Almaty (Alma-Ata)

Almaty was formerly known as Alma-Ata, it is the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan now the capital is Astana, despite losing its status as the capital, Almaty remains the major commercial center of Kazakhstan and is the financial, economic, and cultural center of Central Asia.

Turgen Gorge

Turgen Gorge is situated in the National preserve Ile-Alatau which is 90 km from Almaty, one can visit the hot springs, waterfalls and plenty of forests here. The gorge that has a depth of 44 km is famous for it’s waterfalls.

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake or the Bolshoye Almatinskoye Ozero is a really beautiful mountain lake located on the outskirts of Almaty, depending on the season the Lake changes its color from light-green to turquoise-bleu one.

Monuments

Being the former capital and historically important city Almaty has many an important importants like the Presidential Palace (You will not be allowed to go inside), National Museum, The 28 Panfilov Heroes Memorial Park, Alpine park and more.

Republic Square/New Square

The most famous square in Almaty, it’s the former administrative center. There are flower gardens, TV stations, The Kazakh memorial and more, if was the hub of all administative activities before the apital was moved.

Medeo

Medeo is a olympic sized ice stadium, it’s a fun destination to visit in winters, more than 180 world records were made in Medeu. There is also a large mountain-water swimming pool just below the ice rink, which opens only in summer

Chimbulak

Chimbulak is a ski-resort which is open from November till April-May, a great destination to go hiking, one can hike up to the top to get a great view of the city.

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is the second largest canyon in the world, if you are going to visit Charyn Canyon keep a whole day handy, Charyn Canyon is located 200km to the east of Almaty, it’s a remarkeable destination, very diverse, the canyon is also called sometimes The Valley of Castles.