Ans. Yes, Indian passport holders receive 14 days Visa-Free stay in Kazakhstan. All you need is a good passport and air ticket back home.
Almaty 4N5D Tour Package
Visa Free for Indian Passport Holders
Mountains, Snow & City Life Combo
Overview
The Jewel of Central Asia: Almaty
Explore the “City of Apples” on our 4N5D Tour Package of Almaty. Almaty is a picturesque mixture of Soviet history, architecture, and marvelous nature because of its location (the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains).
Visit the notorious Medeo Ice Rink, take a ride on the gondolas to the snow-white heights of the Shymbulak Ski Resort, and observe the panoramic city outlook from the top of the hill Kok Tobe.
Visa-Free entry of Indians and a special day at the malls to shop at the high-end shopping malls make it the hottest international destination at the moment.
Highlights
Panoramic city tour including Zenkov Cathedral
Cable car ride to Kok Tobe hill
Visit world famous Medeo high-altitude ice rink
Scenic mountain views at Shymbulak Ski Resort
Shopping at modern malls like Dostyk Plaza
Visa-free entry for Indian passport holders
Package Features
| Feature Category | Details |
| Duration | 4 Nights / 5 Days |
| Accommodation | 4 Nights stay in a 3* Hotel (Almaty) |
| Meals Included | 4 Breakfasts |
| Transfers | Airport Pick-up/Drop-off + Sightseeing Transfers |
| Visa | Visa Free (14 Days) |
| Activities | City Tour, Medeo & Shymbulak, Shopping |
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- Accommodation: 04 Nights stay in a 3-star hotel (Almaty).
- Meals: Daily Buffet Breakfast provided at the hotel.
- Visa: Visa Free for Indian Passport holders (14 Days).
- Transport: Airport Pick-up/Drop-off and Tour Transfers.
- Sightseeing: Panoramic Almaty City Tour & Panfilov Park.
- Sightseeing: Excursion to Kok Tobe Hill with Cable Car.
- Sightseeing: Medeo Gorge and Shymbulak Ski Resort.
- Tickets: Gondola tickets to Shymbulak (Level 3) included.
- Taxes: Local Hotel Taxes and Registration fees.
Exclusions
- Flights: International Airfare to/from Almaty (ALA).
- Tax: Green Tax/Environmental fees (Payable locally).
- Activities: Ski equipment rental or instructor fees.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Tips: Gratuities for drivers and guides (Customary).
- Personal: Laundry, telephone, shopping, and alcohol.
- Insurance: Travel Insurance (Highly recommended).
- Surcharges: Peak season or holiday surcharges.
- Taxes: Government Taxes (GST & TCS) on package.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Almaty airport to Almaty hotel
Arrival at Almaty International Airport, Transfer to the hotel, check-in.
Day 2 – Panoramic tour Almaty + KOK Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower.
Breakfast at the hotel, Panoramic tour around Almaty,Visiting the following places – sightseeing of the city Panfilov Park, Zenkov Cathedral, the Memorial of Glory and Eternal Flame. Transfer to the Square of the Republic and Monument of Independence, feel the energy of the Apple city and get acquainted with its history! Visiting Kok-Tobe hill with the tallest TV tower in the world. Short ride from the top of the hill to the center of the city by the famous Almaty cableway.
Day 3 – Medeo & Shymbulak tour
Hotel Breakfast, Excursion to Medeo and Shymbulak,Medeo ice rink is located on the height of 1 691.2 meters above the sea level and is familiar all over the world. It was built in 1972. The ice surface covers the area of 1 0 500 square meters, and it is possible to hold the competitions of skating, hockey and figure skating. The ski resort Shymbulak is located in the beautiful ravine of the mountain Zailiysky Alatau on the height of 2260 meters above the sea level and within a distance of 25 kilometers of Almaty city center. The elevators commence their descents at the elevation of 3163 meters above the sea level.
Day 4 – Leisure day for shopping (Suggestion – Dostyk Plaza, Mega mall, Forum mall)
Breakfast at the hotel Shopping option (Dostyk Plaza, Mega mall, Forum mall Leisure time
Day 4 – Hotel to Airport (One Way)
After breakfast checkout from the hotel and proceed to the Airport with sweet memories.
Tips Before You Go
- Currency: The currency is Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT). It is best to carry USD and exchange it at the airport or city exchange bureaus.
- Taxi App: Download Yandex Go (similar to Uber). It is the most convenient and cheap way to travel around the city during your leisure time.
- Weather: Shymbulak (mountains) is always colder than the city. Carry a heavy jacket, gloves, and a cap even if you are traveling in summer.
- Language: English is not widely spoken. Downloading the Google Translate offline pack for Russian/Kazakh is highly recommended.
- Shopping: Almaty is great for shopping. Look for local chocolates (Rakhat), cognac, and dry fruits at the Green Bazaar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Do Indians really need no visa?
Q2. Can we see snow at Shymbulak?
Ans. Yes, there is snow all year round in the highest spot (3200m) in Shymbulak. Every winter season (Nov-March), the whole resort is covered with snow, ideal to ski.
Q3. Is Indian food available in Almaty?
Ans. Yes, there are a few Indian restaurants that are authentic (e.g., Tandoor, Spice Mantra) in Almaty.
Q4. Is the cable car fee included?
Ans. Yes, the cableway ride at Kok Tobe and the elevators (gondolas) at Shymbulak included in the package are mentioned in the itinerary.
Q5. What can we buy in the malls?
Ans. The Almaty malls (Dostyk Plaza, Mega) have both international brands such as Zara, H&M, and luxury brands, usually at a competitive price. It is also a good quality winter wear.
Q6. Is Almaty safe for tourists?
Ans. True, Almaty is generally a secure tourist destination. The natives are amiable and welcoming.
Q7. How far is the airport from the hotel?
Ans. The Almaty International Airport is 30-40 minutes away in form of driving distance to the city center where majority of the hotels are situated.
Q8. Can I use my Credit/Debit card?
Ans. Yes, it is well accepted in malls, restaurants and hotels with cards. But always have cash (Tenge) to use in little stores or cabs.
Q9. Is there a dress code for the Cathedral?
Ans. Zenkov Cathedral is an orthodox church. Dressing humbly is encouraged and women are usually expected to wear a scarf when in to cover their head.
Q10. What is the Green Bazaar?
Ans. You can go to the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar) in case you have some time on Day 4. It is a conventional market that is known to deal with spices, nuts, fruit and local meat. It is an excellent cultural experience.
