7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Almaty

Almaty, is a vibrant city known for its leafy avenues, chic cafes, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. For digital nomads based in Almaty, the urge to explore beyond the city's borders is a common one, especially when the weekend rolls around. Whether you're looking for popular spots or hidden gems, there's a wealth of destinations within reach for a quick getaway. Here are seven fun weekend destinations for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Almaty.

Big Almaty Lake

Nestled in the Tien Shan mountains, Big Almaty Lake is a stunning alpine lake located just a short drive from Almaty. The turquoise waters of the lake, set against the dramatic mountain backdrop, make for a breathtaking sight. It's a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. In the winter, the lake transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a different kind of serene beauty.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Big Almaty Lake is by car or taxi, which takes about an hour from the city center.

Travel Tip: Visit during the early morning to enjoy the calm and reflective waters of the lake before the afternoon winds pick up.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are limited near the lake, but the city offers numerous options like the Ritz-Carlton Almaty for luxury stays or the Kazakhstan Hotel for more budget-friendly choices.

Where to Eat: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or head back to Almaty to try local Kazakh dishes at Gosti, known for its traditional interior and hearty meals.

Charyn Canyon

Often referred to as Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder about a three-hour drive from Almaty. The canyon's red sandstone formations have been sculpted by the elements over millions of years, creating a dramatic and otherworldly landscape. Visitors can hike through the Valley of Castles, so named for its towering rock formations, or enjoy a riverside picnic.

How to Get There: The best way to visit Charyn Canyon is by car or through an organized tour from Almaty.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to stay overnight in a yurt to experience the canyon under the stars.

Where to Stay: Eco Park Resort offers yurt accommodations right in the heart of the canyon, providing an authentic and memorable stay.

Where to Eat: Dining options are sparse in the canyon, so it's advisable to bring your own food and water for the trip.

Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes are a series of three alpine lakes known as the "Pearls of the Tien Shan." Each lake is situated at a different altitude and offers unique vistas and opportunities for trekking, horseback riding, and even camping. The area is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a nature lover's paradise.

How to Get There: The lakes are about a 4-5 hour drive from Almaty, and the journey can be made by car or through an organized tour.

Travel Tip: For an immersive experience, consider a multi-day trek that takes you from lake to lake.

Where to Stay: Saty Village has several guesthouses like the Kolsai Lakes Guest House, which offer simple but comfortable accommodations.

Where to Eat: Guesthouses in Saty Village often provide home-cooked meals to visitors, giving you a taste of local Kazakh cuisine.

Tamgaly Tas

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Tamgaly Tas, located on the Ili River, is an open-air sanctuary featuring ancient rock carvings and inscriptions. The site is a cultural treasure, with some carvings dating back to the Bronze Age. It's a peaceful place to explore Kazakhstan's ancient history and enjoy the riverside scenery.

How to Get There: Tamgaly Tas is about a 2-hour drive from Almaty, and it's best reached by car or taxi.

Travel Tip: Bring a camera with a good zoom lens to capture the intricate details of the petroglyphs.

Where to Stay: There are no accommodations at Tamgaly Tas, so plan as a day trip from Almaty or camp near the river if you're feeling adventurous.

Where to Eat: As with many remote destinations, it's wise to bring your own food and water for the day.

Altyn-Emel National Park

Altyn-Emel National Park is a vast reserve known for its unique natural features, including the Singing Dune, a large sand dune that emits a low rumbling sound when the wind blows. The park also boasts colorful Aktau mountains and ancient petroglyphs. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot rare animals like the Przewalski's horse.

How to Get There: The park is about a 4-hour drive from Almaty, and it's best visited with an organized tour or by renting a 4WD vehicle.

Travel Tip: Visit the Singing Dune in the late afternoon when the light casts beautiful shadows on the sand and the chance of hearing its song is higher.

Where to Stay: The park offers basic guesthouses, or you can stay in the nearby village of Basshi for more comfort.

Where to Eat: Dining options are limited within the park, so it's recommended to arrange meals through your accommodation or bring your own supplies.

Lake Issyk

Lake Issyk is a tranquil mountain lake surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows. It's a great spot for a relaxing day trip, with opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying the serene environment. The lake has a tragic history, having been destroyed by a natural dam break in the 1960s, but it has since been restored to its former beauty.

How to Get There: Lake Issyk is about a 1.5-hour drive from Almaty, accessible by car or taxi.

Travel Tip: Visit the nearby Issyk State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve to learn about the region's history and the famous "Golden Man," an ancient Scythian warrior prince.

Where to Stay: Most visitors choose to stay in Almaty due to the close proximity of the lake, but there are also guesthouses in the nearby village of Issyk.

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, or dine at local restaurants in the village of Issyk, where you can try traditional Kazakh dishes.

Turgen Gorge

Turgen Gorge is a lush valley with a river running through it, known for its waterfalls, hot springs, and trout farms. It's an excellent destination for those interested in fishing, hiking, or simply unwinding in nature. The gorge is also home to the Assy-Turgen Observatory, where stargazers can marvel at the night sky.

How to Get There: The gorge is about a 1.5-hour drive from Almaty, and it's easily accessible by car or taxi.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the Bear Waterfall, one of the most picturesque spots in the gorge, reached by a scenic hike.

Where to Stay: There are several guesthouses and resorts in the Turgen area, such as the Turgen Mountain Lodge, which offers comfortable accommodations and outdoor activities.

Where to Eat: Some guesthouses and resorts have their own restaurants serving local cuisine, or you can enjoy a meal at one of the trout farms, where you can catch and eat your own fish.

These weekend getaways offer a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration, perfect for digital nomads looking to balance work and leisure in the beautiful surroundings of Almaty, Kazakhstan.