Almaty is Kazakhstan's most populous city and was its capital until 1997, laid out on a wide grid of tree-lined boulevards at the northern foot of the Tian Shan. Half an hour from the centre are the high-altitude ice rink at Medeu and the ski slopes of Shymbulak, while the Charyn Canyon makes a day trip east. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from Turkiye to Almaty, and the flight from Istanbul takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. Turkish citizens may enter without a visa for up to 30 days.
Looking for cheap flights or monthly payment flight packages to Almaty?
Suso is a travel-planning platform that turns your Almaty trip from Turkey into a buy now, pay later flight package: the ticket is issued by travel agencies, booking sites or airlines, and the payment plan runs on consumer credit from partner finance institutions. One click in the basket completes the purchase and the financing together; you pay over 3 to 24 months. No credit card limit needed.
See flights to Almaty →When to visit Almaty
May to October is the best stretch for mountain walks and the lake roads. December to March is the ski season with Shymbulak open. April and November are transitional, with muddy and changeable roads.
Things to do in Almaty
Medeu and Shymbulak
Skate on the open-air rink at 1,690 metres and ride the cable car higher to the ski resort.
Kok Tobe
Take the cable car to the hill above the city and see Almaty and the mountain range in one view.
The Zenkov Cathedral
See the colourful wooden cathedral in Panfilov Park, said to have been built without nails.
The Green Bazaar
See everyday city life among stalls of dried fruit, horse sausage and nuts.
Big Almaty Lake
Head up to the turquoise lake at 2,500 metres; the road is narrow, so go by car or on a tour.
The Charyn Canyon
Walk the Valley of Castles in the red rock canyon about 200 km east of the city.
Flights from Turkey to Almaty
Almaty is served by Almaty International Airport (ALA), about 15 km from the city centre and reached in about 30 minutes by taxi. Direct flights depart from Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya.
Almaty FAQ
How can I get an Almaty flight package?
You can split the cost of your Almaty flight package with Suso over 3 to 24 months, and no credit card limit is required.
Which airport serves Almaty and how do I reach the city?
Flights land at Almaty International Airport (ALA), about 15 km from the centre, reached in about 30 minutes by taxi.
Are there direct flights from Turkiye to Almaty, and is a visa needed?
Yes. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and AJet fly direct from Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, and the flight takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. Turkish citizens may enter Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days.
Buy now, pay later flights to Almaty
Fly now, pay later. Plan your trip, pay over up to 24 months. One click at checkout sets up the plan, no credit card limit needed.
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