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3-Day Almaty Tour: Assy Plateau, Turgen Waterfalls & Nomad Experience
I recently made my third visit to Kazakhstan, but it was the first time I truly had the chance to explore the country. My first visit, in 2014, was just a short layover in Almaty, while my second, in 2020, was a work trip to Astana. Each time I left disappointed that I hadn’t been able to experience the incredible landscapes and rich culture this vast country is known for. More than anything, I wanted to see the traditional nomadic way of life and the breathtaking scenery that so many travelers rave about. With a long weekend in Beijing, I decided to book a short 3-day tour with Trekking Club.…
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Traveling Through Astana, Kazakhstan: The World’s 2nd Coldest Capital City
Astana is Kazakhstan’s capital city and the second coldest capital on earth after Ulaanbaatar. Though probably not the best idea, I went in January, right in the middle of the winter. Compared to Almaty, Kazakhstan’s second largest city, there is considerably less to see in Astana, despite it being marketed as “futuristic capital.” This was my second trip to Kazakhstan (first one back in 2014) and my visit was much better. Being in Astana was the closest thing to stardom I’ve ever experienced. Everywhere I went I was greeted with smiles and asked for a photo. I’m not sure who they thought I was, but I enjoyed the love. If you…
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Backpacking 48 Hours in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Traveling to Almaty, Kazakhstan was one of the most unusual experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I knew traveling to a post Soviet state as a black man would turn heads, but I never felt more foreign than I did in the 48 hours I spent during my layover here. I will admit, I was a bit nervous when I arrived at Almaty airport. There was something about this country that was a bit frightening. I remember being yelled at by immigration minutes upon arrival. When I handed my passport to the immigration officer, she browsed through my pages and shouted “NO VISA!” with an angry look on her…
