InterContinental Almaty Destination

In 1945 the theater was named after Abai. Over forty western and Kazakh pieces are performed, including operas, ballets and classical music performances. Another famous opera staged in the Abay Opera House -"Abay", music by Akhmed Zhubanov and Latif Khamidi, libretto by Mukhtar Auezov. The last renovation of the building was completed in 2000.

It was founded in the 70-s of the XIX century on the place of a cossackvillage cemetery.Visitors of the park can also see other memorials installed there: the bust of Ivan Panfilov, the monument to the soldiers killed in the Wold War II, Afghan war and other monuments. But, the park is famous not only for the monuments to war heroes. The territory of the Park includes several historical buildings such as: Ascension Cathedral, the Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, Officers‘ House.

The Almaty Zoo is one of the largest and oldest zoological parks in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Founded in 1937. During the years of its activity, All animals are distributed in six sections. Aquarium, Exotarium, Aviary (section of birds), mammals -ungulates, carnivores, primates.

Take a look at the city with a bird's-eye view ... Kok Tobe Park is one of the symbols of the city of Almaty and the whole of Kazakhstan, located on the peak of Kok Tobe mountain at an altitude of 1,100 meters above sea level. In the park you can visit the unique attraction "Ferris Wheel", which reaches a height of 30 meters, 1136 meters above sea level, take a ride on fast coasted, walk along lovers alley, and take a picture with famous ―Beatles band.

If you wish to explore the city you can contact Concierge who will be happy to arrange a personal sightseeing tour of Almaty city with a professional guide. The hotel driver will point out the main places of interest as you drive along.

The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the oldest and largest museums not only in Kazakhstan, but also the entire Central Asian region. The collections of the museum include about 300 thousand objects. Currently, the museum has seven main stationary halls. Diverse collection provides a good picture of the paleontological past, of the ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary history and cultural tradition of Kazakhstan.

Along the whole promenade there is granite tile laid out, dry fountains with illumination at night, benches, urns, original lighting lanterns, author's small architectural forms, as well as modern playgrounds are installed.

Itt takes only 5minutes to walk to Republic Square. It was founded in 1980 as Almaty's biggest public square and is a regular place to hold parades and festivals. Locals particularly like it because it resembles a vast Kazakh steppe enclosed by mountain-like buildings. Even on hot stuffy summer evenings it is cooled by a fresh breeze from the fountains and it is probably the best place in the city to arrange to meet someone.

Big Almaty Lake is one of the most admirable mountain lakes in Trans-Ili Alatau. The lake located in picturesque gorge at 2510 metres above sea level and is surrounded on all sides by majestic peaks.

The Charyn river canyon is a remarkable natural wonder, formed by the passage of water over rock for centuries, forming a series of fairy castle-like rock formations. 200 kilometres away from Almaty. However, the best time to visit Charyn is spring and autumn.

To visit Almaty at the right time of the year is an excellent opportunity to do some skiing. Shymbulak mountain ski resort is located in the picturesque Zailiisky Alatau gorge is 2260 metres above sea level and just 25 kilometres from the centre of Almaty. The average temperature in summer is 20°C, in winter it is minus 7°C. It is covered in snow up to 150cm deep from November to May.

Medeo is a picturesque valley located 15 kilometres above Almaty. There, at the altitude of 1733 meters above sea level , you will enjoy an amazing panorama of the world's highest mountain speed skating rink surrounded by wonderful mountains of Trans-Ili Alatau. The rink is the Olympic-size ice stadium where more than 180 world records have been made. There is also a huge dyke and vast reservoir here.

Turgen Gorge is in the National Reserve, Ile-Alatau, 90 kilometres away from Almaty and has a depth of 44 kilometres. Turgen Gorge is rich in coniferous and mixed forests, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, lakes and springs. Moreover, you can admire by seven Turgen waterfalls.

Almaty's Zenkov Cathedral is one of the few Tsarist-era buildings to have survived the devastation of the 1911 earthquake and is also one of the most unique wooden buildings in the world.