With its mix of pure magnificence and wealthy cultural heritage, Kazakhstan gives a uniquely immersive expertise.
This was my first time visiting Kazakhstan, and it received’t be my final.
Whether or not you’re a historical past buff, an journey seeker, or just in the hunt for tranquillity, Almaty and Aktau, Kazakhstan, promise a journey crammed with memorable moments.
Right here is my journey itinerary of what I received as much as in Kazakhstan whereas exploring Almaty and Aktau:
Beginning my Kazakhstan travels within the metropolis of Almaty
Embarking on our Kazakhstan journey, we start within the dynamic metropolis of Almaty, nestled within the shadows of towering mountains.
Waking up tremendous early and watching the solar rise over town is a particular second. You lastly get to see the fantastic thing about the encircling mountains.
Our base for this section is the Vacation Inn Categorical Resort, a comforting haven within the metropolis’s coronary heart with all of the services you want in Almaty.
Exploring the Shymbulak Ski Resort space
We set off in the direction of Medeo, well-known for its high-altitude ice skating rink.
Persevering with uphill, we attain the Shymbulak Ski Resort, a wonderland spot for winter sports activities fans.
Sadly, the season wasn’t spot on, and I used to be a month too early to color my skis, however I might like to return as the world regarded tremendous enjoyable for snowboarding.
Loved the price of alpine-style cafes with fireplace pits; you possibly can think about me having fun with an Aprés ski right here.
Seeing the locals taking advantage of the world and climbing as much as the viewport was a wonderful trace. Alongside the route, you could find a number of complimentary scorching tubs open to the general public.
Get pleasure from Lunch on the genuine Kazakh AUYL restaurant
It’s time for Lunch, and I extremely advocate the AUYL restaurant, the place conventional Kazakh delicacies tantalizes our style buds.
An ideal first introduction to Kazakh dishes, customs and tradition with a unbelievable spot with lovely views.
Be ready to identify a variety of horses on the menu, a well-liked dish in Kazakhstan.
I’m attempting horse milk for the primary time; it has an fascinating bitter style and is used as a part of Kazakhstan’s welcoming customs.
Discover extra of what Almaty Metropolis has to supply
Put up-lunch, our itinerary leads us to the serene Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen. Right here, we go to the Ykhlas Museum of Musical Devices, immersing ourselves in Kazakhstan’s melodic heritage.
The Go to Almaty Data Middle, the monument to twenty-eight Panfilov heroes, and the grand Ascension Cathedral are subsequent. Every is a testomony to town’s wealthy historical past.
Our night unfolds on the Afisha Café, the place we dine and stroll alongside the energetic Panfilov pedestrian avenue, colloquially often known as Almaty Arbat.
The day concludes with a scenic stroll by the Akimat of Almaty Area.
Assembly the Kazakh Nomad group on the Nomad Ethnic Centre
My go to to the Nomad Ethnic Centre, simply outdoors Almaty metropolis within the Almaty area, needs to be a spotlight of my go to to Kazakhstan.
A cultural expertise on the Nomad Ethnic Centre awaits us, with demonstrations of Nomad tradition native to Kazakhstan.
The Nomad Ethnocenter’s primary exercise is reconstructing the weapons and successes of nomads from completely different historic intervals.
The bow and arrow are the first weapons of the nomads. The nomads started the battle by firing arrows on the enemy.
We additionally received to see an indication of some Nomadic sports activities video games. The primary was Audaryspaq. Two riders participated within the audition.
Through the sport, they attempt to pull one another off the horse by grabbing one another’s fingers.
Essentially the most essential factor on this sport is stability within the saddle and horse management abilities.
The winner is the one who knocks down the opponent.
Second Nomadic sport: Kokpar, one of many oldest equestrian video games performed by the Turkic peoples.
Its essence lies in the truth that the riders are attempting to take possession of a goat carcass and take it to a delegated level, for instance, their village, or throw it into Kazandyk, the identify of the objective.
I discovered my go to to be very fascinating, and I realized so much about Nomadic historical past and traditions in Kazakhstan.
I might like to attend the Nomad Video games sometime, and Kazakhstan hosted the video games for the primary time this 12 months.
Hike by way of the Sharyn State Nationwide Pure Park
After an extended drive from Almaty metropolis, we explored the Almaty area and headed in the direction of the Sharyn State National Natural Park.
Sharyn State Nationwide Pure Park is dwelling to Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon.
Head out on an unbelievable hike which can take you thru the canyons.
It’s the excellent spot to get pleasure from a sundown as you hike in the direction of the stream on the finish of the path, or it’s the excellent spot for a picnic.
This was a unbelievable hike, and the distinctive panorama of the canyons was an expertise to recollect.
Cease off on the picturesque Kolsai Kolderi Lake
We then explored the awe-inspiring Kolsai Kolderi (Kolsai Lakes).
I’ve seen footage of this lake earlier than, and it seems gorgeous!
Sadly, we arrived too late to see the lake, and I might like to return to this spot throughout sunlight hours.
One cause for me to return to Kazakhstan sooner or later is that.
One closing journey round Almaty
Our closing journey in Almaty is at Kok Tobe Park. A leisurely stroll, a go to to the mini zoo, and a cable automobile journey to the perspective provide breathtaking vistas and a go to to the Inexperienced Bazaar.
Flying to the area of Aktau, Kazakhstan
We flew with native airline SCAT on a home flight from Almaty to Aktau. The flight took round three hours, which is unbelievable for a home flight.
Upon arriving in Aktau, we settle into the Vacation Inn Aktau-Seaside, able to discover the wonders of the Mangystau Area.
Exploring Shetpe and surrounding areas
We go to the Akimat of Mangystau Area and discover native vacationer sights.
Our journey takes us to Shetpe, the place we honor the ‘Serikbol Kandybaev Memorial Museum’.
Studying about his life, his books, and his teachings of mythology.
We have been additionally invited to get pleasure from a regionally ready lunch, a singular expertise.
Torish Ball Valley – “The Valley of the Balls”
The Trish Ball Valley, also referred to as the Valley of the Balls, is a mysterious geological formation of scattered rock balls in a valley.
It’s the most enjoyable customer attraction, leaving you questioning how they received right here.
After this, we explored the Tupkaragan District and the subterranean Shakpak-ata Mosque.
Uncover the Sherkala Mountain Peak
Some say the Sherkala Mountain Peak seems like a sleeping lion.
I’ll depart this to your creativeness.
An unbelievable mountain vary panorama to find and revel in in your journey round Aktau.
Vist the Mangistau Regional Museum of Native Historical past
Our itinerary features a go to to the Mangistau Regional Museum of Native Historical past, named after A. Kekilbayev,
A grand constructing is positioned within the metropolis centre of Aktau. Exterior the museum is a statue of A. Kekilbayev.
Right here, you may be taught in regards to the area of Aktau and the way the invention of pure assets within the space helped the locals thrive economically.
Go to the Ustyurt Plateau
Ustyurt Plateau is a transboundary clay desert shared by Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan alongside the borders.
It’s some of the pictured landscapes in your complete Aktau area.
The plateaux are some of the common vacationer sights for its gorgeous panorama.
The area is dwelling to a semi-nomadic inhabitants that raises camels, goats, and sheep, so hold a lookout as you discover the scenic space.
Hike alongside the rock path of Aktau
Then, we went for a hike alongside the rock path of Aktau, which follows the shoreline.
The hike gives nice views of the Caspian Sea, and it is without doubt one of the prime sights in Aktau.
Thanks for studying my weblog put up to Kazakhstan
Thanks for passing by my weblog put up about exploring Kazakhstan.
I hope you’ve loved the learn and located this information useful in planning your journey to Kazakhstan.
I might be comfortable to help if in case you have any questions on my journey.
Have a unbelievable journey to Kazakhstan.