Astana / Nursultan, Kazakhstan New Capital

The Bayterek Tower in Astana ©Solange Hando

Rising to 97 metres to celebrate the capital born in 1997, this is the true icon, a 'tree of life' clutching a golden egg at the very top to ensure a successful and happy future.

Enjoy all round views from the top floor and make a wish when you rest your hand in the former President's golden print.
President since 1991, Nursultan has just stepped down (March 2019) and the capital is being renamed after him. 

Nurzhol Boulevard ©Solange Hando

Stretching from the tower all the way to the river, framed by 21st century high rise, this wide pedestrian area is full of art work and flower beds.

Lovely place to relax and watch the world go by.

Khan Shatyr Centre, Astana ©Solange Hando

Like the famous Bayterek, this yurt-like building was designed by Norman Foster. Inside you will find a shopping mall, eating venues and entertainment facilities, including a beach boasting sand from the Maldives.

 The Hazret Sultan Mosque

Named after a medieval poet and saint, this is the largest complex of its kind in Central Asia. Islam in Kazakhstan is tolerant and relaxed but visitors are requested to dress appropriately and respect praying areas. Arcades, chandeliers and carpets are magnificent.

River Ishmi ©Solange Hando

On the right bank of the river is the old town while the new luxurious apartments and offices rise on the left bank. The blue-domed building on this image may look like a mosque but this is in fact the presidential headquarters.

Samruk ©Solange Hando

Samruk, the sacred bird, is the legendary guardian of the Kazakh people. You see him frequently around town, wings spread out to offer happiness and peace. 

In 1999, Astana was declared a Unesco City Of Peace, a theme kept alive in monuments and buildings, including a glass pyramid with painted doves and a 'Peace' Wall where the word 'peace' is inscribed in 51 languages. 

Kazakhstan, Charyn Canyon near Almaty

The End of the Road, Looking down into the Canyon ©Solange Hando

Named after the river, this spectacular canyon is located in a National Park close to the Chinese border, about a 3 hour drive east of Almaty.

There are five canyons altogether, stretching over 100 km, including the Valley of Castles which can be visited on a day trip from Almaty.

 Charyn Canyon, Desert and Snowy Tops ©Solange Hando

The Charyn is smaller than the Colorado but framed by the eternal snow of the Tien Shan mountains, it certainly claims a little extra.

A long flight of steps leads down to the bottom of the gorge where for the next 3 kms or so, the Valley of Castles meanders among high sculpted rocks, with patches of unexpected greenery scattered here and there.

The Valley of Castles in the Charyn Canyon ©Solange Hando

There is an adequate footpath down in the gorge but with due care, you can improvise as you wish, with no restrictions for the time being.

Most amazing in the canyon are the different colours, sandstone ranging from red to orange and pink, but also dark volcanic rock on some of the lower slopes.

Watch your Head ©Solange Hando

The path narrows in places, with big boulders almost barring the way or sharp precarious rocks barely hanging from the top, all created over millions of years by water and wind erosion.

You might just spot lizards, snakes or groundhogs but be prepared for extreme heat in summer.

The Sharyn River ©Solange Hando

Take your time then when you reach the bottom of the valley, you can relax by Sharyn's emerald water, paddle or even swim if the current is not too strong. 

The river comes down from the Tien Shan and white water rafting can be arranged.

Yurt in the Charyn Ecopark ©Solange Hando

Down by the river, the ecopark offers a few facilities, including food and drink, picnic spots and traditional yurts when you can rest at the heart the canyon among flowers and feathery trees.