How to Plan a Trip to Almaty
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Kazakhstan needs.
Your 4-step Almaty plan
Step 1 — Book flights to ALA
Almaty International Airport (ALA) is the main gateway to Almaty. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to ALAStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Kok Tobe Hill + cable car for the best first-time visit — Cable car (KZT 2,000) to 1,100m hilltop park + Soviet-era TV tower + Beatles statue + Almaty city panorama with Tian Shan mountains backdrop.
Where to stay in AlmatyStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Kok Tobe Hill + cable car, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Almaty.
Things to do in AlmatyStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Bus 92 (to centre) is KZT 200 (€0.40) and takes 45–60 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
ALA arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Kazakhstan visa-free for most Western, EU, US, UK, Canada, Japan, Korea passports up to 30 days (with airport stamp). 90-day stay options. Russian Federation passport holders need entry permit.