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What started off as a little misadventure became an unforgettable, breathtaking adventure in one of the most underrated cities in Central Asia—Almaty.
Almaty had been on my radar since 2023. Partly because of my sibling’s glowing recommendations, and also thanks to AirAsia’s constant sponsored content on my Instagram feed, I couldn’t ignore it any longer. I decided that 2024 would be the year to explore this hidden gem of Kazakhstan, few had heard of outside of travel circles. Often dubbed as the “Switzerland of Asia”, filled with rugged mountains and stunning natural beauty, it did stay true to the name.
A Rocky Start to an Epic Journey
My journey began just three days before my annual leave in late June, with a simple itinerary: fly from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, then catch a Malaysia Airlines flight to Delhi, before transferring to Air Astana for the final leg to Almaty. But, as we all know, travel plans rarely go smoothly.
Two hours before departure, I realized that I didn’t have the required Indian transit visa, which meant I couldn’t pass through Delhi. Without any hesitation, I embarked on the first leg of the journey and flew to Kuala Lumpur, hoping to figure out my next move there.
The Chaos Unfolds, But I Press On
As I sat on the plane, I began brainstorming my next steps. My first instinct was to change my destination to Hong Kong instead, but in the midst of my panic, I left my passport (classic, right?) in the aircraft. After missing the last Malaysia Airlines and Cathay Pacific flights to Hong Kong, time was running out, and I needed to find another way.
That’s when I found my lifeline—Qatar Airways. A last-minute flight to Doha gave me a glimmer of hope. With a quick 2-hour layover to sort out my itinerary, I finally made my way to Almaty by morning, exhausted but excited.
As the plane descended into Almaty, I caught my first glimpse of the city, and the mountain views were nothing short of breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks stretched beneath the morning sun, creating the perfect serene welcome after my chaotic journey.
First Impressions of Almaty: An Adventurer’s Paradise
Clearing immigration was a breeze, and I quickly made my way to the SIM card kiosks. This is where I made my first rookie mistake: there were so many SIM card providers that I spent over an hour trying to activate one. In the meantime, I grabbed a Costa coffee and began to map out my next steps.
What struck me immediately was the laid-back vibe of the city. Almaty felt like a perfect fusion of Eastern and Western influences, with the towering mountains in the backdrop making everything seem even more extraordinary. Despite my travel hiccups, Almaty already felt like the hidden adventure I was hoping for.
Almaty: The Perfect Place for Adventurers Off the Beaten Path
Almaty isn’t your typical tourist hotspot. While it’s a dynamic, modern city, it’s also surrounded by rugged landscapes just waiting to be explored. From the stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains to the remote beauty of its lakes, there’s a sense of serenity here that’s hard to find in more commercialized travel destinations.
Discover Almaty’s Nature
Looking for a way to experience the best of Almaty’s natural wonders? I highly recommend booking a tour through GetYourGuide. During my trip, I used their platform to organize a day trip to Almaty’s most breathtaking attractions, like Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lake. The tour made it easy to explore these stunning spots without the hassle of planning every detail, and the local guides provided fascinating insights into the area’s history and culture.
If you’re looking for the full adventure, don’t miss the chance to book the Charyn Canyon tour! Although not all operators offer this as part of their itinerary, I found a great deal with Panda Travels through GetYourGuide. This is the perfect tour for those who want to see the ‘Grand Canyon of Asia’ in all its glory!
Wrapping Up Day 1: A City Full of Contrasts
By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted but exhilarated for the tour! Despite the rocky start, Almaty had already won me over. The city felt like a place of contrast—urban hustle on one hand and peaceful mountain views on the other. There was so much more to see, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the adventure that awaited me.
Check out this post where I share Almaty’s natural wonders, including the surreal Kaindy Lake and the awe-inspiring Charyn Canyon. If you’re looking for adventure, you won’t want to miss these places.