Things to Do in Almaty: 22 Best Activities

The best things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan include skating at the world-famous Medeu rink before skiing at Shymbulak resort, trekking to the turquoise Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 meters, exploring the legendary Green Bazaar for horse meat sausage and dried fruits, and riding the cable car to Kok Tobe for sunset views over the Tian Shan range. Almaty packs more into a single city than anywhere else in Central Asia. Alpine wilderness sits within 30 minutes of downtown, the food scene spans Kazakh, Korean, and Dungan cuisines, Soviet-era architecture stands beside luxury malls, and nightlife runs until sunrise.

This guide covers 22 things to do in Almaty with current prices in KZT and USD, opening hours, and practical tips so you can plan every day of your trip. For a broader overview of the city, start with our complete Almaty guide.

Top 10 Activities at a Glance

#	Activity	Price (KZT / USD)	Duration	Best Season
1	Medeu & Shymbulak	1,800-9,000 / $4-19	Half day	Winter (ski) / Summer (hike)
2	Big Almaty Lake	Free (taxi ~5,000) / $10	3-5 hours	Jun-Oct
3	Green Bazaar	Free entry	1-2 hours	Year-round
4	Kok Tobe cable car	2,000 / $4 round trip	2-3 hours	Year-round
5	Central State Museum	700 / $1.50	1.5-2 hours	Year-round
6	Panfilov Park & Zenkov Cathedral	Free	1-2 hours	Year-round
7	Ile-Alatau National Park hike	840 / $1.80 park fee	3-8 hours	May-Oct
8	Charyn Canyon day trip	1,500 / $3 entry	Full day	Apr-Oct
9	Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes	1,500 / $3 entry	Full day+	Jun-Sep
10	Eagle hunting tour	45,000-90,000 / $95-190	Half day	Oct-Mar

1. Skate at Medeu and Ski at Shymbulak

According to the Almaty Tourism Board, Medeu is the highest outdoor ice skating rink in the world at 1,691 meters above sea level, located 15 km south of central Almaty in the Medeu Valley. The rink operates from October through March, and skating sessions cost around 1,800 KZT ($3.80 USD) for adults including skate rental.

Just above Medeu, the Shymbulak ski resort sits between 2,260 and 3,163 meters. A gondola connects the two in about 15 minutes. Lift passes run approximately 9,000 KZT ($19 USD) for a full day during peak season. In summer, the same gondola carries hikers and mountain bikers to alpine meadows with views stretching across the Zailiysky Alatau ridge.

How to get there: Bus 12 from downtown Almaty to Medeu (200 KZT), then the gondola up to Shymbulak. A taxi from the city center costs about 2,500-3,500 KZT one way. The entire Medeu-Shymbulak combo is the single best half-day activity in Almaty and a must for any first-time visitor.

For more on skiing and mountain activities, see our guide to Kazakhstan’s mountains.

2. Trek to Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake sits at 2,511 meters in the Tian Shan mountains, roughly 28 km south of the city. The glacial lake changes color throughout the year (deep turquoise in summer, frozen white in winter) and is surrounded by peaks exceeding 3,000 meters including Sovetov Peak (4,317 m).

Practical info:

• Entry fee: Free, but you may be asked for ID at the checkpoint
• Getting there: No public transport. Taxi costs 5,000-8,000 KZT ($10-17 USD) one way. The road is steep and partially unpaved, so a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended
• Best time: June through October when the road is clear and the lake is unfrozen
• Duration: Allow 3-5 hours round trip from Almaty including time at the lake
• Tip: Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos

Swimming is not allowed because the lake supplies Almaty’s drinking water. Walking around the full perimeter takes about 2 hours on a well-defined trail.

3. Eat Your Way Through the Green Bazaar (Zelyony Bazaar)

According to the Almaty Tourism Board, the Green Bazaar is the beating heart of Almaty’s food culture and has been a trading hub since the 1860s. The current building dates from the Soviet era and houses hundreds of vendors across two floors. This is where locals shop for groceries and where visitors get their first real taste of Kazakhstan.

What to try and buy:

• Kazy. Horse meat sausage, sliced thin and served cold (from 2,500 KZT per kg)
• Kurt. Dried salted cheese balls, a nomadic staple (200-500 KZT per bag)
• Dried fruits and nuts. Apricots, walnuts, almonds, raisins, all sourced locally
• Fresh bread. Round tandoor-baked lepyoshka loaves (200-400 KZT each)
• Spices. Mountains of cumin, coriander, paprika, and chili blends
• Honey. Local mountain honey from Almaty region apiaries

Hours: Daily 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Go before 10 AM for the freshest produce. Bargaining is expected, especially for souvenirs and dried goods.

For more on Kazakh cuisine, read our guide to popular food in Kazakhstan.

4. Ride the Cable Car to Kok Tobe

Kok Tobe (“Green Hill” in Kazakh) is a 1,100-meter hill on Almaty’s southeastern edge with the best panoramic views of the city against the mountain backdrop. The cable car departs from a station near Hotel Kazakhstan in the city center and takes about 6 minutes each way.

Details:

• Cable car: 2,000 KZT ($4 USD) round trip for adults
• Hours: 10:00 AM to midnight daily (later on weekends in summer)
• At the top: Viewing platforms, cafes, a small amusement park, the Almaty TV Tower, and a bronze statue of The Beatles (a quirky local landmark)

You can also drive or hike up via a road from the east side. The sunset views are outstanding, plan your visit around golden hour. On clear days you can see Almaty’s grid layout stretching north into the steppe and the snow-capped ridges of the Zailiysky Alatau to the south.

5. Explore the Central State Museum

The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the country’s largest and most important museum, covering history from the Bronze Age Saka warriors through the Kazakh Khanate, Russian colonial period, Soviet era, and independence.

Highlights:

• Golden Man (Altyn Adam). A replica of the famous Scythian-era gold burial suit discovered in the Issyk burial mound in 1969. The original is in the presidential collection
• Ethnographic hall. Yurts, traditional costumes, jewelry, and nomadic tools
• Soviet period room. Propaganda posters, nuclear test documentation from Semipalatinsk, and independence-era artifacts

Info: 700 KZT ($1.50 USD) entry. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed Mondays. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Located on Samal-1 microdistrict, easily reached by bus or taxi.

6. Wander Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral

Panfilov Park is one of Almaty’s oldest and most beloved green spaces, named after the 316th Panfilov Division that defended Moscow in 1941. The park is shaded by towering oaks and poplars and is a gathering place for families, chess players, and street musicians.

The centerpiece is the Ascension Cathedral (Zenkov Cathedral), built in 1907 and one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world at 56 meters. According to UNESCO’s tentative list for Kazakhstan’s cultural heritage, the cathedral was constructed entirely without nails using Tian Shan spruce and survived a major earthquake in 1911 that destroyed much of the city. The brightly painted exterior (yellow, green, and cream) makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Central Asia.

Also in the park: the Eternal Flame war memorial, the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (housed in a beautiful 1908 wooden building, 500 KZT entry), and pleasant walking paths. Free entry to the park; the cathedral is an active Russian Orthodox church, dress modestly to enter.

7. Hike in Ile-Alatau National Park

According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics (stat.gov.kz), Ile-Alatau National Park stretches along the northern slopes of the Zailiysky Alatau range directly above Almaty. It covers 199,700 hectares and offers everything from gentle 2-hour valley walks to serious multi-day treks above 4,000 meters.

Best hikes near Almaty:

Trail	Difficulty	Distance	Time	Starting Point
Butakovka Waterfall	Easy	6 km RT	2-3 hours	Butakovka trailhead
Kim Asar Gorge	Easy-Moderate	8 km RT	3-4 hours	Kim Asar village
Furmanov Peak	Moderate	10 km RT	5-6 hours	Medeu
Kok Zhailau	Moderate	14 km RT	6-8 hours	Medeu
Pik Amangeldy (3,999m)	Hard	16 km RT	8-10 hours	Tuyuk Su base

Park entry fee: 840 KZT ($1.80 USD). Trail conditions are best from May through October. Snow lingers on higher routes until late June. Bring layers even in summer, weather changes fast above 2,500 meters.

For broader mountain trip planning, check our Kazakhstan mountains guide.

8. Ride the Almaty Metro for Its Architecture

Almaty’s metro opened in 2011 after decades of construction and currently operates one line with 11 stations. Each station was designed with unique interiors, marble walls, ornate chandeliers, Kazakh geometric patterns, and mosaic murals.

Highlights stations:

• Almaly. Central station with polished granite and modern lighting
• Zhibek Zholy. Named after the Silk Road, featuring silk-themed mosaics
• Baikonur. Space-themed in honor of the Baikonur Cosmodrome

A single ride costs 80 KZT ($0.17 USD) using a reusable Onai card or token from machines at any station. Even if you have no destination in mind, ride end to end. It takes about 20 minutes and gives you a museum-quality architectural tour underground.

9. Stroll the Arbat (Zhybek Zholy Pedestrian Street)

Almaty’s pedestrian zone along Zhybek Zholy and Panfilov streets is the city’s answer to Moscow’s Arbat. Closed to traffic, this stretch is lined with cafes, ice cream vendors, street performers, souvenir shops, and small galleries.

The best time to visit is late afternoon into evening when the street fills up with locals. On weekends and holidays, you will find live music, pop-up markets, and families out for walks. It connects naturally with Panfilov Park and the Green Bazaar, making it easy to combine all three in a single walk.

10. Day Trip to Charyn Canyon

According to the Almaty Tourism Board, Charyn Canyon lies about 200 km (3-4 hours by car) east of Almaty. Often called “the Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” the most visited section, the Valley of Castles, features red sandstone formations rising 150-300 meters, carved by the Charyn River over 12 million years. Lonely Planet ranks Charyn Canyon among the top natural attractions in Central Asia.

Practical details:

• Entry fee: 1,500 KZT ($3 USD)
• How to get there: No public transport. Hire a driver or join a group tour (15,000-25,000 KZT / $32-53 per person for a day tour from Almaty)
• Duration: Full day, 3-4 hours driving each way plus 2-3 hours exploring the canyon
• Best time: April through October. Summer can be hot (35C+ at the canyon floor)
• Tip: Bring lunch, plenty of water, and sun protection. There is a basic eco-lodge at the bottom for overnight stays

The canyon is one of the top day trips from Almaty and well worth the long drive.

11. Day Trip to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

The Kolsai Lakes (three alpine lakes at 1,818 m, 2,252 m, and 2,850 m) and nearby Kaindy Lake (famous for its sunken forest of spruce trees standing in turquoise water) are located about 300 km southeast of Almaty. Most visitors combine both in an overnight trip, though a very long day trip is possible.

Key info:

• Entry fee: 1,500 KZT ($3 USD) per park
• Getting there: 4-5 hours by car. Tours from Almaty cost 25,000-45,000 KZT ($53-95) per person including transport
• Best time: June through September when roads are passable and wildflowers bloom
• Accommodation: Guesthouses in Saty village (5,000-15,000 KZT / $10-32 per night)

Kaindy Lake is the more photogenic of the group. The submerged spruce forest, killed by a 1911 landslide that dammed the valley, creates an eerie and beautiful landscape unlike anything else in Kazakhstan. See our full guide to day trips from Almaty for itinerary planning.

12. Experience Almaty Nightlife on Dostyk Avenue

Almaty has the most developed nightlife in Central Asia, and Dostyk Avenue is its main artery. The strip and surrounding streets are packed with rooftop bars, craft beer spots, wine bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs that stay open until 4-5 AM on weekends.

Where to go:

• Barley. Craft beer bar with 20+ local and imported taps
• Line Brew. Brewery and restaurant with a terrace, popular with expats
• Chukotka Bar. Dive bar feel, strong cocktails, good music
• ABC. Multi-floor nightclub, DJ sets Thursday through Saturday
• Selfie Bar. Rooftop cocktails with mountain views

Beer costs 1,000-2,500 KZT ($2-5), cocktails 2,500-5,000 KZT ($5-10). The scene is relaxed and welcoming to foreigners. For a complete rundown, read our Almaty nightlife guide.

13. Try Beshbarmak and Local Kazakh Cuisine

No visit to Almaty is complete without eating beshbarmak, the national dish of Kazakhstan. The name means “five fingers” because you eat it by hand. Flat sheets of boiled dough are topped with horse or lamb meat that has been boiled for hours in broth, served with onions and a rich meat stock called sorpa on the side.

Where to eat traditional Kazakh food in Almaty:

• Navat (multiple locations): Upscale Kazakh cuisine, beautiful interiors, beshbarmak from 4,500 KZT ($9.50)
• Qazaq Gourmet (Dostyk Ave): Modern takes on traditional dishes
• Zheti Kazyna (Al-Farabi Ave): Family-style dining, excellent kazy and kurt
• Kaganat (Tole Bi St): Large portions, popular with locals, plov from 2,000 KZT

Beyond beshbarmak, try kazy (horse meat sausage), baursak (fried dough balls), shubat (fermented camel milk), and kumis (fermented mare’s milk, available spring through summer). For a full food guide, see popular food in Kazakhstan.

14. Relax in First President’s Park

First President’s Park (also called the Park of the First President of Kazakhstan) is a manicured 73-hectare green space in the southern part of the city, closer to the mountains than most central parks. It opened in 2001 and features wide walking paths, fountains, flower gardens, and a Japanese garden section.

The park is quieter than Panfilov Park and popular with runners, families, and those looking for mountain views without leaving the city. The air is noticeably cleaner here due to elevation and proximity to the foothills. Free entry, open dawn to dusk.

15. Shop at Mega Center and Dostyk Plaza

For modern retail therapy, Almaty has several large shopping malls:

• Mega Center Alma-Ata (Rozybakiev St): The largest mall in Almaty with 300+ stores, a cinema, food court, ice rink, and entertainment zone. International brands like Zara, H&M, and Uniqlo
• Dostyk Plaza (Dostyk Ave / Samal): Mid-to-high-end shopping, good restaurant selection, cinema, and central location
• Esentai Mall (Al-Farabi Ave): Luxury shopping, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada. Almaty’s most upscale mall

Most malls are open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Prices for international brands are comparable to European prices, but local Kazakh brands and food court meals are affordable.

16. Attend Opera or Ballet at GATOB

The Kazakh State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet (GATOB), named after Abay Kunanbayev, is a grand Soviet-era performing arts venue on Kabanbay Batyr Street. The building itself, a columned Neoclassical structure from 1941, is worth seeing from outside even if you do not attend a show.

Performance info:

• Season: September through June
• Tickets: 2,000-15,000 KZT ($4-32 USD) depending on seat and performance
• What to see: Swan Lake and The Nutcracker are regular productions. The theater also stages Kazakh operas like Abay and Birzhan-Sara
• Booking: Tickets available at the box office or online at gatob.kz

Dress code is smart casual, locals dress up for evening performances. An evening at GATOB is one of the most affordable cultural experiences in any major city worldwide.

17. Explore the Esentai District (Almaty’s Luxury Quarter)

The area around Esentai Mall and the Ritz-Carlton Almaty on Al-Farabi Avenue represents the modern, wealthy side of the city. Glass towers, luxury car dealerships, high-end restaurants, and sleek apartment buildings line the boulevard.

Walk along Al-Farabi Avenue from Esentai Mall toward the Samal microdistrict to see how dramatically Almaty has changed since independence. The contrast with the Soviet-era city center just a few kilometers north is striking. Good restaurants in this area include Cafe Nedelka (European), Tuscano (Italian), and KFC Almaty’s flagship location in Esentai.

18. Admire the Architecture of Almaty-1 Station

Almaty-1 (also known as Almaty I) is the city’s original railway station, built in 1929 and reconstructed in the Stalinist Neoclassical style in the 1950s. The grand columned facade, ornate waiting halls, and Soviet-era murals make it worth a visit even if you are not catching a train.

Details:

• Location: Seifullin Avenue, northern end of the city center
• Entry: Free, it is a functioning train station
• What to see: The main hall with its vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, and Soviet mosaics depicting Kazakh life and industrialization

Almaty-2, the city’s other station (handling most long-distance trains), is architecturally less interesting but is the departure point for trains to Astana, Bishkek, and beyond. If you are arriving in Kazakhstan by air, check our flights to Kazakhstan guide.

19. Discover the Korean and Dungan Food Scene

According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, Almaty has one of the largest Korean diasporas outside the Korean Peninsula, the result of Stalin’s forced deportation of ethnic Koreans from the Russian Far East to Central Asia in 1937. Wikipedia documents this Koryo-saram community as one of the most distinctive diaspora cultures in the former Soviet Union. This history created a unique Koryo-saram (Central Asian Korean) cuisine that exists nowhere else.

Must-try Korean-Kazakh dishes:

• Kuksi. Cold noodle soup with vegetables and chili vinegar, Almaty’s signature summer dish (800-1,500 KZT)
• Korean salads (morkovcha, baklazhany), available at every bazaar and canteen
• Pyan-se. Steamed buns with cabbage and meat filling, sold from street carts (300-500 KZT)

For Central Asia’s most beloved dumpling, try Kazakh manty, large hand-folded steamed dumplings filled with lamb and onion, available at bazaars and restaurants across Almaty.

The Dungan (Chinese Muslim) community also left its mark. Look for lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup), ashlan-fu (cold spicy noodle dish from Karakol tradition), and ganfan (stir-fried meat and vegetables over rice). The best concentration of Korean and Dungan restaurants is along Seifullin Avenue and near the Green Bazaar.

20. Experience Eagle Hunting (Berkutchi Tour)

Kazakhstan has a centuries-old tradition of hunting with golden eagles, known as berkutchi (eagle hunting). While the most famous eagle festivals are in Mongolia and western Kazakhstan, several tour operators near Almaty offer half-day eagle hunting demonstrations and experiences in the foothills of the Tian Shan.

What to expect:

• Meet a berkutchi (eagle hunter) and his trained golden eagle
• Learn about the training process (it takes 3-5 years to fully train a hunting eagle)
• Watch a hunting demonstration with the eagle flying from a hilltop to the hunter’s arm
• Hold the eagle (with a thick leather glove) for photos

Cost: 45,000-90,000 KZT ($95-190 USD) per person for a half-day tour, usually including transport from Almaty. Best from October through March when eagles are in hunting condition. Book through local operators like Steppe & Sky or Nomadic Travel Kazakhstan.

21. Tour the Almaty Zoo

The Almaty Zoo, founded in 1937, is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Central Asia. It houses over 500 species including snow leopards, Przewalski’s horses, Bukhara deer, Central Asian cobras, and a variety of birds of prey.

Info:

• Entry: 1,000 KZT ($2 USD) for adults, 500 KZT for children
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily (until 8:00 PM in summer)
• Location: Esenberlina Street, walkable from Auezov metro station

The zoo has undergone renovation in recent years with improved enclosures and signage. It is a reasonable option for families with children, though animal welfare standards are still below Western zoo levels.

22. Soak at Arasan Baths

Arasan Bathhouse has been operating in central Almaty since 1982 and remains one of the best public bathhouses in Central Asia. The complex offers three bathing sections: Russian (with birch branch venik beating), Finnish sauna, and Turkish hammam.

Details:

• Entry: 3,000-5,000 KZT ($6-10 USD) depending on section and package
• Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, closed Mondays
• Location: Tole Bi Street, near Panfilov Park, combine with a park visit
• Tip: The Turkish section is the most popular. Go on a weekday morning for fewer crowds

Bring your own towel or rent one on-site. Bathing is gender-separated in all sections. It is a genuine local experience that most tourists miss.

How to Get Around Almaty

Transport	Cost	Best For
Yandex Go / inDrive (taxi)	500-2,500 KZT ($1-5) per ride	Door-to-door convenience, night travel
Metro	80 KZT ($0.17)	City center to south Almaty
Bus	150 KZT ($0.32)	Budget travel, extensive network
Walking	Free	City center (very walkable)
Rental car	From 15,000 KZT ($32)/day	Mountain day trips, Charyn Canyon
Shared taxi to mountains	3,000-8,000 KZT ($6-17)	Big Almaty Lake, Medeu

Download the Yandex Go app before arriving, it is the most reliable ride-hailing service in Almaty and far cheaper than negotiating with street taxis. The 2GIS mapping app is better than Google Maps for Almaty navigation and works offline.

Best Time to Visit Almaty

Almaty has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters:

• Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures (12-22C), apple blossoms, early hiking season. Some mountain trails still snow-covered until late May
• Summer (June-August): Warm to hot (25-35C), best for mountain hikes and lake visits. Peak tourist season
• Autumn (September-October): Golden larches in the mountains, clear skies, comfortable temperatures (10-22C). September is widely considered the best month to visit
• Winter (November-March): Cold (-5 to -15C), skiing at Shymbulak, skating at Medeu, festive city atmosphere

For a month-by-month breakdown, see our best time to visit Almaty guide.

How Many Days Do You Need in Almaty?

• 2 days: Enough for the city essentials, Green Bazaar, Kok Tobe, Panfilov Park, Medeu/Shymbulak, and a food tour
• 3-4 days: Add Big Almaty Lake, Ile-Alatau hiking, the metro, nightlife, and museums
• 5-7 days: Include day trips to Charyn Canyon and Kolsai/Kaindy Lakes, eagle hunting, and deeper food exploration

Most travelers find 4 full days hits the sweet spot between city attractions and mountain adventures. If you are planning a longer trip, check our complete Almaty guide for detailed itineraries.

Is Almaty Safe for Tourists?

Almaty is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is rare, and the city center feels secure even at night. Standard precautions apply:

• Use Yandex Go or inDrive instead of unmarked taxis
• Watch for pickpockets in crowded markets (Green Bazaar, especially)
• Keep valuables in your front pocket or a cross-body bag
• Be cautious in unfamiliar areas late at night
• Tap water is technically safe but most locals and visitors drink bottled or filtered water

Police are generally helpful to foreign tourists. If you need emergency assistance, dial 112 (multilingual operators available). For more detail, see our guide on whether Kazakhstan is safe for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 3 things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan?

The three most popular things to do in Almaty are: (1) visiting Medeu ice skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort in the mountains above the city, (2) trekking to the turquoise Big Almaty Lake at 2,511 meters, and (3) exploring the Green Bazaar for local food including horse meat sausage, dried fruits, and fresh bread.

How many days do you need in Almaty?

Most visitors need 3-4 full days to cover the main attractions and at least one mountain excursion. Add 2-3 more days if you plan to visit Charyn Canyon (full day trip), Kolsai Lakes (overnight), or do serious hiking in Ile-Alatau National Park.

Is Almaty expensive for tourists?

Almaty is affordable by Western standards. Budget travelers can get by on $30-50 USD per day. A restaurant meal costs $5-15, a taxi ride across the city is $2-5, and a good hotel room runs $40-80 per night. Mountain day trips and guided tours are the biggest expenses at $30-100 per person.

What is the best month to visit Almaty?

September is widely considered the best month to visit Almaty. Temperatures are comfortable (15-22C), the mountains display golden autumn foliage, skies are clear, and crowds are thinner than in summer. May and June are also excellent for hiking as wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows.

Is Almaty safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Almaty is generally safe for solo female travelers. The city center is well-lit and busy even at night. Use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go instead of unmarked taxis, stay aware in crowded markets, and follow the same precautions you would in any major city. Harassment is uncommon compared to many other destinations.

What food should I try in Almaty?

The must-try dishes in Almaty are beshbarmak (the national dish of boiled meat and flat noodles), kazy (horse meat sausage), baursak (fried dough balls), and kuksi (Korean-Kazakh cold noodle soup). Visit the Green Bazaar for kurt (dried cheese balls), fresh bread, and dried fruits. In summer, try kumis (fermented mare's milk) at local markets.

Last verified: March 2026