To the Land of Endless Wonders: Divya's Thrillophilia Review of a Kazakhstan Trip
One evening, while sipping tea on the balcony with my partner, I was talking to him about my friend who had recently moved to Kazakhstan. Since the day she told me about it, I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. It was one of those days when I just wanted to leave the city that I lived in and explore a place I'd never been to before.
“What do you think about planning a trip to Kazakhstan?”
That weekend, when we dove deeper into research, we found that the country was full of wonders. From the ethereal beauty of the Charyn Canyon to the modern architecture and the rich nomadic heritage - there was so much to explore.
“We could even visit the Rakhat Chocolate Factory,” my partner suggested, his eyes sparkling.
“Let’s do it!” I replied with excitement.
As a couple, we shared a passion for traveling, and our plans often came into existence within a snap. This time, just like every other time, we were off to Kazakhstan before we could realize it.
The City of Apple Trees
Our exploration in Kazakhstan began in Almaty, and soon we realized that it was the perfect place to be. From busy markets, local cafes, and the stunning backdrop of the Tien Shan mountains - it has us both in awe.
We visited the Zelyone Bazaar, where we got a chance to explore several colorful stalls selling a variety of items. The aroma of fresh spices, fruits, and local delicacies filled the air. Being the foodies that we were, we couldn’t resist trying some of the delicious kumis (fermented milk beverage) and pastries that were calling out to us. I particularly loved how the local vendors were friendly and eager to share their stories, which added to the overall experience.
While strolling through Abai Square, we were struck by the iconic monument of Abai Kunanbayev, which our guide said was once a revered Kazakh philosopher and poet. The square teemed with life, with locals walking around and enjoying the sunny weather.
Next, our guide took us for a visit to Panfilov Park, where we had a great time exploring the lush greenery and natural pathways. My partner was amazed at the sight of Zenkov Cathedral, which was located within the park. Its historic architecture and vibrant hues spoke a lot about the regional heritage. We spent quite some time roaming around and relaxing in the area near the cathedral - it was one of the most peaceful places we'd ever been to.
Later, we headed to Republic Square, which according to our guide, was the city’s cultural heart. The moment we entered the area, we immediately understood why. There were so many grand buildings surrounding the square, including the Presidential Palace that showcased Almaty's rich history.
Ice, Mountains, and Market Delights
We had also included a day trip to the Medeu Ice Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort, to add a hint of adventure to our journey. As we were about to reach the skating rink, the landscape transformed itself into a snow-covered fantasyland.
"I can’t wait to skate here!” I told my equally excited partner.
At the ice rink, we rented our skates and stepped onto the ice, surrounded by tall mountains all around us. “This is so fun!” I shouted and wobbled a bit. We struggled to find our balance, with our legs feeling unsteady beneath us. As the cold air brushed against our skin, we clung to each other for support. Each attempt to glide across the rink brought loads of laughter and a sense of adventure, making it a fun experience despite our lack of skating skills.
Afterward, we hopped on the cable car to Shymbulak, where the panoramic views left us spellbound. “Wow, it’s like one of those scenes captured by drones from the top!” my partner remarked, clicking pictures as we ascended. Both of us admired the stunning landscape - The peaks were covered in snow, and the sun threw a golden glow over the mountains.
The following day, we dived into a shopping spree at the Green Bazaar where vendors showcased everything from spices to handmade crafts. “This place is huge!” I exclaimed as we explored the aisles filled with vibrant stalls. My partner suggested trying some of the dried fruits, but what began as a sampling of dry fruits soon turned into a full-fledged gorging session. We relished many local snacks such as Beshbarmak, Kazy, Kurt, and more.
Horizons of Hope
As our journey in Kazakhstan came to an end, I reflected on the amazing experiences we had shared. On the last day, we visited Kok Tobe Park, where we enjoyed a scenic cable car ride to the summit.
“Look at this view! It’s so mesmerizing!” I exclaimed, taking in the panoramic views of the city below, with the mountains in the background. My partner smiled, “I can’t believe we’re leaving this beautiful place,” he said, his voice filled with nostalgia as he took in the breathtaking scenery.
While packing our bags with clothes and memories that evening, I turned to him and said, “You realize we're always just an impromptu plan away from traveling to another beautiful destination, right?” he nodded in agreement. With smiles on our faces and excitement for future travel plans, we bid farewell to Kazakhstan.
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