Category: Kazakhstan

Astana, Kazakhstan

12/6/2023

Airport Rating *****
Reception of locals *****
Cost: ££££

A new, planned city that serves as the capital of Kazakhstan
Creative architecture that aims to be futuristic but feels like a vision of the future from 20 years ago
City feels fake, with little character, and reminds me of a smaller Dubai
No issues as a Sikh in the city or the airport and people are friendly
More expensive than Almaty but taxis are still super cheap
Main Sights: Bayterek Tower, Grand Mosque of Astana, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Presidential Park, Future Energy Museum,

22/5/2023

Airport Rating *****
Reception of locals ****
Cost: £££

The largest and most economically important city in Central Asia
Beautiful landscapes as the city sits beside the Ile Alatau mountain range
Very little English spoken in the city, although greater usage among the younger generation
People are relatively friendly, and I had no problems in the city or the airport as a Sikh
The city is affordable, although it is expensive to fly to, and the cost of food and accommodation was greater than I expected
Main Sights: Ascension Cathedral, Big Lake Almaty, Shymbulak, Kok-Tobe Hill, Green Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Museum of Folk Music Instruments, Almaty Museum, Abay Opera House, Almaty Central Mosque