Almaty

Almaty, the former capital and undisputed cultural heart of Kazakhstan, is a place where nomadic tradition meets modern cosmopolitanism. Known as the birthplace of the apple (its name translates to “the city of apples”), Almaty is literally immersed in greenery. With its wide, tree-lined avenues, forest-like parks, and the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains rising imposingly like a natural wall south of the city, Almaty is filled with surprises. Wander through its vast public squares, discover the charming blend of Soviet monumental architecture and modern glass skyscrapers, and embrace the warm hospitality of locals who seamlessly combine an urban lifestyle with a deep-rooted love for nature and the mountains.