Bishkek

capital of Kyrgyzstan

256km

Nur-Sultan

capital of Kazakhstan

850km

A. Kasteyev State Museum of Arts

Huge collection spanning Oriental, Russian and Kazakh arts. The Stakhanovite scenes from Stalin's era are fascinating.

4.3km

Republic Square, Almaty

Former administrative center. Since the capital was moved to Astana, this square has been renovated. TV stations occupy some buildings. There are flower gardens. There is also a Kazakh memorial, consisting of a tall statue of the golden boy, an early Kazakh figure, whose name is Altyn Adam, and circled by metal bas relief panels recounting the history of Kazakhstan, from the time of the fierce Amazon-like queen, to independence 10 years ago.

6.3km

Central Mosque Almaty

Spacious decorated interior.

6.4km

Ascension Cathedral, Almaty

Completed in 1907, it is the second-tallest wooden building in the world.

6.6km

Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Small museum with fine traditional facade; exhibits have descriptions in Kazakh, Russian and English.

7.0km

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Blue-roofed. Features displays on Kazakh history, from prehistoric times through the Mongol periods to the present. Guided tours in English (and other languages) are available if you call the museum ahead of time to reserve.

7.0km

Big Almaty Lake

20km

Shymbulak

mountain in Kazakhstan

23km