How to spend top weekend in Almaty - ideas on extraordinary attractions and sites

The capital of Kazakhstan is rich in interesting sights and entertainment venues, some of which can’t be discovered with a guide. Have you ever visited a day spa in the mountains? The Tau House SPA that is a single complex with a small hotel invites customers to relax in the unique ambience. This amazing mountain spa has a luxurious outdoor heated pool. Tau House is a great place for a family holiday, as there are several playgrounds for children. Adult visitors can enjoy water and spa treatments in the open air and at the same time admire spectacular panorama that opens from the top of the mountain.

The picturesque capital never ceases to attract hikers and fans of outdoor recreation. If you like such a rest be sure to visit the mountainous region of Kok-Tube. Here is the eponymous hill that is 1070 meters high. It’s not necessary to have special training to win such an impressive height. When you reach the top of the hill and take a look around, don’t rush to relax - you can climb even higher. The fact is that the top of Kok-Tube is occupied by the tallest building of the capital, TV tower, whose height is 372 meters. An excellent viewing platform is equipped for tourists on one of the top floors. Next to the TV tower there’s a small cafe serving delicious barbecue. It’s not necessary to climb to the top of the hill on foot, as there is a cable car connecting it with Abai.

Another natural object attracting attention of adventurers is Youth Peak, or rather, its foothill areas. You dreamed to spend a few days camping in a picturesque area, haven’t you? In such case this tour will suit you perfectly. Many travelers stay in this enchanting terrain for the night to catch a sunrise, as in the early morning surrounding landscapes will literally captivate you with their beauty. The main feature and value of foothill areas is fantastically beautiful lake. Those who are fond of taking pictures during vacations should definitely make a photo of the lake in the first rays of the rising sun. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Another perfect place for fans of hiking is Charyn Canyon. Some experienced tourists know it under its unofficial name, Valley of Castles. The length of the canyon, which has been formed a few million years ago, is more than 150 kilometers. Some like to walk through the most picturesque areas on foot, but tourists can have a ride to interesting places by car. The canyon owes its unofficial name to unique formations of stone and limestone, whose outlines really resemble the ruins of ancient castles. The first rays of the sun amazingly paint the canyon in golden color, so it’s worth to stay here for the night.

Surprises of Almaty aren’t limited with natural attractions. In 2011, the long-awaited opening of the subway took place in the capital. It would be an amazing experience to explore stations with a camera and a tripod. At some stations you can see incredibly beautiful art installations, huge chandeliers in the style of the past centuries and charming decoration of marble. Some stations are designed in very modern style with artistic illumination, so a trip around the Almaty subway definitely won’t be boring.

Winter Extreme

If you like alpine skiing or snowboarding, you can visit a number of ski resorts from Almaty in winter. Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak are among the most popular. They have the necessary infrastructure, such as ski lifts and rental offices. You can easily find a trail of the suitable difficulty level. Each resort has simple trails for beginners and complex trails for professionals with sharp turns and pine bushes.

At Shymbulak, there is a stadium where visitors can try ice skating or hockey. If you choose such active recreation as skiing and snowboarding, you will also admire the fabulous beauty of the region and its picturesque views. If you are not an experienced skier and not sure whether you can get over the trail independently, you can always use the services of an instructor.

You need to take into consideration that there is no snow in Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak in summer, so these winter entertainments are not available. The only thing you can to do is make a ride in a ski lift. However, there is an alpine ski complex not far away from Almaty, Tabagan. It works all year round. In winter, you can try skiing and snowboarding there. In summer, visitors are welcome to try different kinds of sports in specially designated areas, swim in the Aqualandia water center, visit a paintball club, and even ride a quad-bike.

Medeu Skating Rink

The Medeu Sports Complex is an important landmark of Almaty. This complex is located in the mountains, 1700 meters above the sea level. Medeu was built in 1972. It is possible to reach it by a usual public bus or take a funicular ride from the ski resort of Shymbulak. In Medeu, you will enjoy fresh air, admire the breathtaking views of the mountains with snow-capped peaks, and skate on the giant outdoor skating rink. By the way, the ice in the rink is made of crystal clear upland water. The sports complex is built on a reinforced concrete slab with special pipes that prevent the ice from melting. Therefore, even if you visit the complex in summer, you can skate there.

Kok-Tobe Mountain Entertainment

During your vacation in Almaty, you can admire the panorama of the city from Kok-Tobe Mountain (the name can be literally translated as the Green Hill). It is possible to reach it by car or funicular that was built in 1967. Kok-Tobe is a large entertainment complex that contains attractions for children, a small zoo, restaurants, bobsleigh track, rose garden, a memorial to the Beatles, a fountain in the shape of an apple, and an observation deck with spyglasses. There is also a TV tower. Kok-Tobe has comfortable cool temperature even in the midst of summer heat. It is easy to spend several hours on the mountain, and you will not feel bored.

Ski Jumping Boards

If you like skiing, you will find it delightful to visit one of the most popular sports landmarks of Almaty – Sunkar, a complex of ski jumping boards. The complex was built for Winter Asian Games that took place in the city in 2011. Jumping boards are open all year round – in winter, they have a snow cover that is replaced with an artificial material in summer. At Sunkar, you will not only watch how professional sportsmen complete but can also try skiing yourself.

There is a mountain near Sunkar that tourists like visiting. It has an observation area with numerous benches that offer striking views of Almaty and its surroundings. If you want to feel like flying in an airstream, EasyFly is the right place. It is a special aerodynamic pipe. EasyFly is a truly unforgettable amusement!

SherLock Quest

In Almaty, tourists can try a unique entertainment – real-time quests “the Ring” and “Alice in Wonderland” by SherLock Company. Each quest is intended for 2-6 people. You will enjoy this entertainment if you are fond of intellectual games with action. Unforgettable emotions and a burst of adrenaline level – that is what most visitors think of these quests. You will arrive at the designated place and enter a room. You will have only one hour to get out of it. There are items in the room that help you to solve the puzzle and complete the game. In order to do that, you and other team members will need logical thinking, observation skills, and ability to work in a team.