Beauty of Kazakhstan - Lake Kaindy

Beautiful nature of Kazakhstan

Here is another beauty of Kazakhstan that I wanted to share - Lake Kaindy - which means 'birch tree lake', located in south Kazakhstan, within the Kolsay Lakes National Park.  It took us 1 hour plus from Charyn Canyon to Saty Village. We could see the beautiful snow-capped mountains on our way there. Also village life with cows, horses, yurts, and so on.

Beautiful Village Life in Kazakhstan

"The lake was formed as the result of a major limestone landslide triggered by the 1911 Kebin earthquake forming a natural dam. It blocked the gorge and was filled by mountain river water. Lake Kaindy is about 400 meters long, reaching depths of nearly 30 meters at its deepest point. Altered by limestone deposits, the water maintains a bluish-green color." (Source: wikipedia.org)

Beautiful Kazakhstan - Saty Village

We managed to reach the place before it turned dark. It was not a very easy journey. From there, we had to take another ride of a very old Russian jeep, and go through a severe bumpy road, and sometimes a deep water puddle. Our kind and caring driver was very skillful in both the driving and direction, even when the sky had turned dark. He kept us safe all through our journey.

Our caring driver focus on the road ahead - Journey to Lake Kaindy from Saty Village

My friend and I were sitting at the back of the vehicle. Little did I know that sitting at the back gave us the most bumpy situation compared with those who sat in front and in the middle. Our butts and heads were often bumping with the car seats and ceilings, but still, we had great fun. We had the fun that those sat in front and middle would never experience. Hahahahaha..... Even our guide told us that children loved most sitting at the back. And instead of complaining, they wanted more and did not wish the car to end the journey. But perhaps, I was a bit too old for that kind of fun :P

Changed to another jeep to Lake Kaindy 

Again, we stopped at one place. Here, we were given the choice to ride horse with additional cost or take the jeep. We were quite running out of time, so we were sticking our choice with taking a jeep. The driver, seemed to be Kazakh's army, was kind enough to drive us all the way until the nearest entry to the Lake, which otherwise he would stop us somewhere further and we had to walk on our own. And this time, I chose to sit in front seat. 

Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan

"This lake had recently become a popular international tourist destination as someone posted it on TikTok and made it famous," as said by our guide.

Simply beautiful!!! Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan

The Lake Kaindy was simply beautiful and I was mesmerized by it fully!!! The water was clear. The color was green bluish, plus the reflections were really beautiful!!! The mirror effects reflected the trees (some with yellowish leaves) that existed surrounding it.

Seized the memories - Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan 

We spent our time there clicking our camera here and there, capturing beautiful moments and scenery.

Peace and serene - Lake Kaindy, Kazakhstan

What an experience. We finished when the sky had turned dark and the driver drove us back to where we began. It was such a lovely place!!! It was worth the bluish butt and the bumped head.... :D

Beauty of Kazakhstan - Charyn Canyon

Beautiful Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan :)

After few days spent at the city centers, we finally visited some beautiful nature in Kazakhstan. First one was Charyn Canyon or Sharyn Canyon, located about 200 km away from Almaty, a beautiful canyon on the Charyn River, part of the State National Natural Park of Charyn. The canyon was formed by many formations colorful sedimentary rock and in many different shapes. It was just like a small version of the Grand Canyon.

Beginning part of Charyn Canyon National Park

Upon reaching the area, we entered into a visitor center, toilet, shop and small coffee place. There was also a restaurant (the only one) where we had our lunch. If you want, you could pay to play the archery there as well. Once ready, we had to go down through the staircases and from there we walked through the path in between the canyons.

Animal-looking rocks (in my imagination) :D - Charyn Canyon - Kazakhstan

Lovely flower and nice path to walk around - Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Share with you some of the beautiful shapes and colors plus white blue sky above us (we were very lucky with the weather there!!!)

Beautiful layers of rocks at Charyn Canyon - Kazakhstan

More photos - Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

Wish-fulfilling stacked stones - Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan :)

Upon reaching the riverside, many wish-fulfilling stacked stones were seen. I did not want to miss this chance to stack one myself :) It was just simply beautiful and I loved it so much! :)

Old Russian jeep squeezing through the hole at Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

We walked all the way until the Charyn riverside and opted to pay for the old Russian jeep ride back to where we started. Interesting picture the above where the jeep tried to squeeze its way through the canyon's triangle hole.

Charyn River - Kazakhstan

A cool place to chill after a walk and waiting place for the old Russian jeep to come.

View from inside the old Russian jeep - Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan 

Way back to where we started - Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

We ended our walk back to where we started. It was a fun and nice experience to walk through the Charyn Canyon. A must visit place when you go to Kazakhstan. Will share you more the beauty of Kazakhstan in the next post. Hope you enjoy viewing the beautiful nature :)

Almaty, Kazakhstan

Breakfast buffet at Renion Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 

After 2 days of a very limited choice of breakfast buffet at Jelsomino Hotel in Astana, our 3rd day buffet felt like a feast!!! Upon looking at a wide variety of fruits on the buffet table, my eyes were sparkling right away as if looking at gold bars in front of me :D

I had a bit of constipation for the first few days of my travel as I did not drink enough water (in flight and during travelling) and did not eat enough fruits that were good and helping my suggestion system. 

That was why I was so happy looking at the breakfast spread and immediately filled my plate with variety of fruits, took a cup of yoghurt, and another plate of salad plus the aromatic Americano from the coffee machine. 

Later on I squeezed some parts of my stomach with two sunny-side up eggs, chicken samosa, and beef samosa :D

In our itinerary, we supposed to visit the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However it was Tuesday and the museum was closed. Therefore, our cheerful and high spirit guide directed us to another museum, Almaty Museum, and briefed us the history of the city. 

Almaty Museum - Almaty, Kazakhstan

The name of the city, Almaty, used to be called Alma-ata, meaning 'father of apples' because apples grew wild in the Tian Shan mountain, and Almaty was the origin of these cultivated apple.

It is the largest city in Kazakhstan with a population more than 2 million people. It used to be the capital of Kazakhstan until year 1997, the government relocated its capital to Astana. Too many people living in Almaty while road was narrow, also air pollution and traffic jam was getting worse. Nevertheless, Almaty is still the most developed, most ethnically and culturally diverse city, as well as the major commercial, financial, and cultural center of Kazakhstan.

Republic Square of Almaty, Kazakhstan

Next, we visited the Republic Square, also known as the Independence Square or New Square with the former presidential palace, now used as  Almaty's city Mayor's office. Many national celebrations were held in this square. Below, they build underground shopping center back in 2007 and finished in 2012, currently under renovation again.

Ascension Zenkov Cathedral - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Museum of Musical Instruments, 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park - Almaty, Kazakhstan

We moved to Ascension Zenkov Cathedral (a Russian Orthodox church, built entirely of wood, erected without a single nail) passing through the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (wooden building built in 1908, in old Russian architecture style, and filled with more than 1,000 instrument items inside); Panfilov Park of 28 Guardsmen (named after the Panfilov heroes who were the 28 soldiers of an Alma-Ata Infantry unit who allegedly died while defending Moscow from the German invasion during the World War 2 and the park used to be the old cemetery park), Memorial Complex World War 2 and the Eternal Flame.

Souvenir shops - Almaty Green Bazaar

Meat products, pickles, dairy products, honey - Almaty Green Bazaar

Dried fruits, spices, sweets - Almaty Green Bazaar

From there, we walked all the way to the Almaty Green Bazaar on Zenkov Street. We browsed through the souvenir shops, stationery stalls, clothing, various local food products such as: dried fruits, dried nuts, sweets, honey, spices, pickles, products from animals meat (kazy - horse meat sausage, kurdyuk - salted or smoked sheep butt lard), kimys and shubat (fermented horse and camel milk), as well as cream, cream cheese, yoghurt, kefir, kurt (dried cheese), and so on. 

Dried fruits and nuts tasting at the Almaty Green Bazaar

You cab try some of the products before buying or even without buying. Kazakh's local dried fruits products includes apricots, raisins, apples, cherries, and mulberries. These fruits are carefully selected, sun-dried, and packaged to preserve their natural flavors and nutritional value. Kazakhstan is also known for its premium quality nuts, such as: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and hazelnuts. These nuts are harvested, shelled, and dried to ensure maximum freshness and taste. These types of dried products are very good gifts to bring back home as it is easy to store and carry inside your luggage.

Rakhat chocolate factory - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Located at about 5 minutes walk from the market, we stopped at the Lotte Rakhat JSC (Joint Stock Company) chocolate factory and confectionery store. The well-known one is the one with light blue cover - as shown at the above photo. If you take the Air Astana flight, they will give you the smaller piece during your flight as sample and national proud. 

Here, they also sell a wide variety of chocolate, sweets and biscuits, perfect for the sweet tooth person!! And also, a perfect gift to bring back home. Fyi, LOTTE Rakhat JSC is the only confectionary enterprise in Kazakhstan that has developed the production of special products for people with diabetes. This range includes several names of chocolate, sweets, cookies and wafers with lowered caloricity and sugar substitution for an equivalent natural raw material.

Almaty Central Mosque

We visited one of the largest mosques in Almaty and in Kazakhstan. It was designed to accommodate 7,000 worshippers, built on the site of the old Tatar mosque that dated to 1890 and caught fire in 1987. 

Kok Tobe Hill Gondola Cableway - Almaty, Kazakhstan

After having our late lunch, we headed to the Kok Tobe Hill by taking the cable car. "Kok Tobe" means "blue hill" in Russian language. It is a popular recreation area for local and also a nice place to see Almaty panorama city view and snow-capped mountains view at the surrounding plus sunset viewing from the top of the hill.

Kok Tobe - Recreation area on top of the mountain - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Up there, there are small amusement park containing Ferris wheel, apple fountain - wish fulfilling fountain while tossing a coin, small zoo, the Beatles statue, Kazakhstan local souvenir and handicraft shops, playground and rope park for children, and so on. 

 

Enjoying sunset at Monteverde Cafe on top of Kok Tobe Hill - Almaty, Kazakhstan

We found a table and comfortable sofa where we could have our coffee, dessert, ice cream, local beer, and even food for dinner at the Monteverde Cafe. We sat down, relaxed, chit chatted and watched the sun went down. Such a beautiful scenery up there.

If you have more time, you can also visit the Shymbulak mountain and ski resort, located around 25 km from the Almaty city. The place is popular for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days and great amount of snow through the winter. 

So, hope you had an idea where to go, what to do, and how Almaty looked like by now and enjoyed looking at the photos too :)

Koshpendiler Alemi Ethnoaul - The Universe of Nomad - 5th World Nomad Games 2024 in Astana, Kazakhstan

Koshpendiler Alemi Ethnoaul (Universe of Nomads): the heritage of the steppes in the center of the metropolis

The Koshpendiler Alemi Ethnoaul or the Universe of Nomad - the heritage of the steppes in the center of the metropolis - was organized at the Kazanat (horse racing) hippodrome. It was the day when we watched the horseback archery competition, we visited the Ethnoaul, which happened to be held at the same place. I had heard about it from the World Nomad Games website, but I had no idea on how it was going to look like.

So I was so thrilled and exciting upon entering the area. They organized it in a way where everyone would be able to immerse themselves in the rich world of the Kazakh people and be acquainted with the original culture of nomadic peoples. It was simply amazing!!! It was just like an open-air museum showcasing the nomadic civilization. No words could describe how lucky we were to experience it in such a short visit in Astana.

Altybakan - Kazakh wooden swing (Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan)

After checking out our ticket at the main entrance, we saw this big wooden swing, which later on I found out its name to be Altybakan - literally meaning six pillars. The Kazakh swings were built of six pillars. The ends of which were drawn with a strong rope with a cross-pole established on the top, and a pair of ropes for legs and a seat was secured (a big plank of wood). People stood out or sat down on it and swaying front and back. My roommate and I tried swaying on it. Well, it was easier to see than be done. Hahahaha... Perhaps, if we had this during our childhood, we would not have difficulty in swaying it around :P 

Shygys Bazary (Oriental Bazaar) - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

As we walked, we were entering the Shygys bazary (Oriental Bazaar) and smelled the delicious golden flaky Kazakh Samsa with savory goodness!!!Too bad that we just had our breakfast from the hotel. Therefore, we had to give it a miss and continued browsing around. Basically the bazaar was built in a row of yurts (nomad tents) - restaurants or cafes inside the tents - where people could taste the local authentic Kazakh national dishes, snacks, and delicacies.

Sheberler Auyly (Village of Craftsmen) - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

We passed by the Sheberler Auyly (village of craftsmen) where you could purchase a variety of souvenirs. It was said that more than two hundred artisans from all over the country would present their unique products and share the secrets of their craft.

Outdoor music performance from Atyrau and Almaty Region - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

The things that I found it most interesting there were the display of different styles of ethno-tent, which came from different regions in Kazakhstan. People were wearing their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses, completed with the head, shoes, accessories, and they were singing, dancing, playing the musical instruments, inside and outside, welcoming the guests from all over the world to visit their tent. They displayed their animals too, such as the Tazy hunting dog, hunting eagle, etc. Not only that. They were even displaying their food, and let us try their local delicacies, everything that were on display.

Beautiful eagle and handsome owner :D - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

For the photo below: Initially they were outside the tent. So we asked them if we could take a photo together. After taking photo, they invited us to enter their tent. Inside, there was a display of their local food. Again, we took a group photo inside. Then, they asked us to taste their food, whatever we wanted. This warm hospitality was called "konakas" - a tradition of hospitality by providing the guest with the most delicious food and do everything to make them feeling safe and comfortable. 

Inside the Kostanay-tent - Flatbread, varieties of kurt (dried cheese), horse and camel milk, etc. - Ethnoaul 

Wow!!! I heard about their hospitality before I came here by reading the article online, but I never expected that they really offered their food from inside the tent. I thought that it was only for display.

There were so many varieties of snacks and food, with some that I never tasted before, on the table, such as: kumys (mare's milk), shubat (camel's milk), kurt and its varieties (Kazakh dried cheese) - including the colorful ones, qazi - traditional Kazakh horse meat sausage that only the wealthy could afford in the past, dried fruits (apricots, raisins, dates), nuts (walnuts), zheti shelpek - the round flatbread, roasted in oil, "bauyrsaq” - a round or diamond-shaped doughnut - a symbol of brotherhood, unity, and abundance, butter, cheese, samosa, etc. 

If you never heard before, the traditional Kazakh cuisine revolved around lamb and horse meat, as well as a variety of dairy milk products. It was our second day of the trip and we had not tasted the horse meat yet because we did not know how it tasted like. We worried that if we ordered it in the restaurant as a dish, and if it happened not nice, then we would waste the whole dish. So when they offered us to try it, we did not hesitate a single second and gave it a try to it immediately!

Inside Kostanay tent - Shuzuk and qazi - horse meat delicacies tasting. Yum!!!! - Ethnoaul in Astana

I tried both kumys and shubat. Kumys was a bit sour. Perhaps they had kept it too long outside and not that fresh. Shubat was ok. Not really my favorite but I was glad that I tried. Then we tried all things in the plate that contained kurt (dried cheese). Some a little bit salty, some hard, some soft. Nice experience!

Then, it was the horse delicacies or qazi. I tried 2 types. First the one shaped like a cut sausage, but inside was lots of yellow fat. Another one also like a cut sausage, but more like mixture of meat and fat. If I was not wrong, it was called shuzuk. They usually smoked and dried it, and served it in slices as an appetizer. It was made by combining the rib meat and fat in an intestinal casing. Interesting right? Moreover, I was surprised that it tasted reaaaalllyyyy gooodddd..... hahahaha... really tasty!!! From there onwards, we ordered horse meat dishes a lot when having our meals in Kazakhstan :D They entertained us by singing and playing dombra - a long-necked musical string instrument - after that. 

Wedding ceremony from Karaganda Region + Shashu - scattering candies - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

In another tent, we experienced another Kazakhstan culture, which was the wedding ceremony that usually performed in the Karaganda region. They showed us the whole processes with music and singing, and at the end, they also performed "shashu" ritual, literally meaning 'scattering', by tossing out sweets, dried cheese, chocolates, etc. at the end of the ceremony, while reciting “nūr zhausyn” (may the light of heaven fall upon you). This ritual was done as a symbolic act of wishing everyone wealth and happiness. 

Dumandy dala (joyful steppe) concerts at Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan

We also had a chance to watch the Dumandy dala (Joyful Steppe) concerts representing the best regional groups from all over the country, consisting the ethno-folklore ensembles, Kazakh national orchestras, soloists, dance groups in the traditional ethnic style, poet reading, and so on. Btw, I was almost mistakenly that I had met Abai Qunanbaiuly, a very famous Kazakh poet, composer, philosopher, and also a founder of the modern Kazakh literature.

My Almaty's guide thought I saw his ghost. Hahahahaha.... It turned up that he had passed away long long time ago back in 1904, but Kazakhs people considered Abai, through his nationalism poetry, as one of the first cultural heroes to penetrate the surface of the entirety of their national awareness and the one who opened up Kazakhstan to many opportunities for education and philosophical diversity.

450 Kurak-korpe recorded in the Books of Records of Kazakhstan - Ethnoaul at Astana, Kazakhstan

At the ethno village, one of the unique events took place and I was lucky for witnessing the 450 Kazakhstani seamstresses breaking the world record by embroidering a patchwork blanket (1.5m x 90cm kurak-korpe with same size, technique, pattern, ornament and color scheme), when joined together, formed one huge beautiful carpet measuring 252m x 40m - included in the Book of Records of Kazakhstan "KINES", and nominated for the International Guinness Book of Records. 

Various Kazakh souvenirs from different regions - Ethnoaul at Astana, Kazakhstan 

And more artisan souvenirs from the Sheberler Auyly (Village of Craftsmen) at the photo above. 

There were a lot more things to see and experience but too bad we did not have so much time to spare. It opened from 8 to 13 September though. If I were to visit on my time, I would browse the tent one by one and experience everything there and immersed myself in the beautiful culture of Kazakhstan (also beautiful and handsome looking people of Kazakhstan) Hahahahaha.......

Seriously!!!! Since we landed in Astana airport, we had already felt amazed with the beautiful and handsome looking people of Kazakhstan as many Nomad Games volunteers were waiting there to fetch their guests. You could witness it yourself from the photos I shared in my blog ;)

More photos - Ethnoaul in Astana, Kazakhstan 

So, I hope you enjoy reading this and could imagine yourself how it looked like if you were there by just reading this. Bye for now :)

5th World Nomad Games 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan

Central Asia - 5 countries in 22 days (Itinerary Map - Reeverking.blogspot.com)

It was my dream to visit Central Asia. As someone who did not usually read news and did not learn about the world history, actually I had no idea what countries are they. I only knew that those countries mostly ended with "-stan", which mean "land of" according to the Persian suffix. It consist of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan (finally I knew how to spell each country while reading and researching the itinerary :D). 

Looked forward for the 5th World Nomad Games 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan

After around 8 months and so, we finally realized our dreams. We traveled to these 5 countries in 22 days. Our first stop was Astana or formally known as Nur-Sultan in Kazakhstan. I looked forward for this trip because the 5th World Nomad Games happened to be held there in Astana from 8 to 13 September 2024. 

"The World Nomad Games are international sports competitions in ethnic sports. The competition is based on folk games of historically nomadic peoples of Central Asia. WNG are aimed at the development of ethno-sports and ethno-cultural movement as a heritage of human civilization." - worldnomadgames.kz

Kok Par/ Kok Boru/ Buzkashi/ Ulak Tartysh - 5th World Nomad Games 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan

The World Nomad Games were also included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The 21 competitive games included horse races, national types of wrestling, horseback wrestling, traditional intellectual games, competitions in martial arts, traditional archery, national types of hunting with birds, horse racing, folk games, horse-back archery, kok par or kok boru, and so on.

5th World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony - 8 September 2024

We reached Astana on September 7th. And we were fortunate being able to get the opening ceremony ticket and watched it 'live' at the Astana Arena Stadium. It showcased the masterpieces of musical and choreographic culture in theatrical way. 

Famous local bands and singers were performing there too, such as: Dimash Kudaibergen with ”Kieli Meken” (Holy Land), Abyroy group sang “Rukh” (Spirit), Ulytau band playing Adai, Ayree with Oiladyn Ba, and so on (Fyi, I found out all about them only after returning back home. I would be crazy if I knew earlier about them and was watching them 'live' like that. Hahaha.... They were really super talented people and I loved hearing their music and songs). There were cultural performance and dances as well.

"The ceremony’s cultural performance took the audience through Kazakhstan’s history, featuring pivotal moments from the Tengri period, the legend of Altyn Adam (Golden Man), Tomiris, the Silk Road and the rise of the Kazakh Khanate, also known as Ulus of Jochi. The show of tradition and modernity highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a unifier of nations, symbolized by the shanyrak, a Kazakh symbol of unity and peace." - Astanatimes.com

Singapore team at the 5th World Nomad Games - Astana, Kazakhstan

Just like Olympic games, the World Nomad Games had also a parade introducing each country's flag and participants of the games. I was surprised that Singapore had also sent athletes to participate in the games. Indonesia had also sent their athletes there and Reno Suri, the female athlete, won 1 gold and bronze medal for the archery competition. Well done!!! :)

Central Asia Head Leaders - 5th World Nomad Games 2024 - Astana, Kazakhstan

Since Astana was our first destination in our trip, I really had no idea on many things in Central Asia, including the their leaders and Presidents. So after coming back, I was so thrilled and surprised knowing that many of them were present during the opening ceremony, sitting together in one room with me :D 

Those who were there included: President of Kazahstan - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Uzbekistan - Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kyrgyz Republic - Sadyr Zhaparov, Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan - Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan - Rustam Minnikhanov, the Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) - Aisen Nikolayev and former Mongolian President - Nambar Enkhbayar.

Representatives from international organizations, including UNESCO, the UN World Tourism Organization, the Organization of Turkic States and the European Union, also attended the ceremony.

5th World Nomad Games - Astana Arena - Kazakhstan

The games were held every two years. I really recommend everyone who are interested to visit Central Asia to come during the event (the future event) to experience a very rich and diverse cultural activities that you could get from the opening and closing ceremony, from watching the sport games competition, and also the Ethno-aul - the Universe of Nomads.

Fyi, the first World Nomad Games were held in Kyrgyzstan. The city of Cholpon-Ata has hosted international competitions three times (in 2014, 2016, and in 2018). The 4th World Nomad Games were held in 2022 in Iznik, and the 5th was in Astana, Kazakhstan. So, stay tune on where the 6th will be held in 2026 :)