Welcome, fellow travellers, to a whirlwind recount of my escapades in the enchanting land of Kazakhstan! Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, mishaps, and a sprinkle of historical titbits. Today, I’ll regale you with tales from Almaty, where we explored the bustling streets and sampled delicious local cuisine, the incredible Kok Tobe, where we marveled at the panoramic views of the city, the mesmerizing Lake Shymbulak, where we soaked in the tranquility of the surroundings, and the awe-inspiring Shymbulak Mountains, where we were ankle deep in snow, listening to the latest Bollywood songs playing loud for all. The power of the Indian tourists! So grab your sense of humour, and let’s dive in!
A bunch of 32 women from India, members of the prestigious IMC Women’s wing; all with a shared love for adventure and a zest for life, are on a bus packed to the brims, embarking on Almaty. But before I get ahead of myself, let me start with the experience of sharing 7 days with these superwomen. They have another side to them; in one word, it is FUN. They were kind, considerate, and leaders; Neela, our Captain, had everything managed to perfection; she was super coordinated and hands-on, and the girls’ attitude was terrific; they were adventurous and could live in the moment and laugh at idiocrasies on a trip.
Almaty:
Almaty, once known as Alma-Ata, which means ‘Father of Apples’ in Kazakh, has a rich history that dates back centuries. Legend has it that the apple originated from this region, making Almaty the birthplace of everyone’s favourite fruit! But Almaty is not just about apples. It has seen many transformations over the years, from being a trading post on the Silk Road to a cultural and economic hub in the region. So next time you bite into a juicy Red Delicious Apple, remember to thank Alma-Ata for its contributions to the world.
The most awe-inspiring aspect of Almaty is right in the heart of the city, a cable car station that whisks you up into the mountains. Behind it all, you’re surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Kok Tobe: Where the City Meets the Sky (Literally)
Lake Shymbulak:
Where Serenity Meets… Well, Me. Once again, in less than 60-80 minutes, we left the city far behind to reach the lake. In winter, it is frozen, so the majestic mountains stand tall, surrounding the lake.
The awesome Shymbulak Mountains:
Where Nature’s Majesty Meets… pièce de résistance—the Shymbulak Mountains. As a skier, I ski, but it’s more like a slow crawl down the mountains, where gravity takes over. I am an aquarian and, by default, tuned into winter months. I love the white mountains with yummy cups of vanilla ice, which is the best sight.
With towering peaks, majestic valleys, and breathtaking vistas, go for your next winter in Almaty!
And so, dear travellers, as I bid you adieu from the whimsical land of Kazakhstan, remember this: life is a journey filled with laughter, mishaps, and unexpected discoveries. So embrace the chaos, savor the moments, and pack extra sunscreen. Until next time, keep wandering and keep laughing!
Written by: Dr.(hon) Farhana Vohra
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