Plenty of smaller boutique-style and major hotel chain are available
Public buses take you to most parts of the city
Almaty is a traveller's dream during the month of April which coincides with late spring or early autumn, when the weather is most favourable. The warmest months are July and August while winters usually flow into December and January.
+6hrs GMT
Tenge
Kazakh, Russian
Dubbed the Grand Canyon's 'little brother', Charyn Canyon in Charyn National Park is an extraordinary natural rock formation. Capture a spectacular view from the bottom in the 'Valley of Castles', where you can gaze up at the towering gorge walls.
On the city's southeast edge is Kök-Töbe, the 1100-metre-high hillock with a flurry of attractions. Hop into a cable car for a leisurely ride up, then make time for a little roller-coaster rush before catching breath-taking vistas as the sun goes down.
Built without a single nail, emerged through an earthquake and still commanding attention, the Ascension Cathedral in the city's Panfilov Park is a sight to behold. The golden domes and kaleidoscopic colour palette are Insta-worthy moments.
For a shopping experience that's anything but commonplace, the colossal Barakholka flea market is a must-visit hotspot. Hustle your way to a good bargain in this old-style bazaar that sells anything from live animals to shower caps.
