Day Tours in Almaty

Planning a trip to Almaty and not sure where to begin? Almaty day tours make it simple to see the highlights without the stress of planning everything yourself. MakeMyTrip offers 268 curated tours in Almaty for 2026, covering both popular landmarks and lesser-known gems. Travellers can join a guided walk, hop on a bus tour or choose a mix of activities. From museums and parks to cultural districts, every tour reveals a different side of the city. Short on time? A Almaty half day city tour is ideal, while a Almaty full day tour ensures you don’t miss a thing. These tours are affordable and flexible, with prices starting from INR 290. This February, explore Almaty with MakeMyTrip and enjoy a day packed with discoveries.

Discover the Mountain City with Almaty Day Tours

Almaty lies beneath the Tien Shan mountains, its streets lined with trees and its skyline framed by snow on the peaks. Once the capital, it is still Kazakhstan’s cultural and business centre. The city is busy, but the setting makes it feel open and green. With Almaty day tours, you can see the mix of modern streets and mountain scenery in a single day.

A route may include Panfilov Park, where Zenkov Cathedral stands out in bright colours, or the Green Bazaar with its crowded stalls. The cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill gives a wide view of the city. Some tours stop at the Central State Museum for a look at Kazakhstan’s history. Others take you out of town to Big Almaty Lake or to Medeu, a skating rink surrounded by ridges. These activities turn an Almaty day trip into a blend of city life and nature.

You might spend only a few hours walking the central boulevards, or the whole day exploring mountain valleys. Either way, Almaty day tours show why the city remains one of Central Asia’s most distinctive places.

Popular Day Tour Types

Cultural & City Tours:

Many Almaty day tours begin in the centre of the city. Panfilov Park, with its wide paths and war memorials, is often the first stop. Inside the park stands Zenkov Cathedral, painted in bright colours and built entirely of wood. The Central State Museum offers a different kind of pause, with galleries that explain Kazakhstan’s past. Not far away, the Green Bazaar gives another perspective, stalls stacked with fruit, spices, and handmade goods, all adding local flavour to an Almaty day trip.

Evening & Unique Tours:

As the day winds down, Almaty shifts into a quieter rhythm. Some Almaty day tours let you ride the Kok-Tobe cable car to see the city lights, or enjoy evening strolls along Arbat Street, where performers and artists add colour to the night. A twilight visit to Republic Square gives you another view of the city’s spirit.

City Highlights Tour:

If your time is limited, an Almaty day tour designed around key attractions is ideal. You can cover Kok-Tobe Hill, Zenkov Cathedral, the Central Mosque, and the Green Bazaar all in one sequence. This type of plan works like a compact Almaty one day trip itinerary, giving you the essentials without feeling rushed.

Most popular landmarks:

When exploring Almaty day tours, expect to see Big Almaty Lake, Medeu skating rink, and Panfilov Park included often and these stops are frequently combined so your Almaty day trip features both city icons and scenic escapes.

Good for first-time visitors:

A half day Almaty city tour is often enough to give you an introduction to the core landmarks, while a longer schedule extends into Big Almaty Lake or Shymbulak ski resort and both options ensure that your first Almaty day tour leaves you with a clear sense of the city’s layout and natural beauty.

Thematic Tours

History & Architecture:

Some Almaty day tours focus on the city’s architectural legacy and from Soviet-era monuments at Republic Square to the wooden Zenkov Cathedral built without nails, you see how eras overlap. Adding the Central State Museum turns your Almaty day trip into a walk through centuries of Kazakh history.

Food & Markets:

Culinary routes bring you face to face with Almaty’s flavours. Stops at the Green Bazaar let you sample dried fruits, nuts, and traditional Kazakh sweets, while cafés nearby introduce you to regional dishes. These activities make your Almaty day tours as much about taste as about sights.

Street Art & Culture:

In districts such as Arbat, you find murals, sculptures, and live performances that show Almaty’s creative side, including these in your Almaty day trip gives you a balance between heritage and the contemporary arts scene.

Religious or Heritage Sites:

Beyond parks and markets, an Almaty day tour can take you to landmarks of faith. At the Central Mosque and Ascension Cathedral, you see Islamic and Orthodox influences side by side. Museums in the city centre carry the history that shapes local identity.

Neighbourhood Walking Tours

Neighbourhood Highlights:

A slower half day trip Almaty might take you through the leafy streets of Old Almaty, with wooden houses and shaded courtyards. Walking along pedestrian zones like Panfilov Street or Arbat lets you notice smaller details, from bookshops to open-air art displays, giving your Almaty day tours a more personal rhythm.

Combo/Full-Day Tours

Sightseeing Tours (Combo/Full-Day):

Extended itineraries blend city landmarks with nature escapes and a typical Almaty full day tour might begin at Panfilov Park, continue to Big Almaty Lake, and end at Medeu or Shymbulak in the mountains. These longer Almaty day tours provide variety and give you enough time to enjoy each stop without rushing.

Tour Details & Inclusions

Private Full Day Almaty City Tour

Overview

This itinerary is designed to give you a well-rounded introduction to the city. On this journey, you combine cultural landmarks, mountain scenery, and lively markets, all within a single schedule and among the most popular Almaty day tours, this experience ensures that your Almaty day trip captures both history and daily life while keeping a relaxed pace.

• Duration: 8 hours
• Key Highlights: Medeu skating rink, cable car ride to Shymbulak ski resort, panoramic views from Kok-Tobe Hill, Panfilov Park, Ascension Cathedral, Zeleny Bazar, and Rakhat Candy Factory
• Inclusions: Lunch at a traditional restaurant, entrance fees, transportation, English-speaking guide
• Price: It starts from INR 21,900 to INR 22,900 per person
• Group Size: Suitable for adults, children, infants, seniors, and youth, with flexible arrangements for small or larger groups

This plan is ideal if you want a complete picture of the city in one day. Book now to explore Almaty’s landmarks, taste its flavours, and enjoy a full-day cultural immersion.

Treasures of Almaty Lakes Kaindy and Kolsai, Charyn Canyon VIP Car

Overview

If you want to explore the natural beauty beyond the city, this route is one of the most rewarding Almaty day tours you can choose. The schedule takes you through the dramatic cliffs of Charyn Canyon, the serene waters of Kaindy Lake, and the mountain backdrop of Kolsai Lake. Among the most scenic Almaty day trips, it combines wide landscapes with peaceful moments at some of Kazakhstan’s most famous natural sites.

• Duration: 17 hours
• Key Highlights: Visit Charyn Canyon National Park, admire Kaindy Lake surrounded by forested slopes, explore Kolsai Lake with options for boating or lakeside walks, and take in alpine meadows and fresh mountain air
• Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, professional guide, entry tickets to Charyn Canyon, Kaindy, and Kolsai National Parks, waterproof shoe covers
• Price: It starts from INR 4,100 to INR 4,400 per person
• Group Size: Suitable for adults and children, with arrangements flexible enough for private or small-group travel

This journey is perfect if you want to pair dramatic canyons with tranquil lakes in one long day. Learn more and secure your place today for an unforgettable natural escape.

Issyk Lake & Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge + Golden Man Museum Day Tour

Overview

If you are searching for Almaty day tours that blend natural scenery with cultural depth, this experience is a perfect choice and you will visit Issyk Lake, framed by evergreen forests and snowy peaks, hike gently to the Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, and explore the Golden Man Museum, where Kazakhstan’s ancient past comes to life. Among the many Almaty day trips, this one offers a balance of relaxation, history, and adventure in a single journey.

• Duration: 9 hours
• Key Highlights: Hike to Bear Waterfall in Turgen Gorge, relax by Issyk Lake, learn about the Saka warrior at the Golden Man Museum and enjoy scenic views of Ile-Alatau National Park
• Inclusions: Private transportation, bottled water, English-speaking guide, entry tickets to listed sites, air-conditioned vehicle
• Price: It starts from INR 20,600 to INR 21,500 per person
• Group Size: Suitable for adults and children, with small group or private arrangements available

This trip combines stunning nature with fascinating history, giving you both peace and discovery in a single day and book now to add this enriching experience to your Almaty journey.

Pro Tips Before Booking

• Book ahead during high season: Summer months and major holidays often see higher demand for Almaty day tours and if you are planning one of the popular Almaty day trips during these times, secure your place early to avoid missing out.
• Booking flexibility: Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in visibility or rainfall. Opt for tours that allow some flexibility in timing so your Almaty day tours continue smoothly.
• Environmental awareness: Respect the pristine settings you visit. When enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking around Issyk Lake or visiting Turgen Gorge, avoid littering, carry reusable water bottles, and follow local guidelines to help preserve the environment.
• Dress comfortably: A light jacket is useful in higher altitudes, even in warmer months. For outdoor activities, sturdy shoes make it easier to manage uneven ground.
• Carry essentials: Bring snacks, sunscreen, and extra water to stay comfortable during a long Almaty day tour, especially when visiting remote areas like canyons and lakes.

How to Book Almaty Day Tours

Arranging your Almaty day tours through MakeMyTrip is straightforward and ensures that every detail is clear before you confirm. You can browse a variety of options and select the one that matches your style of travel.

Start by visiting the MakeMyTrip homepage and opening the Tours & Attractions section. Enter Almaty as your destination along with the date you plan to travel.

A list of available Almaty day trips will appear. Here, you can filter based on interests, whether it is a city-focused plan, an outdoor excursion, or cultural activities.

If you prefer a shorter schedule, choose something like a half-day option. For a deeper experience, select a full Almaty day tour and review the inclusions carefully. Each itinerary will show its highlights, timings, and pricing in INR.

After choosing the plan that suits you, add the number of participants and fill in your details. Payment is accepted through UPI, debit or credit cards, and net banking and in some cases, coupons can be applied for a lower fare.

Once the booking is complete, your Almaty one day tour itinerary is set and from there, the focus shifts to planning how you want to spend the day itself.