Upon arrival at Almaty airport, meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

THE EYE-CATCHING GOLDEN DOMES AND kaleidoscopic color scheme of the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty, Kazakhstan, draw visitors to the city’s Panfilov Park, but the building’s genius architecture and complex history demand just as much attention. After nearly 40 years of deliberations, construction of Almaty’s Ascension Cathedral began in 1904, according to architect Constantin Arkadyevich Borisoglebsky’s design. However, as Borisoglebsky had left the city in 1902, it was regional engineer Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov who made addendums to Borisoglebsky’s plans and oversaw construction. As such, it’s commonly called the Zenkov Cathedral. Construction was completed in 1907.

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen is a historical and architectural monument founded in the second half of the 19th century. The green park 18 ha in area with numerous old oaks, maples, aspens, pines and firs growing in it surrounds the famous Ascension (Zenkov) Cathedral. Engineer P. M. Zenkov who had been managing the construction of the Ascension Cathedral took part in the organization of the park. Initially known as the Urban Garden, the place was consecutively renamed Pushkin Garden, Lenin Park and the Park of the Soviet Federative Republics, and only in 1942 it was given its current name in honour of Panfilov Heroes who were defending Moscow against the German army in 1941 during the Second World War. Currently, the park is one of Almaty’s main attractions. The park’s territory encompasses a few significant architectural and cultural

The Central Mosque of Almaty is a magnificent gold-domed building. Its minarets rise against the backdrop of Zailiysky Alatau Mountains - what a stunning view! It is one of the largest mosques in the country, it holds up to 7,000 visitors. The magnificent courtyard of the mosque pleases the eye with its picturesque views, good lighting and is known as an amazingly peaceful place where one can sit, relax and pray while admiring the surrounding beauty. There are halls for men and women, rooms for reading the Quran, a wedding hall, as well as rooms for Islamic lessons. The walls are decorated by verses from the Quran. There are certain rules of visiting a mosque: take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall, dress modestly and make as little noise as possible.

Zeleny Bazar is a one-stop shopping destination filled with a variety of exciting sights, aroma & tastes. Exploring the aisles, you'll come across everything from nail clippers to clothing, and fruit and vegetables to smoked horsemeat. The friendly storeowners will happily allow you to sample the edible goods.