Almaty, Kazakhstan Travel Guide: My Solo 4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary + Tips

Kazakhstan has been on my travel list ever since I randomly came across a YouTube video about it back during the lockdown. I’d never even considered visiting the country before, but after watching that video, my heart’s been itching to book a flight there.

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

I spent 4 days and 3 nights exploring this beautiful, underrated gem, and honestly, it surprised me in the best ways possible. From stunning mountains and dreamy lakes to comforting local food, every single day was packed with unforgettable experiences.

In this post, I’m spilling all the details of my full itinerary—where I went, what I did, what I ate, and a few tips I picked up along the way. So if Kazakhstan has ever crossed your mind as a travel destination (or even if it hasn’t yet!), stick around—this might just inspire your next adventure.

Flight to Almaty, Kazakhstan

I booked my flight about a month before the trip since the whole plan came together pretty last-minute. The ticket cost me RM1,148.49 through Agoda, which I highly recommend. It’s usually cheaper than other third-party booking sites, and I’ve never had any issues with my bookings so far.

Since I was backpacking for 2 weeks with just a 45L backpack and a 15L personal bag, I decided to add 7kg of extra luggage and in-flight meals, which cost an additional RM123.00. That brought the total flight cost to RM1,271.49. The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Almaty took around 7 hours and 40 minutes.

💡 Travel Tip: If you manage to snag a window seat, consider yourself lucky. If not, it’s so worth paying a little extra to choose one. The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains as you approach Almaty is absolutely stunning and makes the perfect first impression of Kazakhstan.

Currency to Use in Kazakhstan

The local currency in Kazakhstan is the Tenge (₸)—pronounced “ten-gay.” You won’t be able to exchange it in Malaysia, so you have two options: either exchange your money into USD (make sure the notes are clean and crisp) or simply withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive in Kazakhstan.

If you ask me, I’d definitely recommend withdrawing cash once you’re there. I initially brought USD, but ended up withdrawing money anyway because it was much easier and more convenient.

💡 Travel Tip: I used my Wise card throughout the trip. It worked perfectly for ATM withdrawals and payments, plus the exchange rates were way better than traditional banks. Highly recommend getting one before your trip!

Visa & Entry to Kazakhstan

Malaysians don’t need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for short trips! You can stay visa-free for up to 30 days. All you need is a valid passport (with at least 6 months of validity from your travel date) and a return ticket to show upon arrival.

The immigration process in Almaty was smooth and straightforward for me. I simply presented my passport, answered a quick question about how long I’d be staying, and was stamped in within minutes—no additional documents or forms required.

💡 Travel Tip: Make sure to keep a copy (digital or printed) of your hotel booking and return flight ticket just in case the immigration officer asks for them. It’s rare, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Getting Around in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Getting around Almaty is super easy, and the most convenient way is by using Yandex Go, an e-hailing app similar to Grab that we use in Malaysia. The prices are affordable, and you can choose the type of ride you want before booking. Just make sure to connect your card in the app to make the payment easier.

I mostly used Yandex Go for my airport transfer, and whenever the distance was too far to walk. But honestly, for most of my time in Almaty, I explored the city on foot—and I loved it. The pedestrian walkways are wide, clean, and lined with beautiful trees and plenty of benches, which makes strolling around such a joy. Walking is also a big part of the local culture here, and it’s one of the things I truly adore about the city.

Another thing I noticed and really appreciated: cars will automatically stop when they see you waiting to cross the street. It makes walking around feel so much safer and more enjoyable.

💡 Travel Tip: Try to avoid using regular taxis on the street. Scams are quite common, and drivers might overcharge you, especially if they’re not using a meter. If you still want to take a taxi, always make sure the meter is on before you start your ride.

Where I Stayed

I stayed at Center Capsule Hostel, but instead of going for the usual bunk bed in a shared room, I opted for a single capsule room. The space was exactly what I expected—compact but comfortable, and for the price I paid, I honestly have no complaints.

I had to make my own bed with the bedsheets provided, but they did give me a towel. 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 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.

The only downside for me 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.

💡 Travel Tip: If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a basic stay, this place does the job! You can check out the hostel and book it here: Center Capsule Hostel

Where I Went And How Much It Cost

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

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.

This is definitely a must-do tour in Almaty, and honestly, one you shouldn’t skip. While it’s possible to rent a car and explore on your own, I realized after going that doing it independently would limit how much you can actually see. The tour made everything super convenient and allowed me to cover all three spots in one day.

One of the highlights for me was getting to ride a horse for the first time at one of the stops, 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 instead of taking the car. I’m so glad I did!

The tour included pick-up and drop-off (they arranged a Yandex Go for me), and lunch was provided too. I shared a lovely home-cooked meal with fellow travelers at a local homestay, which made the experience even more memorable.

It was definitely a long and tiring day. The journey back to Almaty alone took over 3 hours, but it was absolutely worth it. The views were jaw-dropping, the landscapes looked like they were straight out of a movie, and the whole day felt like one big, unforgettable adventure. I even got a little teary-eyed at one point because it was just that beautiful.

Photo Highlights: Here are some of my favourite moments from the trip. These pictures hardly do justice to how stunning Kazakhstan is—but you can see more on my Instagram stories

✨Charyn Canyon✨

✨Black Canyon✨

✨Kolsai Lake National Park✨

✨Kaindy Lakes✨

Cancelled Tour: Big Almaty Lake

I had booked a hiking tour to Big Almaty Lake with the same company I used for the previous day’s trip, and it cost me RM169.90. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. On the morning of the tour, I was all ready and waiting to be picked up, but no one showed up. There was no email, no message, and no heads-up at all. It was only after I called them that the guide finally told me the tour had been cancelled. I was honestly so upset because visiting Big Almaty Lake was one of the places I was most excited about. Having to cancel at the last minute meant I had to rearrange my entire schedule for the day.

It was definitely disappointing.

📍 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 using Google Maps. But let me tell you—Google Maps isn’t the most reliable here. It just didn’t seem to function properly, 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, but honestly, that’s the fun part of travelling.

✨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—from clothing to fresh local produce and spices to souvenirs and handmade crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up snacks like dried apricots, nuts, and traditional Kazakh sweets, or grab a few keepsakes to bring home. Plus, it’s only a 10-minute walk from Panfilov Park.

Since I’m a big tea lover, I couldn’t resist buying some mango tea here. It had such a strong, beautiful aroma—and the texture was quite different too. Instead of the usual fine tea leaves or tea bags I find back home, 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.

Most locals drink black tea, but you’ll also find a variety of herbal and fruit-infused teas like this one. 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!

I also stopped by one of the stalls for a cup of freshly pressed pomegranate juice, which was delicious and only 1,800 Tenge. And of course, I had to do my usual souvenir shopping—fridge magnets and keychains. I bought around 20 pieces, and the seller was kind enough to give me a 50% discount.

💡 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.

What I’m Packing

Since most activities in Kazakhstan involve a lot of walking, hiking, and spending time outdoors, I kept my packing simple and practical. Here’s what I brought with me for my 5-day trip:

3 basic T-shirts – beige, black, and grey (neutral colors are easy to mix and match)
Sports bra – perfect for active days and layering
Disposable underwear – super convenient for travel days or if you don’t want to deal with laundry
Leggings – comfy for hiking and exploring
Trekking/Hiking shoes – waterproof ones are a lifesaver, especially if you’re visiting lakes or walking on uneven trails
Puffy jacket – it gets chilly, especially in the evenings
Cap – for sunny days and extra sun protection
Long johns – I used these as pyjamas since night temperatures can drop to around 11–15°C
4 pairs of socks – always pack extra if you’ll be hiking
Daypack – for day trips, snacks, and carrying essentials

I also did laundry at my hostel on the last day, which cost only 500 Tenge (about RM3.80). This saved me from overpacking and made it easier to travel light.

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 because 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.

Overall, 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 Kazakh

One thing you should definitely be prepared for is the language barrier. Communication can be tricky since most locals only speak Kazakh and Russian. 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 rude 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 than anything personal, so 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, and I truly fell in love with it. 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.

This trip was 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 stop on my 2-week backpacking trip. Next up: Georgia—and I can’t wait to share all about that part of the trip with you. I’ll be posting the next story in a few days (or maybe a week, depending on how quickly I recover from all the walking 😅)

Till my next post,
Auri Duham 💛

Coffee helps me write. Support helps me shine. 🥰