Almaty sits right at the foot of snow-capped mountains. In the morning you take a cable car up to Shymbulak and walk in the snow; by evening you are in a leafy city café. Then there is Big Almaty Lake – a turquoise bowl of water hidden high in the peaks.
Visa for Indians
Indian citizens can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 14 days per visit. Carry a passport valid for six months, your return ticket, hotel bookings and proof of funds. Do not overstay – the 14-day limit is strictly enforced.
A 5-night itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Almaty; evening at Kok Tobe hill for city views by cable car.
- Day 2: Medeu skating rink and the Shymbulak mountain resort by gondola – snow most of the year at the top.
- Day 3: Big Almaty Lake and the mountain road views.
- Day 4: Full-day trip to Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan’s “Grand Canyon”, with an optional stop at Kolsai lakes on a longer tour.
- Day 5: City tour – Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar – and shopping.
Almaty is the closest “Switzerland-style” mountain holiday to Delhi – and you do not even need a visa.
When to go
May to September is green and pleasant for lakes and canyons. December to March is snow season – perfect for families who want a snow holiday close to home, with skiing at Shymbulak.
Hand-picked packages
Food
Kazakh food is hearty – plov, laghman noodles, baursak bread. Almaty has a good choice of Indian restaurants, and vegetarian options are easy to arrange. See our Kazakhstan packages.
Planning an Almaty trip?
Tell us your dates and budget. A Trip Inventor expert will design it around you – hotels, transfers, sightseeing and visa help included.
Get a free quoteWhatsApp an expertQuestions travellers ask
Is Kazakhstan visa-free for Indians?
Yes, for stays of up to 14 days per visit.
When can I see snow in Almaty?
Shymbulak usually has snow from about November to April, and higher up for most of the year.
How far is Almaty from Delhi?
About three and a half hours by direct flight.
Explore more: Kazakhstan packages · Uzbekistan · Georgia · Visit our West Delhi office
Visa and entry information last checked on 3 October 2026. Government rules can change at short notice – please confirm the latest requirements before you travel, or ask our team.
