Almaty Unveiled: A Journey of Discovery and Bonding in the Winter Wonderland of Kazakhstan
As I reflect on my five-day adventure to Almaty, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of wonder and awe. The journey was a spontaneous one, sparked by a single phone call inviting me to join an all-ladies group tour — The Ladies Travel (TLT) — which helped me tick off a long-standing bucket list goal: exploring the world with strangers-turned-friends. It turned out to be an incredible experience, leaving me with unforgettable memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest metropolis, serves as the country’s trading, cultural, and tourism hub. It is now gaining popularity among Indian travelers, thanks to the recently introduced free visa policy.
Before embarking on my journey, I was warned that March might not be the ideal time to visit Kazakhstan, given the freezing temperatures. And yes, it was cold – very cold, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -13 degrees Celsius. But, as I soon discovered, the cold weather not only added to the magic of my trip but gave me some of the best experiences of my life time to see the pristine beauty of Kazakhstan’s winter landscapes. The right clothing and the warm hearts around me, made the cold not just bearable but exhilarating.
As we stepped out of the airport, the 0 degree temperate gave us our chills. We quickly moved towards our place of stay for the next 2 days, Hotel Kazzhol, a quaint little place nestled in a charming street centrally located to all bars, restaurants, and shops. Our first evening was spent exploring the city’s nightlife, courtesy of Mad Murphy’s, a fun bar that served up quirky cocktails’ delicious food and great service.
Day two was a cultural extravaganza, as we embarked on a city tour that took us to the stunning Zenkov Cathedral, a striking architectural marvel located within the greenery of Panfilov Park famous for its wooden charm.
We strolled soaking up the local vibes and quirky souvenirs at the Green Bazaar. Then heading to Arbat Street which is Almaty’s bustling shopping thoroughfare, primarily a pedestrian only street. As we strolled along in the drizzling and cold weather, we encountered a diverse array of charming boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants from fine dining to local cuisine. Surprisingly we were able to find a pure vegetarian restaurant primarily serving Indian food called Amrita – a small neighbourhood eatery which was a delight. Warm hospitality and food that hit the soul.
The day culminated with a visit to Kok Tobe, where we marveled at the breathtaking views and thrilling rides.
As we ventured out of Almaty, we discovered the natural wonders of Kazakhstan, with day three taking us to the stunning Charyn Canyon—famous for its remarkable rock formations, deep gorges, and impressive cliffs that offer exceptional hiking and photography opportunities for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
From here, we journeyed to the breathtaking Kolsay Lake, where I received a magical gift—my first-ever snowfall experience. As delicate, cotton-like flakes drifted around me, I stood mesmerized by the semi-frozen lake, unable to take my eyes off its ethereal beauty. That evening, we settled into the cozy Kolsay Grand Hotel and concluded the day with a heartwarming “Circle of Trust” gathering—an intimate night of profound conversations, open hearts, and deep connections that transformed friendships into unbreakable bonds.
The next day took us to one of the most spectacular sights – Lake Kaindy.
Kaindy Lake stole my heart and soul, leaving me spellbound. The majesty and vastness of this natural wonder left me speechless. Staring at this beauty in utmost awe, I wanted time to pause. The turquoise water of the lake, the serene surroundings, and the surreal beauty of this landscape left me mesmerized, unwilling to blink and miss a fraction of this wonder.
Capturing memories that would last a lifetime, we returned to our hotel in Almaty, this time at The Plaza Hotel—a beautiful, premium property where, with the kindness of the TLT company, we were allotted suites.
The night took us to Little Brazil, whose vibrant energy with live dance performances got us grooving—the perfect way to end our perfect day!
The highlight of our trip was yet to come.
Day 5 ascended us to the Shymbulak Mountain Ski Resort, where we were greeted with yet another snowfall experience. The resort gave us the courage to experience the open-air gondola rides, with snowfall amid snow-capped mountains, up and high above.
We wrapped up yet another beautiful day with the perfect blend of meaningful conversations and playful games, leaving behind cherished moments.
As I reflect on my journey, I am struck by the beauty of Kazakhstan and the bonds we forged as a group. It was a trip that pushed me out of my comfort zone, challenged my perceptions, and gifted me with friends for a lifetime.
To the amazing team at TLT, I’m forever grateful for this beautifully crafted journey—your passion shines through in every aspect of the trip.
