Why go to Almaty
In winter, take the cable car from Medeu up to Shymbulak to ski, or just play in the snow. In summer, go up to Big Almaty Lake (in the photo above), and on a longer trip to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai lakes.
The city itself has wide green streets, the colourful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, and the Green Bazaar for dried fruit and nuts. It’s a favourite for friends’ trips and for anyone who wants a taste of snow without going to Europe.
Best time to visit Almaty
June to September is best for lakes and hiking, with warm days. December to February is the snow season, cold but sunny, with skiing at Shymbulak. May is green but can be rainy. March, April, October and November are in-between months.
- January: good time
- February: good time
- March: off season
- April: off season
- May: good time
- June: best time
- July: best time
- August: best time
- September: best time
- October: off season
- November: off season
- December: good time
Almaty visa for Indians
Visa-free, 14 daysLast checked October 2026
Indian passport holders can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 14 days. For longer trips, you need a visa.
Carry your return ticket and hotel details in case immigration asks for them.
Apply only through official government channels or a trusted agent. Look-alike sites charge extra. Rules change, so check again before you book.
Flight time and fares from Delhi
Nonstop flights from Delhi take about 3½ to 4 hours. Almaty gets busy over Christmas and New Year with people who want snow, so fares rise then. Late January and February often have snow with lower fares.
Getting from the airport
The airport is about 30 minutes from the city centre by taxi. Ride apps such as Yandex Go give fair, fixed prices.
How many days you need
Four or five days: the city and Medeu–Shymbulak, Big Almaty Lake, and a long day trip to Charyn Canyon. Add two days for the Kolsai lakes.
Food for Indian travellers
Local food is meat-heavy: plov, beshbarmak and lots of lamb. Vegetarians should plan ahead, but salads, bread, dairy and the Green Bazaar’s fruit help, and Almaty has several Indian restaurants.
