What to know before you travel to KAZAKHSTAN. General information

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1 1 What to know before you travel to KAZAKHSTAN General information Located in the central Asia, Kazakhstan occupies an area of 2.7 million square kilometers. It is the ninth largest country in the world. Also, it is the largest landlocked country in the world and twice as compared to the size of four Central Asian states. It is enclosed by Russia (North), Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan (South), Caspian Sea and Russia (West) and China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (East). The country has a coastline of about 1,894 km of the Caspian Sea. Most of the part of Kazakhstan is located in Asia. But a small part of the country is located in Eastern Europe. CLIMATE Average temperature in the coldest month of winter January is -18,7 С in the North and - 1,5 С in the South. Because of dry weather and bright sun, which is common in most parts of Kazakhstan, temperature of -15 С might be felt like only -5 0 С in wet weather. Snowy winters are ideal for winter sports activities, for example in ski resorts. However, additional care should be taken and appropriate preparations must be done by those, who are not used to cold weather. Average temperature of the hottest month in summer - July is +18,8 С in the North and +28,8 С in the South. Beach holidays at seas and lakes of Kazakshtan and at holiday villages are popular among tourists during hot summers. August and September are perfect for trekking in the mountains of the East and South-East Kazakhstan.

2 2 Capital: Astana Largest cities: Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Karagandy (Karaganda) Languages: Kazakh and Russian are spoken by the local population; English is usually used by staff of major tourism companies and hotels. Currency: the national currency is Tenge (KZT); US Dollars, Euro and other currencies can be easily exchanged in banks and exchange bureaus. Weather: The best season to travel to Kazakhstan is from March to November, since winter in Kazakhstan is usually cold; however snowy winters might be perfect for winter sports. Temperature in summer can reach up to +40'C and more in some regions. More on weather and climate of Kazakhstan Population: major ethnicity is Kazakh; other ethnic groups include Russians, Uzbeks, Tatars, Germans, etc. About 55% of the population is urban and the rest is rural. Food: Kazakh cuisine, Central Asian, Russian cuisines, as well as Italian, Turkish, Korean restaurants are popular in Kazakhstan. Organic and naturally grown ingredients are usually used to prepare meals, which give them an exceptionally rich taste. Emergency and other important telephone numbers in Kazakhstan 101 Fire brigade Police Ambulance 104 Gas leaks 112 Rescue service 171 International and interregional telephone communication orders 118 Directory inquiry service Business working hours: Usual business working hours in Kazakhstan are from 9.00 till with a lunch break between and 14.00, though some companies, especially in the service industry might work till 8-10 pm. Shops in major cities like Astana and Almaty are usually open till 8-10 pm and some supermarkets work 24 hours. Bargaining is usually not acceptable in shops, but it is a common practice in bazaars. Money: Kazakh national currency is Tenge (KZT). US Dollars, Euro and other major currencies can be easily exchanged to Tenge and back in official exchange bureaus and

3 3 banks. It is advisable to keep all documents for money exchange until departure from Kazakhstan. The majority of European and international credit and debit cards, including Visa, Master Card, Euro Card are accepted in most hotels, large shops and restaurants of Astana and Almaty. In other cities, it is recommended to check with your hotel whether they accept credit card payments or not. Traveller's cheques are not common in Kazakhstan and they are most likely not accepted. Drinking water: Water in cities is chlorinated, so it is safe to use. Bottled water is widely available. Communication: Mobile phone network coverage is available all over Kazakhstan, though in remote areas the coverage might be limited. Internet access: free Wi-Fi is available in airports and railway stations of major cities (Astana and Almaty). In addition, internet cafes are widely available in cities of Kazakhstan. Electric power points: Electrical current in Kazakhstan is 220 volts, AC 50Hz. Two-pin power sockets are used, mainly compatible with both German Schuko and Europlugs. However, unearthed old sockets, which are compatible with only thin Europlugs (4 mm Soviet standard plugs), can be still in use in some older buildings. German Schuko to Europlug and many other types of adapters are widely available in shops. Kazakhstan - The Land of Wonders Kazakhstan is a unique region in the world, because of its history, geographical position and size. Being the world s 9th largest country and located in the centre of Eurasia, it is also the largest landlocked country in the world. These resulted in a specific climate and a peculiar natural system of the country, which seems to absorb the brightest examples of landscape of both continents. In addition, complicated history of Kazakh people and constant interaction of nomadic lifestyle with settled people in South Kazakhstani ancient cities, have lead to a unique and authentic culture of Kazakhstan. These peculiarities have created an opportunity to develop various and diverse offers in Kazakhstan travel and tourism industry, which include authentic cultural tourism, naturebased activities, including ecotourism, birdwatching, etc. in national parks and protected areas, skiing or trekking in mountains, water sports, sunbathing and swimming in lakes and rivers of Kazakhstan, and many others

4 4 Nature-based tourism Diversity of natural areas has contributed to rich flora and fauna of Kazakhstan. The country is a habitat for about 122 mammal species, 500 species of birds and 107 species of fish; and over six thousand species of plants grow in the region. In order to preserve such a rich world of plants and wildlife, a network of national parks and nature reserves were established in the country. Recently, these protected areas have become accessible to visitors. The most famous ones among tourists include Aksu Zhabagly Nature Reserve, which is a habitat of snow leopard and other rare animals, and is also known as a Kingdom of Tulips, where tulips are believed to originate, long before they were introduced in Holland; Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve is famous for its pink flamingos and other rare species of wildlife, and popular among bird-watchers; Altyn Emel National Park is interesting for its mystery of Singing Dune; Katon-Karagay National Park is a habitat of marals (red deers), unossified antlers of which are used as a precious medicine. Mountains: Trekking and winter sports A range of high, middle and low mountains, such as Tien Shan, Altay, Ulytau, Kazygurt, etc. have a beautiful nature attracting tourists from all over the world. Tien Shan Mountains is the highest among them (with the highest peak of about 7000 metres), and Almaty, the largest city of Kazakhstan, is located at its bottom. Thus, an easy access to marvelous landscapes for tourists interested in trekking and winter sports is available from Almaty city. Most popular climbing routes are located in the Small Almaty Valley and Bogdanovich Glacier. Attractions of these places include Pogrebetsky Glacier (4,231 meters), Tuyuc Su (4100 m), Ordzhonikidze (3980 m) peaks, and many others. In addition, high mountains of Kazakhstan are ideal for winter sports. There is no wonder that Kazakhstan hosted Winter Asian Games in 2011: one of the priorities of the country has been propaganda of winter sports.

5 5 A unique sport complex Medeu (sometimes spelled as Medew or Medeo), with a skating rink popular among tourists, was built in 1950 s, at 1691 metres above sea level, which makes it the highest skating rink in the world. A sophisticated artificial refrigeration system enables to keep high quality ice coverage over 8-months of the year. Another major winter sport attraction of Kazakhstan is Shymbulak (Chimbulak) ski resort, also located not far from Almaty. Snow lies in these places from November till May; however, sunny weather is usually registered there during more than three hundred days each year. The resort hotel can accept up to 114 tourists. Lakes and rivers: water sports, sunbathing and health resorts Kazakhstan is not only steppes and mountains; it is also a country of rivers and lakes. Lakes among the steppes are usually like an oasis among empty deserts. Coast of the biggest lake in the world Caspian Sea is perfect for sunbathing, swimming and fishing. The largest number of reservoirs is concentrated in the south-east part of the country, in the region with a symbolic name Zhetysu - Seven Rivers. Almost all the rivers of Zhetysu belong to the basin of Lake Balkhash, which is also a popular tourist destination for its health centres and recreation camps. Besides health resorts, rafting in mountain rivers for extreme tourists, boating and sailing in lakes are only a few examples of activities offered for tourists in Kazakhstan. Culture: ethnotourism Unique culture of Kazakhstan is a reason to travel to Kazakhstan for many tourists. Almost in every corner of the republic, a visitor, interested in real life of Kazakh people - their traditions, rituals, art and culture, will find many things of interest. These include museum complexes, ethno villages, depicting traditional lifestyle of Kazakh people, historical sites of medieval cities and many others. For example, tourists are offered to experience traditional lifestyle of Kazakhs, to try national dishes and to interact with the local people in Shabanbay Bi Village, situated in Kyzylaray Mountains, Central Kazakhstan. Zhambyl Zhabayev museum complex in Almaty region includes a house with a garden, where the poet lived in XIX-XX centuries and a mausoleum. This is a visual representation of not only Zhambyl s life, but also of a whole era in which the poet lived and worked. South

6 6 Kazakh national cuisine Kazakhstan is famous for ancient cities located at the routes of the Great Silk Road with historical monuments and other sites. Ethno-memorial complex Map of Kazakhstan - Atameken, located in Astana, is the largest ethnographic park in Kazakhstan and a unique outdoor museum. Cities and landscapes of the country, as well as mini copies of main attractions and historical sites can be found on the map. Hospitality has always been a main character trait of Kazakh people. Even if you have just a minute to pop in to a Kazakh house, an owner will still ask you to sit down and offer a fragrant tea with sweets. Respectful attitude to the guests contributed to the fact that traditional Kazakh feast took a shape of a ceremony, noninferior, in its philosophical and allegorical content, to world famous Chinese tea ceremony. Hospitable owner would offer his guest a seat at a place of honor. Traditionally, meal is served at a low round table, called dastarkhan. First and foremost, in order to quench thirst of the guest a hostess would treat him with a bowl of yogurt drink. This can be "kumys" - a drink based on fermented mare's milk - or shubat the main ingredient of which is camel milk. Then, table will be filled with baursaks - balls of dough, pre-fried in boiling oil (Asian analogue of donuts), samsa - triangular pastries with meat, kausyrma - a kind of thin pastries or fried doughs filled with meat and onions, raisins, kurt (small, salted cheese balls) and, of course, tea. Here, to be objective, we should say that tea never grew on the territory of Kazakhstan, it was introduced to the Steppe of Kazakhstan from the outside, but despite this, tea quickly gained popularity among the local population. And today, in fact, it is one of the main drinks in Kazakh society. After a long-drawn tea ceremony, assortment of dishes on the festive table will be complemented by meat dishes: kazi, shuzhuk, zhal, zhaya, karta, kabyrga. The above dishes are traditionally prepared from horse meat or lamb. The main dish of Kazakh cuisine, with which owners welcome their guests is besbarmak. Name of this dish is translated from Kazakh as five fingers because of a manner to eat the dish by hand. Besbarmak's main ingredients are: meat (lamb or horse meat), pasta (it is cut into small squares), as well as herbs (dill, parsley, cilantro, etc.).

7 7 The procedure of cutting meat cooked for besbarmak is a separate special ritual. Typically, this mission is laid on the owner or a highly respected guest. According to traditions, each part of meat has its own meaning and is served in a special way. Thus, meat from the pelvic bone and tibia is given to senior honored guests. Son or daughter-law gets pruning from a sternum. Cervical vertebra is usually served for unmarried girls. Sheep's head is cooked in a special way and is served separately. The right to cut this element of besbarmak is usually given to a guest of the highest rank. According to the European classification, all these dishes belong to a group of second dishes and snacks. As for traditional Kazakh first course, sorpa rich broth completed by seasoned vegetables, spices and herbs - occupies a special place. Sorpa, unlike other first courses, is for drinking, so it is served in bowls. Tea ceremony completes the meal. Interesting facts about Kazakh cuisine: - Main ingredients in traditional Kazakh cuisine are meat, flour and milk products, though other ingredients are common in the cuisine. - Kazakhs are believed to be among the top countries in tea consumption, almost every meal is followed by tea in Kazakh families. - Kazakh cuisine is usually not spicy. - There are many high calorie dishes in the traditional Kazakh cuisine. Where to go in Kazakhstan? ALMATY: The Bridge between Asia and Europe Almaty (Alma-ata) is largest city in Kazakhstan with a population of 1,421,868 (at 1st of August 2010) with about 9% of the countries population located in one city, it is certainly a hustling and bustling place to be. It also used to be the former capital of the country, until 1997 when it moved to Astana. The city is located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, in the south-east of Kazakhstan, at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains at an elevation of 700 to 1100 meters above sea level. The climate of the city - is sharply continental, with large temperature

8 8 fluctuations, not only in the year, but days. The town is buried in the green hectares of its territory is occupied by parks, trees, parks and gardens Almaty is still the centre of commerce for Kazakhstan, with the stock exchange and largest banks located there. Almaty literally means 'city of apple trees', and, because of its relatively mild climate, it has a wide range of apple trees. The Almaty area is said to be the genetic home for many varieties of apples and the area is often visited by researchers and scientists from around the world, in order to learn more about the complex systems of genetics, and also to discover the true beginnings of the domestic apple. The Turkic name for apple is Alma and Ata meaning forefather, which could lay it open to be possibly the origin of the Apple (The garden of Eden). The city certainly has a spectacular beauty, whether or not it was the Garden of Eden, and is located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau in the extreme southeast of Kazakhstan. The backdrop of mountains against the taller buildings makes a dramatic and impressive sight and was the center for the Asian Winter games in January Places of interest in Almaty Medeo Medeo is the most high-mountainous sport complex in the world. This fabled palace fit into the gorge panorama at an altitude of 1961metr above the sea level. The mild climate of the natural boundary, an optimum level of the solar radiation, the lowered atmospheric pressure, calm, pure mountain water from which prepare the skating rink ice, have provided an excellent quality and have created fine conditions for achievement of high sports results. More than 120 world records have been placed here.

9 9 In recent years the functions of skating rink have considerably increased. Here pass tournaments and competitions on football, volleyball, basketball, a short-track. On the Medeo sport complex spend the gathering swimmers, athletes, fighters and boxers. Also near the ice stadium there is a swimming pool, restaurants and cafes. At the mention of Kazakhstan in consciousness of people there are some images, among which is a high-mountainous skating rink Medeo. And it is not casual, the skating rink has an worldwide fame "Shymbulak" skiing resort "Shymbulak" skiing resort is located in a picturesque clove of Ile Alatau at the height of 2510 meters. It is a famous for its mild climate with the majority of sunny days, stable snow coverage and the magnificent surrounding views. Snow cover on Shymbulak keeps from December to April. Here feels confidently even that, who first time got up on skiing. Slopes and trails are for any taste and for any level of skill, including routes of speedy slope and slalom, convenient lifts, ski school, hotel, restaurant, bowling alley, sauna. Also near by is a children s playground with the baby-lift for the smallest ones. Shymbulak has its own spirit. It is preferred by skiers liking smoothed routes and snowboarders, preferring extreme lowering with jumps and which grasps the spirit. In sunny days Shymbulak gathers thousands of holidaymakers. On the chair lift you can get on Talgar Pass (3163 meters above the sea level). Here climb Skiers-professionals, the cross slope is too steep. Alpinists start climbing from the pass to the tops. And above - only stars.

10 10 The Zenkov s Cathedral in Almaty This orthodox cathedral is deservingly considered the most interesting architectural monument in Almaty. The wooden building, towering at a height of 56 meters, was constructed in the beginning of XXth century. Built under the guidance of engineer Andre Zenkov, without the use of a single nail, it was one of the few pre-soviet buildings to survive the earthquakes of 1910 with nothing more than a bent spire.the cathedral has six spires made of iron, and its internal fresco was created by the artist, Nikolay Khlydov. The cathedral is in the centre of Panfilov Park, named after the 28th Panfilov Battalion. Museums in Almaty 1. The central State museum of Kazakhstan is one of the oldest and largest museum of the Central Asia. The exposition of the museum placed in four exposition halls (a paleontology and archeology hall; anthropology and ethnography of Kazakhstan; Ethnography of the people of Kazakhstan, the Great Patriotic War; Sovereign Kazakhstan) reflects history of the country since the most ancient times up to now. Also thematic exhibitions, festivals, meetings, museum lessons are regularly held here. 2. The State Art Museum named after A. Kasteev - Nowadays the museum collection has more than first-class exhibits that make up the country's national heritage. The pearls of national and world culture are represented in 14 halls of the museum. As a result of systematic work activity, collection of Kazakhstan graphic and an applied art products are different with its fullness and variety.

11 11 The subjects of folk applied arts, reflect all areas of Kazakhs life over a long period. All kinds of art craft are marked by high art taste and skill - weaving, embroidery, felt products, woodcarving, horse equipment, arts of zerger. In the halls of the fine arts of Kazakhstan, you can trace the history of formation and development of easel art. Art School of Kazakhstan presents the names of known masters of different generations: A. Kasteev, I. Ismailov, A. Cherkassky, L.Leont'ev, Telzhanov K., A. Galimbaeva, S. Mambeev, H. Naurzbaev, A. Aytbaev., A. Sadyhanov, E. Mergenov, T. Togusbaev and etc. A rich collection of the union painters works includes masterpieces of P. Filonov, P. Kuznetsov, K Redko, O. Rozanova, S. Sarian, U. Tansyebaev, S. Konenkov, M. Aslamazian, G. Aitiev and etc. Beautiful paintings, which lays in the halls of Russian art, mirror the history of Russian art from XVIII to XX centuries. It was traced in the works of F. Rokotov, D. Levitsky, C. Brullov, I. Repin, I. Kramskoy. Western-europian art collection includes original master`s work of art of XVI - XIX centuries of 4 major schools: the Italian, Dutch, Flemish and French - Kambiazo, Savereya, Dyuge, Ostade, Koro, Dobin, Gudona, Kuazevo. The exhibition of East art represents the art of India, China, Japan, Korea, and also Dungan, Uighur, Tibetan, the most important species - bronze, wood and stone, lacquer products, embroidery, porcelain, ceramics.

12 12 Nowadays the State Museum of Fine Arts named after A. Kasteev is making restoration and scientifically-exploring work. It becomes the centre of gravity of new cultural initiatives. Broad contacts allow organizing personal exhibitions of Kazakhstan masters works, and also artists of near and far abroad, an exhibition of private collections causing huge interest of fine arts fans. Esentai Mall Esentai Mall was designed and built to offer a special international atmosphere and conditions for shopping and entertainment for residents and visitors to Almaty. The shopping center s six floors meet all the requirements of the modern consumer, from a customer dropping in during a lunch break to demanding regular customers, and offer a wide variety of goods and services. There are luxury goods from internationally renowned designers and brands in the medium price range, food products from a delicatessen, home appliances, entertainment and a fitness center. Every visitor to Esentai Mall will find what they re looking for. Green Bazaar The Green Bazaar, or Zelionyj Bazar, is a place you really should visit when visiting Almaty or Alma-Ata. This market is central to the every day life of the local people and it is so called the Green Bazar, or market, bcause in the past it was the traditional place to buy and sell local produce like vegetables. It is by no means the only market in Almaty, but it is the most well known, and probably, sells the widest range of goods. This is a great place to feel the real atmosphere of central Asia and to get involved with a bit of haggling and sampling of local produce.

13 13 Burabay (Borovoe) National Nature Park In the north of Akmola region the SNNP "Burabay" is located. This resort pearl of Kazakhstan is a fantastic mountain land harboring mysterious wonders. Gorgeous pine forests, cliffs formed of neat gigantic natural bricks, and fantastical shapes of peaks resembling sometimes exotic, sometimes Egyptian pointed pyramids separated by serene lakes. The SNNP "Burabay" was established in August, 2000 and it is under the supervision of the Administration of Presidential Affairs. The territory of SNNP "Burabai" is a part of the Kokshetau steppe, a mixed steppe and forest and hilly upland. The climate is extreme continental here, with hot summers and severe winters. The topography of the territory consists of lowlands, hills and plains. Although Burabay Park does not have any artifacts on its territory, every rock here has its own legend. Nature has generously scattered precious gifts from its mineral treasury around the Burabay area. Among them is Okzhetpes cliff ("Inaccessible even to Arrows") with a peak resembling an elephant calf, and the creek of the Bun with Zhumbaktas cliff ("Riddle-stone") resembling a mysterious sphinx with severe fearless features. There are 14 lakes on the territory of the park, each of which has an area of more than 1 km, and there are a great many smaller lakes. The river network is sparse and consists only of small rivers, springs and temporary channels. The largest lakes are Bolshoye Chebachye and Maloye Chebachye, Shchuchye and Borovoye. Plant life on park territory is represented by forest, steppe, meadow, marsh and salt marsh species. The flora comprises about 800 species. There are 305 vertebrate animal species. On the territory of SNNP "Burabay" are 35 permanent recreation facilities. The current landscape of the park is represented by steppe, lake, forest and forest and steppe and lowlands. Borovoye (Burabay) Lake is situated in the territory of the Shuchinsky district of Kokshetau oblast in the eastern foothills of Kokshe Mountain. Its territory is 10.5 sq. km, length is 4.5 km, width is 3.9 km; average depth is 4.5 m, and maximum depth is 7 m. The shore line is 13.6 km and water area is 164 sq. km. The bowl of the lake is almost round, and its bottom level; the southern shores are rocky, and the eastern shores are sandy. The water in the lake is soft and still, and one can see to the deepest bottom of the lake. Borovoye Lake is separated by mountain ranges from the closest lakes (Big and Small Chebiache, Shuche, Kotyrkol, Zhukei, etc.). The island "Zhumbaktas" is situated in the northwestern part of the lake at a height of 20 m above the water. The cliffs and capes of the northwestern and southern coasts (Kyzyltas, Gorky, etc.) create a unique landscape. The shores are overgrown with pine and birch forests.

14 14 The combination of mountains, pine forests and lakes creates special climate conditions in the natural boundary. Medicinal health resort complexes (sanatoriums "Borovoye" and "Okzhetpes"; rest house "Blue Gulf", etc.) are some of the best in the country and built on the eastern coast between the Sarybulak and Gromotukha rivers. There are medicinal mud and mineral springs. The beauty of the nature of Borovoye is proclaimed in Seifulin's poem "Kokshetau" and in Mukanov's novel "Botagoz". The legend of Borovoye There are many legends and stories about Borovoye. "When God was creating the world, one of the nations received the lands rich of forests, another got fertile fields with large rivers, and the third got the beautiful mountains and blue lakes. But the Kazakh ended up with only feather-grass steppe... This offended him and he asked God to endow him with some natural beauty. God took the mountains, rocks, beautiful pine and deciduous forests, blue lakes with pure water, and emerald fields covered with grasses and flowers from his korzhyn and spread them with a bountiful hand into the boundless steppes. It was the appearance of Borovoye; of one of the most picturesque places in Kazakhstan, which for its beauty and rare harmonic combination of mountains, forests, lakes, and unique flora and fauna received the poetic name "The pearl of Kazakhstan". Borovoye is also the name of a health resort, which is situated in the Shuchinsky district of Kokshetau Region, 20 km from the station of Borovoye Resort (in the town of Shuchinsk). Average temperature in January is - 16'C, in July is +19'C. The main medicinal remedies here are fresh air and picturesque views. There are many hotels and villas, health-resort centers, casnos and restaurants in Burabay region. Also there can be find many places of interest museums of national art and culture, horse riding tours. Turkestan 1500 year old Turkestan became famous, thanks to the preaching of the most famous Sufi Sheikh, the outstanding poet and humanitarian Khodja Akhmed Yassaui, also called Khazret- Sultan. At that time the city was known as Yassy. In the late 14 th c. Turkestan acquired a unique structure - a

15 15 large complex centered around the Mausoleum of Khodja Akhmed Yassaui, built by the Great Timurlane. In the Muslim World, Khodja Akhmed Yassaui Mausoleum is considered to be a "second Mecca". The height of the huge building, which has witnessed many historical disasters and was opened recently after a restoration, is about 40 meters. The mausoleum is a marvelous complex of palaces and temples. It has over 30 rooms and halls; diameter of the main dome is 22 m. Its elegant decoration, patterned ceiling arches, and color mosaic majolica look stunning. In its central hall, the covered residence of the Kazakh Khans, has been opened a peculiar museum - the pantheon. The pearl of its exposition is the Kazan, the biggest cast water vessel throughout the Muslim East. It was made of the alloys of seven metals. The Azret-Sultan historical and cultural reserve includes Turkestan and Kultobe cities, a necropolis, mausoleums (15th-17th cc.), Dzhuma mosque (19th c.), restored Big Hilvet (12th с.), chilakhana (room for rituals and prayers) (14th c.), bath-house (17th-19th cc.) and a fragment of the original citadel wall (19th c.) with gates (18th-19th cc.) Out of the 802 historical and cultural memorials of South Kazakhstan region, 528 are monuments of archaeology, 42 historical monuments, and 226 architectural monuments. Alakol Lake This lake is the second-largest inland bodies of Kazakhstan and the only deep-lake among the lakes in the republic. More than 15 tributaries flow into the lake, the main of them: Urzhar, Katynsu, Emelkuysa, Yrgayty, Zhamanty, Zhamanotkol, Tasty. The lake together with other smaller lakes form Alakol lake system. Lake area (including islands), 2,696 km2, the water volume cu. km length of 104 km, width 52 km, average depth of 22 m, maximum depth of 54 m, the length of the coastline of 348 km. Modern medical research confirms the healing qualities of the lake water. Net steppe air, salt water, hot volcanic pebbles, with a high content of silicon - a unique combination of gifts of Nature provides a powerful restorative and preventive effect on skin problems, joint pain, women's and men's issues, at a reduced immunity of children and adults.

16 16 The water is very warm in summer (average summer temperature is 26 degrees). Mineralization of water in waters ranging from 1.2 to 11.6 g / liter. Sodium chloride and chloride-sulphate-sodium composite the water. There is a high content of fluorine and bromine in the waters of Alakol Lake. There is an Aarchipelago of three islands is in the central part of the lake, in 1998 Alakol State Reserve was created, which has unique diverse flora and fauna. More than hundred thousand people rest on the shores of the lake every year. There are more than 60 rest houses and recreation centers operate on the shores of Alakol lake currently, they are: Aigerim, Dorozhnik, Alakol, Asem, sanatorium"barlyk Arasan" and etc. Largest cities of Kazakhstan ASTANA: Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan Date of foundation Before 1961 City of Akmolinsk City of Tselinograd City of Akmola After the edict by the President of RK the city of Akmola is declared Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan Akmola is renamed by the decree of the President of RK into the city of Astana Population: The 2014 census reported a population of 835,153 within the city, making it the second-largest city in Kazakhstan. Climate: sharply continental: moderately hot summer and long-lasting frosty winter. Geographic position: of North latitude and of East longitude.

17 17 Local time: Astana is in Time Zone 5. Local time in relation to the zero meridian is GMT At present the capital of the country carries out trading with 121 countries around the world, including capitals with which twin-town relationships are maintained: Moscow, Minsk, Kishinev, Kiev, Kazan, Seoul, Riga, Warsaw, Budapest, Baku, Cairo, Bangkok, Berlin, Vilnius, Ankara, Ushak, Tashkent, Beijing, etc. It was once said that the West is the West, the East is the East and they will never be together. In Kazakhstan there is a city which disproves this saying that seemed irrefutable. The world s best architects built Astana The architectural concept of the city was based on President Nursultan Nazarbayev s idea that the city should have a Eurasian outlook. The author of the general plan of Astana was the famous Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, who designed the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, the International Airport of Kuala Lumpur and the national ethnological museum in Osaka. The architectural ensembles created in accordance with Kurokawa s general design combine modern design and oriental flavor. This makes the city unique. The beauty and the height of buildings in the city are comparable with Tokyo, New York and Dubai. Norman Foster designed and built Astana s unique House of World s Religions, the Palace of Peace. The architect s team also built the capital s new entertainment center, the Khan Shatyr. The city s appearance changes fast as it continues its dynamic development. The city also looks different at night, with beautifully illuminated buildings, street lights, garlands, colorful fountains on the River Ishim, nightlights along the bank, bright shop windows, bars and nightclubs.

18 18 Places of interest in Astana Astana s architecture combines oriental traditions and audacious ideas of leading western architects in a harmonious yet daring way. The general plan of the city was developed by the famous Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, the design of the unique Palace of Peace and Concord and the Khan Shatyr entertainment center belong to British architect Norman Foster and the cinema and concert hall were designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti. The city s main square is delimited by the complex of buildings made up of the Senate, the Parliament, the President s Residence and other government buildings. Around this square more than 650 buildings are under construction, including residential and public complexes. The Palace of Peace and Concord is a unique pyramid built for centuries to come by the famous British architect Norman Foster in The pyramid is 62 meters high and was built on a 15 meter rise covering a total area of 25.5 thousand square meters. In its basement the pyramid houses an opera hall seating 1500 and in the upper part, the confessions hall. The building includes rooms for religious events, meetings of the Assembly of Kazakhstan s Peoples, museums, and an exhibition hall. Khan Shatyr The Khan Shatyr trade and entertainment center is located at the opposite end of the axis from the Palace of Peace and Concord. The complex is almost 200 meters high, making it the city s highest building. Built to resemble a huge tent, its structure is made of a fine net covered with polymeric fluorine ETFE, a unique material which lets the light through and protects the inside from heat and cold. Inside, its square meters are occupied by a vast city park, shops, movie theaters, cafes and a concert platform, where Astana residents can enjoy their free time regardless of the season or weather.

19 19 Bayterek the Tree of Life in the center of Eurasia Bayterek is the capital s symbol and business card. Bayterek tower sits in the very middle of the capital s new administrative center. Everything in this monument is symbolic: the golden sun on the top of the tree, its height of 97 meters, the internal architecture divided into three zones which represent the three fundamental universal principles. This poplar (in Kazakh bayterek), made of metal, glass and concrete, is architecturally unique and grandiose in appearance. It is a metal structure of 105 meters tall, 1000 tons heavy, built on five hundred poles. It is the first time that a 22 meter diameter and 300 ton sphere of chameleon glass, which changes color with the sunlight, is suspended at such a record-breaking height. Dominating the new capital, it is an architectural symbol of renewal, the symbol of Astana, the symbol of Kazakhstan. Aq-Orda Aq-Orda is the residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is located on the River Ishim s left bank, three hundred meters from the Bayterek monument. The building covers an area of square meters. The official inauguration of the new Palace of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan took place on 24 December Next to the residence are the Parliament, the House of the Government, the Supreme Court and the House of Ministries of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Green and Water Boulevard Along the main axis of Astana s administrative center is a pedestrian bridge, better as the Green and Water Boulevard, brainchild of Kurokawa, the author of Astana s general plan. The Bridge is the one of the main features of the capital s center. The architects plans connect it to all the surrounding buildings. Designed it on three levels, it rationalizes the use of urban space as costs increase with the city s development. The lower level provides parking for 400 cars. The second level of this grandiose construction is a passage, a large gallery lined with exhibition halls, stores and offices. The third level is a pedestrian street with lawns and

20 20 small trees, small architectural objects and fountains. This pedestrian bridge is notable for its six zones known as the Green House. Transparent conical domes let the sunlight through the building from top to bottom. In these atriums, conveniently connected with stairs, there are artificial gardens, and on the second level the whole construction is joined to the surrounding buildings by roofed galleries. The Duman Entertainment Center Located on the river s left bank, the Duman entertainment center hosts a unique oceanarium, a small piece of the ocean in the vast steppe. It also houses a 3D movie theater, jungles, bowling alleys, a casino, a multifunctional hall, a hotel, cafes, shops and a children s playground. Duman is a popular place for adults and children. Visitors enjoy the watching the sharks being fed through the large glass panes of the aquarium. Unique Stadium Astana A new stadium was built to mark the capital s anniversary. It complies with all FIFA and UEFA requirements. The stadium covers an area of square meters and seats people. The stadium roof has two components, one mobile and one immobile, which function independently of each other so as to protect the stadium ground from Astana s harsh climatic conditions.

21 21 Alau Ice palace "Alau" is an ice palace of world rank, equipped with ultramodern facilities, allowing the creation of "fast ice". Thanks to a unique architecture and location, "Alau" is rightly regarded as a sightseeing attraction and the sport gates of the capital. The heart of the Palace is the ice arena, which consists of a 400 meter ice track with stands for 8000 spectators, two ice hockey courts, a jury room, a room for press conferences and eight changing rooms for athletes. The Palace is intended for hosting training and competitions in these sports: Speed skating Short track Ice hockey Curling Figure skating Combining the modernity of the equipment and the uniqueness of the architectural project, the staff of IP Alau set a goal of entering the ranks of the best flatland rinks of the world. During the 7th Asian Winter Games 9 continental records were set on the Palace ice. Alau not only set a status as a forge for Kazakhstani records, but also took 6th place (out of 641possible places) in world rating of speed skating stadiums. The Ice Palace holds major international competitions and training lessons. Alau trains students of Youth Sports Schools in speed skating, figure skating and ice hockey. After hosting the second phase of the ISU World Cup in speed skating, the champion s ice will be available to amateurs during days of mass skating, any person wishing to skate can do so, for a symbolic price. This is the concept of mass accessibility, the task of which is to promote and popularize winter sports and contribute to the development of mass sports in Astana. Ice Palace "Alau" is a multifunctional sports center, providing integrated services for athletes and amateurs alike.

22 22 The Circus A huge flying saucer sits on the left bank of the Ishim River. It was made, just as a UFO should be, of super-modern materials with the help of super-modern technologies. The flying object did not remain unidentified for long: on the day of Kazakhstan s independence, it was given a name, a status and its first fans. And Astana gained a circus. Citizens fell in love with the flying saucer, and so it stays here forever. Nur-Astana Central Mosque and Beit Rachel Chabbad Lubavitch Synagogue The principles of tolerance, human and religious cooperation, and unconditional respect for freedom of conscience and belief, typical of Kazakhstan, are reflected in two uniquely designed religious buildings which decorate the capital s left bank: the Nur-Astana Central Mosque and the Central Synagogue. The mosque is surprising yet harmonious. Oriental elegance is cleverly woven into refined glass, concrete, steel, and granite designs. The size of the mosque matches the scale of other buildings on the left bank: almost four thousand square meters, with a capacity to host up to five thousand believers and another two thousand on the square in front of the mosque. On the 21st of Elul of 5764 (7 September 2004) a new star was born in the Astana sky the Star of David. At a height of twenty five meters, this star decorates the capital s new synagogue, the biggest in Kazakhstan and indeed in Central Asia. It covers an area of 5600 square meters and sits on the bank of the River Akbulak between the Eurasian University and a beautiful residential complex. Students of the Eurasian University, loving couples strolling down the river, yachtsmen sailing down the Rowboat Channel, all can admire the harmony of this blue and white building and its blue dome.

23 23 The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The museum is located in the former Residence of the Head of the State, N. Nazarbayev. Unique furniture and interiors have been kept intact. The museum s collection contains gifts, books and paintings presented to the President. Currently, the museum holds more than 60 thousand objects, among which manuscripts and printed materials, movies, photos, personal belongings, documents and all the First President s decorations. The museum s treasure reflects the major steps in the development of sovereign Kazakhstan and sheds light on the President s life and work. The Museum of Modern Art The museum s collection counts over three thousand works of art from Kazakhstan, Russia and CIS countries. It was created as a result of substantial research and a deep interest in the cultural values reflected in paintings and drawings. The museum harbours unique works by artists from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Tajikistan and other countries. The museum s objects reflect all artistic genres and techniques as well as varied themes. Astana EXPO-2017 is one of Kazakhstan's key projects to position itself as a world hub on sustainable energy.

24 24 Expo 2017: "Energy of the Future" Date: 10-JUN-17 to 10-SEP-17 International exhibition "Expo 2017: "Energy of the Future" In the course of the bidding, the representatives of the member-countries of the Bureau of International Expositions decided to chose Astana as the capital of International Specialized exhibition "Expo 2017". In the final held in several stages, the Kazakhstan capital won the absolute majority (103 from 161), leaving behind its main rival Belgian city Liege. The forthcoming exhibition held under the motto "Future Energy" will highlight one of the vital subjects, the world community concerns about alternative energy sources. The forthcoming exhibition theme, in the best way possible, is embodied in the bright and laconic logotype "Expo 2017": the petals, asymmetrically located in a circle, symbolizing energy and perpetual motion. Over the period of three moths (from 10 June to 10 September 2017) the "Expo 2017" will receive about 100 member-countries and 10 international organizations. During the World s Specialized Exhibition 2017, the member-countries will demonstrate the achievements and prospects for utilization of renewable energy sources and such advantages as ecological cleanness, low operating cost and safety to the environment. The "Expo 2017" will become a milestone event for Kazakhstan: no international exhibition of such level has been held in the Central Asian region and CIS countries before. The "Expo 2017" is a major stride to establishment of Kazakhstan as an international exhibition, information and presentation floor. Astana is another wonder of the world!