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The huge open air Medeu ice rink, spectacularly set into the mountain range below Shymbaluk, is designed for speed skating - having turned out numerous Olympic champions - and is open from November to March.
Culture and wildlife
Almaty does have a sprinkling of top-end fashion stores, but it's probably not going to be enough to lure luxury shopping vacationers away from Dubai, London and New York. Those seeking traditional goods and crafts will have a much richer experience. Traditional products include hand-woven carpets, shawls and bags, and fur hats and coats.
The fur trade has sadly hunted some animals close to extinction, such as the beautiful snow leopard, one of Kazakhstan's national symbols and now fortunately a target for conservationists.
Kazakhstan's wildlife is rich and diverse, with its birds of prey a draw for ornithologists and Arab falconers alike. The Kazakhs have traditionally used eagles, owls and hawks for hunting a variety of local game from foxes. The CYHKAP falcon farm gives hunting demonstrations and the chance to get close up and personal with some magnificent birds of prey. Eco-tourism is being given some serious attention, with an English-language website listing attractions and tour operators, at www.ecotourism.kz
Cultural tourism is also starting to flourish. Yurts, the traditional circular tent homes of nomads, are being reinvented as restaurants and function rooms. Kazakhstan's national cuisine is based around lamb and horse meat, with pasta and rice, and a drink made of fermented mare's milk.
Growth in business travel is assured; for those looking to take the "road less travelled" for adventure, get in before the secret's out.
All visitors need to apply for a visa. Information can be found at the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.mfa.kz
National carrier Air Astana flies daily between Dubai and Almaty: www.airastana.com. Dnata Agencies is general sales agent in Dubai
James McInerney, News Editor
