LOT introduces direct flights to Almaty
Discover the Fascinating Side of Kazakhstan
Travel to Central Asia is becoming even easier. LOT Polish Airlines has launched a direct connection from Warsaw to Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan and one of the most intriguing destinations on the region’s tourist map. The new route gives travelers the opportunity to explore extraordinary landscapes, a rich cultural heritage, and a rapidly developing metropolis located at the foot of the majestic Tian Shan Mountains.
Directly from Warsaw to the Heart of Central Asia
The inaugural flight on the Warsaw–Almaty route took place on May 31, 2026. It is now the second destination in Kazakhstan available within LOT Polish Airlines’ regular route network. During the summer season, flights operate four times per week, while in winter they are available three times per week.
The journey takes approximately 6.5 hours, and flights are operated by modern Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Thanks to convenient connections in Warsaw, the new route is attractive not only to travelers from Poland but also to passengers from other European countries.
Almaty – A Modern Metropolis Beneath the Mountains
Although Astana is now the capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty remains the country’s leading financial, business, and cultural center. The city impresses visitors with its modern architecture, wide boulevards, green parks, and numerous restaurants and cafés.
Almaty’s greatest advantage, however, is its exceptional location. Few metropolitan areas in the world can boast such spectacular proximity to high mountains. Within just a short drive from the city center, visitors can find themselves on mountain trails, scenic viewpoints, or at popular recreational resorts.
A Gateway to Kazakhstan’s Spectacular Landscapes
The surroundings of Almaty are a true paradise for nature lovers. Within a few hundred kilometers, travelers can admire impressive canyons, turquoise lakes, vast steppes, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
One of the region’s most famous attractions is Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States. Equally popular is Big Almaty Lake, whose intensely blue waters create a stunning contrast with the surrounding mountain scenery.
Visitors should also explore the renowned Medeu high-altitude ice rink and the nearby Shymbulak ski resort, which attracts tourists throughout both the winter and summer seasons.
Following the Footsteps of the Great Silk Road
For centuries, Kazakhstan has been a meeting point of cultures, religions, and traditions. Important branches of the Great Silk Road once crossed its territory, linking Europe and Asia. The legacy of those times is still visible today in local customs, cuisine, and the remarkable hospitality of the Kazakh people.
A trip to Almaty is not only an opportunity to discover the modern face of Kazakhstan but also a chance to explore the history of a region that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange between East and West for centuries.
A Destination That Continues to Surprise
For many European travelers, Kazakhstan remains one of the least obvious travel destinations. Yet it is precisely this authenticity that is increasingly earning the country a place on lists of must-visit locations.
Almaty captivates visitors with its unique blend of modernity and nature, urban energy and easy access to spectacular landscapes. Thanks to LOT Polish Airlines’ new direct flights, exploring the largest country in Central Asia has become easier than ever before.
