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Almaty (formerly Alma-Ata) is the biggest city in Kazakhstan, one of the ex-USSR republics. Till 1998, Almaty was the capital of Kazakhstan. Currently, the capital is Astana ("capital" in Kazakh). Almaty is often called "The South Capital" (analogous to St. Petersburg being called Russia's North Capital).
It is really easy to learn to orient oneself in Almaty thanks to its easy street layout and a peculiar location near the mountains.
Almaty is located on a sloping valley at the northern Tien-Shan spurs at 650 - 1 200 meters above the sea level. That is why, when giving directions, locals usually use not only "right" and "left" but also "up" and "down". At first, it will sound unusual but later you will understand that it is convenient.
There is no Almaty without the mountains. In clear weather they are seen from everywhere and are a real city landmark indispensable for directions. "Up" or "towards the mountains" also means "to the south" because the mountains are in the south. "Down" means "to the north", "in the direction opposite the mountains".
Central part of Almaty is divided into small square districts. Numbering of buildings usually starts from the east if a street lies along the mountains. If a street goes to the mountains numbering starts in the north. In the direction of number growth even numbers will be on your right side and odd numbers will be on your left. This rule does not apply in Microdistricts (Mikrorayony), which have their own numbering system. Numbering in some streets in the lower part of the city (from Rayumbek avenue towards the railway stations) starts in the south.
Many streets have been renamed. This is the bigest problem, for all country... On all part, town, district, streets have been renamed after the independance... Times change !
My main advice is DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK !!! People in Almaty are very friendly and many of them speak English. To ask about a location in Russian say: « Izvinite, gde ulitsa ABC » ( Excuse me, where is ABC Street?)
And Almaty's wommens (six for one men) are very nice, and wonderfull.
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Une réplique de la Tour Eiffel trône devant un ensemble d'immeubles de bureaux, dans le quartier des affaires... A... more travel advice
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Les français seront surpris de voir qu'ici, le Moulin Rouge est un établissement de jeu. Les Kazakhs, eux, ne... more travel advice
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On trouve de nombreux vendeurs dans les rues, ici, des sortes de beignets, bien huileux et gras à souhait. One finds... more travel advice
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Eco-TourismLatest Almaty hotel reviews
- InterContinental Almaty - The Ankara in Kazakhstan
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Latest: May 18, 2012 - Hotel Kazakhstan
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Latest: Nov 21, 2011 - Best Eastern Otrar Hotel
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Latest: May 23, 2012 - Intercontinental Almaty
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Latest: Apr 25, 2012 - Lequipage Hotel
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Latest: Apr 13, 2012 - Holiday Inn Almaty
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Latest: May 14, 2012 - Best Eastern Astana International Hotel Almaty
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Latest: May 2, 2012 - Almaty-Sapar Regency
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Latest: Dec 20, 2011
Comments (8)
really an interesting place to visit, very detailed description.
What a nice place I would like to visit too...
That's great that you say there are 6 women for every man in Almaty, but I prefer cities where there are at least 10 women for every man. Or 50. That works for me!
very nice pics on almaty. yhank you
GOD I MISS HOME.... thank you, you've captured the beauty!
Nice Almata-tour! But the T-logs are also fabulous. Must have been great hiking in the Altau Mountains!
Hi, Klod. I learned something new again today. I like this kind of travel, a little off the beaten path. A stroll along old Almaty would be really nice. That kind of thing I enjoy doing.
Some wonderful sculptures of/for children. Lovely.
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