Exploring Almaty: The Cultural Heart of Kazakhstan

The Elegant capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is the city, where both modernity and ancient culture collide. Located in the foothills of the historic Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty can provide a traveler with the experience of a lifetime, in the grandeur of breath taking landscapes, a wide variety of cuisines, and a rich history, which is the pure soul of Central Asia. Almaty will not leave an adventure seeker without something, a culture enthusiast without something new, and a foodie without something new. It is the city that is a living museum of past and present of Kazakhstan and is a destination that perfectly represents the atmosphere of the charm of the Central Asia.

You should also know the travel requirements before you make your Almaty journey. The Visa to Kazakhstan is the initial step to the exploration of this amazing site. Dream trip can be conveniently planned by the tourists of different parts of the world with easy online applications and current options of Kazakhstan travel visa. Be it a trip to Oman or a trip to any other place, websites such as Go kite Oman are very handy in making the visa application a struggle-free affair and make the entire travelling experience of Almaty a hassle-free one. When you start sightseeing in this vibrant city, you will soon end up making a list of activities in Almaty that is almost never-ending. Mountain adventures and cultural tours, busy markets and cold lakes, all these Almaty can offer any type of traveler. We should take a closer look as to what makes this city the cultural center of Kazakhstan.

A Bridge between Conservatism and Enlightenment.

Almaty is not only a big city of Kazakhstan but the most cosmopolitan of the country. Almaty is a city with a combination of the latest luxurious tendencies and strong traditions due to its tree-lined streets, Soviet architecture, and the splendid natural environment. You can feel the pulse of a nation that values its past and at the same time welcomes the changes as you walk across the Republic square or you go to the great Central State Museum.

Almaty is an entry point to the culture and natural marvels of the whole of Central Asia to travelers. Having easy international relations and friendly visa system, it is easy to plan on your adventure to Kazakhstan by using trusted services such as Go kite Oman. It does not matter why you are visiting the place, be it as a leisure, business or exploration place, this is a place that never fails to awe.

Top Things to Do in Almaty

1. Explore Kok-Tobe Hill

Among the initial destinations in Almaty, Kok-Tobe Hill has to be mentioned as one of the most popular landmarks that offers a wide range of sightseeing and offers a panorama of the whole city. Almaty has a cable car ride that you can spend some time riding around downtown and you will find the skyline of the city integrating perfectly with the mountains. On the top, there are restaurants, souvenir stores and the most popular among the tourists is the Beatles monument.

2. Explore Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral.

Panfilov Park is a must visit site when one wants to know about the history of Kazakhstan. There is the great Zenkov Cathedral, the architectural masterpiece, created in this green piece of land with the help of wooden material, there is no single nail used. It is not only a religious sightseeing but also a walking stick to the artistic and cultural legacy of Almaty. This is a tranquil park ideal in taking a stroll and taking photographs of the splendid city.

3. Visit the Green Bazaar

When you feel like feeling like a local, visit the Green Bazaar one of the best places to visit Almaty as a food lover. This is where you are going to find fresh fruits and spices, traditional Kazakh confectionary and homemade crafts. It is an unforgettable sensual experience due to friendly traders and the colourful environment.

4. Medeu Ice Skating Rink.

The highest ice rink in the world is the Medeu Ice Skating Rink which is placed just out of the city. Being a professional skater or a very novice one, a blend of mountain air and the picturesque scenery is what makes this place one of the greatest activities to do in Almaty at winter. It is a sign that testifies to the sporting and outdoor adventure love of Almaty.

5. Pay a visit to Shymbulak Ski Resort.

Less than a 45 minute ride in a drive or a cable car will take you to the best ski resort in Central Asia, Shymbulak. It has groomed slopes and some spectacular alpine scenery, thus making it a heaven in winter sports. The resort has hiking, mountain biking and paragliding activities during the summer season and any other time of the year, and this makes it a destination that cannot be avoided.

6. Explore Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is located approximately 25 kilometres outside the city and it is one of the best natural wonders in Kazakhstan. This water of turquoise blue, with its snowy-topped mountains, is a picture-postcard. This is among the most memorable activities to engage in when in Almaty by nature lovers as it provides a peaceful way of forgetting the urban world. Don’t commence to leave your camera behind, all angles are spectacular.

7. Go to the Central State Museum.

The Central State Museum is where one can spend time to learn about the soul of Kazakhstan. This museum is a priceless destination that can be visited by history enthusiasts because it is home to thousands of artifacts that narrate the history of this country. It covers the development of Kazakhstan through the ages because it has preserved ancient relics to the current exhibitions.

8. Stroll Through Arbat Street

The cultural center of Almaty is the Arbat Street - the busy pedestrian street full of artists, musicians, cafes and shops. It is the ideal location to feel the contemporary beat of the city and have a taste of local art and music. Arbat Street is among the best things to do in Almaty where one would want to get all different kinds of souvenirs or just take a relaxing evening walk.

9. Kazakhstan Museum of Arts.

The Kazakhstan Museum of Arts is not to be passed over by art lovers as it hosts a large portrayal of the Kazakh, Russian and European masterpieces. In the museum, one can find traditional paintings and sculptures as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures which represent the growing power of the Kazakhstan in the art world.

10. Go on an excursion to Charyn Canyon.

Charyn Canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of Central Asia and it is only a few hours away in Almaty and has one of the most remarkable scenery in the area. It has dramatic red rock structures and stunning sceneries that ensure it is a tourism destination that can not be ignored by adventure seekers. It is also among the most memorable activities to engage in Almaty as a nature photographer.

The cultural tourist activities that must not be missed.

In addition to the landmarks and natural wonders, Almaty is close to the traditions of Kazakh. Go to a local folk music performance/dance to enjoy the alive spirit of the area. Go to the Almaty opera house to experience some cultural sophistication or go to the traditional yurt villages to understand the nomadic lifestyle. The experiences make you relate to the identity of Kazakhstan and the hospitality of the people.

Food and Cuisine: a Trip of Flavors.

It is impossible to visit Almaty without going to its numerous cuisine. The city has it all; it has local Kazakh cuisine, as well as international food. Taste beshbarmak, the national dish, a dish of boiled meat and noodles, or kazy, a sausage of horse meat. As a dessert, take a bite of baursaks, golden fried pieces of dough, which go hand in hand with tea.

Food markets and street vendors are also such places where one can experience the authentic flavour of the ordinary life in Almaty. The Green Bazaar, especially, is a heaven on Earth when it comes to the individuals who enjoy trying local food. Whether it is fresh dairy products, or local spices, each sector of the market has a story.

Games and Nature in the Almaty surroundings.

The environment around Almaty is all a dream to nature lovers. The Tian Shan is a mountain that offers inexhaustible possibilities of hiking, trekking and watching wildlife. The resorts of Shymbulak and others around it are the place of draw of skiers all over the globe in winter, and of trails to alpine meadows, and clear lakes, in summer.

The natural beauty of Almaty is beyond description whether you are scrambling up the mountains or just having a relaxing picnic. This is one of the best activities that can be done in Almaty outdoors, where one can relax and have adrenaline rush at the same time.

Shopping and Nightlife

Almaty is a wonderful blend of a modern shopping mall and bazaar. Dostyk Plaza and Esentai Mall serve up high-end customers and small localized markets provide an introduction to artisanal craftsmanship in Kazakhstan.

Almaty is also an alive city at night with its colorful night life. The city can provide entertainment of any mood, whether it is rooftop bars with a mountain view or a comfortable jazz lounge. The nightlife of Almaty is really very cosmopolitan in its nature modern, pleasant, and alive.

Travel Advice and Visa Regulations.

You need to plan before you visit Almaty to ensure that you have a smooth ride. Depending on nationality, international travellers are expected to apply and acquire a Kazakhstan travel visa before arrival. It is not a complicated task, and such websites as Go kite Oman offer professional advice and help with the application to get a Visa to Kazakhstan, providing the experience beneficial and safe.

The international airport in Almaty is connected with the main destinations in the world and once there, it is easy to get around the city using taxis, buses and the metro.

Best Time to Visit Almaty

• Almaty has its charm in each season.

• Spring (March-May) is a pleasant season with flowers on.

• Summer (June to August) is ideal in case of hiking and visiting lakes.

• Autumn (September to November) is full of colorful leafage and warm weather.

• The winter period (December until February) turns the place into a snow heaven where one could enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

• Regardless of the time of the year, there are numerous activities that you could do in Almaty that would make your trip a memory to be remembered.

Conclusion:

Traveling to Almaty is not only a trip but the experience of the rich soul of Kazakhstan. This metropolis combines the world of modernity and the ancient past in such a way that the atmosphere is dynamic and highly cultural at the same time. Almaty is a place of discovery and inspiration to tourists, with its breath taking mountain ranges through its valleys, bazaars, traditional shows, or with exquisite resorts.

You can plan your trip to Kazakhstan Visa to explore the country, its culture and to relax. Through Go kite Oman, it is very easy to secure your Kazakhstan travel visa and set off on a hassle free trip to this Central Asian treasure. When you discover all the fantastic things to do in Almaty, you will agree with me that this city is not a destination, it is a story to be lived. Indeed Almaty is the cultural center of Kazakhstan and it welcomes tourists all over the world to explore its beauty, traditions and continuous charm.