Kazakhstan Landmarks

By | December 9, 2021

Take a group tour to Kazakhstan, which is located in Central Asia but a small part (about 5.4% of the surface) is in the far east of Europe! Explore this large, partly untouched land and its nature reserves, reserves, the very diverse nature, flora and fauna. You can also visit one of the many health resorts, seaside resorts on the Caspian Sea and cities such as the capital Astana with the modern government district, the main mosque, the Islamic center or the Bayterek tower; the former capital Alma-Ata or Almaty with the Holy Resurrection Cathedral or the TV tower; the city of Karaganda; Simkent; Zhambyl or Baiqongyr. Get to know Kazakhstan on a study trip!

Altyn Emel National Park

Surreal landscapes, rare animals

According to topschoolsintheusa, the Altyn Emel is a national park in Kazakhstan. It consists almost half of desert landscape, one third of rock land and one tenth of grass and forest area. A study trip to the Altyn Emel National Park is one thing above all: the exploration of extraordinary habitats. Due to the absolute naturalness of the site, it is forbidden to enter the park without a local guide. The sights are each far away from each other and the respective local “guide” knows the area and can provide background information. There are overnight accommodations around the national park in every price range. Alternatively, you can camp in the park, but only with a guide.

Fauna and Flora

Despite or because of the harsh conditions, the fauna in the Almaty region, in which the park is located, is very diverse. The most well-known animal species include the Siberian ibex, the giant wild sheep, the crop gazelle and a donkey species. The legendary wild Przewalski horse has been breeding here again since the end of the 1960s and was initially thought to be extinct in the wild. The Bactrian red deer is also native here. The national park is therefore a wonderful area for photographers and wildlife filmmakers, as well as every nature lover.

Attractions

Tourists visiting the national park often have a sense of the “unreal” as the rock formations and pristine land look like they are from another world. This feeling is reinforced by the “Aktau” and “Katutau”, the white and red mountains. The “Singing Dunes” are a popular destination for guided tours through the area. The sand movements of these dunes create certain sounds that are often described as a deep hum, as foghorns or fan guns. In addition to a 700-year-old tree, there is also a cooking place where, according to today’s knowledge, Genghis Khan has rested. There are also several authentic barrows in the region as well as clearly visible rock art at Terekty.

Zenkov Cathedral

The Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty / Kazakhstan, also known as the Church of the Resurrection or the Cathedral of the Assumption of Christ, is the second largest structure in the world made entirely of wood. In the middle of Panfilv Park, it impresses with its unique size and beauty and is especially a magnet for study trips. Thanks to its unique timber construction, the 56 m high sacred building was able to withstand even strong earthquakes and is therefore still completely intact. The construction of this Russian Orthodox Church began in 1903 based on designs by the architect AP Senkow. After a construction period of 4 years, the cathedral could finally be inaugurated and was used for church services by the Russian Orthodox community of Almaty.

After the October Revolution from 1917 to 1922, Kazakhstan also became a part of the Soviet Union. State and church were strictly separated. Churches and other places of worship went into public ownership and were converted into state institutions. The Zenkov Cathedral first became the State Museum of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic before it was used by various public organizations. The first radio transmitter in the city of Almaty was located in the church tower. In the 1970s, the city decided to restore the impressive cathedral. But it wasn’t until 20 years later that it was returned to the Russian Orthodox community for use. Then another two years passed before the Zenkov Cathedral was available for church services to the Russian Orthodox community in Almatys. Today, masses, baptisms and funerals are held inside the Zenkov Cathedral. A special service is held on Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter, for which Christians from large parts of the country gather.

Zenkov Cathedral Kazakhstan