The name "Almaty" derives from the Kazakh word for 'apple' (алма), and thus is often translated as "full of apples.It was the capital of Kazakhstan from 1929 to 1997.
Although it has lost the status of capital,
Almaty remains the largest financial, economic and cultural centre of Central Asia.
Also it is a town were I was born and lived for 16 years...
Almaty is very interesting city for tourists. Because there ia a lot of places to visit.I think that everyone tels such things about own city. But mountains the visiting card of Almaty. The city is located at the foot of Tien Shan Mountains at the altitude of 1500-2000 meters above sea level.Almost everyone in Almaty have got perfect view from the window.Here is unique opportunities for the promotion of sport and tourism.
Chimbulak Skiing Area.
There are hotels and restaurants. You can rent skies and snowboards and use a sauna and an indoor swimming pool(have you ever swam in an indoor swimming pool which is located in the mountains?). In summer you can take foot tour is possible with fantastic views on 5000m high mountains of Alatau.Medeo Skating Rink
The Medeo skating rink is one of the most famous ice rinks in the world. But I'm sure that you have never heard about it ;( .During winter Medeo is open for public every day, in summer only on two days a week. By reason of location.1700 m above sea level, but of course it's not working when it's warm((roofless)).
Charyn Canyon for Rafting
Valley of the Castles...I love this place...The Charyn River is running through the deep canyon with bizarre rock monuments in shape of castles and towers on top of steep rocky walls.The Charyn has some of the world's finest rafting - mostly of the highest level of difficulty, which should only be attempted with professional(I had this experience ;p)Big Almaty Lake





