The best Parks in Almaty. Kazakhstan.

From the Soviet’s heritage, Almaty is full of Parks in which you can walk in every season of the year to get away from the hectic pace of the city and rest under the numerous trees. The locals spend hours in the various green areas; who to spend time with their children, who to play sports, who to meet up with friends playing chess and more.

At the beginning of the summer, there are also those who come to the Park with friends or family to have a relaxing picnic, lying in the green meadows. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited; if you think you can imitate the Spaniards, you may encounter problems due to the high number of police officers on patrol.

I have compiled a list of the best parks, taking into account the location in the city and their historical and social value. Do not miss the first three in my personal ranking!

6.Botanical Garden

Between Timiriazov and Bayzakov avenues, the Almaty Botanical Garden is open from April to October. In the park there are thematic areas, such as the Japanese-style Zen Garden; wooded areas; rose gardens and wide flower beds; a Solarium where trees and cactuses are kept in warm. The indications on trees and plants are scarce; it is however a huge Park (more than 1kmq) where walking or cycling is particularly pleasant.
The Solarium is usually open only on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. There’s a ticket to enter (400 tenge).

 

 

 

 

5.Park of the First President’s Foundation

In front of  Republic’s Square, climbing towards the mountains, there is a particularly pleasant area during the hot season due to the presence of various fountains arranged in rectangular basins, between large rose gardens and well-kept flowerbeds. Nearby there is the Palace of the Foundation of the First President of Kazakhstan, originally the house where Nazarbayev lived when Almaty was the capital of the country. The nigh park is very popular among pupils; it’s called by locals the President’s Park, not to be confused with the larger one on Al Farabi Avenue.

4.Park of the President

At the edge of the center, the Park of the President, created in 2011 in honor of President Nazarbayev, covers 73 hectares. The entrance, located between the streets of Al-Farabi and Dulati, was built with a colonnade in classical style, above a wide marble staircase. Inside, a large circular pool decorated with internal fountains is surrounded by staircases leading to the monument in honor of Nazarbayev, which celebrates the country’s 20th anniversary of Independence.

The park is very vast; on the Eastern side there is a Zen-style red Pagoda; while on the northern limit small loggias with blue domes have been created on some hills, according to the criteria of Islamic architecture. From here it opens a magnificent panorama on the crown of peaks of the Trans Ily Alatay, with colors that reflect the mood of the sky.

3.Panfilov Park

In the city center, Panfilov Park is one of the most significant monuments of the former capital. Here was built the colorful Orthodox Cathedral Zenkov, whose wooden bell tower is the highest in the region, survived to the great earthquake of 1911. Nearby stands the granite monument to the Fallen, where from a mass of bronze lumps the tension of a nameless soldier. Next to there is the Museum of Musical Instruments. For more information click here.

2.Koktobe

From the Sports Palace between the Abaya and Dostyk boulevards, a cable car takes you to one of the city’s major attractions: the Koktobe Park, at the top of a hill of 1100 meters. From the terrace of the cable car you can admire the city (smog, alas, permitting!). The cost of the ticket is 2000 tenge

The locals are used to spend the summer evenings here, taking a break from the hot of the weather downtown and enjoying a drink in the  small cafés. The area has a small zoo with mostly volatiles, rides, craft shops, points where children can practice climbing and a restaurant. Koktobe is a paradise for children looking for fun.

You can reach Koktobe from the Dostyk Avenue and Abaya also by bus number 99 and then go up the hill or on foot or by the specific bus of the Park (200 tenge).

1.Panfilov Park

At the end of Gogolia avenue, at the terminus of the city bus number 1, the Central Park extends; the green city area that for me most represents the spirit of the Sovietic heritage. In the Park full of tree-lined avenues and well-kept flowerbeds, there are: an area full of rides to take (and pay) individually; an artificial lake with lots of boats to rent; a communal outdoor pool with slides; an amphitheater and an open-air theater and the city’s Zoo.

The presence in the Park of these attractions represents the past Soviet spirit that allowed the people the opportunity to enjoy these little pleasures. There are numerous dining options where you can enjoy grilled shashlik and fresh beer. Animal inside the Zoo are poorly keep in small cages; I don’t reccomand a visit if you love animals!