” Kazakhstan wasn’t on my radar as a “must-see” destination until I found myself bouncing along a rocky mountain track in an old Soviet-style marshrutka, the kind of vehicle that looks like it’s seen a thousand lifetimes. Windows rattling, laughter echoing inside, and the smell of pine drifting in through the open door it was the perfect start to a journey that constantly surprised me.

Our marshrutka adventure led us deep into the mountains, where the landscape kept changing from wide open steppe to dense forests and mirror-like lakes. The highlight? Lake Kaindy, the legendary “sunken forest” lake. Picture emerald water pierced by the ghostly silver trunks of submerged spruce trees. It felt otherworldly like nature had created its own secret cathedral beneath the surface.

No trip would be complete without a visit to Charyn Canyon National Park. Standing on the edge, looking out over fiery red rock formations carved by millions of years of wind and water, I honestly forgot I was in Central Asia. It had the drama of the American Southwest, but with far fewer people around. We hiked down into the Valley of Castles, where every turn in the trail revealed a new angle jagged cliffs glowing gold as the sun began to dip.

Travel has a way of creating connections when you least expect it. One evening, I ended up playing football with a group of local guys in a dusty field near a village. My skills were questionable (to say the least), but the laughter, high-fives, and shouts of encouragement needed no translation. That game sweaty, dusty, and full of joy was a reminder that friendships abroad are built on shared moments, not words.

Back in Almaty, I headed to the Green Bazar, the city’s oldest market. If you love food, this place is heaven. Pyramids of fresh fruit, glistening spices in every shade of red and gold, piles of herbs, and the chatter of vendors calling out their best offers. I tried everything I could, juicy melons, tart berries, chewy dried apricots, and even a pinch of saffron tucked into a paper packet. It was as much a feast for the eyes as the stomach.

Tucked away in Panfilov Park, the Ascension Cathedral stopped me in my tracks. Painted in soft pastels with its golden domes glinting in the sunlight, it’s one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Inside, it felt peaceful, almost suspended in time — a contrast to the busy streets outside.

My last day in Almaty was reserved for the mountains. A cable car ride whisked me up to Shymbulak Mountain Resort, where the air was crisp and the views stretched out forever. In winter it’s a ski haven, but in summer the hiking trails were alive with wildflowers. Sitting at the top with a steaming cup of tea, I felt on top of the world both literally and figuratively.

Kazakhstan surprised me at every turn. It’s not just the landscapes although those are unforgettable but the warmth of the people, the mix of old and new, and the sense of discovery around every corner. From off-roading in marshrutkas to sipping tea in the mountains, it’s a country that invites you to slow down, join in, and be part of the story.” ~ Frankie