Almaty
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, set in the south-east of the country at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau. Its history goes back to the days when it was the fort of Zailiyskoye. The city served as the first capital of independent Kazakhstan from 1991 to 1997. Today Almaty is an important industrial, cultural and academic centre, with numerous universities and the Academy of Sciences. The climate is continental, with freezing winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when temperatures are milder.
