Kazakhstan.. the country of pleasant surprises

ArabiaWeather.com - Ismail Al Qasimi - Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, stretching from China in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west, from Russia and Siberia in the north to the deserts of Uzbek and Turkmen in the south, and with this expanse, Kazakhstan is an ideal travel destination Many people have it because it offers various types of desirable tourism.

Mountains with high peaks for climbers, glaciers for skiing enthusiasts in winter and water sports in summer, refreshing coniferous forests for lovers of relaxation, large canyons, lakes and rivers, and recreational and sports opportunities throughout the year.

The capital, Almaty, is the largest Kazakh city and occupies a privileged location in the southeast of the country between the plains and the mountains. Its wide streets are filled with modern urban landmarks, museums, art galleries, commercial and entertainment centers, and its large squares are adorned with water fountains and colorful gardens, not to mention the green background drawn by the mountains.

As for the city of Medio , it is only 15 kilometers from the capital, Almaty, and is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level, in the middle of the famous valley that bears the same name. An ice stadium that accommodates more than 30,000 spectators.

The second largest city is Astana , which is witnessing a major boom in growth and construction, transforming it from a small town into a city that is growing in importance and global fame thanks to its entertainment attractions such as the Doman Aquarium, shops, restaurants, cafe halls and casinos, in addition to some old places.

As for the town of Taraz or Taraz, it was established in one year of birth as recognized by the UNESCO, and the city celebrated in 2001 the two thousandth anniversary of its founding, and among its most important historical monuments included in the world heritage are two mausoleums of Aisha Bibi and Babaji, which are symbols of ancient architecture in the country.

Away from the cities, but closer to human civilization, you can visit the Baikonur Space Center , which is the oldest space launch center. It was opened by the Soviets in 1955 in the middle of the desert steppe. Today, it works to send missiles in the field of space work for various European and Asian programs. It can be visited through private travel agencies and the application must be submitted 45 days in advance.

Northern Kazakhstan consists of vast steppes and vast lakes, among which are the Kurgalchin and Naurzum National Reserves. There are wetlands where migratory birds and some rare and endangered waterfowl live. While the steppes in Central Asia include two groups of fresh and salt lakes.