Why go: Almaty and Astana for Gulf families
Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city, set at the foot of the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. For Gulf families it offers what the home climate cannot: green parks, fresh mountain air and cool evenings, with real mountains about 30 to 45 minutes from the city centre. The streets are wide and tree-lined, cafés and shopping are easy to find, and there is plenty for children, from cable cars to ice skating. Many families add a few days in Astana, the modern capital, for a very different, futuristic skyline.
Best time to visit
- Late April to June: spring greenery, comfortable days and cool mountains.
- July and August: warm, sometimes hot in the city, but noticeably cooler in the mountains. This is the classic Gulf summer escape.
- September to October: mild weather and autumn colours, with fewer visitors.
- December to March: snow, skiing and sledging at Shymbulak. It is properly cold, so pack winter clothing.
Astana has harsher winters and a shorter pleasant season; late May to early September is usually the most comfortable window. Check the forecast close to your dates.
Getting there from Doha and the GCC
Qatar Airways operates a nonstop Doha to Almaty service of about five and a half hours. In the schedules we saw it runs daily, leaving Doha in the evening and landing after midnight. Schedules change by season, so confirm before booking. From other GCC cities, most travellers fly nonstop or with one connection through a Gulf hub; compare options for your dates.
To reach Astana, take a domestic flight from Almaty (typically under two hours) or a train. Check whether a direct flight from your own city is available before you book.
Visa basics
Rules change, so treat this as a starting point only. At the time of writing (November 2026), ordinary passport holders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman can enter without a visa for up to 30 days. Typical requirements include a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket. Non-citizen residents of GCC countries may be treated differently. Please check the latest rules with the Kazakh embassy or your airline before you travel.
Where to stay
- City Centre, Panfilov Park and Opera: the most walkable base, close to Panfilov Park, the Zenkov Cathedral, the opera house, museums and the pedestrian Arbat street. A good choice for first visits and for families who like cafés and short walks.
- Abay and Dostyk: busy avenues with shopping, restaurants and quick taxi links in every direction. Comfortable for longer stays and shopping trips.
- Medeu and Shymbulak: up in the mountains, with cool air, forest views and quick access to the ice rink, the ski area and the gondola. Quieter and better for a nature-focused stay, but further from city services.
- Astana EXPO area: on the left bank of the capital, modern and spacious, with wide promenades and the EXPO grounds nearby. Best for a short Astana add-on.
Things to do with family
- Ride the cable car up Kok Tobe hill for city views and family attractions.
- Stroll Panfilov Park and see the colourful wooden Zenkov Cathedral.
- Visit the high-mountain skating rink at Medeu, then continue by gondola to Shymbulak for views, snow in winter and walks in summer.
- Browse Green Bazaar for local food and dried fruit, and walk Arbat street.
- Plan a day trip to Big Almaty Lake, but note that access rules and road conditions can change, so ask locally first.
- Longer excursions such as Charyn Canyon need a full day, so keep them for older children.
- In Astana, visit the Baiterek viewpoint, the grand mosque and the EXPO grounds.
Halal food and prayer
Kazakhstan has a Muslim-majority population, and local dishes such as beshbarmak, manti, plov and baursak are built around lamb, beef and, traditionally, horse meat. Halal restaurants are common in Almaty and Astana, but not every venue is halal. Look for halal signs or ask the staff, and double-check international and fast-food outlets. Mosques are available in both cities, including large central mosques. Use a prayer-times app, as local times shift with the seasons.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option for families, and fares are generally lower than in the Gulf. Almaty also has a metro with limited coverage and a bus network, but traffic can be heavy at rush hour. The airport is typically 30 to 45 minutes from the city centre, and Medeu is typically 30 to 45 minutes from downtown depending on traffic. Ask your host to arrange a transfer for late-night arrivals.
Practical tips
- Pack layers, even in summer, as mountain weather changes quickly.
- Altitude at Shymbulak can tire young children or anyone sensitive to it, so go slowly.
- Keep some local currency (tenge) for small shops and taxis, although cards are widely accepted in the cities.
- Download offline maps and a taxi app, and consider a local SIM or eSIM.
- Mountain roads can be icy in winter, so use experienced drivers.
- Many guests arrive after midnight on the nonstop flight, so arrange check-in in advance.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our apartments in Almaty and Astana on our Almaty stays page, then send your dates on WhatsApp and we will confirm availability and today’s price.
