Category: Hints

The Central park in Астана has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, when the city was still called Akmolinsk and served as a caravan crossroads on the steppe. Over time, the park has witnessed periods of both decline and revitalization, evolving with the city’s dramatic transformation from a regional town to the modern capital of Kazakhstan. One of the city’s oldest living relics, a black poplar tree planted over 130 years ago, still stands in the park and is considered an important symbol of Астана’s heritage and the community’s connection to its past.

Continue reading “Along the Ishim”

The Central Mosque in Астана, also known as the Астана Grand Mosque, stands as a magnificent architectural landmark and the largest mosque in Central Asia. Its grand scale is immediately striking, featuring a massive main dome that is about 83.2 meters high and 62 meters in diameter, making it one of the largest domes of its kind in the world. Surrounding it are four towering minarets each reaching 130 meters tall, symbolically divided into five parts representing the five pillars of Islam. The mosque’s exterior is beautifully detailed with white Arabic calligraphy on a blue background, and the entrance boasts one of the tallest wooden doors globally, standing 12.4 meters tall and crafted from hard iroko wood imported from Africa. This blend of scale and intricate detail creates a sense of awe from the moment you approach the mosque.

Continue reading “Орталық мешіті”

Baiterek tower in Астана is a prominent symbol deeply intertwined with Kazakhstan’s modern history and cultural identity. Built between 1996 and 2002 to coincide with the capital’s relocation from Алматы to Астана in 1997, the tower stands 97 meters tall, symbolizing the year of this important transition. Its design is inspired by a Kazakh myth about the Tree of Life, where a sacred bird named Samruk laid an egg in the tree’s branches, represented by the golden sphere atop the tower. This concept embodies the connection between the earth, life, and the sky, making the tower more than just a structural landmark – it signifies new beginnings and the hopes of the nation.

Continue reading “Iconic”

Visiting the mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmed Yasawi in Түркістан, Kazakhstan is an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in history, architecture, or spirituality. The immense structure stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Timurid architecture, with its grand domes and intricate tile work catching the sunlight in stunning patterns. The mausoleum is not just a monument, but an active pilgrimage destination, drawing people from across the region to pay their respects and absorb the serene atmosphere that pervades the site.

Continue reading “Unfinished mausoleum”

The two Kolsai lakes near Саты offer a truly spectacular retreat for nature lovers and adventurers. Known as Kolsai-1 and Kolsai-2, these alpine jewels are encircled by pine forests, striking peaks, and lush slopes dotted with wildflowers. Kolsai-1, the lowest and most accessible, sits at around 1,800 meters above sea level and is an ideal spot for picnics, easy walking, and canoeing. The tranquility of the lake, especially in the early morning when mist hovers over crystal-clear waters, makes it a perfect escape from the buzz of daily life.

Continue reading “Kolsai”

Located within the rugged Tien Shan mountains, Kaindy lake is one of Kazakhstan’s most surreal natural wonders. Just a short drive from the small mountain village of Саты, the lake instantly captivates with its ghostly, submerged spruce trunks and impossibly clear, blue-green waters. At over 2,000 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and tinged with pine, and the scenery feels untouched – a living postcard that hardly seems real.

Continue reading “Буханка”

The Қара каньон near Актогай is one of Kazakhstan’s lesser-known but truly awe-inspiring natural wonders. Stretching approximately three kilometers wide and plunging to depths of up to 300 meters, the canyon dazzles with its dramatic cliffs, layered rock faces, and vibrant colors that shift throughout the day. Standing on the edge, you are greeted by sweeping vistas and a remarkable sense of isolation, far from the crowds, making it perfect for travelers craving unspoiled wilderness and jaw-dropping photo opportunities.

Continue reading “Black canyon”