Gradually opening its arms to the world, Almaty is one of Kazakhstan’s largest cities. Almaty is well positioned at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, boasting a modern lifestyle but visited by breathtaking beauty and age-old cultural heritages. As flight services have become so accessible, and with visa-free entry into the country, more Indians will be able to visit Almaty in 2025. Here is all you want to know when taking a quick break or long vacation.
Direct Flights to Almaty from India
New Delhi is the only point of entry to Almaty from India, with the only direct flight operated by Air Astana. The fastest flight route is the one that takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes, and it is the most convenient way for any Indian traveler.
To enhance your travel experience, Air Astana provides additional services:
- MySEAT. Reserve preferred seats starting from $24.
- MyBAGGAGE. Pre-book extra baggage with up to a 30% discount.
- MyUPGRADE. Bid for an upgrade to business class.
- MyCHOICE. Select the fare that best suits your needs.
- MySTOPOVER. Explore Kazakhstan with stopover packages starting from $19.
Additionally, joining the Nomad Club, Air Astana’s loyalty program, may offer rewards and privileges for frequent travelers.
Visa-Free Entry for Indian Travelers
Flights to Almaty from India are available from major cities like New Delhi, with airlines like Air Astana operating direct routes. In one major travel-friendly move, Kazakhstan offers Indian citizens a visa-free entry of up to 14 days.
It simply means that there is no need to apply for a visa to go on a short trip. As long as you make sure your passport is valid for at least six months to your intended date of travel, that’s all there is to it.
Best Time to Visit Almaty
Almaty experiences all four seasons, each offering its unique charm:
- Spring (March–May). Pleasant weather (10°C–20°C) with blooming flowers, making it great for sightseeing.
- Summer (June–August). Warm but comfortable (25°C–30°C), ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and lake visits.
- Autumn (September–November). A picturesque time with golden leaves and cool breezes, perfect for photography lovers.
- Winter (December–February). It’s a snowy wonderland for those who like skiing, snow sports, or just shoveling.
Therefore, we recommend that first-time visitors visit from late spring to early autumn, as this is the ideal time to see the city and its surrounding areas.
Top Things to Do in Almaty
Almaty has everything for everyone, from history buffs to adventure seekers. Let’s check some must-see places:
1. Kok-Tobe Hill
Take a cable car to the top of Kok-Tobe Hill, where you can find a small amusement park, a zoo, a beautiful Beatles monument, and breathtaking city views.
2. Medeu Ice Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort
If you come in winter, it is a must. Shymbulak is a top-class ski resort and the home of the highest-altitude ice skating rink in the world, Medeu. In warmer months, you can also enjoy a great hiking area.
3. Green Bazaar
This bustling market forms the nucleus of local life in Almaty. You could buy fresh fruits, nuts, spices, or even traditional Kazakh delicacies here. It’s also a nice place to mix with locals and experience their friendliness.
4. Big Almaty Lake
Mountains surround the alpine lake, which is a haven for nature lovers and photographers. It is a short drive from the city.
Kazakh Cuisine: What to Try
Kazakh food is a mixture of Central Asian and Russian. The following are some of the things to try:
- Beshbarmak. This national dish comprises boiled meat, usually lamb or beef, but possibly a horse, served over flat noodles.
- Plov. Rice cooked with meat, carrots, and spices. Similar to Indian biryani but with a twist. Baursak. Fried bits of dough. These are good to eat with tea.
- Shashlik. Grilled meat skewers, Kazakh version of kebabs.
Vegetarians will find it difficult to find something in local cuisine. However, many restaurants have salads, bread, and fresh dairy products that one can use to survive.
Getting Around Almaty
Getting around Almaty is pretty easy, and public transport is generally very reliable.
- Metro. Very clean, efficient, and very cheap.
- Taxis. Yandex Go is a very popular alternative to Uber.
- Public buses. Extremely cheap, but hardly any English is spoken, so it is a good idea to have a translation app.
Walking is also an excellent way to see the city, especially around places like Panfilov Park and Arbat Street.
Travel Etiquette and Culture Tips
- Culture language. Dominantly Kazakh, and somewhere Russian. At the places where most tourist activities are conducted, there are also bits of English spoken; still, learning several simple expressions of Russian might help.
- Money currency. Local Kazakh tenge, but in places serving international consumers, credit cards would work as a means of payment, though having some cash with you can’t be a waste either.
- Safety. Generally, Almaty is a very safe city, but as with most other places on earth, look after your stuff and use licensed taxis.
- Local sim cards. Get a local SIM card from the airport or city for easygoing communication.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Looking for some unique gifts? Here are great souvenirs to bring back home with you:
- Chapan. Kazakh traditional robes usually worn in ceremonies.
- Kumis (fermented mare’s milk). A traditional drink with a distinct taste.
- Handmade wool products. Scarves, carpets, and felt slippers.
- Kazakh chocolate and dried fruits. Great edible souvenirs that travel well.
Conclusion
A 2025 trip to Almaty provides the opportunity to visit one of the world’s most beautiful, culturally rich, and welcoming destinations. Visa-free entry, direct flights, and a combination of adventure, history, and delicious food make it an ideal getaway for Indian travelers. Whether you take a city stroll, a mountain hike, or savor local delicacies, the city of Almaty will leave you with memories to cherish.
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