KAZAKHSTAN

Thanks to its abundance of oil and minerals, landlocked Kazakhstan is Central Asia’s largest, wealthiest and most advanced country, covering a vast terrain that exceeds that of Western Europe. With its layered heritage, vibrant cities and spectacular scenery, it offers an essential addition to any Silk Road odyssey.

Well-informed travellers often swerve present capital Astana for the cultural cosmopolis and former Soviet capital of Almaty. Located at the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, this historic garden city is criss-crossed with leafy boulevards, landscaped parks and a plethora of cafés and boutiques. The ALZhIR Museum-Memorial Complex offers a poignant glimpse into Kazakhstan’s troubled past , while 19th-century neo-Russian landmarks include the splendid Zenkov Cathedral, one of world’s tallest wooden buildings.

Immense landscapes signal an opportunity to slow down and pause, watching nomadic life unfold on the sprawling, yurt-dotted Kazakh Steppe. Discover the dramatic red rock formations of Charyn Canyon and the lofty vistas of the Talgar Pass, not forgetting Altyn-Emel National Park, home to multihued mountains and the famous Singing Dune.