From AED 2,499 per person | 5 days / 4 nights | Direct flight ~4 hours | Visa-free for most UAE residents
This Almaty tour package from Dubai is built for the UAE National Day long weekend in early December 2026. You get mountain views, city walks, Medeu skating, and a day trip toward Charyn Canyon without a long-haul flight or a complicated visa file.
Why Almaty for National Day
- UAE National Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, December 2. With Commemoration Day on December 1 and the Friday-Saturday weekend, you already have four days off
- Add one leave day and a 5D/4N Almaty trip fits cleanly
- Flight is about four hours from Dubai to Almaty
- UAE residents with UAE passports typically enter Kazakhstan visa-free for short stays
- December brings near-freezing days, colder evenings, and possible snow on the mountains above the city
- Guests who book by mid-November usually get better hotel locations and more convenient flight times
If you want culture with a shorter flight, compare our Azerbaijan National Day tour. If you want deeper winter and can take more leave, look at our Russia winter tour from Dubai or Europe winter tour from Dubai.
Flight details
- Route: Dubai (DXB) to Almaty (ALA)
- Typical flight time: about 4 hours
- Common carriers: seasonal schedules vary; we confirm the best available timing when you book
- Arrival tip: land, clear immigration, and transfer to the hotel the same evening so Day 2 starts fresh
- Direct or one-stop options depend on the exact National Day travel dates
Day 1 | Dubai to Almaty, city arrival
- Fly from Dubai to Almaty
- Meet-and-greet at the airport
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Check in and freshen up
- Easy evening walk if you arrive early enough
- Keep dinner nearby on arrival night
Day 2 | Almaty city highlights and Kok-Tobe
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Guided city overview including Independence Monument area and key Soviet-era landmarks
- Stop at the Green Bazaar for dried fruit, spices, and local everyday life
- Afternoon ride up to Kok-Tobe for panoramic views over Almaty and the Tian Shan foothills
- Cable-car timing depends on weather and queue length in December
- Evening free for a quieter dinner near the hotel
Day 3 | Medeu and mountain air
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Head up to Medeu, the high-altitude outdoor skating rink above the city
- Enjoy mountain walls, cold air, and a clear break from Dubai heat
- Dress for wind; gloves matter more than people expect
- Afternoon options depend on weather: short mountain viewpoint stop, spa time, or a cafe afternoon
- Day stays flexible because December mountain roads and visibility can change plans
Day 4 | Charyn Canyon day trip (weather permitting)
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Full-day excursion toward Charyn Canyon
- Photo stops, short walks, and packed timing
- Winter conditions decide how deep into the canyon area you go
- If canyon conditions are poor, we switch to an alternate nature or city plan and communicate early
Day 5 | Free morning and return to Dubai
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Optional last-minute shopping or a short local walk
- Airport transfer for your flight back to Dubai
- Most guests land the same evening and are back at work the next day if they used only one leave day beyond the National Day window
Hotels included
- Standard: well-reviewed 4-star properties near central districts (from AED 2,499 pp twin share)
- Premium: higher-floor or better-location 4-star / soft 5-star stays (from AED 2,999 pp)
- Luxury: top available 5-star inventory for the dates, subject to early booking (from AED 3,699 pp)
- Hotel names are confirmed in your voucher before payment completion
- You get the property name, area, and room type in writing. No mystery hotel packages
What is included
- Return international flights from Dubai (or flight credit structure as quoted)
- 4 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- Airport transfers in Almaty
- Guided city tour and Kok-Tobe visit
- Medeu excursion
- Charyn Canyon day trip or weather alternate
- English-speaking guide support on included touring days
- Travel assistance via WhatsApp during the trip
What is not included
- Lunch and dinner (unless a specific meal is listed in your final voucher)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional activities
- Travel insurance upgrades beyond any package default
- Visa fees for non-UAE passport holders who need entry paperwork
- Anything not written in the confirmed itinerary
Pricing
- Standard from AED 2,499 per person twin share
- Premium from AED 2,999 per person twin share
- Luxury from AED 3,699 per person twin share
- Solo supplements apply
- Final quote depends on flight class and hotel category
- Group of 4+ or family rooms: ask for a custom quote
- Early-bird National Day pricing can include package discounts when booked before mid-November
Visa info for UAE residents
- Most UAE passport holders can enter Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 90 days
- You still need a valid passport, return ticket, and hotel confirmation
- UAE residents with a different nationality may face different rules. We check your passport before confirming flights
- Compared with Russia or Schengen Europe, Almaty is the low-friction winter option
Who this Almaty package suits
- Best for mountains, a short flight, and almost no visa friction
- Works for couples, small friend groups, and families with kids who can handle cold outdoor days
- Skip Almaty if you need beach weather, Christmas markets, or multi-country Europe
- Also skip it if someone in your group refuses winter clothes for Medeu and canyon days
- Booking tip: tell us whether you care more about hotel location or hotel star rating
Why book with Mapshore
- Dubai-based, IATA-certified agency booking UAE residents year-round
- Named hotels before you pay the balance
- Clear inclusions in writing
- Visa check before tickets are issued
- WhatsApp support while you travel
- Honest weather contingency on the canyon day
Frequently asked questions
Is this Almaty package good for UAE National Day 2026?
Yes. The 5D/4N length matches the December 1 to 4 long weekend plus one leave day for most travelers from Dubai.
Do UAE residents need a visa for Kazakhstan?
UAE passport holders usually enter visa-free for short stays. Other nationalities should confirm with us before booking.
How cold is Almaty in early December?
Expect around freezing by day and colder at night. Snow is possible in the mountains. Pack a real coat, gloves, and shoes with grip.
Is Charyn Canyon guaranteed?
We plan for it, but winter weather can force an alternate. If that happens, we adjust the day and tell you early.
Can couples book this trip?
Yes. Almaty is one of our strongest couple options for National Day because of short flights, mountain views, and manageable pacing.
What if I only have the four public and weekend days?
Possible with tight flight timing. Tell us your exact leave limits and we will confirm whether 5D/4N still works or whether a custom shorter plan is safer.
How early should I book?
By mid-November for better hotels and flights. October is ideal. Late November is possible with fewer choices.
Can I upgrade hotels?
Yes. Premium and luxury categories are available when inventory allows. Ask when you request the quote.
Ready to book
Get a quote for the Almaty National Day special, or compare it with our other UAE National Day holiday packages. WhatsApp us your dates, passport type, and preferred hotel category.