Tours in Almaty
This largest city of the Republic of Kazakhstan bears the unofficial name of the southern capital of the country and, in fact, is its cultural, financial and economic center. Until 1997, when the capital was moved to Astana, the government of the republic was also located in Almaty. The ancient city is not very popular with travelers, although tours to Almaty can tell a lot about the past and present of Kazakhstan..
History with geography
The southern Kazakh capital is located at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau ridge. Its history goes back many centuries, and the very first settlements with a similar name were mentioned in these parts as early as the 8th century. Ancient Almaty was located on the Great Silk Road, and therefore the development of the city proceeded at a fairly rapid pace.
Briefly about the important
- The city ranks among the thirty most expensive in the world for foreigners.
- Smog is a major environmental problem for the southern capital of Kazakhstan. Located in a foothill basin, the city suffers from excessive gas pollution.
- The continental climate guarantees the participants of tours in Almaty quite distinct seasons. In winter there are frequent frosts down to -10, and in summer - heat, reaching +40. The largest amount of precipitation falls in spring, and in August-September there is a particularly dry weather..
- The fastest way to get to Almaty is by plane. Direct flights from Moscow last about 4.5 hours and are operated by both Russian and Kazakh airlines.
- Moving around the city by road during the daytime can be somewhat difficult due to traffic jams. It is optimal to use the metro, which connects the sights of the city center, during tours in Almaty.
- The southern capital has a reputation as a city of fountains. There are more than a hundred of them here, and if the tour to Almaty fell on the end of spring, the traveler gets a chance to participate in the Day of Fountains.
- One of the most popular recreation places for both citizens and guests of the city is the Big Almaty Lake, located 15 kilometers away. It is part of the Ile-Alauta National Park, and its height above sea level exceeds 2500 meters..
- The best panoramic views for tour participants in Almaty opens from the Kok-Tobe hill. Observation platforms are equipped on the mountain, an entertainment park is open, and a cable car leads to its top.
