Huns Ethno-Village & Alma-Arasan Gorge 2-Day Trip from Almaty

Start in the city with Panfilov Park, a shaded green space in the center with the memorial to the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen who fell near Moscow in 1941. Old oaks, quiet alleys, and the chime of bells recall Alma-Ata before the high-rises. Toward lunch, visit the Green Bazaar, open since 1875, a true Eastern market with mountains of dried apricots and raisins, rows of kazy and shuzhuk (horse sausage), barrels of mountain honey from the jailau, and friendly vendors who let you taste before you buy. After lunch, make a short stop at the Rahat chocolate store, the oldest Kazakh brand, with gift boxes in 1970s-style design, a handy place for souvenirs. In the afternoon, drive about 65 km to Hunny Ethno-Village, a reconstruction of Kazakh life: yurts, lunch at the village (included in the ticket), horse performances, and a look at the musical instruments of the nomads. Return to Almaty by evening.

Walk through Alma-Arasan Gorge, with a mineral thermal spring, a mountain river, and trails along cascades under a conifer canopy. Later in the morning, stop at Ayusai Eco Park in the Little Almaty Gorge, where wooden walkways pass alpine flowers and a waterfall. Toward lunch, watch the falconry show at the Sunkar Falconry Center, the only regular performance of its kind in Kazakhstan. A golden eagle takes off from the handler’s glove and returns precisely to the ring, bringing the nomads’ ancient hunting art to life. Return to Almaty.