Tips for first-time visitor kashmir observer

Almaty gradually opens her weapons for the world and is one of the largest cities in Kazakhstan. Almaty is well positioned at the foot of the Trans-Illi Alatau mountains and has a modern lifestyle, but is visited by breathtaking beauty and centuries-based cultural heritage. Since the flight services have become so accessible and can visit Almaty with a visa -free entry to the country in 2025. Here is everything you want to know if you take a short break or a long vacation.

Photo credit: pexels.com

Direct flights to Almaty from India

Neu -Delhi is the only entry point for Almaty from India, whereby the only direct flight is operated by Air Astana. The fastest flight route takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes and the most convenient option for every Indian traveler.

To improve your travel experience, Air Astana offers additional services:

MYSEAT. Reserve preferred seats from 24 US dollars.
Mybaggage. Pre-book additional luggage with up to 30% discount.
Myupgrade. Offer an upgrade to Business Class.
Mychoice. Select the fare that best suits your needs.
Mystopover. Discover Kazakhstan with stopover packages from 19 US dollars.

In addition, Air Astana's loyalty program in the Nomad Club can offer the loyalty program of Air Astana, and offers rewards and privileges for frequent travelers.

Visafreier input for Indian travelers

Flights to Almaty from India are available in large cities such as Neu -Delhi, whereby airlines such as Air Astana operate direct routes. In an important, travel -friendly step, Kazakhstan offers Indian citizens a visa -free entry of up to 14 days.

It simply means that it is not necessary to apply for a visa to take a short trip. As long as you make sure that your passport is valid for your intended travel date for at least six months, that's all there is.

Best time to visit Almaty

Almaty experiences all four seasons, each offering their unique charm:

Spring (March – May). Pleasant weather (10 ° C – 20 ° C) with flowering flowers, which makes it ideal for the visit.
Summer (June -August). Warm, but comfortable (25 ° C – 30 ° C), ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and visiting.
Autumn (September – November). A picturesque time with gold leaves and cool breeze, perfect for photo lovers.
Winter (December – February). It is a snow -covered wonderland for those who show skiing, snow sports or just shovel.

We therefore recommend that first visitors visit late spring to early autumn, as this is the ideal time to see the city and its surroundings.

Top things to do in Almaty

Almaty has everything for everyone, from those interested in history to adventure searchers. Let us check some must-see:

1. Kok-Tobe Hill

Take a rope car to the top of the Kok-Tobe Hill, where you will find a small amusement park, a zoo, a beautiful Beatles monument and a breathtaking view of the city.

2. Medeu ICE Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

If you come in winter, it's a must. Shymbulak is a first -class ski area and the home of the ice rink with the highest height, Medeu. In warmer months you can also enjoy a great hiking area.

3. Green Bazaar

This busy market is the core of local life in Almaty. Here you can buy fresh fruits, nuts, spices or even traditional Kazakh delicacies. It is also a nice place to mix with locals and experience their friendliness.

4. Big Almaty Lake

Mountains surround the Alpensee, which is a refuge for nature lovers and photographers. It is a short journey from the city.

Kazakh cuisine: what to try

Kazakh food is a mixture of Central Asian and Russian. Some of the things are to be tried below:

Beshmak. This national dish includes cooked meat, usually lamb or beef, but possibly a horse that is served via flat pasta.
Plov. Cooked rice with meat, carrots and spices. Similar to Indian Biryani, but with a turn. Baursak. Fried dough pieces. These are good to eat with tea.
Shashlik. Grilled meat skewers, Kazakh version of kebabs.

Vegetarians will find it difficult to find something in local cuisine. However, many restaurants have salads, bread and fresh dairy products that can be used to survive.

Use Almaty

To get around Almaty is pretty simple and public transport is generally very reliable.

Metro. Very clean, efficient and very cheap.
Taxis. Yandex Go is a very popular alternative to Uber.
Public buses. Extremely cheap, but hardly English is spoken, so it is a good idea to have a translation app.

Going is also an excellent way to see the city, especially places such as Panfilov Park and the Arbat Street.

Travel labels and culture tips

Cultural language. Dominant Kazakh and somewhere Russian. In the places where most tourist activities are carried out, an English are also spoken. Nevertheless, it could help to learn several simple forms of expression from Russian.
Money currency. Local Kazakh Tenge, but in places where international consumers are served, credit cards would act as a means of payment, even though it cannot have a waste of money.
Security. In general, Almaty is a very safe city, but as with most other places on Earth, they take care of their things and use licensed taxis.
Local SIM cards. Get a local SIM card from the airport or the city for relaxed communication.

Shopping and souvenirs

Are you looking for unique gifts? Here are great souvenirs to bring home with them:

Chapan. Kazakh traditional robes that are usually worn in ceremonies.
Kumis (fermented mare milk). A traditional drink with a pronounced taste.
Handmade wool products. Scarves, carpets and felt shoes.
Kazakh chocolate and dried fruits. Great edible souvenirs who travel well.

Diploma

A trip from 2025 to Almaty offers the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful, culturally rich and inviting goals of the world. Visafrees entry, direct flights and a combination of adventure, history and delicious food make it an ideal short vacation for Indian travelers. Regardless of whether you take a city walk, enjoy a mountain hike or enjoy local delicacies, the city of Almaty allows you to appreciate memories.

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Now take part

Be part of quality journalism

Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce, and despite all the difficulties, we still do it. Our reporters and editors work in cashmere and beyond overtime to treat what is important to them, break large stories and uncover injustices that can change life. Today, more people read Kashmir Observer than ever before, but only a handful of paying, while the advertising revenue quickly falls.