Almaty Things to Do Tips by nepalgoods Top 5 Page for this destination

On the Way to Medeo

On the way up to Medeo skating rink you pass a small river with some forests. Local people like to make a picnic here and take a bath in the river. There are tables and banks installed for the picnics. It is now an area, where many local rich people build their villas. The valley is very beautiful with old trees and high mountains around.

Directions: Halfway to Medeo

Russian City

As Almaty was founded in the middle of the 19th century, destroyed by an earthquake in 1911, most buildings are very modern and of very obvious Russian Architecture. Streets are wide and many trees spend shadow in the hot summers.

Almaty is 40 - 50% ethnically Russian. Until the mid-1980s, Kazaks represented only 12 per cent of Almaty's population. Now it is more. But most people speak and understand Russian.

Even though the Almaty region has been under Chinese protection for some time in history, this cannot be seen in the population.

On the other hand I was quite surprised that there are many Korean people living in Kazakhstan. The Korean lived formerly in Eastern Siberia (Wladivostok) and were deported by Stalin to Centralasia - a history like many Germans, who lived at the Volga River, experienced, too.

Central State Museum

This big Central Museum is in a Russian Type Building. It Exhibitions range from Stoneage and Bronce Age tools to local dresses and the recent history of wars.

There is a replica of the famous "Golden Man" of the Issikul Kurgan. This ancient tomb of a local prince has been excavated near Almaty. But all the finds are now exhibited in Astana. Just recently I read in an archaeological magazin, that now scientists think, that it might not be a man but a woman, who was burried in Issikul Kurgan.

The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Address: 44 Furmanov, Almaty

Directions: South of the junction with Satpaev.

Phone: +7 (0) 3272 642 200/642 390

Senkow Cathedral

Senkow Cathedral was build in 1907. In its construction and light colors it resembles Russian Palaces. It was build completely from wood and no nails were used. This is maybe the reason, why this building was not destroyed in the big earthquake from 1911.

After some troublesome times during the Russian reign it is now a beautiful and lively church which is open all day. I lighted some candles here. You can also buy postcards from a friendly old lady at the entrance. Inside are many beautiful icons and colorful murals.

No photos allowed inside the cathedral.

Almaty has many relidous groups. The biggest are:
Muslims (Sunni)
Russian Orthodox Christians
Roman Katholik Christians

There are also Jewish, Buddhist and other communities.

Address: Gogol Street

Directions: In Panfilow Park

Chimbulak Skiing Area

Even if you are not interested in skiing you might like the short tour to Chimbolak. This is a skiing area on about 2500 to 3500m with some hotels, ski-lifts, restaurants and some nice hiking possibilities. In summer the climate is very nice, when it is hot in the city.

Directions: About 25km from Almaty after the Medeo.

Medeo Skating Rink

Halfway to the Chimbolak Skiing area is the Medeo skating rink. The Medeo (Kazakh Медеу, which would be more properly spelled Medew to suit the correct pronunciation) outdoor speed skating rink, also called Medew speed skating rink, is one of the most famous ice rinks in the world, located on the mountainous outskirts of Almaty, Kazakhstan. It sits 1,691 metres above sea level. The surroundings offer many hiking trails and a beautiful landscape.

Directions: About 16km south of Almaty

Tianshan

The Tianshan Mountains, actually a part of it called Transili Alatau, are in the Southeast of Almaty. On sunny days you can see the snowy mountains, which are about 5000m high, from the city. The best way to have a close view is to take a bus to Medeo and Chimbolak.

Panfilow Park

The park is a very Russian park in the memory of the Kazakhstan heroes, who died in WWII. There are many monuments and an eternal flame. Young people come here to have a picnic. It is a very pleasant park with old trees and beautiful flowers.

Directions: In the city center