Things to Do in Ascension Cathedral, Қазақстан

Almaty, Kazakhstan's former capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis nestled at the foothills of the majestic Tien Shan mountains. The city seamlessly blends Soviet-era architecture with modern developments, creating a unique urban landscape where tree-lined boulevards meet contemporary shopping centers and traditional bazaars. At the heart of this cultural tapestry stands the magnificent Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture and one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The cathedral, built entirely without nails using traditional Russian carpentry techniques, survived both the 1910 earthquake and Soviet persecution to become one of Almaty's most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by the peaceful Panfilov Park, this colorful wooden masterpiece with its golden domes serves as a testament to the city's rich religious and architectural heritage. Almaty offers visitors a perfect gateway to explore Kazakhstan's natural wonders, from nearby ski resorts to the dramatic landscapes of the Almaty region.

Top Things to Do in Ascension Cathedral

Explore Panfilov Park and Ascension Cathedral

Visit the stunning wooden Ascension Cathedral, one of the world's tallest wooden buildings, set within the tranquil Panfilov Park. The cathedral's intricate architecture and colorful exterior make it a photographer's paradise, while the surrounding park offers peaceful walks among monuments and memorials. The nearby War Memorial and Eternal Flame add historical significance to this cultural hub.

Booking Tip: Entry to the park and cathedral exterior is free, though donations are welcome inside the cathedral. Visit early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography. Dress modestly when entering the cathedral and be respectful during services.

Ride the Cable Car to Kok-Tobe Hill

Take the scenic cable car ride to Kok-Tobe Hill for panoramic views of Almaty and the surrounding mountains. The hilltop features an amusement park, restaurants, and the famous Beatles monument. The journey itself offers spectacular aerial views of the city, making it a must-do experience for visitors.

Booking Tip: Cable car tickets cost around 2,000 KZT ($4-5) round trip. Best visited during sunset for stunning city views. Purchase tickets at the base station near Hotel Kazakhstan. Consider combining with dinner at one of the hilltop restaurants.

Discover Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)

Immerse yourself in local culture at Almaty's bustling Green Bazaar, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce and traditional Kazakh delicacies to handcrafted souvenirs. Sample local honey, dried fruits, and traditional sweets while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of this century-old market. The bazaar offers an authentic glimpse into daily Kazakhstani life.

Booking Tip: Bring cash (KZT) as most vendors don't accept cards. Visit in the morning (9-11 AM) for the freshest produce and best selection. Bargaining is expected and welcomed. Try samples before buying dried fruits and nuts.

Visit Big Almaty Lake

Journey to the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake, a turquoise alpine lake situated 2,500 meters above sea level in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The lake's stunning blue-green waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks create a picture-perfect setting for photography and nature appreciation. The drive itself offers spectacular mountain scenery.

Booking Tip: Day tours cost 15,000-25,000 KZT ($30-50) per person including transport. Book through local tour operators or hotels. Best visited May-October when roads are accessible. Bring warm clothing as temperatures can be cool even in summer.

Experience Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort

Visit the world's highest outdoor ice skating rink at Medeu, set dramatically in a mountain gorge, then continue to Shymbulak ski resort via cable car. In winter, enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while summer offers hiking trails and mountain biking. The journey through the mountains provides spectacular alpine scenery year-round.

Booking Tip: Medeu entry costs 500-1,000 KZT ($1-2), skate rental additional 1,500 KZT. Cable car to Shymbulak costs 3,000-4,000 KZT. Winter sports equipment rental available on-site. Book ski lessons in advance during peak season (December-March).

Getting There

Almaty International Airport (ALA) is the main gateway, located about 15km northeast of the city center. The airport receives international flights from major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, as well as domestic flights from other Kazakhstani cities. From the airport, take Bus 92 (200 KZT), an official taxi (3,000-4,000 KZT), or arrange airport transfers through your hotel. The city is also accessible by train from other Central Asian countries and Russia, with the main railway station located in the city center. Overland travel by bus connects Almaty to neighboring countries including Kyrgyzstan and China.

Getting Around

Almaty has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trolleybuses, and a metro system. The metro is modern, clean, and covers key areas of the city with tickets costing 80 KZT per ride. Buses and trolleybuses are affordable (150 KZT) but can be crowded during peak hours. Taxis are widely available through apps like Yandex.Taxi and inDriver, offering convenient and affordable rides around the city. For visiting mountain attractions like Big Almaty Lake or Medeu, organized tours or private drivers are recommended as public transport options are limited. The city center is walkable, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.

Where to Stay

City Center (near Republic Square)

Almaly District (near Green Bazaar)

Medeu District (mountain access)

Bostandyk District (modern area)

Al-Farabi Avenue corridor

Dostyk Avenue area

Food & Dining

Almaty's dining scene offers a delicious blend of traditional Kazakh cuisine, Russian influences, and international options. Try traditional dishes like beshbarmak (horse meat with noodles), plov, and manti at local restaurants such as Kishlak or Daredzhani. The Green Bazaar area features numerous traditional eateries and tea houses where you can sample authentic flavors. For upscale dining, head to restaurants along Al-Farabi Avenue or in the city center, offering everything from European cuisine to modern fusion dishes. Don't miss trying kurt (dried cheese balls), baursaki (fried bread), and traditional Kazakh tea culture. International chains and trendy cafes are abundant in shopping centers like Dostyk Plaza and Esentai Mall.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Almaty is during late spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) can be hot but is ideal for mountain activities and accessing high-altitude attractions like Big Almaty Lake. Winter (December-March) is perfect for skiing at Shymbulak and ice skating at Medeu, though temperatures can drop significantly below freezing. Spring brings blooming apple trees (Almaty means 'father of apples'), while autumn offers clear mountain views and comfortable walking weather. Avoid late autumn and early spring when weather can be unpredictable with rain and mud.

Insider Tips

Learn a few basic Russian phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas and hotels

Always carry cash (Kazakhstani Tenge) as many local establishments and markets don't accept credit cards

Respect local customs when visiting the cathedral - dress modestly, remove hats, and maintain quiet behavior during religious services

Things to Do in Ascension Cathedral