Five Must-Visit Places

Agritourism in the Almaty Area: From Family-Run Cheese Dairies to Flower Farms

Фото: Arba Wine
Agritourism is a relatively new direction in rural ecotourism that is rapidly gaining popularity in the Almaty region. This engaging segment of the leisure industry allows city dwellers to spend comfortable time in nature, experience rural life, and explore local farms and production lines.

Residents of major cities do not always know how cheese or wine is produced, where honey comes from, or how the greens they consume daily are grown. Visiting various farms offers a chance to learn something new while enjoying nature and the genuine hospitality of local farmers. The Voice Media author Asem Tussupbaeva compiled a list of the top five destinations to experience life as a true agritourist.
  • The cheese dairy is located in a tranquil setting near Mount Issyk Lake, adjacent to the "Issyk" State Historical and Cultural Reserve-Museum—famously known as the museum of the "Golden Man." Guests can truly relax and enjoy a rich gastronomic experience in the welcoming circle of Slava, his wife Irina, and their daughter Arina. From the moment you arrive, you will immerse yourself in the unhurried pace of rural life.

    The tour program includes the origin story of the artisanal cheese dairy, cheese and beverage tastings, and delicious homemade dishes thoughtfully prepared by the hostess. Guests can also bake their own pizza in a wood-fired oven and unwind in comfortable outdoor lounge areas. For active travelers, a bicycle ride leads through the territory of the Saka burial mounds and scenic fields down to a mountain river, offering sweeping views of the valley. Excellent food, fine drinks, engaging conversation, and attentive details combine to make the stay memorable.

    • Group size: 4 to 20 people.
    • Price: From 30,000 KZT.
    Семейная сыроварня Славы Столяра
  • If wine is your drink of choice, a day trip to the Arba Wine winery is made just for you. The climate in Karakemer village is ideal for grape cultivation. Here, at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, just an hour and a half drive east of Almaty, neat rows of vineyards stretch out under the generous sun. These are mostly 45-year-old vines planted during the Soviet era that remained abandoned for 20 years. Extensive restoration work carried out from 2006 to the present day allows these Riesling, Pinot Noir, Rkatsiteli, and Saperavi vines to yield high-quality harvests. The winery also features vineyards with French vines, including Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Shiraz. The production facility is equipped with state-of-the-art oenological technology. A classic wine tour in one of the most picturesque and photogenic spots will help you discover every aspect of Arba Wine’s history and philosophy. The tour includes a fascinating look at the winemaking process—from harvesting to bottling—as well as a wine tasting in the cellar and a rustic dinner with scenic views of the vineyards.

    Tour Details

    • Group size: From 30 people
    • Price: From 27,500 tenge
    Arba Wine winery
  • You can spend an active day and enjoy incredibly lush green landscapes by visiting the modern Green Eco greenhouse complex. Here, they cultivate eco-friendly greens, including crisp lettuces and aromatic herbs. The farmers will share the secrets to growing the perfect lettuce and walk you through the entire greenhouse production process—from sowing the seeds to packing fresh potted greens for store shelves. The entire growing cycle takes up to a month and a half.

    Designed for both kids and adults, this agro-tour lets you see every stage of production at once and learn firsthand about NFT (nutrient film technique) hydroponics, an innovative way to cultivate plants without soil. Located in the village of Panfilovo in the Talgar region, the Green Eco complex produces fresh, natural greens in pots year-round. During the tour, you will taste juicy greens straight from the eco-fields and leave with a fresh green gift to take home.

    Tour Details

    • Group size: From 6 people
    • Price: From 4,000 tenge
    Тепличный комплекс GreenEco
  • A small 16-acre flower farm has opened its doors in the village of Kyzylkayrat, Talgar region. Visitors can drop by to stroll through the cozy garden, get expert tips from an agronomist on local plants, sip hot tea paired with sweet treats, or cool down with homemade lemonade. You can also purchase fresh cut seasonal flowers and saplings here.

    While there is no fixed itinerary, the farm offers a delightful spot for anyone looking to experience a slice of country life. It features crisp mountain air, stunning alpine views, and a heartwarming ambiance perfect for rural relaxation.

    Tour Details

    • Group size: From 5 people
    • Price: From 3,000 tenge
    Little Garden" Flower Farm
  • Spending a weekend at the mountain apiary of Pavel Konovalov—a unique master certified as a honey sommelier—is both a fascinating and educational experience for the whole family. Upon arrival, guests gather under an apple tree to meet one another and enjoy an engaging introduction to the history of Asian beekeeping.

    During the visit, you can stroll along the mountainside, explore how the apiary operates, and look inside an active hive. You will learn how to distinguish genuine honey from counterfeits and discover the health benefits of various bee products. The welcoming hosts provide protective gear and teach you how to move safely around the apiary alongside the friendly, buzzing bees.

    The farm tour includes a traditional tea session from a wood-fired samovar served with local honey, as well as a delicious open-fire lunch. By the end of the day, you will gain a confident grasp of beekeeping basics and leave with unforgettable memories of a truly unique getaway.

    Tour Details

    • Group size: From 10 people
    • Price: Free with any purchase of honey products starting from 10,000 tenge
    Горная пасека «Настоящий мед» Павла Коновалова