Discover Almaty is Access Lite's 8-day Almaty group tour from the Philippines, departing September 1 to 8, 2027 and September 4 to 11, 2028. Over one week you move between Almaty's leafy streets and the mountains that frame them, with Charyn Canyon, Kolsay Lake, Shymbulak, a day inside Kazakhstan's nomadic traditions, and Issyk Lake along the way. An Access Expert travels with the group from start to finish, alongside an English-speaking local guide. Rates are from USD 2,599 per adult, with international airfare booked separately.
Discover Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty is the kind of city where you look up from a café table and see snow on the peaks at the end of the street. It sits at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau, and that closeness shapes everything. A morning in town can turn into an afternoon above the tree line, and the drive home takes less time than most Manila commutes.
The city itself rewards slow walking. There's the painted wooden Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park, the pedestrian stretch of Arbat for art and coffee, and the Green Bazaar, where dried fruit, nuts, and spices are piled high and vendors hand you a taste before you ask.
Then you leave the city and the scale changes. The steppe opens up on the road east, Charyn Canyon drops away in red rock, and the alpine lakes sit still and turquoise under spruce-covered slopes. It feels unlike anywhere else in Asia, and very few Filipino travelers have been.
That's a large part of the appeal, and also why a group journey makes sense here. Kazakhstan is visa-free for Philippine passport holders, but signage is often in Kazakh and Russian, distances between sights are long, and the best places outside Almaty take local knowledge to reach. On this Kazakhstan group tour, the routes, drivers, guides, and timings are arranged before you land.
Your 8-Day Almaty Itinerary
Day 1: Manila to Almaty
Arrive in Almaty, where your guide and driver meet you for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest after the flight and take a first walk around the neighborhood.
Day 2: Medeu Gorge and Shymbulak
Head into the mountains just outside the city. At Medeu Gorge, you'll see the high-altitude speed skating rink and the mudflow protection dam set against the Trans-Ili Alatau. From there, the cable car carries you up to Shymbulak and on through the upper levels of the resort toward Talgar Pass, well above 3,000 meters, where the air is thin and cold and the peaks feel close enough to touch. Return to Almaty in the evening.
Day 3: Charyn Canyon and Kolsay Lake
An early start for the long drive east across the steppe to Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon. Take in the view from the rim, then walk down into the Valley of Castles, a corridor of wind-carved rock towers. Continue to Black Canyon for its dark cliffs and views over the river below. The day ends at Kolsay Lake, ringed by forest and snow-capped ridges, before the return to Almaty.
Day 4: Almaty City Tour
A slower morning, then out around 10:00 AM. Start at Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral, walk Arbat for local art and souvenirs, and stop for coffee along the way. In the afternoon, ride the cable car up Kok-Tobe Hill for a wide view over the city to the mountains. There's time to wander the hilltop, find the Beatles monument, or sit at a café before heading back down.
Day 5: Nomad Ethno Center
Spend the day just outside Almaty at the Nomad Ethno Center, where Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage is kept alive. Step inside traditional yurts, see local crafts up close, and try on national dress. Folk music, archery, and horsemanship demonstrations fill the day, and lunch is a traditional Kazakh meal served inside a yurt. Return to Almaty in the afternoon.
Day 6: Issyk Lake and Turgen Waterfall
Drive to the Issyk region, where history and landscape overlap. Issyk Lake sits 1,756 meters above sea level, its turquoise water surrounded by forested slopes, and your guide will walk you through how the lake was formed and reshaped over thousands of years. Continue to Turgen, where a short walk through the gorge leads to the waterfall. Head back to Almaty in the evening.
Day 7: Green Bazaar and Shopping Day
Start at the Green Bazaar for fruit, nuts, spices, and Kazakh delicacies to sample and take home. Next is Rahat, the city's best-known chocolate maker, then Esentai Mall or Dostyk Plaza for the rest of the afternoon. A good day to pick up pasalubong.
Day 8: Almaty to Manila
Enjoy a relaxed morning and some free time before your transfer to the airport for the flight home.
Highlights of Your Kazakhstan Journey
- Mountains within reach of the city. Ride from Medeu up through Shymbulak toward Talgar Pass, all in one day trip from Almaty.
- Charyn Canyon and the Valley of Castles. Walk the canyon floor between towering rock formations, not just the viewpoints from above.
- Two alpine lakes. Kolsay and Issyk show the quieter, greener side of the Kazakh highlands.
- Nomadic culture, up close. Yurts, archery, horsemanship, and a Kazakh lunch served the traditional way.
- Almaty at a walking pace. Zenkov Cathedral, Arbat, Kok-Tobe, and the Green Bazaar, with time to linger.
- Someone with you the whole way. An Access Expert leads the group from arrival to departure, with a local guide on the ground.
What's Included in Your Almaty Tour Package?
Included
- Access Expert leading the group throughout
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 3-star to 4-star hotel accommodations
- Transportation for the entire trip
- Professional English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
Not included
- Round-trip international airfare
- Visa fees and processing, if required
- Single supplement
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Taxes
- Gratuities
Tour Dates and Pricing
Departures: September 1 to 8, 2027 and September 4 to 11, 2028
Rate: From USD 2,599 per adult
Group size: Up to 30 travelers
Starts and ends in: Almaty
As a Kazakhstan tour package from the Philippines, the rate covers your hotels, ground transport, guides, entrance fees, and the meals listed in the itinerary, so the main cost left to plan is your flight.
A PHP 20,000 deposit secures your place once your booking is confirmed, and the balance is due at least 45 days before departure. You can pay by bank transfer or credit card (card payments carry a 5% bank fee). BDO credit cardholders can use a 3-month, 0% installment plan.
Rates may vary by travel month and hotel availability. Solo travelers pay a single supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Almaty
Do Filipinos need a visa for Kazakhstan? No. Philippine passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Entry rules can change, so we confirm current requirements with every traveler before departure.
How do I fly from Manila to Almaty? Most routes from Manila connect through a regional hub, such as Bangkok, Seoul, or Guangzhou. International airfare isn't included in the rate, but we can help you find flights that line up with the group's arrival on Day 1.
What is the weather like in Almaty in September? Early September brings warm, clear days in the city and cooler evenings. It's noticeably colder up in the mountains, especially at Shymbulak and Talgar Pass, so pack layers and a light jacket.
Is this group tour good for solo travelers, families, and seniors? Yes. The journey is designed for solo travelers, couples, families, and seniors. Some days involve short walks on uneven ground, like the descent into Charyn Canyon and the path to Turgen Waterfall, and your Access Expert will adjust the pace where needed.
What currency is used in Kazakhstan? The Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). Cards are widely accepted in Almaty's hotels, malls, and restaurants, but bring some cash for the bazaar and smaller shops.
What happens if the group doesn't reach the minimum number of travelers? Your trip still goes ahead with the current group. Where possible, Access Travel will upgrade travelers to a private tour, though private tour rates may differ from the original rate.
Can I extend my stay in Kazakhstan? Yes. Let us know when you book and we'll arrange extra nights in Almaty or help you add another stop.
Book Your Almaty Journey with Access Lite
If you've been thinking about Kazakhstan travel from Manila, this is the easiest way in. Almaty is close enough for a week away and different enough to feel like a much bigger trip. With limited seats per departure, the earlier you reserve, the easier it is to line up flights and room preferences.
Send us a message to reserve your place on the September departure, or ask us anything about the trip. Our team replies 10 AM to 5 PM, Monday to Friday.