cascading water (this runs from the mountains to the city as drinking water). Follow this area for a while until you see a few houses. In between those houses is a sign pointing you to the waterfall and a trail. You will take that path.

If you want to complete this hike but feel most comfortable with an expert guide, you can opt for a hiking tour instead.

11. Poppy Fields around Almaty (April-May)

The poppy fields are located right outside of Almaty’s city center and are one of the best things to see if you’re visiting Almaty when they are in bloom.

If you drive slightly outside the city, you can see them almost everywhere! They tend to bloom in late April into early May and are only in bloom 2-3 weeks when it happens… so the best thing to do is to search Instagram for ‘Almaty poppies’ or ‘маки в Алматы’ and it will bring up recent photos of whether or not they are in bloom.

I went to a field in a specific village, but they are everywhere right off the road, particularly the Kapchagay and Kuldzhinskaya highways. You can drive there yourself or find a taxi driver to take you and wait.

Why should you visit the poppy fields? They are spectacular and fleeting. And if the sky is clear and you can see the mountains in the background… perfection.

When is the best season or time to visit the Almaty poppy fields? April to May. Just depends on the year.

How do you get to the poppy fields from Almaty? You will need to drive and find them yourself, or identify where a nice field is in bloom and have a taxi take you, and wait there. You can also look at local community tours that may run people out there! I like Steppe Spirit, and they offer private, bespoke tours, so I would reach out to them and see if they can arrange something for you.

12. Tamgaly Tas

🚗 Almaty to Tamgaly Tas distance: 113 km (70 mi); drive takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes
➡️ Check Tamgaly Tas tour prices and availability

Tamgaly Tas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are thousands of rock carvings in and around the area. While you won’t get to see them all, it is still interesting to see a part of history portrayed on stones.

While the petroglyphs are a nice glimpse into the history of the region, the scenery is what really captivated me.

It is located on the Ili River on the Kazakh steppe and it was picturesque even without the ancient stones sitting in front of me!

When is the best season or time to visit Tamgaly Tas? I went in September, and I reckon that was a perfect time to go to Tamgaly Tas as a day trip from Almaty. The weather was mild and I was able to avoid the scorching heat of a Kazakh summer.

How do you get to Tamgaly Tas from Almaty? You can head there in a private car or by booking a tour, as I did. If you take an organized tour, it may include Tamgaly Tas with Nomad’s Land, another spot I cover in this guide.

13. Shymbulak and Medeu

🚗 Almaty to Shymbulak/Medeu distance: about 30 minutes by public bus
➡️ Check city tour prices and availability

Shymbulak is the premier ski resort around Almaty. It attracts visitors from all over the world (even Prince Harry has skied there!) and is a great place to spend an active day in Almaty. It is accessible by public transportation in Almaty.

The ski lifts are operational in the summer months most of the time, so you can take them high into the mountains during various times of the year, too.

Medeu is a Soviet-era ice skating rink just a stop away from Shymbulak. The architecture is eye-catching and it is a popular place in the winter. It is also a spot you’ll need to reach if you’re embarking on the Furmanov Peak or Butakovskiy Waterfall hikes.

When is the best season or time to visit Shymbulak and Medeu? If you’re looking to ski, snowboard, or go ice skating, obviously winter is the peak season for these places. If you’re just looking to be in the mountains or start a hike to Butakovskiy Waterfall or Furmanov, you will want to head there during the summer months.

How do you get to Shymbulak and Medeu from Almaty? You can reach both Shymbulak and Medeu by taking Bus 12 to the mountains. You can catch this bus at the corner of Kurmangazy and Dostyk or by Dostyk Plaza (on the side of the mall) outside of Restaurant Mado. The ride takes around 30 minutes. From Medeu, you can take the cable car to Shymbulak for the full experience! It is 6000 KZT round-trip (or 4000 KZT one way).

If you’d rather join a tour to see Medeu, Shymbulak, and Kok-Tobe, this is a great city tour option.

14. Turgen Gorge (and the Waterfalls)

🚗 Almaty to Turgen Gorge distance: 77 km (47 mi); drive takes about 1 hour, 30 minutes
➡️ Check Turgen Gorge tour prices and availability

Turgen Gorge may be one of the most underrated places in all of southeastern Kazakhstan, and it most definitely is ‘off-the-path’ in terms of foreign tourists.

The area is a nature lover’s paradise and you will find everything from deep valleys to high mountains to the famous Kairak Waterfall. There are two famous waterfalls in this gorge; one is 30m and the other is 55m tall (98ft and 180ft, respectively). You can read more about the hike here.

When is the best season or time to visit Turgen Gorge? Summer. But the waterfalls flow year-round here.

How do you get to Turgen Gorge from Almaty? You can get there best by private car or taking this organized tour that will take you to the waterfalls in Turgen in addition to Issyk Lake (another place I mention in this guide).

15. Furmanov Peak

🚗 Almaty to Furmanov Peak distance: You need to take a 30-minute bus to Medeu and the hike starts there (and will take you all day)
Hiking details: 17.3-kilometer (10.7-mile) loop; elevation gain 1562m (5125ft), difficult

If you’re an avid hiker and in better shape than I am, then you should embark on a day hike to Furmanov Peak. It is a pretty challenging hike and not recommended for those who aren’t skilled hikers. I accidentally found myself on the trail to Furmanov instead of the one to Butakovskiy Waterfall, and even the couple of hours I did before realizing were no real treat.

There will be plenty of people on this trail during the warmer months, but it is recommended to bring a hiking buddy if you can. Read more about the hike here.

When is the best season or time to visit Furmanov Peak? Summer. It is a high peak and needs to be hiked when the weather is at its best and the snow has melted.

How do you get to Furmanov Peak from Almaty? You can take Bus 12 to Medeu (see directions above under Shymbulak and Medeu area) and get off there to start your hike to Furmanov.

16. City of Nomads (Film Set)

🚗 Almaty to City of Nomads distance: 106 km (65 mi); drive takes about 1 hour, 45 minutes
➡️ Check City of Nomads tour prices and availability

I questioned whether or not to still add City of Nomads to this guide but I am going to do it because the scenery is pretty (it is located on the steppe) and you can also see Tamgaly Tas on the same trip, so it is maybe worth it?

Nomad’s Land, or City of Nomads, looks like something out of a historic movie… and that is because that is what it is. It was a film set built for the 2005 D-list movie called ‘Nomad’. The film set remained and once Instagram became the new thing, it popularized this film set with locals. I never saw foreign tourists (or non-Russian speaking, I should say) there before I went the first time.

So, what’s the issue? Honestly, it is falling apart. There is no money invested to keep up with it since it was built as a film set and the people collecting the fees for visiting (it is merely a few dollars) are not investing anything back into it. Fair enough. It needs quite a bit of work.

I have visited twice. Once independently with a Russian-Kazakh friend (no fee and we were the only people there) and then once a couple of years later, where it was teeming with tourists. I had joined a community tour with Steppe Spirit out that way that combined with Tamgaly Tas.

If you’re looking for a way to get out to the steppe, it is worth going and seeing this dilapidated film set, the stunning scenery, and Tamgaly Tas. There is also a little boat tour you can do on the river, which was fun. Otherwise, I would skip it.

When is the best season or time to visit Nomad’s Land? Shoulder season. It is very hot in summer.

How do you get to Nomad’s Land from Almaty? I would go with a tour. Driving there requires off-roading a bit.

Extra: Gospital’ Uchastnikov Vov (Abandoned Hospital)

Location: see on map here
Also written as: ŪOS qatysuşylardyñ gospitalı (Kazakh), Госпиталь ИВОВ (Russian), Gospital’ Rkgiov

I know that this is a very odd thing to put on a guide like this, but if you’re looking for a potential half-day trip to add to Medeu and Shymbulak, there is an abandoned military hospital close by called Gospital’ Uchastnikov Vov that is worth checking out if you’re into Urbex stuff (avoid if not).

It was built for disabled veterans of WWII and has only been abandoned since 2010. It’s unknown for tourists but not locals, so expect to see a few people there (although I saw no one). The main reason to go here is that it offers some nice views of the surrounding nature.

I will say that when I went, it was less known, and no fees or guards were around. I do believe that has changed and that there is a 1000 KZT ($2) fee to enter.

However, this is Kazakhstan, so if that fee ends up at around 20,000 KZT for non-Russian speaking tourists (if you get my gist), please don’t come at me! Don’t pay it. There has also been word that they are not allowing people to visit and that there are sometimes drunks hanging around. I am only putting it here because I know some of my readers have enjoyed me sharing these types of places in the past.

You can reach it by private car, taxi, or by taking a bus to the Medeu district.

Day Trip Combinations (to Maximize Your Time)

Some of these day trips can be combined with others to maximize your time in Almaty! Here are some combos that can be done (and you can see their locations on my map at the top of the guide):

• City of Nomads, Tamgaly Tas
• Issyk Lake and Turgen Gorge
• Shymbulak, Medeu, hike to Butakovskiy Waterfall
• Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Kaindy (this is insanely long, but possible if you want it to be)

There are so many great day trips from Almaty, but these are ones I have personally done or that come highly recommended by my friends (I have done most of these Almaty day trips, as you can see above).

If you happen to visit Almaty, stay a few extra days and partake in some of these awesome day trips. Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below. Thanks!

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