Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is huge – the ninth largest country in the world. It’s also the most prosperous Central Asian country and this is reflected in its facilities for travelers. Almaty, in the south, is the biggest city in Kazakhstan and the heart of the nation. You’ll find the city cosmopolitan with a good mix of modern and Russian-style Orthodox architecture. The new capital is Astana, a city sprawled over Kazakhstan’s northern steppes. This bizarre place is a delight to behold, with some of the most unique architecture on earth. A lot of investment has gone into its infrastructure for guests and locals, and the wilderness that surrounds it adds to the mysterious allure of the city.

Beyond the cities, Kazakhstan is a country with vast natural landscapes to explore. Immense wilds stretch as far as the eye can see, and although these expanses are not always easy to reach (the country really is huge), the adventure is worthwhile. Hike through the Tian Shan mountains, an iconic range of jagged mountains, explore the small villages dotted throughout the plains and steppes and make the most of the fantastic hospitality of the locals. There are also hundreds of opportunities to snap the perfect wildlife picture.