Discovering Almaty: Mountain mornings, street art and market flavours

Almaty, Kazakhstan's previous capital until 1997, captivates visitors with its breathtaking skyline of snow-capped peaks from the Trans-Ili Alatau, which influence the city's direction giving. The mountains are part of daily life, offering morning walks and late breakfasts amidst their presence.

Coffee shops in the city center are a perfect starting point to venture into the foothills. The Medeu base station provides access to the Shymbulak Mountain Resort, where skiers and snowboarders enjoy winter slopes or simply admire the mountain views and dine in the mountains. Outdoor activities are available year-round.

Almaty boasts a rich cultural heritage. Older structures display artistic influences, with colorful mosaics from the 1960s to 1980s created by artists from the Soviet Union. Surviving works are testaments to the city's vibrant history. The Ascension Cathedral, built in 1907 and damaged by an earthquake four years later, stands as a historical landmark.

In contrast, the newly opened Almaty Museum of Arts combines modern and contemporary art from Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and beyond, reflecting the city's contemporary culture.

Food lovers will find Almaty's Green Bazaar a must-visit. Here, traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak (meat over pasta), kazy (horsemeat sausage), kurt (salty curd balls), and kumys (fermented mare's milk) coexist with other Central Asian delicacies. Plov, rice pilaf, lagman noodles, and manty dumplings provide further flavor explorations.

Almaty's appeal varies with the seasons. Winter invites skiing, while warmer months encourage mountain hikes. The city's museums, markets, and diverse cuisine ensure there's always something new to discover. Additionally, Almaty's strategic location near Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Tashkent, Uzbekistan, makes it an ideal starting point for broader Central Asian adventures. Take your time to immerse in the city's rich offerings.