Kazakhstan Holidays

This mineral rich country has a tiny population in relation to its size and yet has built itself a new capital, Astana. Most people, however, still prefer to visit the more interesting old capital of Almaty, meaning valley of apples, which sits nestled under the snowy peaks of the mighty Tien Shan (Celestial) Mountains. The splendid Zhenkov Cathedral is made entirely of wood, interlocked with such skill that no nails have been used in the construction. The markets are a delight and there is a fine museum of Musical Instruments.

The space launch pad or cosmadrome at Baikonur, whose location was once the most highly classified secret, is now open to visitors. Balkash Lake, which stretches from the Kazakh Hills in the northeast to desert steppes in the southwest and is half freshwater and half saline, is home to many species of birds, including flamingos. Elsewhere, there are remarkable sand dunes, whilst ancient burial grounds and fortresses dot the landscape. Due to the vast spaces and limited intrusion from people, the varied fauna and flora exist unaffected by the usual pressures of human expansion.

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Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzstan and Western China.

Chinese Turkestan.

Kazakhstan to Hong Kong by train.