The 15 best things to do in Almaty (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small Group Tour

   Outty Ranking93

   Welcome to Kazakhstan! Experience five breathtaking natural wonders in one unforgettable day from Almaty. Start at iconic Charyn Canyon — towering red rock walls carved over millions of years, often called the little br. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 1,035 traveler reviews, 15h from $59, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour

   Outty Ranking93

   Within 2 days you will visit the most famous places of Almaty region - Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons. The tour itinerary is designed in such a way that you have time to enjoy all the tour sights. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 568 traveler reviews, 48h from $160, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Small-Group Tour: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons

   Outty Ranking90

   Discover 5 of Almaty’s most iconic natural wonders in just one unforgettable day! Perfect for travelers short on time, this tour covers Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Moon Canyon, and the stunning Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes —. 90+ Club at 90/100, 4.8/5 from 326 traveler reviews, 16h from $79, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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4. 

   4. 1-2 Days Singing dunes & Aktau mountains grouptour to Altyn Emel

   Outty Ranking88

   Explore Altyn Emel National Park — one of Kazakhstan's most surreal landscapes. Hike through the otherworldly Aktau Mountains, volcanic Katutau formations, and climb the legendary Singing Dunes that hum as you descend. Exceptional at 88/100, 4.9/5 from 149 traveler reviews, 16h from $200, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. Kolsai, Kaindy lakes & Charyn canyon with Yurt stay and Campfire

   Outty Ranking86

   Welcome to Kazakhstan! Over 2 unforgettable days, explore five of the most spectacular natural wonders of the Tian-Shan mountains in one group adventure. Day 1: Black Canyon → Moon Canyon → Kolsai Lake. Evening campfire. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.8/5 from 129 traveler reviews, 48h from $120, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons Day Trip

   Outty Ranking85

   Unique Tour of Almaty: Kolsay Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and the Charyn Canyon Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Almaty! Our tour includes visits to three incredible locations: Kolsay Lake - picturesque water. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.8/5 from 112 traveler reviews, 16h from $57, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Small-Group Tour: Lake Issyk with Turgen (Bear) Waterfall

   Outty Ranking85

   Discover the perfect mix of light adventure and breathtaking nature on this full-day tour from Almaty. Travel in comfort with a small group and enjoy a well-organized experience guided by a professional local expert. Sta. Exceptional at 85/100, 4.8/5 from 96 traveler reviews, 9h from $45, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Charyn, Kolsay&Kaiyndy Lakes 2days tour with Mount View Stay

   Outty Ranking83

   Join us as we take you to the stunning Charyn Canyon, the peaceful Kolsai Lakes, and the unique Kaindy Lake with its submerged forest with a nightover in a hotel with stunning view of the Magnificent Mountains. Enjoy eas. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 69 traveler reviews, 48h from $150, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Big Almaty Lake Hike and Falcon Show Experience

   Outty Ranking83

   Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,500 meters above sea level — a turquoise alpine gem surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Tian-Shan mountains, just 30 minutes from Almaty. Choose your adventure: Group Hike — Trek 10 km one. Exceptional at 83/100, 4.9/5 from 74 traveler reviews, 5h from $70, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon

    Outty Ranking81

    Our advantages • The company has its own fleet of vehicles, where USB and TYPE-C chargers are installed on each vehicle and on each seat. • In the summer season, we provide each of our tourists with a neck fan with cold. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.5/5 from 239 traveler reviews, 17h from $46, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. 1-day Backcountry Tour

    Outty Ranking81

    Take a guided freeride tour with our experienced mountain guides to discover new spots and bag the best lines! The Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains present almost unlimited opportunities for backcountry riding and offer somet. Exceptional at 81/100, 5.0/5 from 30 traveler reviews, 24h from $232, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Big Almaty Lake & Thermal Springs at AlmaArasan Gorge by Car 9 AM

    Outty Ranking81

    Enjoy a comfortable 5-hour tour to Big Almaty Lake, with a scenic drive and 60 minutes at the viewpoint. After visiting the lake, continue to Alma-Arasan Gorge, where you’ll take a scenic 20-minute walk along a mountain. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.8/5 from 64 traveler reviews, 5h from $59, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. 2 Day Tour to Kolsai Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon

    Outty Ranking81

    Join us on a breathtaking journey through Kazakhstan’s natural wonders - from the crystal-clear Kolsai Lake and the mysterious sunken forest of Kaindy, to the dramatic Charyn Canyon and its hidden gems like the Moon and. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.7/5 from 95 traveler reviews, 72h from $105, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. One Perfect Day in Almaty from Mountains to City lights

    Outty Ranking80

    Experience the best of Almaty in one perfect day — from alpine peaks to city streets. Start high above the city at Medeu, the world's highest skating rink, then ride up to Shymbulak mountain resort for breathtaking view. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.9/5 from 34 traveler reviews, 8h from $49, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Assy Plateau and Issyk lake and Bear Turgen Waterfall Jeep Tour

    Outty Ranking79

    Discover three of Kazakhstan's most diverse natural landscapes in one unforgettable day from Almaty — all in the comfort of a 4x4 Jeep. Start at the vast Assy Plateau — a sweeping highland steppe at 2,700 meters, where. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 34 traveler reviews, 8h from $90, free cancellation.

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