Top 5 Light Adventures Near Almaty

Last update - 19/04/25

5 - Medeu

Medeu is the highest open stadium in operation. It sits 1691 meters above sea level. Medeu is the most visited sports complex in Kazakhstan as it can be easily reached by city bus or taxi.

I have been here many times but have never gone ice skating. For me, this is more of a very convenient starting point for many popular mountain routes.

Not far from the skating rink there is a mudflow protection dam 110 meters high. It offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Therefore, it is a very popular place for selfies.

4 - Esentai river embankment

The Esentai River divides Almaty approximately in half. In the city, the banks and river beds are concreted in the form of the thresholds. More or less equipped embankment stretches for 12 kilometers.

In the upper part of the city, the embankment is a continuous pedestrian zone with benches, children's and sports grounds and picturesque mountain views.

3 - Almaty Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a specially protected natural area with a unique collection of many thousands of flora of Kazakhstan, Europe, the Caucasus, North America and East Asia.

In my opinion the best months to visit are April, May and June. The time when the local flora blooms and also the best weather in Almaty (not so hot and there are occasional rains).

2 - Charyn Canyon

The Charyn Canyon is located 200 km east of Almaty, close to the border with China. During this way, the landscape changes from the green city to the steppe and semi-desert.

The main attraction of the canyon is the "Valley of Castles", which stretches for 2 km, and the height of the rocks in this area is 370 meters. The canyon stretches along the Charyn River with clear turquoise water.

1 - Big Talgar pass

The 3163 meters high Talgar pass is a popular holiday destination all year round. At the foot of the pass is Shymbulak ski resort. A branch of the cable car was laid to the saddle of the pass, so anyone could enjoy the views of the glaciers of the Trans-Ili Alatau.

Nearby is the peak of Shymbulachka with a height of 3450 meters. I think this is the easiest peak in its category to climb, since most of the way can be covered by cable car to the pass.

The Talgar pass is also a convenient place to start for conquering the four-thousanders.