When presented with the opportunity to go to Kazakhstan, I had to think about it. I’d never traveled to a place I knew so little about. Especially one so far away. Friends expressed concern about safety.
I found a sophisticated city, gorgeous scenery, vibrant culture and friendly people. I hiked into a canyon known as the Grand Canyon’s little brother, explored a blue-green lake with a sunken forest, took cable cars to ski resorts and learned about the nomadic culture and how long it takes to disassemble a yurt.
And I never once felt unsafe, no matter where we went.
Read our stories on this fascinating country: “Amazing things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan” and “5 unforgettable day trips from Almaty you need to take.”
– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief, The Travel 100