Kazakhstan's Charyn Canyon delivers a smaller Grand Canyon four hours from Almaty, Big Almaty Lake mirrors the Tien Shan above the city, and Astana (Nur-Sultan) showcases steppe-capital architecture by Foster, Kurokawa, and Manfredi.
Highlights
Nur-Sultan
Almaty
Charyn Canyon
Baikonur
When to Visit
May-Jun
Almaty apple blossoms (the city is the apple's birthplace), Charyn Canyon walking comfortable, and the steppe wildflower bloom across Tian Shan foothills.
Jul-Aug
Almaty hits 32°C, but Big Almaty Lake at 2,500m stays cool, and the Kolsai Lakes accessible by 4WD from Saty village.
Sep-Oct
Charyn autumn colour through October, Almaty fruit harvest at peak markets, and Astana's expo grounds pleasant for the cooling capital plateau.
Nov-Apr
Bitter steppe winter at -25°C in Astana, Almaty milder, and Shymbulak ski resort runs December-March 30 minutes from downtown Almaty.
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