Nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan, Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city and a vibrant cultural hub. Once the capital, it remains the country’s beating heart — known for leafy boulevards, art-filled cafés, and a dramatic alpine backdrop. Wander through the bustling Green Bazaar, ride the cable car to Kok Tobe for panoramic views, or visit the colorful Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park. Just a short drive away, skate at the legendary Medeu rink or explore Shymbulak — a premier mountain resort offering skiing, hiking, and alpine cafés year round. Stay in one of the city’s five-star hotels, with spa and wellness centers, elegant interiors, and breathtaking views. Almaty’s blend of Central Asian tradition, Soviet charm, and modern flair makes it the perfect gateway to Kazakhstan’s wild beauty

Just outside Almaty, the Butakovka Visitor Center offers easy access to forest trails, hidden waterfalls, and sweeping mountain views. It’s ideal for gentle hikes, picnics, and short treks into Ile-Alatau National Park — especially vibrant in spring blooms and autumn colors. Nearby, the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake glisten amid soaring peaks, a favorite for photographers and nature lovers. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing at Shymbulak Resort or glide across the ice at Medeu, the world’s highest Olympic sized rink. Here, nature, sport, and fresh mountain air are just minutes from the city

A vast retreat where steppe, desert, and mountains meet. Ancient petroglyphs carved thousands of years ago still whisper the spirit of nomadic life. In the heart of the park lies Besshatyr — the ancient necropolis of Saka chieftains. These 2,500-year-old burial mounds, encircled by stone altars and cliff petroglyphs, tell stories of steppe kings and millennia-old traditions. Wander where wild kulans and graceful gazelles roam free. Reflect in solitude near sacred sites and the shimmering shores of Kapchagay Lake. Spend the night in a traditional yurt near the Altynemel Visitor Center, warmed by firelight beneath a vast sky of stars

Carved over millions of years, Charyn Canyon stretches 154 km — a masterpiece of red rock formations that rise like ancient sculptures. Begin the day with a herbal tea ceremony in the crisp canyon air; end it under the stars by a fire, as the soulful sounds of the dombra echo through the cliffs. The Charyn Visitor Center offers eco-cabin stays, interpretive trails, and guided walks through the legendary Valley of Castles. Expert local guides lead geology tours, photography walks, and cultural evenings — deepening your connection to this land’s ancient and living stories

On Almaty’s southern edge rises the majestic Zailiysky Alatau — “Motley Mountains” in Kazakh — offering alpine scenery, rich biodiversity, and deep cultural roots. The Turgensai Visitor Center is the main gateway to the park’s forests, rivers, and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes, birdwatching, photography walks, and seasonal workshops focused on nature and traditions