Almaty

Former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, Almaty is a cosmopolitan metropolis framed by snow-capped Tian Shan peaks. The Medeu ice rink (world's highest at 1,691m) and Shymbulak ski resort, the turquoise Big Almaty Lake, Kok-Tobe Hill, and the nail-less Zenkov Cathedral are must-sees. Tamgaly Petroglyphs (UNESCO) are accessible as a day trip.