Almaty

Almaty

Almaty is located in southeastern Kazakhstan near the border with Kyrgyzstan. As the former capital of Kazakhstan, it is the country’s largest city and a major hub for finance, technology, education, and culture. The name "Almaty" means "city of apples," reflecting the region’s apple production.

Almaty is a crossroads of Eurasian cultures, blending the wisdom of the Kazakh people with Western civilization. It is also one of the most greened cities in the world. Surrounded by mountains on two sides, Almaty is a uniquely scenic tourist destination—like a fairy-tale world that perfectly combines the beauty of nature with the vibrancy of a modern metropolis. This is a pleasant, picturesque garden city where thousands of stream-like rivers tinkle in every corner. The year-round snow-capped mountains add to Almaty’s charm, with the majestic Tien Shan Mountains covered in perpetual white. Against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, the gleaming peaks are a breathtaking sight.

The Zenkov Cathedral is an Eastern Orthodox church in Almaty and the second tallest wooden building in the world. The entire structure was built without using a single nail, and in 2004 it won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in the category of Distinguished Projects.

Almaty

Reason to visit: Kazakhstan’s largest city

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Kazakhstan

Province/State: Almaty

City: Almaty