Almaty

Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city and its former capital, is the country's cultural and social heart, a leafy, cosmopolitan metropolis set dramatically at the foot of the snow-capped Tian Shan mountains. Known as the green city for its tree-lined avenues, parks and fountains, it blends handsome Soviet-era architecture, the colourful timber Ascension Cathedral and the bustling Green Bazaar with a lively cafe, arts and nightlife scene. A cable car climbs to Kok-Tobe hill for city views, and ski slopes and mountains lie just above.

What you actually see

• The Ascension Cathedral - the colourful all-timber Orthodox church.
• The Green Bazaar - the bustling central market.
• Kok-Tobe hill - the cable-car viewpoint over the city and mountains.
• Panfilov Park and Medeu - the park and the high mountain skating rink.

When to go

April to October for mild city weather and access to the mountains and lakes; the surrounding peaks offer skiing at Shymbulak in winter and hiking in summer. Almaty is the natural base for exploring the region's canyons, lakes and mountains.

Honest expectations

Almaty is a pleasant, liveable city rather than a monument-packed tourist destination, so its appeal is its relaxed atmosphere, greenery, food and, above all, the spectacular mountains on its doorstep rather than blockbuster sights. It is the springboard for the region's real highlights, the canyons and lakes. Modern, friendly and scenic, it is a comfortable, welcoming introduction to Central Asia.

Nearby

Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes and the Shymbulak ski slopes are close.