Explore Beautiful Almaty

Gorky park Almaty

Now known as the Almaty Central Park is a favoriterecreational area with both locals and tourists. This park is more than some 150 yearsold and was initially a nursery. The park was founded as ‘Kazyenniy Sad’ meaning a greenhouse for vegetables, fruits,and decorative plants. It was later renamed after Russian Author Maxim Gorky, in 1935 and in 1990 it got its present name.

The park covers over a 100 Hectares and is excellent for shady walks,and the fairgrounds, donkey, camel and horse rides make it especially attractive for kids. The ‘aqua park’ with water slides is a fun way to cool off during summer. The Dino Park is an added attraction for young kids, which has models of dinosaurs, is the latest addition to the park.

Independence Square

Located on the Republic Square of Almaty, the monument of Independence is dedicated to Kazakhstan’s heritage, patriotism, and prosperity. It is a reminder to the visitors that Kazakhstan’s capital was Almaty until the year 1997 and was later moved to Astana. It is a 19-foot pillar with a winged snow leopard mounted on top known as barys in Kazakh folklore. O top of the barys is a ‘Golden Warrior.’ The statue of the Golden Warrior was recovered from a burial mound in 1969. A skeleton found in the mound is believed to belong to a Scythian warrior prince. The ‘Golden Warrior’ when discovered was dressed in a gold uniform with a dagger and a sword. He was wearing a pointed headdress with winged horses, goats’ panthers,and other animals. The ‘Golden Warrior’ soon became a symbol of Kazakhstan’s heritage.

Shymbulak

The Shymbulak Ski resort is located some 25 km from Almaty. There are slopes 20 km long which are great for skiing and snowboarding. The slopesanhold an appeal to both advanced and intermediate skiers. Night skiing is possible from 7 to 11 pm, twice a week.

The resort is located on the upper part of Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range. The resort provides accommodation for skiers. Winter Asian Games were held here in the year 2011, and Shymbulak was the venue for Alpine skiing. There are three ski-lifts at the resort especially for skiers and can go up to the height of 3200 m above sea level.

Asanov Shooting Club

Named after Kazakhstan’s champion marksman Alexander Asanov, the shooting club is located some 25 km from Almaty. You can hire a Russian speaking instructor and improve your skills by shooting clay pigeons.The club organizes shooting displays, competitions,and corporate entertainment. There are two restaurants and clubhouses, one for members and one for non-members. The restaurants priced very reasonably. The club also has other entertainment facilities like- table tennis, billiards and playground for children.

In 2013 the club hosted the 3rd Asian Shotgun championship and in 2014 ISSF World cup. The club is equipped to accommodate more than 100 spectators.

Medeo

This unique place is located at the height of 1733 meters above sea level. Medeo resort is located inZaliliski Alatau valley. The valley was named after a nomad by the same name. This skating rink is which is 2.3 meters thick was built in 1972 using 20 different kinds of construction material. The 10.5 thousand sqm ice field is used by figure skaters, hockey players,and skaters for practice. Over 112 world records in skating havebeen set at Medeo.

This place looks beautiful in any weather. There was a monastic grotto where pilgrims offer prayer services even to date. Once every year when the skating rink is covered with ice, the stadium transforms into a giant concert pavilion. A famous International music festival held here attracts singers from Kazakhstan and around the world.

Big Almaty Lake

The Shymbulak Ski resort is located some 25 km from Almaty. There are slopes 20 km long which are great for skiing and snowboarding. The slopesanhold an appeal to both advanced and intermediate skiers. Night skiing is possible from 7 to 11 pm, twice a week.

The resort is located on the upper part of Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range. The resort provides accommodation for skiers. Winter Asian Games were held here in the year 2011, and Shymbulak was the venue for Alpine skiing. There are three ski-lifts at the resort especially for skiers and can go up to the height of 3200 m above sea level.

Grand Canyon

The Charyn Canyon or the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan is located in the Charyn National Park. The sheer splendor of the canyon and the dramatic erosion made by the Charyn river creates an impressive landscape. The Canyon is about 150 km long and around 300 m deep.

The Canyon is believed to have formed around 3 million years ago as the land around it started to rise. The most exciting area here is the Valley of Castles. Theseimposing rock formations are so beautiful that they appear like man-made structures. Visitors can get to the heart of the canyon and walk around the intricate columns and passages sculpted millions of years ago.

Bayterek tower

Bayterekliterally translates tall poplar in Kazak language. This 97 m tall tower was designed to connect the old world with the new. The unusual construction of Bayterek tower is not just an artistic structure. The golden sphere resting on top of the many pointed spires symbolizes an egg lying in a nest. The story connects to local folklore depicting new beginnings, focussing on a bird which has laid an egg on the sacred tree of life.

The observation deck inside the golden dome provides a spectacular view of the city. For visitors, it is a unique experience to travel inside the ‘egg’ of happiness and new beginnings.

Zenkov cathedral

This one and only wooden Cathedral in the world is located inPanfilovets’ Park. Another unique fact about this Cathedral is that it was built without using any nails. It was used as a museum after the ‘Revolution’ but was later restored as a Russian Orthodox Cathedral.

This Cathedral was constructed between 1904-1907 and was initiated by the Bishop of Turkestan and Tashkent. The Cathedral miraculously escaped destruction during the 1911 earthquake. The interior and the exterior of the church is very elaborately designed,and a walk around it definitely recommended to admire the architecture of the Cathedral. Visitors to the Church are expected to respect its customs which are followed strictly.

Museum of National folk Musical Instruments

Music is considered to break all language barriers, and the Museum of National folk Musical Instruments is an example of just that. You will be stunned by the collection of musical instruments which ranges from folk to modern. The museum was named to honorYkylasDukenov. The collection of musical instruments presents over some 1000 objects, some of which are rare exhibits and date back to 17th Century.

A total of 60 national instruments including- kobyz, syldyrmak, dombras, can be seen here. You can get a complete understanding of the Kazak musical history, its evolution tradition and folklore by studying the exhibit halls. You can also experience the sounds of the demonstrated instruments.

Astana

Lying on the banks of the Ishim river is Kazakhstan’s new capital, Astana; which has risen to be a showpiece of the modern world. The skyline is dotted with many landmark buildings which are designed by leading international architects.

Astana is a blend of old Soviet architecture with new Norman Foster style. As Astana is still a very young city, it is yet to offer the comforts and charms of its Western counterparts. Astana has numerous government buildings including Akorda Presidential Palace, Parliament House, Supreme Court to name a few. Astana provides the latest sports, education system and healthcare facility.

Palace of peace & reconciliation

Known also as Palace of Peace and Accord, this pyramid is the most impressive designs of the modern world. This pyramid was designed by renowned architect Norman Foster to represent the various religious faiths of the world. The Palace houses an opera house with a seating capacity of 1500 guests, educational facilities and a national center for various ethnic and geographical groups of Kazakhstan.

The design of the Palace represents the diversity of the various cultures which has been blended beautifully. The engineers had to design a steel and concrete skeleton which could withstand the expansions and contractions which take place due to extreme weather conditions.

The museum of the first president

The building which was earlier President Nazarbayev's Palace has now been transformed into a museum. President Nazarbayev, who is the only president that Kazakhstan has ever known, this museum is a bit of an understatement. As the Palace was more of a government office, you can visit President Nazarbayev's meeting rooms, study and the residential part of the Palace which held his rooms, dining hall,etc. Photography is strictly prohibited here. The museum extends over three floors, and you can get a glimpse of his life before he became the President from the various pictures on display. You can also look through the various gifts that he had received as a President.

Kok Tobe

Kok Tobe is popular among tourists & visitor and one of the major landmarks in the city have recreation area based on top of the mountain. It's recreational area connected downtown Almaty by Cable Car, attracts visitors by its variety of amusement park and restaurants. Hotel Kazakhstan is one of the popular landmarks and the city terminal is located nearby. Almaty Tower (372 m TV Tower) is at the south-eastern slope of the hill and visible from most parts of the city. Kok Tobe park found of enormous entertainments for visitors like; Fountain of Desires, Ferris Wheel, playground for children, climbing well, Coaster ride, Art Gallery, Tea House and a traditional restaurant themed after the "Nomadic House" (Yurta). In an addition, it also has Petting Zoo, Alley of Lovers, National Souvenirs Shop, Concert-Hall, pounds and viewing platforms etc. for extra activities.