[2025 Almaty Attraction] Travel Guide for Zenkov's Cathedral (Updated Feb)

6-day tour of Kazakhstan, hot spring trip! Hot springs, relaxation, and exploration, all in one guide! Come explore with me! -------- 🎉Itinerary: Explore the exotic charm of Kazakhstan🌍 D1: Urumqi→Yining/Horgos 🚂Take a train to Yining or Horgos, open the door to Central Asia, and experience the exotic charm of Kazakhstan. D2: Almaty Independence Monument - Panfilov 28 Warriors Memorial Park - Ascension Cathedral 🛤️Visit the Almaty Independence Monument to remember history; stroll through Panfilov 28 Warriors Memorial Park to feel the bravery; visit Ascension Cathedral to appreciate religious culture. D3: Shymbulak - Central State Museum of Kazakhstan 🏞️Visit the natural scenery of Shymbulak and enjoy the gifts of nature; then go to the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan to explore the traces of history. D4: Charyn Canyon National Park 🌲Spend the whole day at Charyn Canyon National Park and feel the magnificence and mystery of nature. D5: Zharkent - Go through entry procedures - Horgos - Yining 🛂Go from Zharkent to go through entry procedures, then return to Horgos, and then go to Yining to end the exploration of Kazakhstan. D6: Horgos - Urumqi 🚘Return to Urumqi from Horgos, cherish the travel memories, and look forward to the next meeting!🌟 💖Summary: This is a trip to Kazakhstan full of history, culture, and natural scenery, allowing you to deeply experience the exotic charm of Central Asia! -------- Travel essentials: Kazakhstan packing list🧳 📞 A phone card is a must, unlimited data is better, and you can surf the Internet without worry. 🔌 Bring a German standard plug adapter, no worries about charging, and your devices will always be fully charged. 🪪 Carry your passport with you, enter visa-free, and easily start your trip to Kazakhstan. 👚🧣 Kazakhstan is cold in December, so thick clothes and scarves are a must, keeping you warm and stylish. 🔋 Prepare chargers and power banks, so you can take photos and check in without running out of power, and record all the beautiful moments. -------- Kazakhstan, a Central Asian secret place that will make your heart beat, is waiting for your exploration and discovery. May your journey be full of surprises and joy!🎉

Almaty City Walk in one day Ascension Cathedral Looks like a fairytale world when it snows You can feed pigeons at the entrance You can enter the church Free photography Musical Instrument Museum Near the church, the exterior is also very beautiful. Central Museum Learn about the history and culture of Kazakhstan, no photography allowed. The aerial view of the blue dome is beautiful!

The last stop of this trip to Kazakhstan was Almaty, a city where traditional ethnic characteristics and modern civilization naturally meet. On the day we left, we visited the Ascension Cathedral⛪️, a very dreamy-looking Orthodox church. It is said to be the second tallest wooden structure in the world, built without any nails, and miraculously survived the strong earthquake in Almaty in 1911. It is also one of the few surviving buildings from the Tsarist period in Almaty. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated, with bright murals on the walls and golden icons that are eye-catching. The sunlight shines through the stained glass, making the time spent here especially beautiful. ✈️ In the evening, we took Air Astana from Almaty back to Beijing. The flight was an Airbus 320, and the business class seats were spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom. As soon as I got on the plane, I felt completely relaxed, and there were many choices for dinner 😋 The shrimp rice was rich and delicious, and with the delicious smoked salmon 🍣 and creamy mushroom soup, it was definitely a sumptuous meal on board. The unlimited supply of drinks and beverages carried all the joy of our return trip. Cheers in the clouds 🍷, safe landing in Beijing, goodbye Kazakhstan~

Let's start with the conclusion: Unless you're like us, just transiting and happen to have time, or coming from Yining by bus to take a look, or aiming for some special tourism, I think it's OK, but it's really not worth a special trip. As someone who has been to Xinjiang 3 times each time for more than a week, I think its natural scenery is too inferior. Almaty has two lines, one is the city's Ascension Cathedral + Big Almaty scenic area (currently temporarily closed) The other line is the Kaindy Lake and Kolsai Lakes line, which is what we took. There are three ways to go this line, charter, rent a car, join a group. Joining a group is the cheapest, only over a hundred, but you have to leave the city at more than five in the morning, and you won't return until more than ten in the evening, and it's very unsafe, we witnessed a group had a car fire, the scene was very tragic. We left the airport at around seven in the morning and returned to the airport at more than eight in the evening. The main reason for this trip was to go to Kaindy Lake, because many trees on both sides of the previous landslide broke and entered the lake, surprisingly becoming the magical 'upside-down trees', this view is very rare. Riding a horse in Kaindy Lake is 5000 Tenge per person, if you can ride a horse you can ride faster which is very good. At Kolsai Lakes, you must interact with the golden eagle, it feels very good to touch! Taking a photo with the golden eagle is 2000 Tenge per photo, you can change into local ethnic costumes, in the end we two bargained with him for 10000 Tenge and got all the photos. Also, when you come to Kazakhstan, you must try the local big skewers, super big! And very cheap 10 to 15 per skewer, the taste is completely different from Xinjiang barbecue but also very delicious, although it's big it's very flavorful!

On the second day in Almaty, there is free admission to the Ascension Cathedral in the morning. Located in the city center, it was built in 1907 and is the oldest and largest church in Almaty, as well as the second tallest existing wooden structure in the world. There are a lot of pigeons at the door. A large bag of food costs 500 tenge, or you can bring your own bread. There was a group of people helping to take photos, and they all charged! It’s $1 a piece, you don’t have to. In 1911, a magnitude 8.4 earthquake struck Almaty, and most of the city's buildings were destroyed. Only the Ascension Cathedral stood firm and has been preserved to this day. It has become the only relatively well-preserved building from the Tsarist Russia period in Almaty.

Hey guys, here's a 3-day Kazakhstan tour guide! Explore Central Asian culture and don't miss any of the beautiful scenery! Check it out and start your adventure now! / Must-see attractions: 🌟 Ascension Cathedral: A magnificent 56-meter-high building that will take your breath away! 🕊️ Panfilov Park: A memorial site that will make you yearn for it and feel the weight of history. 🌳 Kok Tobe: Also known as Green Hill, the TV tower and panoramic terrace here are great places to take photos! ❄️ Medeu: Want to experience the fun of a high-altitude ice rink? This is the highest ice rink in the world, waiting for you to challenge it! / Travel preparations: 📞 Get a local SIM card for easy contact and save money. 🔌 Don't forget the plug adapter, as the sockets in Kazakhstan may be different from ours. 🪪 Bring all your documents. Although it's visa-free, you need to bring your passport just in case. 🧣 It's quite cold in Kazakhstan in January, so prepare warm clothes, scarves, and gloves. 🔋 Chargers and power banks are essential wherever you go. You'll feel more at ease when your phone is charged. / Kazakhstan tour: Experience the unique Central Asian culture and make every step full of surprises and memories! 🌟

Winter holiday is here! For those who want to explore Kazakhstan, here is a super practical 3-day travel guide to help you explore Kazakhstan! -------- Kazakhstan has a rich history, vast grasslands, and the majestic Tianshan Mountains. The customs here are unique, and the people are warm and hospitable. Don't miss the magnificent Lake Balkhash 🌊 and Big Almaty Lake Scenic Area! -------- Must-visit attractions: Shymbulak 🌟🌟🌟🌟 - Address: Almaty, Kazakhstan - Opening hours: 9:00 am–12:00 am - Duration: 1 day - This is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts, with snow covering the area for up to half a year, allowing you to fully enjoy the fun of skiing! Central State Museum of Kazakhstan 🌟🌟🌟 - Address: Samal-1, 44, Almaty 050059, Kazakhstan - Opening hours: Mon, Wed–Sun 9:00 am–6:00 pm - Duration: 1–2 hours - The museum has a rich collection, allowing you to explore the history and culture of Central Asia. Don't miss it! Ascension Cathedral 🌟🌟🌟 - Address: Gogol St 40в, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan - Opening hours: Sun 6:00 am–6:00 pm, Mon–Fri 7:00 am–6:00 pm, Sat 7:00 am–7:00 pm - Duration: 1–2 hours - The spectacular building, standing at 56 meters tall, attracts countless tourists to visit and experience its solemnity and sanctity! -------- Travel tips: January climate: In January, Kazakhstan is cold 🥶, so remember to bring a thick coat and warm underwear! Food: Don't miss the traditional Kazakh cuisine 🍲, such as roasted lamb and kumis, which will leave you wanting more! Visa information: Good news! Kazakhstan is visa-free for Chinese citizens 🎉, so you can go on a trip whenever you want! Travel preparation: It is recommended to exchange some local currency 💸 in advance and prepare some common medicines just in case. Cultural customs: Respect local cultural customs 🕌, and dress appropriately when visiting religious sites to show respect. -------- Kazakhstan is a journey to explore the unknown mysteries and beauty, waiting for you to start!

Attention ski lovers! Enjoy skiing in Kazakhstan and more for 8 days. Check out this guide and start your ice and snow journey! -------------------- 🌍Itinerary: Day 1: Urumqi✈️Almaty Start your Kazakhstan trip and experience the exotic atmosphere in Almaty. Day 2: Shymbulak->Independence Monument->Panfilov Park->Ascension Cathedral Visit Shymbulak, the Independence Monument, Panfilov Park, and Ascension Cathedral. Day 3: State Museum of History of Uzbekistan->Independence Square->Memorial for Cosmonauts Learn about Uzbekistan's history, stroll through Independence Square, and visit the Memorial for Cosmonauts. Day 4: Kalyan Minaret->Taqi-Telpakfurushon Market Admire the Kalyan Minaret and visit the traditional market. Day 5: Ark of Bukhara Visit the Ark of Bukhara and admire the ancient architecture. Day 6: Gur-e-Amir->Siob Bazaar->Shah-i-Zinda->Registan Square Visit the mausoleum, bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda, and Registan Square. Day 7: Tashkent TV Tower->Amir Timur Square Admire the city from the TV Tower and visit Amir Timur Square. Day 8: Tashkent✈️Urumqi End your trip and return to Urumqi. -------------------- Recommended attractions: 🏔️ Shymbulak: Covered in snow from November to May, this is a paradise for ski lovers! Enjoy a winter sports feast! 🏛️ Registan Square: Known as the heart of Samarkand, this is a must-see for its unique charm and scenery. ⛪ Ascension Cathedral: This 56-meter-tall building is a must-see for tourists. 🌳 Amir Timur Square: With trees, statues, and fountains, this is a great place to relax. 🏺 State Museum of History of Uzbekistan: With Zoroastrian and Buddhist relics, this is a great place to learn about history. -------------------- Travel tips: 📞 SIM card: Buy a local SIM card for easy communication and internet access. 🔌 Plug adapter: Don't forget to bring one. 🪪 Documents: Bring your passport and driver's license. Although you don't need a visa, you still need to bring your documents. 👔 Clothing: It's cold in January, so bring a thick coat, scarf, and gloves. 🔋 Charger: Bring a charger and power bank for your phone and camera. -------------------- Enjoy the romance of Kazakhstan and more! We hope this guide helps you have a great time! 🎉

#chillandthrill Zenkov Cathedral is one of the most stunning buildings I’ve ever seen. This colorful, wooden church stands out like a jewel in Almaty’s Panfilov Park. The intricate details on the exterior are mesmerizing, and the fact that it’s made entirely of wood—even the nails—is mind-blowing. Inside, it’s just as beautiful, with rich icons and a peaceful vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and appreciate the craftsmanship and history behind it. 📍Zenkov Cathedral, Almaty, Kazakhstan #kazakhstan #almaty #architecture #landmark

⛪️Visit the Ascension Cathedral in Almaty 1️⃣Located in Panfilov Park⛲️ in Almaty; 2️⃣The Cathedral of the Assumption is a breathtaking architectural 🏘️ masterpiece and an important symbol of the city 🏙️. It is famous for its unique wooden 🪵 structure, which does not use a single iron nail and is entirely built of painted ✍️ wood; 3️⃣The colorful exterior wall of the Ascension Cathedral is said to be shining in the sun, but it happened to be snowing during the season we came, but it still looked solemn and sacred under the silver; 4️⃣The interior decoration is even more stunning, with complex murals and gold-inlaid icons conveying a strong Orthodox atmosphere; 5️⃣This church was built in the early 20th century and survived earthquakes. This made me feel the exquisite architectural craftsmanship and historical accumulation behind it. Standing outside the church and looking up, the bells from the bell tower echo melodiously, seeming to tell the history and faith of the city; 6️⃣This tour not only made me feel that behind every historical church, it not only carries faith, but also carries the vivid stories on the wheel of history. It is necessary to go around when traveling to Almaty. The square on the square Pigeons also flock together, which is great for taking pictures.

The Ascension Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Almaty and is one of the local landmark buildings. The cathedral was built in 1907 and has a total height of 56 meters, making it the second tallest wooden church in the world. During the Soviet era, the cathedral was used as a museum and radio station. It was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1995 and reopened in 1997.

The Cathedral of the Assumption in Almaty is the closest church in Kazakhstan to St. Basil's Cathedral, and it is also one of the few surviving tsarist-era buildings in Almaty. The church is built entirely of wood and is the second tallest wooden building in the world. The interior of the church is richly decorated with many exquisite religious paintings and decorations. Many pigeons gathered in the small square in front of the church, which together with the beautiful church became a unique landscape.

The Ascension Cathedral in Almaty is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral located in Kazakhstan. The construction of the Almaty Ascension Cathedral began in 1907, and it is not only the oldest and largest church in Almaty but also the second tallest wooden cathedral in the world, built without using a single nail. The Ascension Cathedral was restored and modernized in the 1990s, with its candy-colored exterior representing the Neo-Byzantine architectural style, restoring both modern and ancient architectural features. The interior of the cathedral is exquisitely decorated with icons and murals, craftsmanship paintings, delicate brushwork, and golden splendor, making the church an artistic structure both inside and out.

Summary: It was hard to sleep last night, so I decided to look for another hostel and unexpectedly arrived at the Ascension Cathedral, where I experienced unprecedented tranquility among the trees and the sound of pigeons. The trash cans here blend in with the environment, shaped like stone pillars, and are hard to find if you don't know what you're looking for. I booked a train ticket to Astana at the train station, changed hostels in the afternoon, took a detour to the museum, was too tired, and went back to the hostel to rest. Accommodation: From May 18 to May 19 at sunny hostel, address: 24 Iyunya 30, Almaty, 80 yuan/night. Remember to check the address when booking hostels here, as some may have the same name. This hostel has clear pros and cons. Pros: good location, convenient transportation. Separate kitchen and bathroom, with washing machine and dryer. Cons: The lower bunk is okay, but the upper bunk has no guardrail, is flush against the wall, and is as cramped as the upper bunk on a 6-person train sleeper—you can't sit up straight. The shower is capsule-shaped and very small. Then there's only one toilet, which seems to be a common issue here. If there's a lower bunk available, it's fine to stay, but if it's an upper bunk, you can only sleep (and try not to fall off). I got up at 3 a.m. on May 19, which would be around 6 a.m. in China. I didn't sleep much last night and felt restless. After much hesitation, I decided to look for a hostel called evergreen hostel. It was already light outside, and the distance on the map wasn't too far, so I set off. The roads were very quiet, and from a distance, I could see the snow-capped mountains of the city. The sidewalks are very well maintained, spacious, and free of illegal parking. When I arrived, I realized it wasn't the one I saw online. I hesitated as I looked at the surroundings; the opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. So it was too early, and the one I really wanted to go to was in another direction. Feeling tired, I was stopped by an old man on my way back. He couldn't use his hands well and couldn't light his lighter. It was my first time encountering such a situation, so I helped him light his cigarette and went back to the hostel's kitchen to make instant noodles for breakfast. Later, I planned to go to another hostel and meet up with a friend. However, I got on bus 19 and realized I was going in the wrong direction. I decided to just go with it and enjoy the scenery along the way. The map showed a church, so I got off the bus and walked there. The woods were so quiet, it felt like speaking would disturb the city. My friend also exclaimed their fondness for the quiet atmosphere. The greenery was lush, the walkways spacious, the sky blue, and the people relaxed. The Ascension (or is it 'Saint'?) Cathedral was beautiful, and the nearby flock of pigeons was also quiet, cooing softly and occasionally flapping their wings. It was Sunday, and they were holding a service, so I went in to experience it and quietly left. I stayed in the woods for a while, behaving like a tourist for a long time, taking photos, marveling, and taking more photos. Further ahead was a mosque, where I learned more about Islam. I went inside, took off my shoes, and sat down for a while in a very peaceful place. I leaned against a pillar and wanted to sleep, but quickly left and continued on. I discovered the train station nearby and made my way there. Along the way, I passed through a vegetable market to compare prices and stopped by a chocolate shop to buy some snacks. After asking for directions, I finally reached the train station. With body language and translation, I booked a train ticket to Astana for the 22nd, costing 18,000 tenge for a 16-hour ride. I couldn't understand what was written on the order. The train station's ticket sales hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Emergency ticket sales are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. There are also 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours, with different times at each window. I heard that I need to figure out where to transfer, so I'll study it more when I get back. There's also a subway near the train station, Almaty's subway, which I'll try when I have time. Afterward, I booked a new hostel, and my friend went to the museum. Then I ran out of tenge, with only 350 left, not enough for two bus rides. At noon, I met up with my friend to get some cash and took the opportunity to look around the museum. The surrounding woods of the museum were quite comfortable to stay in. I met a retirement group from Zhejiang at the museum, a 14-day trip covering Xinjiang, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The museum's basement has a place to store belongings, which is quite unique, and there's also a restaurant that seems very affordable. I bought three different flavors of bread—sausage, potato, cabbage—and a bottle of mint-flavored water, totaling 30 yuan for lunch. The bread was still warm, and I liked the potato flavor the best. After eating, I felt sleepy. I was very tired and went back to the hostel to rest.