The capital of Kazakhstan is rich in interesting sights and entertainment venues, some of which can’t be discovered with a guide. Have you ever visited a day spa in the mountains? The Tau House SPA that is a single complex with a small hotel invites customers to relax in the unique ambience. This amazing mountain spa has a luxurious outdoor heated pool. Tau House is a great place for a family holiday, as there are several playgrounds for children. Adult visitors can enjoy water and spa treatments in the open air and at the same time admire spectacular panorama that opens from the top of the mountain.
1. The locals are very reluctant to drinking alcoholic beverages. Some people do not consume alcohol at all due to religious beliefs. Visitors also should not drink too much alcohol – … 
Open
Open
Travelers who dream of vacations in unusual circumstances should pay attention to KumysTau Guest House. It’s situated in a picturesque mountain setting surrounded by ancient forests … Open
Open
Surprises of Almaty aren’t limited with natural attractions. In 2011, the long-awaited opening of the subway took place in the capital. It would be an amazing experience to explore stations with a camera and a tripod. At some stations you can see incredibly beautiful art installations, huge chandeliers in the style of the past centuries and charming decoration of marble. Some stations are designed in very modern style with artistic illumination, so a trip around the Almaty subway definitely won’t be boring.
Almaty has many nice modern hotels, some of which stand out because of their authentic design. A gorgeous building of unusual shape with a golden facade houses Golden Palace Hotel. The … Open
Open
Winter Extreme
If you like alpine skiing or snowboarding, you can visit a number of ski resorts from Almaty in winter. Shymbulak and Ak-Bulak are among the most popular. They have the necessary infrastructure, such as ski lifts and rental offices. You can easily find a trail of the suitable difficulty level. Each resort has simple trails for beginners and complex trails for professionals with sharp turns and pine bushes.
At Shymbulak, there is a stadium where visitors can try ice skating or hockey. If you choose such active recreation as skiing and snowboarding, you will also admire the fabulous beauty of the region and its picturesque views. If you are not an experienced skier and not sure whether you can get over the trail independently, you can always use the services of an instructor.
Almaty won’t disappoint fans of upscale vacations, as it can boast a large selection of luxury hotels. Close to the main stadium and the circus there is Rahat Palace Hotel. In addition … Open
Open
Medeu Skating Rink
The Medeu Sports Complex is an important landmark of Almaty. This complex is located in the mountains, 1700 meters above the sea level. Medeu was built in 1972. It is possible to reach it by a usual public bus or take a funicular ride from the ski resort of Shymbulak. In Medeu, you will enjoy fresh air, admire the breathtaking views of the mountains with snow-capped peaks, and skate on the giant outdoor skating rink. By the way, the ice in the rink is made of crystal clear upland water. The sports complex is built on a reinforced concrete slab with special pipes that prevent the ice from melting. Therefore, even if you visit the complex in summer, you can skate there.
There are also romantic hotels in Almaty, and one of the most attractive in this category is Renion Residence. Its rooms are designed in the romantic style; they are distinguished by an … Open
Open
Kok-Tobe Mountain Entertainment
During your vacation in Almaty, you can admire the panorama of the city from Kok-Tobe Mountain (the name can be literally translated as the Green Hill). It is possible to reach it by car or funicular that was built in 1967. Kok-Tobe is a large entertainment complex that contains attractions for children, a small zoo, restaurants, bobsleigh track, rose garden, a memorial to the Beatles, a fountain in the shape of an apple, and an observation deck with spyglasses. There is also a TV tower. Kok-Tobe has comfortable cool temperature even in the midst of summer heat. It is easy to spend several hours on the mountain, and you will not feel bored.
Ski Jumping Boards
If you like skiing, you will find it delightful to visit one of the most popular sports landmarks of Almaty – Sunkar, a complex of ski jumping boards. The complex was built for Winter Asian Games that took place in the city in 2011. Jumping boards are open all year round – in winter, they have a snow cover that is replaced with an artificial material in summer. At Sunkar, you will not only watch how professional sportsmen complete but can also try skiing yourself.
Almaty boasts numerous wonderful markets, huge shopping centers and shops. Central Market is extremely popular with locals and visitors of the city. There is always a large choice of … Open
Open
SherLock Quest
In Almaty, tourists can try a unique entertainment – real-time quests “the Ring” and “Alice in Wonderland” by SherLock Company. Each quest is intended for 2-6 people. You will enjoy this entertainment if you are fond of intellectual games with action. Unforgettable emotions and a burst of adrenaline level – that is what most visitors think of these quests. You will arrive at the designated place and enter a room. You will have only one hour to get out of it. There are items in the room that help you to solve the puzzle and complete the game. In order to do that, you and other team members will need logical thinking, observation skills, and ability to work in a team.
Notable celebrations and festivals in Kazakhstan
The spring equinox day is always widely celebrated across the country. Nowruz is the official name of the holiday. The word “Nowruz” literally means “New Day”. Frankly speaking, Nowruz is the largest holiday in Kazakhstan. On the day when nature is reborn, local people organize sports competitions. This is a centuries-old tradition. Alaman Baigue horse racing, Kyz Kuu “girl chasing” tradition, Kazaksha Kurez wresting, and Kokpar polo-type game with a goat are just some of the popular sports. Music concerts, all kinds of performances and shows, a festival of dramatic art, exhibitions, and attractive trade fairs have become an essential part of the celebration.
… Open
