Almaty in Kazakhstan

Panfilov Street and Opera, Almaty ©Solange Hando

For visitors and tourists alike, this is the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan largest city and former capital. Lined with trees and traffic free, it's a lovely place to wander around, sip a cool drink on a shaded terrace and watch the world go by.

It is also a favourite spot for musicians and artists as it leads to the Abay Opera and Ballet, the largest theatre in Eurasia, fronted by elegant columns.

Almaty Independence Square ©Solange Hando

This wise old man and god of the sky sits on this spacious square. The nearby female represents the mother earth while two children on horseback symbolise the unity of the country's many tribes.

Independence was achieved in 1991 and the first military parade was held in Almaty to mark the fifth anniversary.

.Museum in Almaty ©Solange Hando

Contrasting with a modern background, this colourful wooden building dates back to 1908. It is dedicated to folk music instruments, displaying some 40 different types from Kazakhstan and further afield.

Most atmospheric is the background music which brings back to life the traditional throat singing of nomadic tribes. There is also a concert hall.

Ascension Cathedral in Almaty ©Solange Hando

First erected in 1904, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is said to be one of the tallest buildings of its kind in the world. Current renovation means a lot of scaffolding but it is highly colourful nevertheless, surrounded by the fragrant flower beds of Pantilov Park.

Shymbulak near Almaty ©Solange Hando

Set at around 1000 metres in the Tian Shen mountains, Almaty has its own ski resort just a short drive out of town. There are three cable cars to the top, level 1 is at 2260 metres where you will find restaurants and cafés and the president's mountain retreat, level 2 reaches 2860 metres while level 3 takes you to 3200 metres within arm's reach of eternal snow and glaciers.

There are rambling paths and 22 km of skiing trails, most of them challenging with a height difference of over 1000 metres.

View of Almaty from Kob Tobe ©Solange Hando

Back in town, another cable car takes you up to Kob Tobe -the blue mountain- for a bird's eye view of the city framed by extensive rose gardens. Relax in the tea house then look around the art gallery and find the popular statues of the Beatles sitting on a bench for ever more.