Central Asia - Kazakhstan

The largest country of South Asia, with an area of approximately 2.7 million square km., the republic of Kazakhstan lies surrounded by Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and China. It is situated in the center of the huge Eurasian continent. The topography of Kazakhstan is varied, with a predominance of lowland and upland plains and rolling hill country, high mountains occur only in the northeast where the republic reaches into the Altai Mountains and southeast, where it extends to the Tien Shan Mountains. Powerful mountain ridges and plates looms, covering about 1/8th of the country’s area. Dramatic snow–white summits, give an enormous visual impact with snow, ice, rocks and gigantic glaciers. The climate becomes progressively drier from north to south, as the natural vegetation changes from grassland steppe in the north to deserts with irrigated oases in the south. The landscape is cut by a river network and interspersed with some 48,000 lakes.

The people of the region have an ancient and eventful history. Ancient civilizations are found in the whole area of Kazakhstan and middle Asian area with unique monuments of archaeology, pictographs, relics of ancient nomadic tribes and imposing treasures from Kasakh leaders. Near Alam Ata in the Tamgaly Oasis is a concentration of more than 1000 rock drawings, the earliest dating from the Bronze Age, later covered by successive ages up until the last century.

From many centuries, a part of the great Silk Road passed through Kazakhstan, connecting European and Asian civilization. Seventh century ancient Chinese letters describe southeastern Kazakhstan. Traders crossed the path of Kazakh shepherds roaming with their herds of sheep and horses traveling from the steppes to mountain summer pastures and back. For centuries a great trading market occupied the crossroad. This market played a significant part in cultural and material spheres of nomadic life.

Alam Ata is considering one of the most beautiful cities in central Asia. Spacious squares, straight, wide streets and avenues, and proud modern buildings, as well as uniquely carpentered, stuccoes, and tiled older homes stand among the city’s many parks and gardens. It rises slowly from flat plains of its northern districts to the feet of the snow-covered tops of Zailiiski Alatau, crowning the city on the south.

20 km from the capital lies Medeo at an altitude of 1600-1750m. One of the most scenic gorges of the Zailisky Alatau, its matchless beauty attracts numerous enthusiasts for nature, mountains, skiing and skating. Set with in this unique natural spot is the high–mountain Medeo skating rink. With one of the world’s quickest ice-skating paths, over 100 world records in speed skating have been set there.

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