Shymbulak Mountain Resort is a premier year-round alpine destination nestled high in the scenic Tien Shan Mountains of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks, snowy slopes, and beautiful landscapes, the views here are absolutely stunning and mesmerizing. It is one of the places you should definitely include in your Almaty itinerary, especially if you love nature, mountains, and winter scenery.

Located about 25 kilometers from Almaty’s city center, Shymbulak is surprisingly accessible. You can take a taxi using the Yandex Go app, or you can take Bus No. 12, depending on where you are staying. From the Medeu area, you can continue your journey to the resort via the cable car, which offers spectacular panoramic views as you ascend into the mountains.

The resort operates year-round, although the experience can be very different depending on the season. During our visit in April, there was still plenty of snow covering the resort. It was quite surprising because when we left the city center, there was no snow at all! This is one thing we learned during our trip—the weather and temperature in the mountains can be very different from what you experience in central Almaty.

As you can see from our photos, our outfits were definitely not prepared for a snowy mountain! We weren't even wearing thermal long sleeves because the weather in the city center was relatively comfortable and there was no snow. Fortunately, the cold at Shymbulak was still pretty manageable, especially when the sun was out. However, I would still recommend bringing a warm jacket, gloves, and other layers if you are visiting during the colder months or early spring.

For our trip, we booked a tour with Primo PH Travel and Tours, which included our Almaty city tour as well as a two-night stay in Saty Village. Saty Village was our base for exploring some of the famous natural attractions outside Almaty, including the beautiful lakes and canyons in the area.  We also spent two days in Almaty City Center to explore other nearby areas especially The Green Bazaar and the neighboring Rakhat Chocolate Factory. 

Our visit to Shymbulak was definitely one of the memorable parts of our Kazakhstan trip. From the breathtaking views and snowy mountains to the cable car ride and the unexpected cold, it was an experience that showed us just how diverse the landscapes around Almaty can be. One moment you're walking around the city without snow, and the next, you're surrounded by a winter wonderland high in the mountains!

Travel tip: If you're visiting Shymbulak in April, don't assume that the weather in Almaty city will be the same as in the mountains. Bring extra layers and prepare for much colder temperatures at higher elevations. And, of course, don't forget your camera—the views are absolutely worth capturing!

Our Experience at Charyn Canyon

For our family, however, visiting Charyn Canyon was not just about admiring the scenery—it was also quite an adventure!

From the parking area and trailhead at the top of the canyon, the walk down toward the Charyn River is approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers one way, depending on the exact route taken. We initially decided to walk down to the river, thinking that the hike would be manageable. It took us roughly 50 minutes to an hour to reach the bottom.

Going down was already a bit tiring, but the real challenge was the walk back up.

Looking back, walking both ways was really not a good idea for us, especially with the intense heat. The canyon can become extremely hot, and there is very little shade along parts of the route. The heat made the uphill walk particularly difficult.

Thankfully, there are small shuttle vans/minibuses (often referred to by visitors as taxis) that can take visitors between the upper area and the lower canyon. During our visit, the fare was 900 tenge one way. If I could give one piece of advice to other families visiting Charyn Canyon, especially those traveling with young children, it would be this: take the shuttle at least one way—particularly for the uphill return journey.

The experience became especially emotional for us because my daughter, Julia, cried so hard when we were midway back up. It had become extremely hot, and she was exhausted from the walk. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to see her struggling in the heat. That moment definitely taught us that sometimes the scenic option isn't necessarily the best option when traveling with children!

Lunch by the Charyn River

After reaching the lower part of the canyon, we had our lunch near the Charyn River. There are huts and resting areas in the area, which made it a nice place to stop and recover after the walk.

We brought our own food and ate our packed lunch there. During our visit, we did not find food or drinks available for purchase, so I would strongly recommend bringing sufficient food and, most importantly, plenty of drinking water. The heat can be intense, and staying hydrated is very important when exploring the canyon.

More Than Just Rocks and Canyons

One of the things I found particularly interesting after learning more about Charyn Canyon is that the area is also ecologically important.

The canyon and surrounding national park contain unique vegetation, including relict ash forests. The famous Sogdian ash grove is considered a particularly rare natural feature, with similar relict ash forests occurring in only a few places in the world. There are also groves of turanga, an Asian poplar species, growing in the lower areas of the canyon.

The national park is also home to a variety of wildlife. Recent Kazakhstan government information notes that the park supports numerous species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, including several rare and protected species.

There are even ancient rock carvings and archaeological remains in parts of the canyon area, adding another layer of history to a place that is already millions of years old geologically

Our Kazakhstan Tour

We visited Charyn Canyon as part of a 3-day/2-night tour with Primo PH Travel and Tours. Our tour package included two nights of accommodation in Saty Village, which served as our base during this part of our Kazakhstan adventure.

Charyn Canyon was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. The scenery is breathtaking, but our experience also reminded us that beautiful destinations can sometimes be physically demanding—especially when traveling with children.

If you're planning to visit Charyn Canyon, my biggest recommendations would be:

• Bring plenty of drinking water.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
• Bring sun protection such as hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• Avoid walking back up the canyon during the hottest part of the day if possible.
• Consider taking the shuttle/minibus for the uphill journey, particularly if you're traveling with children or older family members.
• Bring your own snacks and food if your tour does not include meals.
• Spring and autumn may be more comfortable seasons for exploring the canyon because summer temperatures can be intense.

The Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, was completed in 1907. It is made entirely of wood and was constructed without using a single metal nail. Standing at 56 meters high, it is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. As you walk inside the cathedral, you can admire beautiful religious paintings, intricate wooden artwork, and icons. Entrance is free, but women are required to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees. Hats must also be removed when entering the cathedral.

Zenkov Cathedral is located in the heart of Almaty. From our accommodation at Abay Hostel, it was just within walking distance. However, it was still included in our 3D/2N tour with Primo PH Travel and Tours. We spent our two nights in Almaty at Saty Village, which is located near several popular tourist attractions, including Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, Charyn Canyon, Moon Canyon, and Black Canyon.

The cathedral is located along Gogol Street and can easily be reached on foot or by metro. If you take the metro, you can get off at Zhibek Zholy Station and walk from there. Near the cathedral, there is also a spot where you can feed pigeons, making it a fun place to take photos and capture memorable moments.

Overall, Zenkov Cathedral is a beautiful and historic landmark that is definitely worth visiting when exploring Almaty. Its unique wooden architecture, colorful interior, and peaceful surroundings make it one of the city's must-see attractions.

The park is named in honor of the 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, soldiers of the 316th Rifle Division who fought during the Battle of Moscow in November 1941. The soldiers became celebrated for their resistance against the advancing German forces during World War II. The division was commanded by Major General Ivan Panfilov, whose name is also closely associated with the park and its memorials.

One of the park's most significant attractions is the Memorial of Glory, which was unveiled in 1975 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II. The memorial complex includes several sculptural sections representing courage, sacrifice, and victory. At its center is the famous Eternal Flame, which was lit in 1975 and remains an important place for visitors to pay their respects to those who died during the war.

The three Kolsay Lakes are located at different elevations, ranging from around 1,800 to 2,800 meters above sea level, and each offers a different experience. The air here is so crisp, cool, and fresh—something you can immediately feel the moment you arrive.

Unfortunately, we only managed to visit the Lower Kolsay Lake, as reaching the Middle Lake requires an approximately 8-kilometer hike. Given our limited time, we decided to enjoy the lower lake instead and simply take in the beautiful scenery around us. And honestly, even just seeing the Lower Lake was already worth the trip.

One thing I noticed is that the road going to Kolsay Lake is paved and smooth, unlike the road to Kaindy Lake, which can be quite rough and bumpy. The journey to Kolsay was therefore much more comfortable, allowing us to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Overall, Kolsay Lake was one of the highlights of our Kazakhstan trip. 🇰🇿❤️ There is something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by mountains, forests, and crystal-clear alpine water. It is the kind of place where you don't need to do much—you can simply stand there, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate how beautiful nature can be.

Kolsay Lake is definitely a place I would love to visit again someday, hopefully with more time to hike toward the other lakes. 🏔️💙

Khujand, Tajikistan’s second-largest city after Dushanbe, is a fascinating destination for travelers interested in ancient Silk Road history, vibrant local markets, and rich cultural heritage. With more than 2,500 years of history, the city offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and Soviet-era architecture.

One of the highlights of Khujand is the Khujand Fortress, one of the largest fortifications in Central Asia. Located along the Syr Darya River, the fortress played an important role in the history of the Great Silk Road. Although the original fortress was destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the present complex is a reconstruction that offers visitors a glimpse into Khujand’s remarkable past. The beautifully landscaped gardens and impressive main building, with its stunning interiors, make it a memorable place to explore.

The complex features restored citadel walls, traditional artisan workshops, and five exhibition halls showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of the Tajik people.

Have you visited this amazing fortress? What was your favorite part of Khujand?

We got here on a day tour booked through GetYourGuide, with hotel pick-up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.  Since this is a day trip, you will need to cross the Uzbekistan-Tajikistan border twice - once when entering Tajikisan and again when returniong to Uzbekistan.  It is therefore very important to note that you must obtain a double-entry visa for Uzbekistan if this is your planned route.  Khujand can also be reached from Tajikistan's capitan, Dushanbe.  Alternively, there is a rail connection from Samarkand, Uzbekistan, making it another possible route to consider.

The areas we visited are:

1. Park Imeni Kamola Khudzhandi

2. Historical Museum of Sughd Region

3 Khujand Fortress

4. Panjshanbe Bazaar

5. Arbob Palace (The Grand Palace)

A big thank you to the best guide ever, Shahrom Makhsumov, who took us around Khujand, showed us the very best of the city, and assisted us in every way possible.  Your kindness, hospitality, and effort made our experience truly unforgettable.  We're so grateful for everything!

Known as the “Magic City” or the “Disneyland of Uzbekistan,” Magic City is one of the largest amusement and entertainment parks in Central Asia. Located in the heart of Tashkent, the sprawling 21-hectare complex combines amusement rides, themed attractions, entertainment, shopping, dining, and impressive architecture, making it a popular destination for both families and tourists.

One of the park’s most eye-catching landmarks is its 60-meter-tall fairy-tale castle, inspired by the grand castles of classic fairy tales, Disney-inspired architecture, and Germany’s famous Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle creates a magical centerpiece and is especially spectacular when illuminated at night.

Magic City is also home to Central Asia’s first public aquarium, where visitors can explore an underwater world and see a variety of marine life. Beyond the aquarium, the park offers plenty of entertainment, including a Magic Museum, cinemas, carnival games, simulators, bumper cars, roller coasters, and other indoor attractions, making it possible to enjoy the park even when the weather isn't ideal.

In the evenings, Magic City becomes even more spectacular with its daily laser and fountain shows, adding music, lights, and colorful water displays to the already lively atmosphere. There are also numerous restaurants, cafés, shops, and other entertainment venues throughout the complex, so visitors can easily spend several hours—or even an entire day—exploring.

Perhaps one of the best things about Magic City is that entrance to the park is completely free. Visitors only need to pay separately for individual rides, games, and selected attractions. The park is generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, giving visitors plenty of time to experience both its daytime attractions and its spectacular nighttime atmosphere.

With its fairy-tale castle, international-themed streets, aquarium, amusement rides, entertainment venues, and free admission, Magic City is more than just an amusement park—it is an entire entertainment destination and one of the most unique places to visit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

From our accommodation in Saty Village, we were picked up by a rugged Soviet-era van, which was the perfect vehicle for the journey to Kaindy Lake. The road is rough, rocky, and mostly unpaved, with steep and uneven sections that require a sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle. The ride itself was already an adventure, taking us through the beautiful mountain landscape and rugged terrain of the area.

From the main parking area, visitors can either rent a horse or hike to the lake. We chose to hike, which took us about 45 minutes. Although the trail was challenging in some parts, the scenic surroundings, fresh mountain air, and anticipation of seeing the famous sunken forest made the trek well worth the effort.

horse ride from the main parking to the lake