Almaty, Kazakhstan: My 4-Day Solo Travel Diary and Useful Tips for First-Timers

Kazakhstan has been on my travel list ever since I randomly stumbled upon a YouTube video about it during the COVID lockdown. I’ll be honest… I’d never even thought about visiting the country before that. But, something about those snow-capped mountains, endless green valleys, and untouched landscapes stuck with me.

I remember sitting there, watching the video in awe, thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know Kazakhstan was this beautiful.”

From that moment, I knew I had to go someday.

Fast forward to now… I finally made it happen! 🥰

As part of my 2-week backpacking trip, I kicked things off in Almaty and spent 4 unforgettable days there—and it completely blew me away. The city had this rare balance of calm and adventure that instantly drew me in. It felt alive, yet never rushed—refreshing in a way I didn’t expect.

✅ Flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan

I booked my flight about a month before the trip since everything came together pretty last-minute. I used Agoda, which I highly recommend—it’s usually cheaper than other third-party sites, and I’ve never had a single issue with any of my bookings.

💸 Ticket price: RM1,148.49
✈️ Airline: Air Asia X
⌚ Duration: 7h 40m.

Add-ons (7kg extra luggage + in-flight meals): RM123.00

Since I was backpacking for 2 weeks with just a 45L backpack and a 15L personal bag, I added the extra luggage to make things easier and avoid any last-minute stress.

💰 Total Flight Cost: RM1,271.49

💡 Travel Tip: If you can, pay a little extra for the window seat. The view of the snow-capped mountains as you approach Almaty is breathtaking—the perfect first impression of Kazakhstan.

✅ Currency in Kazakhstan

The local currency is the Kazakhstani Tenge (₸), pronounced “ten-gay”.

You can’t exchange it in Malaysia, so your best options are:

Bring USD and exchange it there (make sure the notes are clean and crisp!)
Or, the easier option: Withdraw cash from an ATM in Almaty once you land.

I only needed cash for small local shops, market stalls, and public toilets. Most cafés and restaurants in the city accepted cards.

💡 Travel Tip: I didn’t bother exchanging USD for Tenge. Instead, I withdrew cash directly from the ATM and paid for most things using my Wise card. Just remember to select “withdraw in local currency” for the best exchange rate. It’s super convenient—I highly recommend getting one before your trip!

✅ Visa & Entry to Kazakhstan

Malaysians don’t need a visa to enter Kazakhstan. You can stay visa-free for up to 30 days.

All you’ll need is:

A passport with at least 6 months of validity from your travel date
A return or round-trip flight ticket to show upon arrival.

The immigration process is usually smooth and straightforward, but officers might occasionally ask for extra documents.

💡 Travel Tip: Even though no visa is required, it’s a good idea to keep a digital or printed copy of your itinerary, hotel booking, and travel insurance—just in case they ask for it at immigration. Better safe than sorry!

✅ Almaty International Airport (ALA)

Almaty International Airport isn’t very big, but it’s clean, organized, and easy to find your way around. The immigration process was smooth and quick; I simply handed over my passport, answered a short question about my stay, had my photo taken, and got my entry stamp within minutes.

Once I reached the arrival hall, I immediately looked for an ATM to withdraw cash. There are several machines available—just pick one with an English language option, and it should work perfectly.

💡 Travel Tip: There’s free Wi-Fi at Almaty International Airport—but you’ll need to register with your phone number to access it. If you don’t have roaming, connect using the info desk’s assistance or grab a local SIM card right after arrival.

✅ Getting Around in Almaty, Kazakhstan

The most convenient way is by using Yandex Go, an e-hailing app similar to Grab that we use in Malaysia. You can connect your debit or credit card to make payments seamless (no need to deal with small notes every time, plus, most drivers don’t speak english).

I used Yandex Go for my airport transfer and whenever the distance was too far to walk—but honestly, Almaty is such a walkable city that I ended up exploring most places on foot.

The city is truly made for walking, and it’s a big part of the local lifestyle here. The pedestrian walkways are:
🌿 Wide and clean
🌳 Lined with beautiful trees
🪑 Filled with plenty of benches to rest along the way

I loved how cars actually stop when they see you waiting to cross the street. It makes walking around feel so much safer and more enjoyable.

💡 Travel Tip: Avoid using street taxis. Scams can happen, and drivers sometimes overcharge tourists. Stick to Yandex Go, or if you really need a regular taxi, agree on the price before you start the ride.

If you’re planning to explore beyond the city (like to Charyn Canyon or Kolsai Lake), joining a group tour is way more convenient and affordable than renting a car. It also saves you from the headache of navigating language barriers or confusing road signs.

✅ Where I Stayed

📍 Center Capsule Hostel

Single room (shared toilet)
Price: RM68.99/night (Total RM206.97)

The space was exactly what I expected. I honestly have no complaints. They gave me a towel, and I had to make my own bed with the bedsheets provided. The room also came with a chair, a wall hook, and a couple of hangers, which helped keep my things organized. On top of that, the hostel had a washing machine, a fridge, and a water dispenser—super handy for a budget stay.

The only downside was the shared toilet. The hygiene wasn’t great, and the shower setup felt a little unsafe. But again, considering how budget-friendly the stay was, I can’t complain too much.

The location was perfect, too. It’s within walking distance to Mega Park Shopping Mall, plus there are 24-hour convenience stores, cafés, and restaurants around. Basically, everything I needed was nearby.

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a basic stay, this place does the job!

✅ Where I Went And How Much It Cost

🚗 Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon
Tour Price: RM212.43

This is hands down a must-do experience in Almaty. I booked this full-day tour through Agoda, and I highly recommend doing the same. You can also find similar tours on Klook or GetYourGuide, but after comparing prices, Agoda turned out to be the most budget-friendly option.

Here’s what the tour included:
✔️ Pick-up and drop-off (they even arranged a Yandex Go)
✔️ A delicious home-cooked lunch shared with fellow travellers at a local homestay

It was definitely a long and tiring day. The journey back to Almaty alone took over 3 hours.

📍Charyn Canyon

Our first stop of the day was Charyn Canyon, often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia.” The moment I stepped out of the van, I was blown away by the view— endless layers of red and orange cliffs stretching as far as the eye could see.

We had around 1 hour to explore, which was just enough time to walk down into the canyon, take photos, and soak in the silence (except for the occasional sound of the wind).

💡 Travel Tip: Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget a hat or sunscreen—it gets really hot, especially in summer.

📍Black Canyon

Next stop—Black Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Charyn River. The contrast between the dark cliffs and turquoise water was breathtaking! It’s a quick stop along the route, but the views are totally worth it—perfect for photos and a short break before heading to the lakes.

📍Kaindy Lakes

The one with the famous sunken forest! The sight of tree trunks rising from the turquoise water was surreal, almost magical. The lake sits high in the mountains, so the air was crisp and refreshing. Getting here involved a pretty bumpy ride, but honestly, the view made every minute worth it. I even got a little teary-eyed at one point because it was just that beautiful.

One of the highlights for me was getting to ride a horse for the first time, and it only cost 7,000 Tenge (about RM55). I was pretty nervous at first, but once I found out it was beginner-friendly, I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did!

💡Travel Tip: The road is rough—wear comfy clothes and sturdy shoes. If you get motion sickness easily, take a pill before the trip!

📍Kolsai Lake National Park

Our final stop. Kolsai Lake was straight out of a postcard—calm, crystal-clear water surrounded by pine-covered mountains. It’s one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been.

💡Travel Tip: Bring a light jacket. The temperature drops quickly here, even during the day.

🚫 Cancelled Tour: Big Almaty Lake Hiking Tour

I booked this tour with the same company I used for the previous day’s trip, and it cost me RM169.90. I was so excited for this one… but the company cancelled on me last minute. No email. No call. Nothing..

I was honestly so disappointed. Having to cancel at the last minute meant I had to rearrange my entire schedule for the day.

👣 Almaty City Tour on Foot

Since my Big Almaty Lake tour was cancelled and I couldn’t postpone it to the next day (I had a flight to catch), I decided to make the most of my time in Almaty by exploring the city on foot. But let me tell you—Google Maps isn’t the most reliable here. It just didn’t seem to function well, so I ended up relying on my own sense of direction (which, to be honest, isn’t great), studying the streets as I walked, and occasionally asking random strangers for help.

I got lost more times than I can count. 😂

📍Panfilov Guardsmen Park and Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral)

These two landmarks are conveniently located right next to each other, so you can easily visit both in one stop. There’s no entrance fee for either. Perfect for a budget-friendly city walk.

If you plan to go inside the Ascension Cathedral, keep in mind there’s a dress code—women are required to cover their heads, but don’t worry, they provide scarves at the entrance for visitors.

📍 Green Bazaar

A huge bazaar where you can find almost everything. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from Panfilov Park.

Most locals drink black tea, but you’ll also find a variety of herbal and fruit-infused teas like this one. I couldn’t resist buying some Kazakh mango tea. It had such a strong, beautiful aroma—and the texture was quite different too. Instead of the usual fine tea leaves or tea bags, this one was made of dried, chunky pieces of tea leaves and fruit, which gave it a more natural, artisanal feel. It cost me 9,500 Tenge (around RM74) for 250g, and honestly, it was worth every cent.

One tradition I loved learning about is that instead of adding sugar, they often sweeten their tea with fruit jam, and it tastes surprisingly delicious!

💡 Travel Tips:

The bazaar closes quite early (around 7 PM), so it’s best to visit in the afternoon to give yourself plenty of time to explore.
Don’t forget to haggle for a better price! Vendors often start with higher prices, especially for souvenirs, so a little friendly negotiation can save you quite a bit.

📍 Arbat Street (Pedestrian Zone)

Just a quick 5-minute walk from Green Bazaar, you’ll find yourself on Arbat Street, one of the most lively and charming spots in Almaty. It’s a pedestrian-friendly street lined with shops, cozy cafés, and local artists showcasing their work.

I loved strolling through here, checking out the cafés, people-watching, and simply taking a relaxed break in between all the exploring.

📍 Kok Tobe Hill

You don’t need to join a tour to visit Kok Tobe Hill. It’s super easy to get there on your own. Just book a Yandex Go to Kok Tobe Cable Car Station.

⚠️ Important tip: Don’t choose the option that takes you directly up the hill. Most drivers won’t accept it because it costs more than USD 50. Instead, go straight to the cable car station and take the cable car from there.

The round-trip cable car ticket costs 8,000 Tenge (around RM62), and the ride itself is really scenic. Once you’re at the top, you’ll get a beautiful panoramic view of Almaty from above. The place actually reminded me a lot of Penang Hill back home!

Up there, you’ll find a theme park, a mini zoo, lots of Instagrammable photo spots, and even a restaurant if you want to grab a bite with a view. The weather can be quite chilly at the top, so it’s a good idea to bring a light jacket, especially if you’re visiting in the evening.

✅ Food and Halal Options

Since Kazakhstan has a Muslim-majority population, finding halal food is super easy, which was a big relief for me. Most of the local dishes are meat-based, and if you’re adventurous, you’ll even come across horse meat, which is quite common here.

I didn’t get to try as many local dishes as I would’ve liked. I was often on the road and relied mostly on snacks and bread. Still, I managed to enjoy a few memorable meals. One of them was a simple yet delicious chicken fried rice with salad, served during a homestay lunch included in my tour package.

I also had lunch at Navat Restaurant, where I ordered the Pelmeni soup (a comforting dumpling soup) that came with warm bread on the side. It was hearty, filling, and absolutely delicious.

The flavours of Kazakh cuisine are quite different from what I’m used to back home. They use less spice and the taste leans more towards salty and savoury, but it was a nice change and definitely worth trying.

✅ Language in Kazakhstan

One thing you should definitely be prepared for is the language barrier. Communication can be tricky since most locals speak Kazakh or Russian, and English is rare. During my trip, the only people I met who spoke good English were my tour guide, a café staff member, and a seller at Green Bazaar. In most other situations, communication was limited to gestures, Google Translate, or pointing at things.

I even had one slightly unpleasant experience where a driver got frustrated and quite rude to me because I couldn’t understand what he was saying.

At first, it made me feel like people here were a bit unfriendly, but I eventually realised it was more about the language gap. They often try to avoid conversations because of that.

💡 Travel Tip: If you can, learn a few basic Russian phrases before your trip—even simple words like hello, thank you, or how much can make interactions much smoother and more enjoyable.

✅ Overall Experience

✔️ Kazakhstan, in general, is such a beautiful country. The landscapes look like something straight out of a movie: dramatic mountains, lush forests, and endless natural beauty everywhere you look.

✔️ While in Malaysia it’s normal to see cows roaming around, here you’ll often see horses wandering freely, which felt so magical to me.

✔️ The perfect mix of exploration and adventure. One of the moments that really stayed with me was my visit to Kaindy Lake. I actually teared up because I couldn’t believe how breathtakingly beautiful the journey was. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and feel so grateful to be there in person. Even the bumpy bus rides through the winding mountain roads to get there (which some might find a little scary!) ended up being one of my favourite parts of the trip—they were such a thrill!

✔️ The horse ride was another unforgettable highlight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I know will stay with me forever.

✔️ While I did face some challenges, especially with the language barrier and a few unpleasant interactions with locals, I’m still grateful for the meaningful conversations I had—especially with my tour guide, who taught me so much about the country’s culture and history.

Would I come back? Absolutely.

There are still places on my list, like Shymbulak and Big Almaty Lake, that I haven’t explored yet. Kazakhstan turned out to be even more magical than I imagined. It’s stunning, raw, and unforgettable, and I can’t wait to return one day. 💙

Next Flight

Kazakhstan was the first chapter of my trip. Up next: Georgia!
I hope this post helps anyone planning a short trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan.