Kazakhstan, once a part of the ancient Silk Road, has a long history of bazaars. These traditional marketplaces have played an important role in the economic and social life of locals for many years. Even though bazaars aren’t that important these days, they still offer something unique that modern malls can’t.
The most frequently recommended place in Almaty to experience the market atmosphere and authenticity is the Green Bazaar in the city’s historical center. However, there is a larger venue locals visit more often. This is Altyn Orda, or «Golden Horde» in English, a popular name for restaurants and marketplaces in Kazakhstan, referencing the western part of the vast Mongol Empire. Altyn Orda is one of the largest marketplaces in Kazakhstan. Even if you’re not planning to buy something there, it is still an interesting place to visit as a tourist.
Location of the bazaar
Altyn Orda sits right at the border between the city of Almaty and the Almaty region, making it a fairly long journey from the city center. The most convenient options are taxis or buses. If you’re traveling by personal car, be warned: finding a free parking space can be a real challenge. If you’re coming by bus, it would be a good idea to get off one stop earlier than the entrance. The stop near the marketplace is usually overcrowded. It’s much easier to walk the last several dozen meters from the Aport Mall bus stop.
From there, turn left and follow the highway. On your way, you’ll pass a long-distance bus station, where drivers loudly promote their services. Ironically, many destinations cover lands that once belonged to the Golden Horde. For example, if you want to explore Tashkent, you can take a bus right here. After all, Uzbekistan also has great tourism potential. Once you make your way past the drivers and passengers, you’ll finally reach the entrance.
Range of goods
The eastern vibe begins as soon as you enter the market. Crowds of people, a mix of languages, and sellers loudly advertising that their counter or aisle is the best. Fruit and vegetable stands already offer tons of melons and watermelons. By late summer and early fall, they’ll be joined by Almaty’s pride — aport apples, which can grow as large as two fists together.
No bazaar in Central Asia is complete without aisles dedicated to local treats like nuts, prunes, dried fruits and sweets, such as navat — a rock candy prepared from grape juice and sugar syrup, used for various purposes, including making Tashkent tea. Spice counters also contribute to the rich atmosphere of the place.
As you move along, the dairy section stands out, offering everything from regular cartons of milk to specialties like kurt — a traditional, cheese-like snack shaped into balls and made from dried, salted yogurt or curd — and kumis, fermented mare’s milk served in standard plastic bottles. The drink is something of a gastronomic calling card for Kazakhstan, with even global celebrities curious enough to give it a try.
The big part, of course, is the meat aisles. Here, you can buy true Central Asian delicacies: horsemeat and shuzhyk — a traditional Kazakh horse sausage used in several dishes, including beshbarmak. There’s a wide variety in terms of size and fat content. If you dare to cook one, patience is key: depending on its size, preparing shuzhyk requires boiling it for over two or even three hours.
Other products include fish and, unexpectedly, pork — don’t forget the Russian and more generally Christian community is still big in Almaty. Plus, the number of Chinese people in the city is gradually increasing, as the two countries have been expanding their cooperation.
Since Altyn Orda consists of more than one pavilion and is referred to as the universal shopping complex, it offers not only food products but also clothing, all kinds of household goods, electronics and tools that might come in handy. There is also an open-air marketplace that specializes in selling fruits and vegetables in bulk. It’s very popular with locals who buy produce for winter preserves, as well as with small entrepreneurs who purchase goods for their businesses across the city.
Other details and tips
Safety. Despite its location and lack of tourist focus — unlike the Green Bazaar — Altyn Orda is actually safe to visit. Surveillance cameras are visible above almost every aisle. In general, sellers are friendly and don’t mind photos. Small talk with them or fellow shoppers is welcomed. Still, following basic safety rules is always a good idea, especially in a crowded place.
Language barrier. If you know a few words in Kazakh or Russian, you’ll do just fine. Otherwise, mobile internet is stable, so using translation apps won’t be a problem.
Payment. Some sellers accept card payments. Locals often use Kaspi QR or instant money transfers. If you plan to make purchases, cash is the most reliable option. But don’t rush to exchange money at nearby currency exchange offices — their rates are often unfair. The nearest place with decent rates is inside Aport Mall — just 500 meters from the bazaar. You can also relax there or even enjoy the indoor waterpark.
Previously, Kursiv.media visited another lesser-known destination in Kazakhstan — the border industrial city of Kostanay. A brief overview of things to do there and the city’s distinctive features is available here.
