Almaty, formerly known as Alma-Ata, is Kazakhstan's largest city with a population of nearly 1.5 million inhabitants. The city lies in the mountainous region of southern Kazakhstan, in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountain range.

Once the capital of the Kazakh State during the Soviet era, Almaty has lost its capital status but remains the principal commercial and cultural hub of Kazakhstan.

A Touch of History

Almaty has been inhabited since prehistory, when the first farmers settled there. The city was also chosen as a residence area by the Saka tribes, and later by the Wusun tribes who inhabited the north of the Tian Shan mountain range. However, the city that once stood on the ancient Silk Road was destroyed.

It was in 1854 that the frontier outpost, the Russian fort of Vermy, was built. It quickly became an administrative centre for the Semirechye region. Vermy was also a place of exile for political prisoners.

In 1921, Vermy was renamed Alma-Ata and became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1929. Industry developed during the Great Patriotic War, between 1941 and 1945, notably with the arrival of workers from the western regions of the USSR.

It was not until 1998 that the capital was moved to Nur-Sultan, or Astana, located nearly 1,000 km to the northwest of Almaty. Almaty continued nonetheless to develop as a cosmopolitan city and became known as the southern capital.

Almaty Today

Almaty is undoubtedly Kazakhstan's most important commercial centre, and the number of major banks located there only confirms this status.

A cosmopolitan city, Almaty is a major metropolis attempting to modernize. Nestled between mountains on either side, the city nonetheless reveals itself under a contemporary light with distinctive architecture. Its varied urban landscape brims with numerous remarkable sites and monuments such as Kok Tobe, Medeo, Shymbulak and Big Almaty Lake, which are well worth visiting.

Kok Tobe, Almaty's highest point, is accessible via an aerial tramway line connecting downtown Almaty to the mountain's summit. You'll also find the city's television tower, the "Almaty Tower," which offers breathtaking panoramic views over the entire city and surrounding mountains.

Likewise, visit the famous Big Almaty Lake. This natural lake, situated in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains just 15 km south of Almaty, promises a pleasant outing and the perfect spot for your Instagram shots.

For winter sports enthusiasts, there's no need to travel far. Head to Shymbulak for a wonderful day of skiing on the slopes. Others can also try their hand at ice skating at the Medeo outdoor skating rink, in the mountains on the southeastern outskirts of Almaty.

Thanks to its relatively mild climate, Almaty prides itself on being the city of apple trees, which is actually where its name comes from. This region is indeed the birthplace of many apple varieties that you can taste, weather permitting.

Almaty has an international airport located 15 km northeast of the city. Almaty also has several central intercity bus stations.

These stations provide bus connections throughout Kazakhstan and international links to Kirghizistan and China.

On 1 December 2011, Almaty launched a new underground system. It is the second metro built in Central Asia after the metro in Tashkent in Uzbekistan. Very affordable, it allows you to easily reach all major points of interest. No problem finding your way since, to this day, the metro has only a single line.

Taxis abound throughout the city and allow you to move around easily. Be sure to take an official taxi and don't hesitate to negotiate your fare.