Almaty Layover City Tour
ALMATY CITY DAY TOUR
Book Almaty Layover Tour to explore the largest and the most ethnically diverse city, transport and financial hub of Kazakhstan. A six-eight-hour layover doesn’t give much, but guided tours will maximize your short Almaty stopovers. You will explore the oldest building of the city, oriental bazaar, mosques, squares, Medeo gorge in Almaty vicinity and many more. Make the most of your travel with Almaty Layover Tour!
QUICK FACTS
📍 Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
🕒 Duration: 6–8 Hours
🚐 Pickup/Drop-off: Almaty International Airport
📅 Availability: Year-Round
🌤️ Best For: Layover travelers, first-time visitors
🕌 Main Attractions: Historical landmarks, markets, Medeo, Kok-Tobe
🚶 Activity Level: Relaxed to Moderate
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: Yes
🗣️ Guides Available In: English
HIGHLIGHTS
🏛️ Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral – Visit the oldest wooden building in Almaty, built without nails
🔥 WWII Memorial Complex – See the eternal flame and learn about Kazakhstan’s war heroes
🛍️ Green Bazaar – Wander a bustling local market with fresh produce and souvenirs
🕌 Central Mosque & Republic Square – View key landmarks and symbols of Kazakh independence
🏔️ Medeo Gorge & Dam – Explore the world’s highest high-mountain skating rink with stunning views
🎡 Kok-Tobe Hill – Take in panoramic views of Almaty and ride the cable car down
🎶 The Beatles Monument – See the famous sculpture dedicated to the legendary band
TOUR PACE
Relaxed to Moderate – Ideal for travelers on a short layover, this tour involves light walking, scenic drives, and a few short climbs (e.g., at Medeo Dam and Kok-Tobe Hill). Suitable for all fitness levels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
Q: How long is the tour?
A: The tour is designed for layovers and lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on your available time.
Q: Is this tour suitable for airport layovers?
A: Yes! You’ll be picked up and dropped off at Almaty International Airport.
Q: Do I need a visa for a layover tour?
A: Check Kazakhstan’s visa requirements. Many travelers are eligible for visa-free short stays.
Q: Can I store luggage during the tour?
A: Yes, your luggage can be safely stored in the tour vehicle throughout the experience.
Q: Are meals included?
A: Meals are not included, but your guide can recommend local spots for a quick meal.
WHAT TO BRING
Passport and travel documents 🛂
Comfortable walking shoes 👟
Layered clothing (weather-appropriate) 🧥
Camera or smartphone 📷
Sunglasses and sunscreen 🕶️☀️
Local currency or card for shopping 💳
ALMATY CITY DAY TOUR PACKAGE PRICE
| Group size | 1 pax | 2-3 pax | 4-6 pax | 7-9 pax | 10-12 pax | 13-15 pax | More than 16 pax |
| Price/Per person | 250$ | 200$ | 190$ | 180$ | 170$ | 160$ | 150$ |
| No | Include service | Exclude service | Include service of Meals |
| 1 | Vehicle with a driver. | Items of personal nature | Lunch, Dinner |
| 2 | English speaking guide | Beverages, alcoholic drinks, bar bills, laundry | Per day 3 bottle water for per person /1,5 liter/ |
| 3 | Airport shuttle | Travel and insurance | One time Kazakh traditional food /Bes barmaq/ |
| 4 | Lunch, Dinner | International transportation | |
| 5 | Museum tickets. | Taxi | |
| 6 | Optional activities | ||
| 7 | Accommodation/Tourist camps and Hotel/ | ||
| 8 | Gratuity for the tour team |
ALMATY CITY DAY TOUR ITINERARY
Almaty City - Panfilov Park
The guide and the driver will meet you at Almaty International airport. Almaty layover tour starts with a visit to Panfilov Park – named after the 28 heroes, who died for freedom and independence of the country. Zenkov Cathedral - the oldest building of the city, that is entirely wooden, built without any metal nails and a Memorial complex devoted to the World War Two and with eternal flame.
Almaty city - Green bazaar
Continue sightseeing at Green bazaar – a place where you can buy souvenirs, central Moslem mosque, Republic square with three main symbols of Kazakhstan and Obelisk devoted to the independence.
Almaty city - Medeu gorge
After the city tour, drive to Medeo Gorge. Stop at the huge Medeo dam, that protects the city from destructive mudflows formed on the tops of the western Tian Shan mountains. From the top of the dam, at the altitude of 1733 meters above the sea level, enjoy view of the largest high mountain skating rink in the world – Medeo, surrounded by marvelous mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau.
Almaty city - Kuk tube hill
After that visit the top of Kok-Tube hill, where you can enjoy unforgettable panorama of Almaty from the observation desk. At the foot of the tallest TV tower in Kazakhstan you can take a walk along the winding paths of the Kok-Tobe park, where you will come across "The Beatles" monument devoted to the popular Liverpool band. At the end of the tour take a short ride from the hill to the city center by the cable car.
OTHER TOURS
Escape to Burabay National Park for 2 days of lakes, forests, and scenic hiking, with a short city visit to Astana’s modern landmarks.
Take a full-day guided tour from Astana to the ALZHIR Memorial Complex—explore museum exhibits, memorials, and stories of Kazakhstan’s Soviet past.
Make the most of your Almaty layover with a guided tour of key sights like Kok-Tobe, Medeo, markets, and city landmarks in just 6–8 hours.