A country of great steeps, Kazakhstan never ceases to amaze its guests with numerous wonders of nature, fascinating places and unique culture. When describing the most interesting places in Kazakhstan, the city of Almaty should be mentioned first. The city is widely known for its spectacular architecture, spacious parks and modern entertainment centres. Panfilov Park is a favourite place of rest for both citizens and guests of Almaty. The park is also the location of an architectural landmark – Zenkov Cathedral. Almost all buildings of the Russian Empire period were destroyed by a devastating earthquake that happened in 1911. The cathedral was one of a few surviving buildings and it’s a true miracle given that the fragile building is made of wood. The Central State Museum is considered the largest cultural centre in the country. The museum exhibits collections of archaeological and historical findings.
The modern capital of the country, Astana, is no less beautiful. The city is home to several important landmarks, such as one of the oldest universities in Kazakhstan, which was named after L. Gumilev. The university is surrounded by a big park, two theatres and several museums.
The ancient city of Turkistan is an important tourist destination because of one prominent landmark. This is Mausoleum of Khwaja Ahmad Yasavi, which is famous far beyond the borders of the country. There are several important sights in the piedmont region of the country, such as Tanbaly famous for the ancient art on the rocks. The drawings made during the prehistoric era feature animals, hunting scenes and newer drawings depict Buddhist symbols. Tanbaly is also famous for its picturesque fairs, where tourists can buy various goods, from national pastries to souvenirs.
Fans of nature landmarks should consider visiting Trans-Ili Alatau. This is a unique national park with magnificent mountains, giant glaciers, beautiful valleys and lakes. Popular excursion routes were made on mountain slopes, across fast streams and flower fields. Alpinists will be pleased to conquer Khan Tengri Peak that was named one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Khan Tengri was chosen the location of an annual sports festival that gathers extreme sports masters from all over the world. Kolsay Lakes feature a truly breath-taking view. These three crystal clear lakes are filled with water from glaciers. The lakes are surrounded by dense forest and can be reached by foot. Travellers can also see the lakes from the bird’s eye view and make an excursion in a helicopter.
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Cities and sights of Kazakhstan