Almaty

At the top of the list of destinations to visit in Kazakhstan is Almaty, the largest city and cultural and commercial center, was the country's capital until 1997. As a result, the area has an affluent and sophisticated air, with a plethora of stylish restaurants and pubs to try.

There is a lot to see and do here, with some fantastic museums and ancient sites strewn about, and many people use it as a base from which to explore the region.

Almaty is exceptionally lucky in terms of the great natural beauty that it has right on its doorstep. Its picturesque situation at the foot of the stunning Tian Shan mountain range makes it extremely beautiful. The mountains have a multitude of great things to visit, including Medeu, the highest skating rink in the world, Shymbulak, a superb ski resort, and the gorgeous Big Almaty Lake. A week or two might easily be spent viewing everything Almaty and its surroundings have to offer.

• Best time to visit: May and September
• Best place to visit: Zenkov Cathedral, Green Bazaar, Republican Museum Of Folk Musical Instruments , Museum Of History Of Almaty, Hotel Kazakhstan, Hotel Kazakhstan, Skating Rink, Ski Resort, etc.
• Location: south-eastern Kazakhstan