One-day tour from Almaty · 1 day

A walk through Panfilov Park, a shaded green area in the city center with the memorial to the 28 Panfilov heroes who fell near Moscow in 1941. Centuries-old oaks, quiet alleys, the sound of bells, and the atmosphere of old Alma-Ata, preserved inside a modern metropolis. In the first half of the day, visit Zenkov Cathedral, built in 1907, one of the tallest wooden churches in the world, assembled without a single nail and surviving the earthquake that leveled half the city. Inside is an iconostasis from the late 19th century, and outside are 56-meter golden domes. Around lunchtime, stop by the Eternal Flame in Panfilov Park, a memorial composition of granite, fire, and silence in memory of the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War. In the second half of the day, make a short stop at the signature Rahat chocolate shop, the oldest Kazakh brand, with gift boxes in 1970s-style design. A perfect place for souvenirs and presents to take home. After lunch, take the cable car up to Kok-Tobe (1070 m), the city's signature viewpoint. Almaty spreads out below like a map, with the Alatau mountains behind it; the sunset is especially striking, when the peaks turn pink and the lights of the metropolis begin to glow in the valley.