Backpacking in Almaty Kazakhstan
Metropolitan Almaty
For over the last half a century, Almaty has stood as the capital of not only Kazakhstan but the entire Central Asian region. Unlike many of the other cities sprinkled across Central Asia, Almaty (or Alma-Ata) was settled well before the creation of the Silk Road. As traders began to make the journey from Europe to the Far East, the wealth and influence of Almaty only continued to grow. Even today, many Stan-countries are still trying to catch up with Almaty to be an economical and transport hub in the region.
For travelers and those backpacking in Almaty Kazakhstan, you will find that there is not as much to do when compared with the neighboring countries of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Almaty is a city where you can get a cheap flight in from China or the Middle East and kick off your journey exploring the rest of Central Asia. Although you will find many chain fast-food restaurants and massive supermarkets you will find little to do within Almaty itself. As a cultural hub in Kazakhstan, this once seat of power for the country is far more a better place to live than to explore as a backpacker. If you are looking to make the most of your few days in Almaty, you will find some of the best things to do in Almaty below.
Looking for a day trip from Almaty? Check out the nearby Big Almaty Lake!
Panfilov Park
The first place you will want to head to when backpacking in Almaty is Panfilov Park or more formally the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. The park has been renamed several times during the history of Almaty, but finally settled on the Park of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen in honor of 28 soldiers who game up their lives to hold off the German forces; advance during the Great Patriotic War (World War II). Thus giving the men in Moscow more time to prepare their defenses. The name “Panfilov” comes from General Ivan Panfilov who led the 316th division.
The statues of the soldiers are situated to one side of the park near the Museum of Kazakh Folk Instruments. Done in classical a Socialist Realism style, the stoic figures seem to be jumping out of the stone that they are carved out of towards the internal flame placed in the middle of the courtyard. Although this is a reverent site, you will still find many families posing for pictures and even kids skateboarding around the monument.
Another place to check out outside of Almaty is the breathtaking Charyn Canyon!
Ascension Cathedral
Topping the list of what to do in Almaty is the Ascension Cathedral. Also known as the Zenkov Cathedral, this orthodox church is the focal point of the park despite it being named after the 28 Guardsmen. Built in 1907, this cathedral is rumored to be the second tallest wooden structure in the world. Due to its unique design without any nails, Almaty’s Ascension Cathedral has survived many earthquakes while the rest of the city crumbled. With its gay bright colors similar to many of the other cathedrals found throughout Russia and ex-Soviet nations, this church transports its visitors into a traditional Orthodox decorated with handmade wooden furniture crafted in Moscow and Kyiv.
The chanting and beauty of the cathedral are just one part of what makes the Ascension Cathedral the heart of the park. In the courtyard beside the church you will find flocks of pigeons and locals congregating to take pictures, walk arm and arm on a date, and bring out their kids to play on one of the small RC cars that can be taken around the park. Being a large city you will have few chances to get a candid look at daily life in Almaty. Despite being one of the most populated cities in Central Asia, second only to Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Almaty’s streets may seem quite empty. In the square in front of the Ascension Cathedral, however, you can sit back on one of the park benches and watch the locals wander around the church.
You can read about what it is like to visit Kazahstan’s capital Nur-Sultan here!
Almaty Central Mosque
Steady streams of European migration to Kazakhstan and Almaty started as early as the mid 19th Century. With the Germans kicking down the doors of Russia during World War II, many civilians evacuated European cities such as Moscow and fled to the remote safety of Central Asia. Under the Soviet Union incentives attracted many settlers to the country, calling Kazakhstan a virgin land. Prior to Russians bringing orthodoxy and Soviets implementing secularism, Kazakhstan was a Muslim country. Even though there have been many outside influences, many Kazakhs still adhere to Islam. There is no better place to see this part of Almaty than the Central Mosque.
Nearby the Green Bazaar, also known as Zelenyy Bazaar, you will find the modest yet stunning Central Mosque of Almaty. The original mosque was built in 1890 but was destroyed by fire in 1987. On the ashes, a new mosque was built which was completed in 1999. Visitors can visit the mosque any day of the week other than Friday. It is mandatory than women’s heads must be covered and for people to dress modestly. Other than prayer times you will still find a handful of people lounging around in the hall and idly chatting.
Want to head to the beach? You can enjoy the Caspian Sea from Aktau in Kazakhstan!
Republic Square
Before Nur-Sultan (Astana) became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997, Almaty was the seat of power for the entire country. After the capital was moved north, all of the government buildings were repurposed by the city. The former presidential palace, for example, became the mayor’s office and the grounds have been made into a beautiful park, a spot usually frequented by locals on the weekends or holidays. Unlike many other city squares, Almaty has amble green spaces adorned with colorful flowers of all kinds.
Other than the government buildings situated around Republic Square, you will also find that there are several museums as well as shopping malls in the area. The largest museum in all of Almaty, the Central State Museum, can also be found right off the square. With exhibits stretching back to the early history of the city to the more modern struggle for independence, you can get a closer look at the fabric of Kazakhstan. Although not as popular a walking spot as 28 Guardsmen Park or Central Park, Republic Square is another great place to go people-watching.
From Aktau you can take the train all the way down to Uzbekistan. Read on how to start the journey here!
Kok-Tobe
Almaty is situated against the snowy Zailyisky Alatau Mountains which separate Kazakhstan from neighboring Kyrgyzstan. Despite the mountains being in view of the city, it is quite the journey to head up to one of the peaks. The most accessible viewpoint of Almaty is from Kok Tobe, another popular weekend or evening destination in the city. Known for its massive and historic radio tower, it is quite easy to find Kok Tobe when you are down on the ground. It is possible to get to the top of the hill by foot, but the slopes are incredibly steep. An easier option to get to the top of Kok Tobe is to take the cable care for 1,000 Tenge (2.34 USD) each way. Alternatively you could also take the shuttle bus from Omrava Bus Terminal for 300 Tenge.
Kok Tobe is one of those places that are more meant for local tourists than backpackers. Families bring their children to have picnics in view of the Almaty skyline, ride the amusement park rides, and snack at one of the food stalls around the park. You will get some excellent views of the city, but the carnival attractions will not be enough to hold your attention. One of the landmarks atop Kok Tobe is a monument to The Beatles. Created during a music festival in 2007, the statue still stands to prove to the world that Beatle mania is still a thing.
Right across the border you will find the historic minaret Burana. Read about how to visit from Bishkek here!
What To Do In Almaty
Almaty is a city that will either be at the top or the bottom of your itinerary. In the middle you will find yourself exploring the far outreaches of Kazakhstan’s deserts or the caravanserai in Uzbekistan. Almaty is a hub where you will find cheap flights connecting Central Asia to the rest of the world. This is not to say that there is nothing to do or Almaty is not worth visiting, rather to say that Kazakstan’s largest city will not be the highlight of your trip when compared with all the natural and historical beauty found elsewhere.
With mosques, cathedrals, museums, parks, and lively city squares, you have so many different places within Almaty where you can search for the soul of the city. The landscape of the city blocks are made up of over the top Soviet structures and cluttered brutalist apartments. If you are a lover of Soviet architecture, you will fall in love with the hidden gems situated into the misleadingly drab buildings. The city of apples has long been a hub in Kazakhstan, and with the rebirth of tourism in the region you will quickly find that Almaty will also become a refuge for weary travelers.
