Anel & Moustafa
Things To Do
TRAVEL NOTE
Make sure to check in with Anel for advice and tips before you decide to go anywhere (especially restaurants and bars). If you’re heading out on your own, don’t worry—it’s super safe to travel around the city. People might not speak much English, but they’re really nice and will try their best to help you out.
Medeo
If you’re interested in hikes of varying difficulty levels, this destination—just 20 minutes from downtown—is perfect for you. It features an 850-step staircase that provides stunning views of the ring and the city.
Shymbulak
It’s quite similar to Lake Louise Ski Hill. You can hop on a cable car from Medeo for a 20-minute ride. There are also some great restaurants with big patios to enjoy.
Kok Tobe
Kok Tobe is the highest point of the city where you can enjoy panoramic view of the city from all directions. This recreational areas has an amusement park, restaurants and a TV tower which is visible from most parts of the city. To get there you can take a 15 minute cable car ride straight from downtown.
Charyn Canyon
About 200 km from the city, there’s a canyon where you can enjoy hikes of all levels. It’s super unique, even if it’s not as big as the Grand Canyon
Kaindy Lake
This national park is one of the most unique places in the world. It features submerged tree trunks that rise dramatically above the lake’s surface. The lake was formed after a major limestone landslide, triggered by an earthquake, created a natural dam. The color of the lake is very similar to Lake Louise. It’s about a 4.5-hour drive from Almaty, so if we decide to go, be ready to stay overnight.
Green Bazaar (Farmer's Market)
It’s a favorite spot for tourists, filled with stands selling fresh meat, fruits, veggies, dried goods, and unique foods from post-Soviet countries. It's located in the center of the city. I wouldn’t suggest going alone—it’s really crowded, most people don’t speak English, and you might end up overpaying.
Auyl Restaurant
One of the must-visit restaurants in Almaty! The interior and food are inspired by Central Asian cuisine, and it’s only five minutes from Medeo. P.S. This is where Mo proposed!