Between the ridges of Bayan-Zhurek and the Dzungarian Alatau, in the Almaty region, there is a wide valley of Kaskarau. Its beginning lies at the foot of the Dzungarian Alatau, at an altitude of 1,800-1,900 meters above sea level.

In the valley, a significant number of monuments of archeology of different epochs have been found, including ancient petroglyphs – carved or painted images on stones. Photos by: Sergey Terekhov.

traces of ancient people

Tags: Almaty oblast

Talan Towers, an architectural complex of two towers located in the very center of Astana, was opened in November 2016.

The complex includes a hotel and a business center with offices of the largest Kazakhstan and foreign companies. From here you can enjoy probably the best views of the capital of Kazakhstan. Photos by: Alexandr Kuznetsov.

Astana from above

Tags: Astana city

Ulytau is a complex of low mountains located in the southwest of Kazakh Upland (Sary Arka) – a steppe in Central Kazakhstan, in the northwest of the Karaganda region.

It is one of the oldest mountain ranges of Sary Arka that stretches from north to south for 200 km. The highest point is Akmeshit Peak (1,131 m).

scenic yellow, red and orange mountains

Tags: Karaganda oblast

The Dzungarian or Semirechensky Alatau is a mountain system located in the north-east of the Almaty region, between the Ili River and Lake Alakol.

This region is a place with pristine nature because it is located in the border zone with China. There are no roads and settlements here. Some areas can be reached only on horseback or by helicopter. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

amazing mountain scenery

Tags: Almaty oblast

These days (January 29 – February 8), the 28th Winter Universiade, a multi-sport winter event, is taking place in Almaty. More than 1,600 student-athletes from 578 universities compete for medals.

January 29, the opening ceremony of the universiade took place in the ice palace “Almaty Arena”.

colorful show

Tags: Almaty city

The Medeu is a high-mountain sports complex located near Almaty, the “southern capital” of Kazakhstan, at an altitude of 1,691 meters above sea level, just below the mountain resort Shymbulak (Chimbulak).

It is the world’s largest mountain complex for winter sports with the largest area of ​​artificial ice field – 10,500 square meters. Photos by: A.Gornostayeva.

one of the main sights of Almaty

Tags: Almaty city

Shalkude or Chelkudinskaya Valley is a beautiful mountain valley stretching for more than 100 km at an altitude of about 2,500 meters above sea level.

The valley of the Shalkudysu River, also known as Kegenskaya, is the most extensive valley in the Kazakh part of the Tien Shan. The Shalkodysu River gives rise to one of the largest waterways of the Almaty region – the Charyn River. Photos by: E.W.Shestakowa.

summer in the valley

Tags: Almaty oblast

A Happy New Year to you and yours;
May bounteous riches reach your shores!

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The Ili River is the largest and one of the longest rivers in Central Asia (1,430 km). The river originates in the Chinese part of the Tien Shan and flows into Lake Balkhash located in southeastern Kazakhstan.

The delta of the river is known for its unique microclimate. Here you can find some relict plant species. Autumn in the delta of the Ili River is very picturesque. Photos by: Grigory Bedenko.

fly over the Ili River

Tags: Almaty oblast

Nursultan Peak (until 1935 – Malyy Almaty, until 1998 – Komsomol) is a mountain peak (4,330 meters) located on the northern slopes of the Tien Shan mountain range.

This is one of the most popular peaks located near Almaty, the largest city of Kazakhstan. It was named after the first President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev. Photos by: Anna Gornostayeva.

go hiking in the mountains

Tags: Almaty oblast