Kazakhstan Kyz Uzatu
06.06.26
Ahead of the wedding celebrations, we will gather in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the Kyz Uzatu. This is a traditional Kazakh farewell honouring the bride before marriage, symbolising her farewell to her family and her transition into married life. It is a moment rooted in family, culture, and tradition, and we would love to share it with guests who wish to join us. Below you can find all the information you need to book your trip. The Kyz Uzatu celebration will take place on Saturday, 6 June 2026. Information on the location and the day’s itinerary will be available soon, as will a list of things to do in Almaty.
Flights
Below are two suggested flight options for travelling to Kazakhstan. Please note that direct flights from London operate only on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. We will be taking the first flight option listed. For those wishing to stay for a shorter period, the second flight option may be more suitable. You are, of course, very welcome to book flights with a transfer if you prefer. However, we find the direct flights to be the easiest and most convenient option.
As the journey is long, we recommend planning a trip of at least five days to make the most of your time in Kazakhstan. During our stay, we will organise a few group excursions and also share a list of attractions and activities you may wish to explore independently.
The Kyz Uzatu celebration will take place on Saturday, 6 June. Please note that due to the time difference, flights to Kazakhstan arrive the following day—for example, if you depart London on Sunday, you will arrive on Monday morning.
Flight Option One
Sunday 31st May
18:05
London Heathrow
Monday 1st June
06:25
Almaty
8h 20m
Tuesday 9th June
16:50
London Heathrow
9h 35m
Tuesday 9th June
11:15
Almaty
Flight Option Two
Tuesday 2nd June,
18:05
London Heathrow
Wednesday 3rd June
06:25
Almaty
8h 20m
Tuesday 9th June
11:15
Almaty
Tuesday 9th June
16:50
London Heathrow
9h 35m
Hotels
Almaty is a beautiful, green city set against the mountains, offering a mix of vibrant city life and breathtaking nature. There are a few key areas we recommend when choosing where to stay. The Al-Farabi area, closer to the mountains, is generally more modern and upscale, with many newer hotels and residences. It’s also closer to the mountains, where most of our planned excursions will take place. The city centre is another wonderful option, especially if you enjoy walking through the city. It’s close to many bars, restaurants, and cafés, and is particularly lovely in the summer thanks to its leafy streets. We recommend sticking to one of these areas when booking accommodation. Please keep in mind that traffic in Almaty can be quite heavy during rush hours, and while we do have a metro, it currently consists of just one line.
Sadu Hotel Almaty
A modern hotel in Almaty’s Al-Farabi area, Sadu Hotel offers stylish, contemporary rooms with views of the mountains and the city. Set at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, it features on-site dining, a seasonal outdoor pool, spa and wellness facilities, and a lobby bar for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s location makes it convenient for excursions into nature while still being within easy reach of the city’s restaurants and attractions.
Star Rating: ★★★★
Price: ₸₸
Esentai City
A modern apartment-style option in the Al-Farabi area, ideal for those wanting more space and flexibility. These rentals offer contemporary interiors, fully equipped kitchens, and comfortable living areas, great for longer stays or groups. Conveniently located close to the mountains and city amenities.
Star Rating: N/A
Price: ₸₸
DoubleTree by Hilton
Double Tree by Hilton Almaty is a stylish, full-service hotel in central Almaty that combines comfort with city convenience. Located within walking distance of Baikonur Metro Station and many cultural attractions, it offers modern rooms with city or mountain views, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a range of amenities including a spa, indoor pool, fitness centre, and on-site dining options. Its central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the city and nearby museums, cafés, and parks while still being within reach of the mountains.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Price: ₸₸₸
The Ritz-Carlton
A flagship 5-star luxury hotel in Almaty, perched in the Esentai Tower with sweeping views of the Alatau Mountains and city skyline. The Ritz-Carlton combines elegant, spacious rooms and suites with impeccable service, refined on-site dining (including a sky lounge and fine restaurant), a world-class spa and wellness centre, indoor pool, and fitness facilities. Its location in the modern Al-Farabi area makes it ideal for both exploring the city and accessing nearby nature excursions.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Price: ₸₸₸₸
Yurta Boutique Hotel
A distinctive boutique hotel in central Almaty that blends nomadic heritage with modern comfort. Each room is thoughtfully designed using natural materials and local craftsmanship, creating a warm and unique atmosphere. With an on-site restaurant and bar, it’s a lovely option for those wanting to stay close to the city’s cafés, restaurants, and cultural spots, especially great for design lovers.
Star Rating: N/A
Price: ₸₸₸
Swissôtel Almaty
A modern, upscale hotel offering spacious rooms, polished interiors, and beautiful mountain views. Swissôtel Almaty is located a bit further from the city centre, making it a good option if you prefer a quieter setting and don’t mind slightly longer travel times. The hotel features excellent wellness facilities, including a spa and pool, and is well-suited for a comfortable, relaxed stay.
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Price: ₸₸₸
Travel tips
A few helpful things to keep in mind when travelling to Almaty. From getting around the city to practical travel tips, this section is here to help you feel prepared and make the most of your time in Kazakhstan.
Weather
In early June, Almaty enjoys warm, sunny days with occasional thunderstorms. During the day, temperatures typically range in the mid-20s °C. In the mountains, temperatures are noticeably lower, and the weather can change quickly. Even on sunny days, it can feel much cooler, especially at higher elevations, so we recommend bringing light layers or a jacket if you’re planning excursions outside the city.
Apps
We highly recommend downloading 2GIS for maps and navigation - it’s very reliable in Almaty and works well offline. For getting around and ordering food, Yandex Taxi and Yandex Food are the most commonly used apps and are easy to use. Having these downloaded in advance will make getting around the city much smoother.
Safety
Almaty is generally a safe city, and locals are very welcoming and friendly to tourists. Petty crime, such as phone theft, is uncommon, and the city feels comfortable during the day and early evening. As in any city, it’s best to use common sense at night. While incidents are rare, we recommend avoiding groups of intoxicated men, and we would not advise women to walk alone at night.
