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.

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.

Almaty in Kazakhstan, Royal Tulip Hotel

Royal Tulip Hotel in Almaty ©Solange Hando

At the foot of the Tien Shan mountains in southern Kazakhstan, the 5 star Royal Tulip  is among the best hotels in Almaty, the former capital and top cultural centre.

Located at around 1000 metres, it's a lovely oasis with water features and flowers and all the luxury you would expect.

The Reception Area ©Solange Hando

Step through the revolving doors and beyond the security scan, you are greeted in an elegant circular area with gleaming columns, fresh flowers and chandeliers. Service is efficient and prompt, staff helpful and English speaking.

Guest Room at the Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 155 rooms and 10 suites, including executive and presidential. Rooms are spacious with period furnishings, ample storing space and top amenities.

Bathrooms are equally large with dressing area, double washbasin,bath and walk-in shower.

Almaty Royal Tulip ©Solange Hando

All room corridors are open, with space and light enhanced by golden rails, soothing paintings and green plants. Glass lifts leading to the upper floors let you to appreciate the palatial interior.

Breakfast Time ©Solange Hando

This is just a small selection of the luscious breakfast available in the Royal Cafe which also offers international cuisine throughout the day.

Relax in the lounge bar for tempting drinks and refreshments and look out for the Wine Gallery where you will find 100 famous wines from across the world.

The Grand Ballroom ©Solange Hando

Sought after by discerning locals and visitors alike, the Grand Ballroom is the top venue for VIP receptions and weddings, as was the case for the President's grandson.

Other facilities include three conference rooms, an indoor pool with underwater massage, waterfall and whirlpool and a spa and wellness centre offering among others hammam, Russian bath and Finnish sauna.

Scenic Mountain View from Royal Tulip Almaty ©Solange Hando