REVEAL YOUR Your ultimate travel guideline into magnifi cent Qazaqstan ’S TOP WINTER DESTINATIONS

Burabay

2 Cold weather shouldn’t be hindering you from spending time outdoors outside of big cities. Whether it’s a week day or a weekend, there are plenty of suitable places for discovering in a new way. BURABAY The closest winter destination to Nur-Sultan and probably the most visited one is Burabay. It is surrounded by the same name national park and a small village on the lakefront. Burabay is a lovely getaway for both who like to relax during vacations, and those who Almaty prefer sports and other activities. In Burabay visitors can choose from ice- fishing, snowmobiling, skiing, ice skating and snowboarding to name a few. ALMATY For those who seek more adventurous experience, Kazakhstan offers amazing ski resorts in its mountain areas. Famous Shymbulak ski resort is located only 25 minutes from the city center of the former Kazakh capital Almaty. It can be reached by a cable car at the Medeu ice rink or by electric buses. The resort boasts both skiing and Shymbulak ski resort snowboarding options as well as para-gliding and snowtubing. Besides Shymbulak surroundings of Almaty offer numerous other options, including Yelik Sai, Almatau, Ak-Bulak, Lesnaya Skazka and Tabagan. EAST KAZAKHSTAN Another destination for ski lovers is East Kazakhstan’s resorts. East Kazakhstan offers slopes at Nurtau and Altay Alpes resorts both surrounded by unspoiled nature and magic landscapes. FISHING East Kazakhstan, Beluha mountain Fishermen have plenty of choices among the lakes and reservoirs where one can practice ice fishing. Ice fishing is a great way to test your stamina and create unforgettable memories. Kazakhstan’s biggest , rivers like Ile, Yessil as well as water reservoirs Kapshagai and others are just a few to chose from.

Overall, winter is a good time to visit any Kazakh city. Abundant snow and a festive New Year’s mood add a magical touch to this season. Ice fishing Go to kazakhstan.travel to find out more. By Zhazira Dyussembekova, The Astana Times 3 MUST-SEE 8 LANDSCAPES IN KAZAKHSTAN

1 Burabay

In Kazakhstan you will find attractions from all six continents of the world: travelling to historical sites and ruins of ancient civilizations, off-road driving across steppe and sand dunes, skiing and snowboarding at high-altitude resorts, conquering glaciers or just hiking in the mountains.

2 Singing Dune

4 3 Katon-Karagay

All these are accompanied by incredibly picturesque landscapes that will make even the most discerning traveler savour their charm. In this article we have prepared 8 unique sites in Kazakhstan that look as if they stepped out from the paintings of great artists.

4 5 Kaindy Lake

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 5 7 Korgalzhyn Lakes

6 Kolsay Lakes 8 Bozzhyra

6 SCENIC DRIVING ROUTES 5 IN KAZAKHSTAN

Just get in a car to set off on a journey of a life-time. Crossing endless steppes and through the mountains surrounded by magnificent views. Be it a few hours getaway or a several days adventure you will love the feeling of being a part of something boundless and free.

3 Yazevoe Lake

1 Dzungarian Alatau 4 Akmeshit Cave

2 Bayanaul National Park 5 Turkestan

7 BEST OUT OF TOP 10 3 TREKKING ROUTES

1 Charyn Canyon

8 You can’t be a real traveler if you have never trodden a single trekking route in your life. Each one of us is craving for new discoveries, breath-taking adventures and unforgettable memories. That’s why every once in a while we pack our bags to embark on a journey – no matter whether it is for fishing at a lake nearby or taking a long-haul flight. The land should be walked upon in order to feel the power and undisputed beauty of nature.

Go to Kazakhstan.travel to read about the rest of the TOP 10 trekkings.

2 Butakovskoye Gorge

3 Kolsay Lakes

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 9 FEEL NOMADIC: EXPLORE THE HORSEBACK RIDING ROUTES

Breathing in sweet forest air and admiring the beauty of mountains and glacier lakes while riding on a horseback - a perfect travel, isn’t it?

Amazing nature of Kazakhstan, the land of ancient , opens up from a completely new side when you discover it in the way the ancestors of modern did in the past. Stout but absolutely strong and enduring will take you through the mountain paths, dense forests, turbulent rivers and have you gallop across vast lands. You will definitely remember this adventure and recall it again and again until your legs feel the pain of sitting in the saddle again.

Horseback riding tours, especially the lasting ones, will definitely bolster your spirit and build your character.

1 Northern Tien-Shan

10 3 Zailiskiy Alatau Mountains

4 Djailau

5 Burabay

2 Kaindy Lake 3 Kolsay Lakes

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 11 HOW TO TAME A BIRD OF PREY?

TAMING A BIRD IS A COMPLICATED PROCESS

We must admit that no one remains indifferent when watching a berkutchi or a falconer hold a bird on his/her arm while on a horseback. When you see how a master and his bird are working together, how a huge berkut is chasing a prey or a falcon is circling the steppe in free flight and then returning on his master’s arm – all these will take your breath away. But there are many years of hard work behind this beautiful scenery, because taming a bird is a complicated process.

FROM HISTORY Kusbegi (falconers) knew that comprehensive development of a chick can only happen under the parental wing; therefore, people took chicks “Hunting with animals (greyhounds, cheetahs, away when they became fledglings, just prior to hunting birds) has always been cultivated leaving their nests in Eurasian steppes; this is evidenced by archaeological digs and ancient manuscripts telling about nomads’ household”, – this is what THE MOST IMPORTANT PART Assylkhan Artykpayev, local historian, biologist, hunting expert, writes in one of his publications IS ALLOWING BIRD SOME devoted to hunting birds. – Gradually, this type of TIME TO GET USED TO A MAN hunting had been widely disseminated among nobility of many states in Europe and Asia. In the Getting used to men has always been the first Middle Ages hunting with birds was a prerogative stage in taming of a hunting bird. During first of monarchs’ yards. hours after taking chick out of its natural habitat, a hunter should be spending almost all his time Hunting birds have always been very valuable – a next to the bird. During that period the bird was berkut or a falcon is considered as sacred birds, kept on “yrgak” (a swinging falconry block used and a random person couldn’t deal with these at the beginning of bird’s training), and from birds.” In the old days chicks were taken straight time to time hunter was stroking bird’s chest from their nests and prepared to be hunting preventing from falling asleep. After some time birds. People were observing a nest from the tired bird started getting used to the hunter. moment of egg laying. They were living not far from the nest up to the moment when chicks How hunting birds are tamed nowadays? It started leaving it. People had enough time to is strictly prohibited to take chicks out of the learn biological features and predator habits in nest: all birds species in Kazakhstan related to the natural habitat. hunting birds are recorded in the Red Book.

12 PEARL OF ALTYN EMEL

Although there are a lot of deserts in Kazakhstan, we do not have any classical lands where only lifeless sands are spread to the horizon. However, the following areas with picturesque dunes ridges with Aeolian ripples, can be easily found in the Aral Kara Kum, Kyzyl Kum, Moyynkum, Taukum, Saryesik-Atyrau, and everywhere in our desert zone. There are lots of dunes in Kazakhstan, but Barkhan is the only one - a mountain of pure sand over one hundred metres in height.

The Singing Dune!

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 13 REASONS TO 6 VISIT BURABAY

The unique aura, which nature has nourished these places with, infects every visitor with an irresistible desire to come back here again

Local autumn is a relic echo of the past caught in the boundless steppes of 1 Kazakhstan by the tops of Every rock, especially such rocky mountains. noticeable as Okzhetpes (symbol of the place!), 2 is a story frozen in a stone about something wonderful that happened here in the ancient times.

There are at least fifty original lakes, many of which – Shuchie, Big and Small Chebachie, 3 Zhukey, Katarkol – are no less picturesque and charming.

14 You can hear squirrel paws are scrubbing the bark somewhere in the Nowhere else 4 wood and fearful deers are in the world there rustling fallen needles. is such magical air, 5 which back in the day lured weak and wounded seeking treatment with just air.

And climbing any of the local mountains (especially to the top of the Kokshe-Sinyukha with a 6 height of 947 meters) will surely be remembered for the rest of your life unveiling vast open spaces stretching for hundreds of kilometers!

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 15 KAZAKH : TRADITIONAL DISHES YOU MUST TRY WHILE IN KAZAKHSTAN

It is well known that many travellers find And now, owing to the efforts of progressive traditional ’s to be delightful. restaurateurs, we can see a tendency of Kazakh Famous American actor Mark Dacascos, Brazil turning into a distinctive feature coach Joao Barbosa, the Two Michelin starred and a calling card of the gastronomic field in Italian Norbert Niederkofler, and many Kazakhstan. other celebrities enthusiastically admitted that they love Kazakhstan not only for warm hospitality and wonderful people, but also for NATIONAL DELICACIES remarkable national cuisine. In this light, there FOR ADMIRERS is increased interest from local restaurateurs in revealing a great potential of nomad’s food. Every appeared as a result of a Specific nature and simplicity of ingredients certain life event; and specific nature of used in traditional Kazakh dishes became a arose from the need to conserve all useful starting point for distinguished Kazakhstani properties of the food and to extend its storage chefs and restaurateurs to use their imagination. period to its maximum. Now it has become a key Using high cooking technologies and wide aspect in transition of up to the knowledge (including molecular compatibility next higher level of the “gastronomic podium”. of different food products), they have managed to develop absolutely new concept of ancient dishes turning these into a wonderful ensemble WHERE IN KAZAKHSTAN of taste and flavour. A true art, that one must definitely try, is being created in the restaurants YOU CAN TRY TRUE with haute cuisine. KAZAKH HAUTE CUISINE? For instance: • Have you ever tried ? This meat won’t be on a menu of common dining places. The idea of representing traditional cuisine But in a fine dining restaurant you can try an from the other side – such possibility has not amazing culinary masterpiece: the tenderest been considered before – initially emerged camel terrine starter (something between in constantly developing mega cities of the a pate and a baked pudding made of meat country – Nur-Sultan and Almaty. National whipped to creamy state) with pieces of prune dishes are offered across the country, cooked and sunflower seeds accompanied by the deliciously and served beautifully; but these spiciness of physalis and basil . By the way, traditional dishes are rarely represented in a nomads had always appreciated camel meat so separate menu and are often mixed with cuisine highly because of its sweetish tender taste. of other nationalities without even mentioning • Ceremonial Kazakh dish made out of liver about chef’s original menu developed on the and tail fat turned into delicious that will basis of solely traditional recipes. pleasantly surprise taste buds of foreign

16 @ black.official.kaz

– liver “baur” galantine with fresh “Besbarmak” absolutely beyond competition. lightly salted “sary mai”, cherry plum Even in the fine dining restaurants this dish and other additions in order to strengthen is cooked and served in accordance with old aesthetical effect. recipes. • As many of you know, “kurt” it is solid and salty balls and when dissolving in the mouth you can feel their pleasant creamy taste. Now, SO, AND FOR DESSERT: imagine that delicious kurt made out of high-fat was whipped to a and served UNUSUAL SWEETS FROM with and fruits! Indeed, it is a steppe THE DEPTH OF CENTURIES IN flavour in the haute cuisine. • Worldwide famous Kazakh meat starters MODERN INTERPRETATION do not need in any upgrading because, when originally served, these all perfectly fit into menu of fine dining restaurants: jerked meat Kazakhs didn’t have a big choice of various and mutton, rich “kazy” (a traditional sweet desserts, but they knew exactly how made out of ) with equal droplets to prepare a wonderful treat for a made of incredibly delicate and sweet fat, boiled ox out of simple ingredients like milk, , tongue, and spiced meat. wheat, and honey. Slightly modified, these • * A true steppe delicacy – horse meat “sheke” thousand year old recipes were included into (cheeks, tongue, lip and brain) the dessert menu of Kazakh haute cuisine: • “Mi-palau” it is a quite exotic dish that is “balkaimak” (fresh cream cooked on low on the menu of one of the most fashionable heat – but it shouldn’t turn into butter! – with restaurants in Nur- Sultan. It is mutton brains the addition of honey and some flour) as a cooked in a particular way and supplemented part of the tenderest honey-creamy ; by black caviar. fluffy cheesecake “yezhegei” (cottage cheese • Meat dishes for those who would like to feel cooked from milk, whig, butter and ) “a taste of the steppe” and touch gastronomic served with crispy “zhent” (a sweet made from culture of nomads – the tenderest pieces of 7 cereals, nuts, honey, raisin, melted butter etc.); months year old lamb “tokty” under a sauce of ice-cream made from “shubat” (fermented fragrant steppe herbs and served with “” (a ); hot sweet “yrymshik” (something soft thin unleavened flatbread baked in ) between cheese and cottage cheese) with and vegetables; fillet “beldeme” (i.e. saddle of a wild berries, and many more. All of these are lamb); “kuyrdak” (a traditional meat dish – liver, an amazing quintessence of pure taste and kidney, heart and lungs fried together) made fragrance, but without extravagance and of three types of meat and served with baked excessive sweetness, that leaves behind a side dish; foal ribs with light sense of fragrant feeling of full gastronomic satisfaction. hot smoking.

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 17 For example, mare’s milk is dietetic, only 2%, you can make excellent light and refreshing drinks UNIVERSAL from it, camel and cow’s milk is about 4-6%, and goat (4%) and sheep’s milk (7%) is considered to be the best for your health and immunity. DRINKS By the way, the fattiest, tenderest and tastiest are still made from sheep’s milk. OF SO WHAT DO NOMADS DRINK? NOMADS: As we mentioned before, a large selection of milk implies a comprehensive range of products THEY QUENCH THIRST made from it. Based on their own observations AND SAVE FROM and centuries of experience, nomadic tribes have formed several most balanced recipes HUNGER of , which are still popular, not only within our country, but also far beyond its borders.

KUMIS

Kumis, a drink made from mare’s milk, is a symbol of wealth and generosity, the most popular drink from national Kazakh drinks, a source of vitamins and beneficial microorganisms. HOW TO SURVIVE IN THE SHUBAT

STEPPE: KAZAKH DRINKS It is a pretty characteristic drink that you need FOR ALL OCCASIONS to tasteto understand all fullness and richness of the taste. It is made from camel’s milk by a These days it is often possible to hear the pretty simple technology. statement among modern nutritionists that and fermented milk products are not healthy for the body and it is not necessary for an adult to use them in general. But the wise These days it is a delicious dairy drink that you ancestors of the Kazakh people, the free steppe can buy at any Kazakhstan store, because it is nomads, thought in completely different way. very thick, tasty, has light creamy flavor, and does The best way to quench thirst in the hot sun not have a characteristic smell. The real Kazakh beams was a sip of a fermented milk drink, qatiq is cooked in two stages: is mixed that is not only coped well with dry throat with fermentation starter and put in a warm and dehydration, but also satisfied hunger, place for 6-8 hours to start the fermentation saturating body with protein and vitamins, that process. The next day, the resulting qatiq from was especially appreciated in the conditions of the first fermentation starter is added to the long hikes. new milk portion and again put in a warm place for maturation. And the next day you will get a real rich flavor of traditional qatiq. It is especially WHY NOT WATER? popular among the older generation, as it fights with many age- related “sores”. Until the Kazakhs settled, the main source of their food was , meat and dairy products made up to 80% of the total diet. In order to somehow vary such a strict menu, they sought This drink is very popular not only among the to use in food absolutely everything that an nomads of Kazakhstan, but among all Turkic animal could give – meat, fat, internal organs, peoples. Its cooking process is quite simple, but and, of , milk. A big plus, which caused the health benefit is incredibly big. It was even a pretty wide range of beverages and other considered as the main food during long hikes. products made from it (cheese, butter, ), is a different percentage of fat content.

18 JENT, SUR ET AND SHI BAURSAK: KAZAKH DESSERTS AND HEALTHY SNACK

We found out what kind of desserts do Kazakhs have and what traditional dishes you can take with you for the journey or to work as a tasty and healthy snack.

DESSERTS SNACKS SWEET ІRІMSHІK — SWEET CURD SHI BAURSAK

It is simple, but tasty meal, curd with addition Shi baursaks differ from ordinary baursaks of various sweet ingredients. In one region in size, shape, taste and type of . Shi of Kazakhstan they add honey, in the other baursaks are cooked from unleavened dough, they add and jam. You need to keep they have crispy and sweet taste. In the early sweet curd in the refrigerator, because it is a days, nomads took such baursaks to battles. perishable product with a short-term storage. Curd contains enzymes, probiotics, therefore They are cooked as straws, without moisture and it is a healthy and nutritious product for the do not perish. Shi baursaki is one of the popular human body. gastronomic of Semipalatinsk. You can find them in almost every store or market in the BALKAYMAK bakery department. Balkaymak is mixed with honey. To QURT prepare balkaimak raw sour cream is boiled over low heat until fat appears. Add sugar, honey, Qurt is a fermented milk product prepared from flour, mix and leave it for another 8-10 minutes. salted dried curd based on sheep’s milk. There It is served with tea and baursaks. are several types of qurt: salted dried, boiled and JENT paste-like. It is better to take with you a dry qurt, as it is kept longer. Jent is made from talcan, coarse flour from Dried qurt can be added to the broth, , roasted barley or wheat, add milk, butter, sugar, previously tenderized it. Also qurt can be honey or raisins. Millet and curd are pounded in crumbled and add to sour cream. a mortar. The resulting mass is mixed with sugar and raisins, add butter and cool it to solidify. The SUR ET — JERKED , finished jent is cut with a sharp, hot knife. In DRIED FISH the early days, only extremely rich people could afford such dainty. Jerking is one of the first ways to process meat, which remains one of the most effective ways. Jerking allows you to eat fish without further cooking, and to eat meat with just little cooking. Jerked meat is an excellent snack due to the fact that it can be kept warm for a long time, while proteins and micronutrients will help in extreme situations.

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 19 NUR- SULTAN CITY

UNESCO international organization awarded Nur-Sultan the status of a “City of Peace”. It is a thriving modern city with a high level of comfort and service. Nur- Sultan is amazing with its extraordinary architecture.

Baiterek is 97 meters high monument with an observation tower. The height of EXPO Center the tower symbolizes the year Nur-Sultan was proclaimed the capital city. The observation deck opens a breathtaking view of the new city.

Khan Shatyr

Baiterek 20 Nur Alem (“Shining World”) – world’s largest spherical building of 80 meter diameter and 100 meters in height. In 2017, the international exhibition EXPO 2017 was held in Nur-Sultan. A complex of pavilions to host more than 100 country participants was built in the city with Nur Alem being the center piece of the exhibition. Nur Alem remains open as the world’s only Museum of Future Energy. Palace of Independence The Pаlace of Peace and Harmony is an unusual building, striking in its originality and grandeur. Designed by Norman Foster, this masterpiece is a symbol of unity and friendship of 130 ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan.

The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the youngest and biggest museum in . The building attracts with its unusual exterior and rich array of exhibits featuring history, cultural heritage and Atyrau Bridge achievements of Kazakhstan.

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 21 Hazret Sultan Mosque The Palace of Peace and Harmony

Monument «Kazak22 Eli» ALMATY – APPLE CITY

Medeu - mountain ice rink. This picturesque landmark rightly referred as the pearl of Almaty, is situated above the city at the altitude of 1692 meters making it the world’s highest ice rink. Medeu has mild climate, the optimal level of solar radiation and low atmospheric pressure. High mountain ice rink is a must-see attraction of Almaty.

Shymbulak ski resort is situated at an altitude of 2260 m. immediately outside of the city. Variety of routes, including soft slopes for beginners, long trails for advanced skiers, FIS slopes for downhill skiing, half-pipe for snowboarders, extreme bends for the pros, and a special track for mogul.

Kok-Tobe Mount - one of the most beautiful places in the city located at the height of 1100 meters above sea level. The TV tower on the background of snow-capped peaks of Alatau, picturesquely located on the green hill Kok- Tobe, has long been a “visiting card” of Almaty. A cable car connects the city center and Kok- Tobe boasting wonderful panorama of the mountains and the city, amusement parks and restaurants.

Shymbulak ski resort

Kok Tobe Mount Medeu ice rink

23 Big Almaty Lake

The mountain lake, created by an earthquake, located in the valley of the Big Almatinka River at 2511 meters above sea level, has become famous for its scenic landscape both in winter and summer. Depending on the time of year, the water turns various shades from yellow- green in summer to turquoise blue in autumn.

24 GENERAL INFORMATION

Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia and the 9th largest in the world with a population of 18 million people. It’s a land-locked country and shares borders with Russia, , , , and . The capital of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan.

Kazakhstan is home to over 130 ethnic groups. The most numerous ethnicity is Kazakh (63%). Other major ethnic groups include Russians (23%), Uzbeks, Ukrainians, Germans, Koreans and others.

The state language is Kazakh, while Russian is a language of interethnic communication.

The main religions are Islam and orthodox Christianity.

Vast terrains and diverse landscape from sandy desserts and canyons to snow-capped mountains as well as 13 national parks provide unparalleled experience for nature-lovers, birdwatchers, adventure travel, skiers and backpackers. Kazakhstan is a home of world’s famous space launch Baikonur where human took off for the first space exploration journey. Nomadic past, heritage, Mongolian influence made Kazakh land a pearl for culture- heritage tours of Central Asia.

Citizens of over 60 countries enter Kazakhstan without visa for up to 14 days.

Two major airports: Nur-Sultan – the capital city, and Almaty – the largest city, are well served by Air Astana and other airlines with direct flights from major International hubs: Frankfurt, London, Paris, Bangkok, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh, Beijing, New Delhi, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur and Abu Dhabi.

The best season to visit – April to October.

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 25 ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS OF 7 KAZAKHSTAN

One of the main reasons why tourists visit Kazakhstan is our wonderful pristine nature, but the architectural heritage attracts a lot of attention too. You are presented the rating of the most amazing architectural constructions in Kazakhstan: from the era of clay, wood and stone to modern materials - concrete, steel and glass.

A (TRADITIONAL KAZAKH MOBILE HOUSE)

Architecture is a storehouse of rich information about the culture of certain 1ethnic groups. The inner construction of the yurt is the best way to tell us about the life of the Kazakh nomads. The early history of a yurt dates back to XII century BC. And the nomadic dwelling with a spherical dome, the so-called Kazakh type of yurt, was finally formed at the beginning of XIX century. Like many years ago, a yurt today is an indispensable element in the life of modern breeders in Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The main secret lies in its convenience, simplicity and practicality: it is easily transported, quickly assembled and the felt cover saves its inhabitants from rain, wind and cold. A yurt is an inexpensive comfortable dwelling that is in no way inferior to the capital structure. The yurt is called a masterpiece of nomadic architecture

26 KHAN SHATYR

Today the main architectural masterpiece of the capital of Kazakhstan Nursultan City is not only Baiterek, but lots of other modern enormous and gorgeous buildings such as The Lighter and The 2Northern Lights. This is happening due to rapid progress and development from year to year. Nursultan today mainly attracts all its tourists by its monumental and majestic buildings with a bold design, one of which is Khan Shatyr. Translated from Kazakh, this name stands for “Khan among the tents” and has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the highest tent in the world.

Khan Shatyr is the largest shopping and entertainment center in Central Asia. Forbes magazine has included Khan Shatyr in the top ten world ecologies. It brilliantly embodies the main idea of having a piece of land with eternal summer. An unusual 150 meter high tent is made of unique innovative materials that protect the interior from heat and severe frosts, creating a comfortable microclimate inside. Khan Shatyr is a masterpiece of modern architecture that stands out of the architectural diversity of the modern metropolis of Nursultan.

THE KAZAKHSTAN HOTEL

In the second half of XX century, the development of Almaty city was almost experimental in its nature. Thanks to this, a lot of ambitious structures3 of old days arose in the style of Soviet modernism. For example, a 102-meter 25-story skyscraper which was considered the highest building in Almaty for 32 years. Despite the fact that it was not allowed to erect buildings above 12 floors due to seismic- zone location.

Thanks to brand-new construction method that was innovative those days, The Kazakhstan Hotel remains the most earthquake- resistant building in Almaty to this day. The tower with a golden crown on its roof is the hallmark of our southern capital.

For more information visit kazakhstan.travel 27 AHMED KHOJA YASSAUI’S MAUSOLEUM AND ARYSTAN BABA’S TOMB 4Turkestan City is famous for its beautiful architectural monuments. The most outstanding of them is the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, or as it is also called the second Mecca for Muslim people. But it is impossible to talk about the mausoleum without mentioning the tomb of Arystan Baba.

After all, without one there would be no the other one. According to the history, Arystan Baba used to be Ahmed Yassaui’s teacher. In honor of the victory over the , the great emir Tamerlan planned to erect a magnifi cent building which is the mausoleum of St. Hodge Ahmed Yassaui. In the middle of the city of Yassy (the former name of Turkestan), an unprecedented construction unfolded, in which every townsman took part. But inexplicably, the walls got ruined. After that, Tamerlane has a dream where he saw Ahmed Yassaui who was asking him to build a mausoleum for his teacher fi rst.

Tamerlan erected a monumental shrine on the site of a small two-room mausoleum built by the followers of Arystan Baba after his death in the XII century.

The tomb of Arystan Baba was repeatedly destroyed due to weather conditions and was restored again. So in 1971, at the expense of local residents, THE UNDERGROUND MOSQUE the Arystan Bab mausoleum was rebuilt BECKET ATA from burnt brick. The only reminder of Tamerlane’s era construction are the The Underground Mosque Becket Ata is located ancient carved columns which are nearby Aktau city in the tract of Oglandy. The carefully stored in it. 5main architectural feature is that this mosque is carved into the rock. This is not just a cave, but a room of several completed rooms.

The walls of the mosque are decorated with Arabic and Persian inscriptions. The hermit Beckett built four architectural monuments like this in Kazakhstan during his life. Every year, thousands of believers come to pray at the shrine. foto taken from taken foto otrar.kz 28 ASCENSION CATHEDRAL

There is a world-famous religious attraction site located in Almaty city which was built of wood with virtually no nails using unique 6ancient technology. The Ascension Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church is one of the eight tallest buildings in the world created of wood. The interior of the temple is decorated with drawings, stucco moldings and wrought- iron ornaments which give special splendor to this holy place.

The sad part of the building history is that this unique cathedral opened its doors for parishioners in 1907. Unluckily just three years later, a severe earthquake struck the city, destroying almost all the buildings around. Thanks to the special construction technology, the cathedral was among few buildings which were not damaged. Today, the temple hosts daily services for hundreds of Christians. And the cathedral itself bears the title of a unique historical monument not only in Kazakhstan but throughout the world.

TV TOWER KOK TOBE

The Kok-Tobe TV Tower was built to perform clear technical tasks. But the elegant, unique architectural design and the height of the construction made the TV Tower a symbol of Almaty city. The newest innovative 7construction methods of those years were applied during its construction.

Can you imagine that in order to ensure the stability of 372 meter tower on clay soil, a concrete foundation weighing 45 thousand tons was built. Despite the fact that the total weight of the tower is 50 thousand tons. Thanks to the pendulum damper system, the TV tower cannot be affected by any strong gusts of wind and has a high seismic stability up to 10 points.

The TV tower ranks second in Kazakhstan in the ranking of the highest buildings. And it takes 14th place in the world.

29 PROCEDURE FOR ENTRY AND STAY OF FOREIGNERS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

COUNTRIES WITH A VISA-FREE REGIME IN KAZAKHSTAN

1. AU Australian Union, 21. SE Kingdom of Sweden, 42. SG Singapore, 2. AR Argentina 22. NL Kingdom of the 43. IL State of Israel 3. BR Brazil Netherlands 44. CH Swiss Confederation, 4. CA Canada, 23. LV Latvian Republic, 45. ES The Kingdom of Spain, 5. HK Citizens of SAR Hong 24. MY Malaysia, 46. KR Republic of Korea, Kong (Visa-free entry up to 14 25. MN Mongolia (Visa-free entry 47. SK Slovak Republic, days) up to 90 days) 48. TR 6. CZ Czech Republic, 26. MD Moldova (Visa-free entry 49. AE United Arab Emirates, 7. EC Ecuador up to 90 days) 50. GB United Kingdom of Great 8. EE Estonian Republic 27. NZ New Zealand, Britain and Northern Ireland, 9. DE Federal Republic of 28. PT Portuguese Republic, 51. MX United States of Mexico Germany, 29. MC Principality of Monaco, 52. US USA. 10. FR French Republic, 30. AT Republic of Austria, 11. LU Grand Duchy of 31. BG Republic of Bulgaria, Luxembourg, 32. CL Republic of Chile 12. GR Hellenic Republic, 33. HR Republic of Croatia 13. HU Hungary, 34. CY Republic of Cyprus, 14. IS Iceland, 35. FI Republic of Finland, 15. IE Ireland, 36. LT Republic of Lithuania, 16. IT Italian Republic, 37. MT Republic of Malta 17. JP Japan, 38. PL Republic of Poland 18. BE Kingdom of Belgium, 39. SI Republic of Slovenia, 19. DK Kingdom of Denmark, 40. RO Romania, 20. NO Kingdom of Norway, 41. RS Serbia

VISA FREE REGIME FOR CITIZENS OF CIS COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE EAEU (EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION).

1. AZ A visa-free regime for up to 30 6. TJ Tajikistan Visa-free travel for up to 30 days days. 7. GE Georgia Visa-free entry for up to 90 days 2. AM Armenia Visa-free entry up to 90 days 8. UA Ukraine Visa-free entry to 90 day 3. BY Belarus Visa-free entry to 90 days 9. UZ Uzbekistan Visa-free travel for up to 30 days 4. KG Kyrgyzstan Visa-free entry up to 90 days 5. RU Russia Visa-free entry up to 90 days

* For all countries ** Valid until December 31, 2019, the 72-hour visa- *** Upon arrival in the Republic listed above, there free regime is offered to the citizens of the People’s of Kazakhstan it is necessary is a visa-free regime Republic of China and the Republic of India, which to register with the migration for up to 30 days. transit in Kazakhstan on the way to a third country using service within 5 working days Kazakhstan’s airlines through the international airports from the date of arrival. of Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Not required for citizens ! of Malaysia 30 STEPS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF DOCUMENTS FOR OBTAINING A VISA TO REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

Step 1 Step 3 E-Visa Standart Visa E-Visa

Receiving of the invitation letter from Making payment: $ 60 the Kazakhstan tour operators (at the rate of the National Bank of (5 working days). Kazakhstan in tenge

Invitation letter charge at ~ $ 60/person Standart Visa Payment of visa fees

Step 2 E-Visa Step 4 E-Visa Receiving a ready-made E-Visa on the Registration of a foreigner on the portal portal (up to 5 days) www.vmp.gov.kz, filling out the form You must have a printed visa (Entering the 13-digit number from the to be presented at the airport check* invitation) * E-visa is valid only upon arrival Standart Visa through the international airports of Nur-Sultan and Almaty. Submission of documents (including a passport) and invitations Standart Visa to the embassy-consulate of the Receiving of passport and visa Republic of Kazakhstan

THE LIST OF COUNTRIES WHOSE CITIZENS CAN RECEIVE ONE-TIME TOURIST E-VISA FOR ENTRY INTO THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN

1. DZ Algeria 30. DO Dominican Republic 62. ML Mali 92. SM San marino 2. AD Andorra 31. KR DPRK 63. MH Marshall Islands 93. ST Sao Tome and Principe 3. AO Angola 32. ER Eritrea 64. MR Mauritania 94. SA Saudi Arabia 4. AG Antigua and Barbuda 33. ET Ethiopia 65. MU Mauritius 95. SN Senegal 5. AW Aruba 34. FO Faroe islands 66. FM Micronesia 96. SC Seychelles 6. BS Bahamas 35. FJ Fiji 67. ME Montenegro 97. SL Sierra Leone 7. BH Bahrain 36. GA Gabon (Montenegro) 98. ZA South Africa 8. BD Bangladesh 37. GM Gambia 68. MA Morocco 99. LK Sri Lanka 9. BB Barbados 38. GH Ghana 69. MZ Mozambique 100. SR Suriname 10. BZ Belize 39. GD Grenada 70. MM Myanmar (Burma) 101. SZ Swaziland 11. BJ Benin 40. GT Guatemala 71. NA Namibia 102. TZ Tanzania 12. BO Bolivia 41. GN Guinea 72. NR Nauru 103. TH Thailand 13. BW Botswana 42. GW Guinea bissau 73. NP Nepal 104. TG Togo 14. BN Brunei Darussalam 43. GY Guyana 74. NI Nicaragua 105. TO Tonga 15. BF Burkina Faso - Upper 44. HT Haiti 75. NE Niger 106. TT Trinidad and Tobago Volta 45. HN Honduras 76. NG Nigeria 107. TN Tunisia 16. BI Burundi 46. IN India 77. OM Oman 108. TM Turkmenistan 17. BT Butane 47. ID Indonesia 78. PW Palau 109. TV Tuvalu 18. KH Cambodia 48. JM Jamaica 79. PA Panama 110. UG Uganda 19. CM Cameroon 49. KE Kenya 80. PG Papua New Guinea 111. UY Uruguay 20. CF Central African 50. KI Kiribati 81. PY Paraguay 112. VU Vanuatu Republic 51. KW Kuwait 82. PE Peru 113. VA Vatican 21. TD Chad 52. LA Laos 83. PH Philippines 114. VE Venezuela 22. CO Colombia 53. LB Lebanon 84. CN PRC 115. VN Vietnam 23. KM Comoros 54. LS Lesotho 85. QA Qatar 116. ZM Zambia 24. CG Congo Republic 55. LR Liberia 86. RW Rwanda 117. ZW Zimbabwe 25. CR Costa Rica 56. LI Liechtenstein 87. KN Saint Kitts and Nevis 26. CI Cote d Ivoire - Ivory 57. MO Macau (Macau) 88. LC Saint Lucia Coast 58. MK Macedonia 89. VC Saint Vincent and the 27. CU Cuba 59. MG Madagascar Grenadines 28. DJ Djibouti 60. MW Malawi 90. SV Salvador 29. DM Dominica 61. MV Maldives Republic 91. WS Samoa

* The inviting party must notify the migration ** For citizens of the People’s Republic police of the arrival of the foreigner within three of China, there is an ADS visa, a special working days from the date of arrival. group visa (a visa regime is valid for up to 30 days) when issued through accredited tour operators.

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Commissioned by the Tourism Industry Committee, Ministry of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan

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