Somewhere Unique, Somewhere Magical: Srishti’s Friends Trip to Kazakhstan with Thrillophilia

"Are you sure this is a good idea?", Ashna asked on a video call after I mentioned that we could plan to go to Kazakhstan for our friend's trip. I showed her the beauty of the country, highlighting its stunning landscapes, rich ancient history, and unique cultural heritage. I explained that Kazakhstan is not widely known, which makes it even more special and exciting for our trip.

After a long discussion, all four of my friends were thrilled about visiting this offbeat yet amazing country. Since we were travelling as a group, we wanted everyone to be on the same page with the itinerary. So, we decided to book Thrillophilia's Tour Package, and we were all happy with the arrangements and the itinerary they curated.

Grand Architecture & Glorious History

We started from Delhi and landed in Almaty, a beautiful city famous for its historical landmarks and unique architecture.

On our first day, we decided to explore Almaty by visiting the Zelyony Bazaar, a lively market that was full of colours, smells, and sounds. We wandered through the stalls, checking out the fresh fruits, nuts, and local sweets. The bazaar was a great place to shop, and I bought some dried fruits and traditional Kazakh scarves as souvenirs. We also tried some local food at the market. The shashlik was delicious, and we couldn’t resist getting a few more for a snack while exploring.

After the bazaar, we walked to Abai Square, where we took some photos near the statue of the famous Kazakh poet, Abai. Then, we visited the Palace of the President and the Palace of the Republic, both of which had a beautiful, grand architecture that truly did justice to what the travel blogs said about the amazing architecture of the city.

The next day, we set out for a sightseeing tour of the city and our first stop was Panfilov Park, dedicated to the heroes who fought in WWII. It was peaceful, and the monuments gave us a deeper understanding of Kazakhstan's history. We then visited the Zenkov Cathedral, a stunning wooden Russian Orthodox church. The colourful architecture was unique, and the inside was peaceful with beautiful icons.

Next, we headed to Republic Square and saw the Independence Monument, symbolising Kazakhstan's freedom. The day was filled with history and culture, and we were all thrilled with what the city has experienced and how amazingly it has grown!

Skiing, Skating & Snow Fun

Our next adventure was hands-down the most fun one for all of us. On our third day, we headed to the Medeu Ice Skating Rink and then to Shymbulak Ski Resort. Our first adventurous stop was Medeu, the world’s largest high-mountain skating rink, where we all tried our hands on ice skating and it was super fun! Let’s just say we spent more time falling than skating! We couldn’t stop laughing as we clicked tons of pictures in the snow, capturing the beautiful Trans-Ili Alatau mountains in the background.

Next, we took a cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort, where we tried skiing and snowboarding. We became kids once again and kept falling and laughing and had so much fun in the snow. And, the stunning views of the mountain peaks made it even more special. By the end of the day, we were exhausted but filled with memories of laughter, snow, and adventure. It was the perfect day to enjoy with friends and make memories!

A Chocolatey Day: Fun Experience

We also explored the Green Bazaar, the oldest in Kazakhstan, and explored its lively stalls filled with fresh produce and local goods. We couldn’t resist buying some spices and souvenirs. Next, we visited the Rakhat Chocolate Factory, where we learned about the history of chocolate and got to taste some of the finest chocolate in the world – it was delicious! Arzoo was the happiest among us because she had a sweet tooth. With every bite, she exclaimed, "This is the best chocolate I've ever had! I need to bring some back for everyone."

We then took the cable car up to Kok Tobe for stunning views of Almaty. At the Fountain of Desires, we all made wishes and laughed as we tossed coins into the water. And, we also took a nostalgic Ferris Wheel ride which made us feel like kids again.

A Perfect Farewell

On our last day in Kazakhstan, my friends and I made our way to Issyk Lake, nestled in the stunning Ile Alatau mountains. As we arrived, the calmness of the lake immediately captivated us. We took a leisurely walk around the lake, breathing in the fresh air and soaking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. 

It felt like the perfect moment to just pause and appreciate the beauty of nature. After the walk, we decided to explore the region's rich history at the State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve. It was fascinating to learn about the area’s cultural heritage. We also had a nice long lunch to just chill and talk about the trip at a quaint cafe, savouring the local flavours while overlooking the lake. The whole day felt like a beautiful, calm farewell to an unforgettable trip, and we couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to our time in Kazakhstan.

Read More: Thrillophilia Kazakhstan Reviews