Today’s post is a guest post from Marysia. She is a traveler by heart, jet setter, nomad. Dedicated to exploring the world in search of unique places, amazing people and immersing adventure stories, wait till you read some of them. You can read more on her blog, find her on facebook or connect with her on twitter.
Inexplicably Kazakhstan was always on my ‘bucket list’. For many years I wanted to go, travel and explore. I wasn’t even sure what was more alluring to me. Richness of multicultural influences, endless rugged steps or simply an idea of feeling like a pioneer. For the whole trip I didn’t meet any other foreign globetrotter. I felt like a traveler instead of being a tourist.
I focused on the South part for many reasons. It’s where you can find the oldest and greatest marvels of the country. It has a real Kazakh feel, and I had only three weeks to spare (before heading off to Turkey) and transportation was a challenge.
Almaty used to be a capital of the country, but nowadays it’s a culture and arts hub of the country. No visit to Almaty is complete without admiring famous Zenkov Cathedral in beautiful Panfilov Park – A wooden construction built without even one nail!
Other worthwhile attractions include making it up to Chimbulak and Koktobe Hill, shopping for fresh and dry fruits on ‘Zielony Bazar’ (Green Bazaar), taking a rest in Arasan Baths after hours spend in Central State Museum, or just strolling from cafe to cafe and stopping to admire monumental buildings like Opera House, University Complex and some spectacular fountains. Not sure why but they do love fountains here! Also there is no Almaty without heavy partying, but that is a completely other story….
Central Mosque of Almaty, Kazakhstan
Central Mosque of Almaty, Kazakhstan
Opera House with West Tian Shan Mountains in the background,Almaty,Kazakhstan
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty
Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Getting here is a real dare. My friends from Almaty were explaining that it is easier to get back to Europe then travel there, but when I get my head around something there is no stopping me. In all it took seven hours of brambly riding across endless steppe and then mountains without roads and signs ( roads were actually being build while we were passing next to them ).
It was all so worthwhile when we arrived in picturesque Kazakh village where we were staying overnight, and took off to trek around Kolsai Lakes. The views were breathtaking, but unfortunately after two and half hours, we were caught by heavy rains and we had to return to the house. Our hosts were amazing people; a husband who was in the Soviet Army ( who wasn’t in this country!) and stationed in Poland! Wow! He even knew few Polish words and it made my day.
After Kolsaai Lakes our next stop was Charyn Canyon. Canyon is 154km long but the best part of it is called Valley of Castles. It was outstanding, awe-inspiring, and hot – a more accurate word – burning. A swim in the Charyn River after a long trek was a relief!
No more roads and we still didn’t get to Kolsai Lakes
Road sign from white rocks on the hill,that is how they do it here,Kazakhstan
Horseriding seems too easy for Kazakh people.Kolsai Lakes
Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon
I flew here from Almaty in an effort to save time. However do not be mistaken, flying here doesn’t mean a fast luggage pick up or finding a taxi driver who will take you straight to the city. ( For the drivers convenience, they are trying to get at least 3 people in before making a move.)
Shymkent is a bustling city, and it was very easy to sink into life here – strolling between bazaars, great restaurants and flourishing parks. I was expecting it to be a base for the region but it happened to be so much more. I spent a few days doing nothing but observing Kazakh life and people while wandering around.
After I became saturated with Shymkent I started my travels in the region. I traveled on ‘marshrutka’, a mini bus – a very common form of transportation in Kazakhstan – to Turkestan to admire Kozha Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum, one of the holiest places in the Muslim world built in Timur’s times. Another day I went to Shauildir from which one can visit Otyrar – Tobe, the ruins of an ancient city Otrar, and a Silk Road city which brought Genghis Khan to Europe. Another sight to explore here is a Aristan Bab Mausoleum and a great central mosque near by. Aristan Bab was a teacher of Yasaui.
Need help with a move? Shymkent,Kazakhstan
Ruins of ancient Silk Road city of Otrar, Otyrar-Tobe, Kazakhstan
Aristan Bab Mausoleum, Shauildir, Kazakhstan
Kozha Akhmed Yasaui Mausoleum,Turkestan,Kazakhstan
The tomb chamber of Khwaja Ahmad Yasawi,Turkestan,Kazakhstan
OurOyster
The OurOyster project consists of Jade Johnston who writes about her adventures travelling the world. We also feature guests posts from other great writers and bloggers out there.
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) (1 year ago)
Wow, the architecture and landscape here are just incredible. I hope we’re able to make it there one day.
The Time-Crunched Traveler (Ellen) recently posted..The Weekly Worldview: Tastebud bliss in Vermont
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Same here! This guest post makes me so jealous!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
It is really truly an amazing place, I really looking forward to be back in the region soon!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Vanishing Venice.
Jim O'Donnell (1 year ago)
Wow! Gorgeous place!
Jim O’Donnell recently posted..The ULTIMATE Travel Resource Library – Part II: Finland, Japan, Mexico, Turkey and Egypt
OurOyster (1 year ago)
I know, so jealous!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
Oh, don’t be my Dear, I’m sure Australia was as well magical!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Birthday Celebrating in Prague
dtravelsround (1 year ago)
I never imagined Kazahkstan to look like this. Those buildings are beautiful!
dtravelsround recently posted..Daily Wanderlust: Krakow, Poland
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
They are as amazing as You can see
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Northern jewel – Verona.
Freddy @ The adventourists (1 year ago)
Ooo!! looks awesome! Great pics too
Can’t wait to be on board my underpowered machine and travel around this country in the mongol rally!
Freddy @ The adventourists recently posted..Best Car for the Mongol Rally
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Oh! Your doing the Mongol Rally!!! Thats Awesome!!!!!!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I’m looking forward to seeing pictures from that trip Freddy!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I’m looking forward to seeing pictures from this trip Freddy!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Skiing in Italy
Angela (1 year ago)
Beautiful, I’m attracted to all Asian countries to be honest, but this post really drew my attention to Kazakhstan!
Angela recently posted..Surrendering to pleasure in Rome
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I like Asia, been traveling there many times but I’m into all the “Stans” country those days. They are really raw and very unique.
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Pit Senyor in Padua!
OurOyster (1 year ago)
I totally agree – I think they offer a very authentic travel experience
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Im glad it did! I think central Asia is really overlooked by most backpackers, but there is so much to discover there!
Sophie (1 year ago)
I’m drawn to former the Soviet Central Asian countries, definitely including Kazakstan. A fascinating trip you had.
Sophie recently posted..Pets, pools and pennies at the Hemingway House, Key West
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
Sophie it was one of the best trips of my life!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Northern jewel – Verona.
Laurence (1 year ago)
I’ve seen a number of posts on Kazakhstan recently and the photos have all be superb – this post being no exception. It looks to be a really fascinating country, well worth adding to my list!
Laurence recently posted..To Barcelona! (Your input required!)
OurOyster (1 year ago)
I totally agree with you Laurence… it is certainly high on my list now
Rob (1 year ago)
I went to Almaty a couple of years ago and found it very interesting. A group of us took a trip out to the Charyn Canyon. Its definitely worth visiting.
Rob (1 year ago)
I went to Almaty a couple of years ago and found it very interesting. A group of us took a trip out to the Charyn Canyon. Its definitely worth visiting.
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I loved the whole country, but there was something about Charyn Canyon, not sure exactly what….magnitude or those unique forms but I found it an amazing pace. Really worth visiting indeed
Andrea (1 year ago)
Such beautiful photos, Marysia. I’ve never thought about travel to Kazahkstan – a few jobs popped up in the ‘-stans’ during my husband’s search for work but we didn’t know much about them so we passed. Your post has definitely made me take a second look!
Andrea recently posted..Visa Runs – The Mandatory Vacation
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Wow… an opportunity to live in the Stans!?! Next time you should defintely that that!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
Andrea thank You very much, ‘stans’ are really great countries to live in. At least I think that, find people very friendly. Cultural and culinary diversity won’t bore You too fast. And amount of outstanding, breathtaking places You can see in those countries is countless!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Tel A(RT)viv
Sherry (1 year ago)
What a beautiful country. Such clear skies and majestic architecture. I had no idea that a place like this could exsist in middle Eurasia. I love that I always learn something new about travel.
Sherry recently posted..“Sightseeing Above Kauai”
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
Sherry we all learn trough whole our lives. I love your pictures from above Kauai!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..A city with a dual spirit – Akko
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Central Asia is still so undiscovered by travellers it seems.. I would love to visit this beautiful place soon
Cam (1 year ago)
Wow – I had no idea Kazakhstan was so beautiful!
Consider my eyes opened
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Yay! That is the whole point of this website!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
It is truly a spectacular place! Glad You like the pictures, it was difficult to choose from those many I took
Audrey | That Backpacker (1 year ago)
I am fascinated by the architecture! I took some Islamic architecture courses when I was in university and this place is the dream!
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Wow those would be really interesting courses! I would love to study something like that before heading to central Asia.. it would really enrich the experience
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I have heard that Turkmenistan is even better for that! I want to go soon!
My Travel Affairs recently posted..West banking in Bethlehem
Amanda (1 year ago)
Amazing photos! Wow. I think the Zenkov Cathedral is my favorite!
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Next time I am in Asia/Europe, I am definitely heading to this region!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
It is pretty amazing when You think that is build without even one nail.
My Travel Affairs recently posted..Northern jewel – Verona.
Maria Alexandra @latinAbroad (1 year ago)
Ahhh central Asia, one day!! Gorgeous shots. Kazakhstan is high up on my travel bucket list
OurOyster (1 year ago)
same! This guest post made me so jealous!
cheryl (1 year ago)
Stunning! I’d love to make a visit there … <3
OurOyster (1 year ago)
me too!
Ryan McCoy (1 year ago)
This is the kind of quality photo essay that gives a region the exposure needed to attract more travelers. Hopefully more people will discover central Asia in the coming years!
OurOyster (1 year ago)
I really agree… It is somewhere that I would really love to go sometime soon
Jonathan (@retrotraveller) (1 year ago)
Thanks for sharing… this is one of the ‘stans’ that I’ve not been to yet. Your photos just nudged it a few places up the wish list
thanks.
OurOyster (1 year ago)
Thanks Jonathan! I feel exactly the same way as you!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
I’m very happy You all like it so much, it was an amazing trip and I recommend everyone to discover Central Asia!
Mary @ Green Global Travel (1 year ago)
The mosaic tile work is amazing!
OurOyster (1 year ago)
I know! I just love islamic architecture! It’s so grand!
My Travel Affairs (1 year ago)
The only shame is that they didn’t finish it, if You are interested in the mosaic story have a look on my blog in section Kazakhstan
Ashley (1 year ago)
Gorgeous! Would love to visit Kazahkstan sometime.
Amer (7 months ago)
Have always been intrigued by Central Asia especially Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. There’s an old world’s charm about these places. The photos are amazing by the way.
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