Almaty Unrestrained: Esentai rooftops, Kok-Tobe clubs and Après-Ski at Shymbulak

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Almaty — the energetic former Kazakh capital at the feet of the Tian Shan mountains — has developed a surprisingly cosmopolitan, high-voltage nightlife scene. Its blend of oil wealth, university youth and Russian and Central Asian influences creates a night of its own. This 7-day itinerary explores Almaty's nightlife in all its forms. The upscale Esentai mall hosts on its rooftops some of Central Asia's most exclusive bars, with signature cocktails and views of the city's skyline backed by snowy mountains. The clubs of Kok-Tobe — on the hill towering over the city — put on open-air parties with the skyline of Almaty lit up beneath the stars. The Panfilov quarter gathers pubs and bars in historic Russian buildings. The experience includes the Medeu ice rink — the world's highest (1,691 m) — where you skate at night under floodlights with music and hot vodka. And Shymbulak, the ski resort at 2,200 m, offers a legendary après-ski with parties until the small hours. Smart dress code at Esentai, casual at Kok-Tobe. Kazakh hospitality guarantees new friendships at every bar.