We begin a series of articles about business cards of Kazakhstani regions that reflect the tourism potential of the country

Almaty – is a scientific, cultural, financial and industrial metropolis of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The city is a major transportation hub.

The formation of the city, its culture demonstrate centuries-old traditions. In its development Almaty has passed certain stages of planning, architectural style, a way of life. The heritage of the different epochs is composed of material assets, showing the spirit, taste, life, economic and technical requirements of each period. Each historical period brought something new in image of the city.

CITY TOURISM

Central Mosque of Almaty

Almaty Central Mosque – is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Kazakhstan, it was opened with the support of the First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The mosque is designed for 7 thousand parishioners. The area of the surrounding yard is ​​0.95 hectares. Neat lawns, flowers in combination with sprawling foliage always green elms and firs give the yard the atmosphere of comfort and delight each visitor. In the mosque, there are male and female rooms with private entrances, rooms for reading the Koran, Nikah and lessons on Islamic subjects.

Holy Ascension Cathedral

Holy Ascension Cathedral (former Turkestan cathedral) is designed for 1.5 thousand people. It has three altars: Ascension (the main one), Annunciation and one in memory of the Holy Martyrs Vera, Nadezhda, Lubov and their mother Sophia, saint patron of Semirechye. It was erected in a park of 28-Panfilov Guardsmen (former Pushkin garden) by the original design of architects K..A Borisoglebski and S.K. Troparevsky (1898-1902), with the participation in the construction of military engineers N.I. Stepanov and A.P Zenkov (1904-06). It is a sample of wooden architecture.

The park "Kok Tobe" – is one of the symbols not only of Almaty, but also the whole of Kazakhstan, it is located at the peak of the mountain Kok Tobe at an altitude of 1100 m above sea level, a 5-minute drive from the city center. A unique complex with restaurants and cafes, cozy alleys and unique nature – is one of the most striking places of interest in the city. 

The most exciting and unusual way to climb the mountain Kok Tobe - is to become a unique passenger of a cable car that connects the city center of Almaty and Kok Tobe. The starting point is a station that is located on the avenue Dostyk. The length of the cable car is 1672 m, travel time - 5 minutes, during which you can observe the life of the city from the top: right below you spread out green gardens, private houses, and behind them stretched vast urban skyscrapers. Gradually, you see a new face of the city, and it really is an unforgettable feeling. The upper station is located at the territory of the park Kok Tobe, which is a sort of "gateway" to the kingdom of the crystal-clear air, hospitality and inexhaustible enthusiasm.

The park named after the First President of Kazakhstan – an arboretum park is located at the intersection of Novoya and Al-Farabi Streets at Bostandyk district of Almaty. The total area of ​​the park is 73 hectares.

There are flower beds, areas for recreation, track and a viewing platform, which is located on the hill about 12 meters high. There is the city's largest fountain in the park, which is a multi-cascade water attraction.

There is also a monumental sculptural composition "Kazakhstan" in the park, which is dedicated to 20th anniversary of independence. The monument is made in the form of a golden eagle in bronze, granite and marble. In the center of the monument is a figure of the First President, and on the wings of the eagle - symbols of Almaty and Astana. Monument is decorated with images of significant architectural and historical objects of Kazakhstan.

In Almaty, there are more than 25 major shopping centers, including Esentai Mall, the shopping center Mega Alma-Ata, the shopping center Dostyk Plaza, a shopping and entertainment complex ADK, Aport, Globus and others. Luxury Brands are presented at Esentai Mall, VILLA Boutiques & Restaurants, Furmanov Street, etc. Affordable brands are represented in almost all shopping malls.

There are also more than 100 nightclubs, over 120 karaoke bars, over 10 bowling clubs, more than 70 billiard clubs and about 5 golf clubs in Almaty.

ECO-ADEVNTURE TOURISM 

Big Almaty Lake (BAl)

In the upper reaches of Big Almaty gorge at an altitude of 2500 m above sea level, there is BAL. On all sides it is surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks. It is 1.5 hour drive from Almaty, and you can make an exciting climb to the top of 3900 m to 4400 m above sea level. Big Almaty Lake, which is enriched by glacier water, is a bowl area of ​​1.6 square kilometers and the source of drinking water for the city of Almaty.

The lake is beautiful in any weather and at any time of the year. Many photographers try to get here at a time when one season gives way to another.

Kolsai lakes – are one of the most beautiful places of Kazakhstan. These lakes are called the pearl of the Northern Tien Shan. They are located at 1800, 2250 and 2700 meters above sea level. This is a great place for parking, hiking, traveling on horseback and mountain biking. Extremely picturesque scenery, like a bowl of turquoise crystal in the hands of mountains around Kolsai lakes, won’t leave anyone indifferent. At sunset, emerald water "boils" with playing trout, and from the pass Sary-Bulak you get a view of blue Issyk-Kul. Anyone, who has ever been lucky enough to visit these places, never forgets their splendor, peace and tranquility around.

Kaiyndy Lake – is one of the most mysterious places of the foothills at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, among the fir trees surrounded by mountain peaks. It originated about 100 years ago as a result of the collapse of huge rocks, blocking the natural gorge dam. The lake is about 400 meters long and almost 30 meters deep. On all sides it is surrounded by steep rocky slopes and cliffs. There are lots of forests rich in mushrooms all around, in July and August it is also possible to collect the strawberries, and in the last month of summer - raspberries. Dry trunks of fir trees rise above the water surface, like masts of sunken ships.

Charyn Canyon – is one of the most exotic and amazing places of Kazakhstan. Bizarre shape that appeared due to destruction and force of the wind, form a mysterious fairyland of sand sculptures: castles valley, gorge of witches and ghosts, and many others. Steep canyon walls are really incredibly indented, they have strange shapes and give an unforgettable feeling of freedom and primitiveness.

Canyon stretches for 154 km in the north-east and south-west side of the Charyn river – the one of the deepest rivers of the Northern Tien Shan.

Kapshagai Reservoir is an artificial water reservoir located in the middle reaches of the Ili River. Its length is 100 km, width - 25 km, the average depth - 45 meters. Due to climatic conditions and little remoteness from Almaty city, the reservoir has become one of the favorite places for beach holiday of residents of Almaty and Almaty region. Drive from Almaty takes about one and a half hour.

The most visited sites here are Kapchagai water park, various facilities and recreational areas, as well as numerous casinos. In Kapchagai there more than 150 recreational areas. The most famous are: Freedom, MoreLux, Home Club, Esperanza Marina Club, Sunrise, Sun Story, Altyn-Emel, Zolotie peski, Ribatskaya Dernya and Lazurnyi bereg.

Summer is hot in Kapchagai, the temperature sometimes reaches 40 degrees Celsius. The water in the summer warms up to 23-28 degrees Celsius.

Kapchagai is called Kazakhstani Las Vegas. The most famous casinos in Kazakhstan are located here: Aladdin, Riviera Flaminko, Va-Bank, Sun City, PRINCESS, Orion, Zodiac, Golden Palace, Tornado and ASTORIA.

Falcon center "Sunkar"

At 7 km from Almaty in the Big Almaty Gorge on the territory of Ile-Alatau National Park there is the unique falcon center in Kazakhstan "Sunkar". On the territory of falcon nursery you can see a great variety of birds of prey: saker falcon, golden eagles, owls, black vultures and see the falcon show.

Trout farming "Aksu trout"

The trout farm "Aksu Trout" is located in Karasai district. Here, in the purest fresh water bred rainbow trout, the dishes from which delight even the most discerning palate. The ponds, in which lives this valuable fish, are designed according to the latest world technologies. Visitors can stand in the water with a fishing rod and feel as if you are a fisherman.

Farm "Fauna"

In Enbekshikazakh district of Almaty region 55 km from Almaty there is a farm “Flora” for the breeding of the black and blue ostrich. Ostrich Farm is located in a picturesque and ecologically clean area on the territory of 120 hectares.

CHILDREN’S TOURISM

Children’s Health Camp “Altair”

CHC Altair – is a professional, creative, experienced team of counselors, trainers and staff, which creates a wonderful atmosphere and conditions for rest of each child. The camp is located in the village of Bekbolat - 35 km from Almaty. The camp territory is planted with coniferous and deciduous trees. The total camp area is 2006 square meters.

Children's camp Alma-Tau

Children's camp is located in the Ile-Alatau National Natural Park, 25 km from Almaty in Kotyrbulak gorge. The enchanting beauty of this place, a wide variety of coniferous and deciduous trees, pure mountain air will help children regain strength after a difficult school year, to gain strength, to have fun and to spend their holidays.

Children's Camp Alpina

The only high-altitude camp in Kazakhstan is in the Big Almaty gorge on the basis of "Alpine Rose” hotel in a green corner at an altitude of 2300 m above sea level. Crystal air, an unusual program with elements of extreme sports, and entertainment will give children an unforgettable experience. Upon completition children obtain personal certificates.

Almaty Dolphinarium NEMO

Almaty Dolphinarium "Nemo" is a member of the International community dolphinarium "Nemo". "Nemo" is a dizzying show. The program involves: Dolphins star Nicole, energetic and mischievous Kate and Yumi, sociable and cheerful seals Anfisa and Vasilisa and a playful and talented sea lion Zlata.

Almaty Zoo

In the eastern part of Almaty at the foot of the northern slope of the mountain Kok-Tobe there is Almaty Zoo - one of the favorite holiday destinations for Almaty residents and guests. Visit to the Zoo - is a great opportunity to communicate with wild animals, to walk in silence along the shady alleys, take a break from city life and stress. Almaty Zoo contains 361 species, 5169 specimens of animals.

Palace of school children of Almaty

One of the symbols of Almaty – is Schoolchildren's Palace – it opened its doors in 1983 and immediately became a major center for children's leisure. In the palace there are scientific and experimental clubs, where young researchers can conduct a variety of experiments, as well as to exercise creative leisure activities: dancing and singing.

SPORTS TOURISM

Medeo ice rink is situated at an altitude of 1,691.2 meters above sea level, it is well known around the world. The surface of the ice occupies 10.5 thousand sq. meters, which allows for speed skating competitions, hockey and figure skating.

The mild climate in the gorge, low air pressure, light breeze and pure glacial water - all this has made the high-mountain skating rink very popular.

More than 120 world records have been set here famous athletes. In recent years, the rink was improved after modernization.

High mountain skating rink is beautiful in any weather. You can admire its beauty from a high point by climbing a popular staircase leading to the dam , which was built on a hillside of Mokhnatka. Mudflow dam was built to protect the city from the mudflow formed on the tops of the Western Tien Shan. The dam has 3 successive levels of height. Special water reservoir can keep about 6 million cubic meters of water.

Ski resort "Shymbulak" is located in the picturesque gorge of Trans-Ili Alatau at an altitude of 2260 m above sea level a 15-minute drive from the center of Almaty. Journey time from the international airport is 25 minutes.

The resort is open all year round, offering guests a variety of services and activities to meet all requirements from small to large. In summer, it offers extreme entertainment such as the descent on the mountain bike, paragliding, horse buggies, climbing and excursions with a professional guide, ropes course and mountain children's camp "Chimbu".

The hotel-resort "Ak-Bulak" is located at the foot of Talgar Mountains at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. An unforgettable mountain scenery, horseback riding, cable car, ski and snowboard trails will amaze you. Unique cable car ride with a total length of 3700 meters takes you to a height of 2 660 meters above sea level. The longest trail is 5,000 meters at the maximum slope steepness of 55 degrees.

All year-round sports and entertainment complex "Tabagan", which in winter turns into a popular ski resort, is located on the territory of Talgar district of Almaty region, near the Ile-Alatau State National Natural Park, 17 km away from Almaty. The upper slope is situated at around 1650 meters above sea level.

Besides these places, near Almaty there are: tourist base "Shybynsay", mountain resort "Forest Fairy Tale", an elevator by the hotel "Kumbel", Almatau ski resort, ski tourist base Elika-Sai (Eliksay).

Ski Jump Complex "Sunkar"

In Almaty on the eve of the Asian Games was built the International Ski Jump Complex K-95 and K-125, recognized in the annual survey of the International Ski Association as the best springboard of 2010 in the world.

International Ski Jump Complex "Sunkar" is located in the southern part of Almaty to the west of Esentai river and to the south of the Al-Farabi avenue. Springboard works both in winter and summer. Since its a combined complex, you can jump on an artificial surface and on snow.

Sports Palace named after Baluan Sholak – is a former Sports Palace, which was built to celebrate 50th Anniversary of October Revolution. It was built in 1967 by architect Vladimir Katsev Zelikovich and renovated in 2010. Ice Arena - Sports Palace named after "Baluan Sholak" - is one of the biggest indoor rinks of the city, which operates all year-round. It is located in the center of Almaty city. The rink is a comfortable and pleasant place for leisure activities. The Palace rents out the ice rink for training and preparation for ice competitions.

Medical and health tourism

Health resort "Alatau"

Therapeutic recreation complex Alatau – is a multi-resort, where a visitors can get a full range of diagnostic, medical and wellness treatments using the most modern forms and methods of traditional and alternative medicine, natural healing factors and the use of equipment and facilities that meet international standards. Joint and spine, heart and blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, gynecological, urological diseases and skin disorders are treated here.

Health resort "Kazakhstan"

Health resort "Kazakhstan" is located at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau in the area of ​​unique natural and climatic conditions. The main distinguishing feature of the resort is its own mineral spring. The complex has a unique mineral water that is used in spas and swimming pools. The water has healing properties and helps to restore disturbed functions of the body.

Health resort “Almaty”

The medical-diagnostic center of the health resort provides consultative and diagnostic care. There are 26 doctors, specializing in different fields of medicine (internist, neurologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, urologist, gynecologist, dentist, therapist, nutritionist, an allergist and others.); There is a wide range of diagnostic services. Silt mud from the lake "Tuzkol" and its mineral water are used for treatments at the health resort.

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Geopolitical position, natural and raw material resources of Kazakhstan and Almaty create favorable conditions for the development of business tourism. For guests arriving to Kazakhstan on business and for participation in international conferences in Almaty, there are 3 major exhibition centres: International Exhibition Company "Atakent-Expo”, Almaty Towers and SC named after Baluan Sholak.

In addition, there 32 hotels with availabile meeting rooms in the city: The Ritz-Carlton, Almaty, Rixos Almaty, Royal Tulip Almaty, InterContinental Almaty Hotel, Rahat Palace Hotel, Grand Hotel Tien Shan, Health resort Almaty, Hotel "Dostyk", Atakent Park Hotel, Ramada Almaty Hotel, Holiday Inn Almaty, Worldhotel Saltanat Almaty, "Soluxe" Almaty Hotel, Hotel "Almaty", Hotel complex "Uyt", hotel "Kazakhstan", hotel "Kazzhol", Hotel "Voyage", Hotel Grand Aiser , Business hotel "Astra", hotel Golden Palace, hotel “Grand Sapphire”, hotel "Grand Voyage", International hotel "Astana”, Renion Residence, hotel Alma, hotel-resort “Altyn Kargaly”, hotel Kazakhfilm, Shera Park Inn , Hospitality Boutique Grushevy, Royal Palace Hotel and Hotel "Al-Farabi".

EXCURSIONS

Introduction to Almaty (4 hours)

During the tour you will visit the Republic Square, the National Museum, the Central Park named after 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, the Cathedral and the Museum of Musical Instruments.

Four canyons of Charyn river (1 day)

The road goes on Kulzhin route through a number of villages along the mountains of the Northern Tien Shan. It crosses Kok Pek gorge, Syugatinskaya valley, Zhalanash Valley with a stop at Kurtogay valley and the overview of the Charyn River.

Excursion to the Big Almaty Lake (8 hours)

Visit to the Big Almaty Lake and waterfall “AY Sai”

Golden Ring of Seven Rivers (6 -11 days)

During the tour you will visit the National Park "Altyn Emel" (Petroglyphs "Kyzylauyz", mounds Besshatyr), the National Natural Park "Altyn Emel" (Singing Dunes, Chalky Mountains of Aktau), Charyn Canyon (a tour to Aspen Grove and the "Valley of Castles" ), Kolsai Lake, Kaindy Lake and Lake Issyk.

HOW TO GET THERE

Aircrafts: Almaty International Airport has an advantageous geographical location on the route from Southeast Asia to Europe and back.

Regular flights of the airport: Almaty-Aktau, Almaty, Astana, Almaty, Ashgabat, Almaty-Bangkok, Almaty-Bishkek, Almaty, New Delhi, Almaty, Cairo, Almaty, London, Almaty, Moscow, Almaty-Abu Dhabi, Almaty-Sharjah, Almaty-Seoul, Frankfurt-Almaty, Almaty-Hong Kong, Almaty to Istanbul.

Airlines: Lufthansa, Korean Air, KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, China Xinjiang Airlines, Iran Air, Transaero, Volga-Dnepr, Air France, airline companies EL AL Israel Airline and Air Freighting Express LTD, FedEx Express, Pegasus, Etihad airlines, S7 Airlines , Turkmenistan Airlines, Mahan Air, Air Arabia, Asiana Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ukraine International Airlines.

Train: There are two railway stations: Almaty-1 and Almaty-2. "Almaty-1" – is a railway station, located on the street Stantsionaya, 1. Destinations routes: Almaty-1 - Sary-Ozek, Almaty-1 - Vitebsk, Almaty-1 - Minsk, Almaty-1 - Mogilev, Almaty-1 - Aktobe, Almaty-1 - Pavlodar, Almaty-1 – Arkalyk, Almaty-1 - Kostanay, Almaty-1 – Biysk, Almaty-1 - Chita, Almaty-1 - Novosibirsk.

Almaty-2 – is a railway station, located on the Avenue Ablai Khan, building  1. Routes destinations: Almaty-2 - Zhezkazgan, Almaty-2 - Urumqi, Almaty 2 - Astana, Almaty-2 – Mangyshlak, Almaty-2 - Nukus, Almaty-2 - Petropavlovsk, Almaty-2 – Chelyabinsk, Almaty-2 – Novosibirsk, Almaty-2 - Uralsk, Almaty-2 - Chelyabinsk.