Taking a moment to breathe and soak in the view; our hike through Polyana Terra toward Big Almaty Peak was as challenging as it was spiritually rewarding.
Before this trip, Almaty had never been on my travel radar. But after spending time in neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, curiosity and proximity convinced me to cross the border into Kazakhstan.
We took a taxi from Bishkek to the Kyrgyzstan–Kazakhstan border, walked through immigration, and then continued by car to Almaty.
Our trip remains one of our most memorable holidays — a destination we still talk about as one of the best we’ve experienced.
The city felt elegant and easy to explore, with tree-lined walking paths and bike lanes, next to al fresco restaurants and parks. Driving around Almaty, I took in the contrasting Soviet-era architecture and modern artsy high-rises, alongside museums filled with striking sculptures.
But Almaty’s true wow factor lies in its setting: a city that sits at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. Waking up to a skyline framed by towering peaks, visible from my accommodation window, was nothing short of breathtaking.
We were lucky to stay with a friend who lived there, who introduced us to neighbourhood spots rarely mentioned online, giving us a more intimate view of the city.
With Eid approaching and Almaty serving as a major aviation hub in Central Asia, it’s worth considering the city for a Muslim-friendly holiday in Kazakhstan. Here are a few reasons why.
Halal dining and Kazakh comfort food
It was certainly an experience! Trying the local delicacy of sheep’s head at Yurta felt like a true initiation into the heart of nomadic hospitality. (Image by Eugene, author’s hiking mate)
Stepping inside felt like entering a glamorous yurt. I loved the intimacy of sitting on the floor, surrounded by decor that told stories of the steppe.
Even in its more modern corners, Yurta kept us grounded in the Kazakh spirit with intentional decor that made every meal feel special.
I found the lamb dishes exceptionally tender and affordable—a delicious reward after a day of city exploration. (Image by Eugene, author’s hiking mate)
As Kazakhstan is a predominantly Muslim country, Almaty has plenty of amazing halal dining options.
Lamb plays a central role in Kazakh cuisine, and I found the lamb manti (Kazakh dumplings) and stews exceptionally tender and affordable. I believe this reflects their traditional slow-cooking methods refined over generations, resulting in their buttery, tender textures.
For a more immersive meal experience, I highly recommend Yurta, a trendy restaurant inspired by nomadic heritage. Every detail, from cutlery and décor to server attire, is intentionally chosen to fit its theme. And as its name suggests, walking inside feels like stepping into a glamorous yurt.
The menu reads like an ancient storybook, with each dish thoughtfully introduced and explained. Every plate is an art piece, blending traditional cooking with innovation.
As visitors, we were encouraged to try the local delicacy of sheep’s heads. It was an experience!
Finding reflection in Almaty’s mountain landscapes
The spirit of Eid centres on gratitude, and experiencing Almaty’s natural landscapes is a powerful way to connect with that feeling.
Throughout my stay, I remained in awe of the towering mountains that backdropped the city. Almaty lives on the foothills of Trans-lli Alatau mountains with peaks reaching nearly 5,000 metres.
One morning, we took a short taxi ride from Almaty to Polyana Terra, where we attempted to hike the Big Almaty Peak (3,680 metres high) route in a day. Although we didn’t finish the hike, the trail was truly stunning.
Despite being a short drive from the city, the hiking trail felt beautifully wild. Hiking in the summer months, we passed lush green valleys, alpine meadows, and rushing mountain rivers.
Travellers who aren’t keen on doing a big hike can go for a dip in the area’s hot spring instead. A short walk from the car park, visitors can soak in the Alma-Arasan Hot Springs for free. As we hiked past, we saw many families enjoying their time in the water, relaxing in tubs that had picturesque views of a flowing river and grand mountains.
If you prefer to stay within the city, you can have your “nature moment” from a Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Hill Cableway ride – panoramic views of Almaty nestled against its dramatic mountain backdrop.
Renewal through Almaty’s bathhouse culture
As Eid is also closely associated with renewal and spiritual refreshment, visiting one of Almaty’s public bathhouses offers a fitting expression of that theme.
My experience at Timatey was wonderful. The bathhouse features unisex saunas and pools where guests bathe in swimsuits, as well as an outdoor heated pool and a children’s pool with a waterslide. To embrace local tradition, I went back and forth, sitting in the sauna and dipping myself into an ice-cold plunge pool. My body felt incredibly restored afterwards.
With an on-site restaurant and massage spa, Timatey is a place where you could easily spend an entire day unwinding.
A Kazakh Eid shaped by history and culture
Lastly, I recommend Almaty for travellers seeking a unique way to celebrate Eid. The city reflects a fascinating blend of Islamic, Soviet, and Central Asian influences.
As you move through the city, you’ll notice mosques beside Soviet-era buildings, theatre venues hosting ballet shows, and people greeting each other with “Salem” (a regional variation of “Salam”). You’ll also hear Russian spoken alongside Kazakh, and taste cultural fusion in dishes such as plov (a Kazakh rice dish) and hearty stews.
This layered identity gives Eid in Almaty a character that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
Eid is the time to share joy and reconnect with loved ones. Almaty is a wonderful setting to do just that.
Images used were taken by the author, unless stated otherwise.
