Kazakhstan Chronicles: Keval Desai’s Family Journey Through Time and Beauty

As I fastened my seatbelt and felt the slight tremor of the aeroplane lifting off, I looked at my wife and our two children. Their eyes sparkled with the same excitement that buzzed inside me. This trip to Kazakhstan was a long-overdue escape from the monotony of our routine, a chance to bond, and an opportunity to explore a land that was as mysterious as it was beautiful.

We had picked Kazakhstan almost on a whim. My daughter had read about the vast landscapes of Central Asia in her geography class. She had been fascinated by the stunning contrast between modern cities and untouched nature. Always being an adventure-seeker, my son had been captivated by the idea of skiing in the mountains and exploring the canyons. And for my wife and I? We simply wanted time - time to be together, time to make memories.

Little did we know that this trip would become one of the most unforgettable journeys of our lives.

Almaty is a City of a Thousand Colours

The moment we landed in Almaty, the fresh air and the sight of snow-capped mountains in the distance took our breath away. It was a city that felt modern, yet deeply rooted in its history. From our room’s window, we could see the golden domes of the Ascension Cathedral peeking through the skyline.

The first day of our trip was spent simply wandering and soaking in the culture and the warmth of the people. We strolled through Panfilov Park, where children played beneath tall trees, and visited the Zilyoni Bazaar, which was filled with the scent of fresh bread, spices, and local delicacies. My son was fascinated by the vendors selling dried fruits and nuts, while my daughter was drawn to the colourful scarves and handcrafted souvenirs.

That evening, as we dined in a cosy restaurant and savoured plov (a traditional rice dish) and shashlik (grilled meat skewers), my wife smiled and said, “This place has a charm, doesn’t it?”

I nodded. “It feels like a forgotten treasure waiting to be explored.”

Mountains, Ice, and a Child’s Wonder

The next morning, we went on a trip to the Medeu Ice Skating Rink, one of the highest-altitude rinks in the world. As soon as we arrived, my son’s eyes lit up. “Dad! This is incredible!” he exclaimed, already racing ahead to rent skates.

Watching my son glide across the ice, laughing as he struggled to balance, filled me with a rare kind of happiness. On the other hand, my daughter clung to the railing at first but soon found her rhythm. 

After an exhilarating time at Medeu, we took a cable car to Shymbulak Ski Resort. As we rose above the snow-covered peaks, the view kept getting better. We spent the afternoon sledging, building snowmen, and sipping on hot chocolate. The cold bit our cheeks but never our spirits.

As the sun dipped behind the mountains, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, my wife whispered, “I have not seen the kids this happy in a long time.”

Neither had I.

Markets, Chocolate, and the Magic of Kok Tobe

No family trip is complete without indulging in shopping, and Almaty’s Green Bazaar was a paradise for the senses. We wandered through aisles lined with spices, dried fruits, and traditional Kazakh sweets. My daughter was particularly impressed by the handcrafted jewellery, while my son, unsurprisingly, made a run for the snacks.

However, the highlight of the day was visiting the Rahat Chocolate Factory. Watching the chocolates being made and tasting the freshly crafted sweets was a dream come true for the kids (and, if I am honest, for me too).

Later, we took a cable car to Kok Tobe Park. The ride was breathtaking and offered panoramic views of the city as it twinkled below us. At the top, we marvelled at the famous Beatles monument, enjoyed some funfair rides, and simply sat together, watching the city lights shimmer in the distance.

Charyn Canyon was a Nature’s Masterpiece

If there was one place that left us completely awestruck, it was Charyn Canyon. The landscape was otherworldly - deep red cliffs carved by time, stretching endlessly into the horizon.

Standing there, taking in the grandeur of nature, I felt something shift inside me. It was a reminder of how vast and beautiful the world truly is, and how small our daily worries seem in comparison.

We spent hours exploring, climbing rocks, and taking in the silence that was both humbling and peaceful. Being curious, my daughter asked, “Do you think places like this hold secrets from ancient times?”

“I think they do,” I said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “And I think they whisper them to those who listen.”

A Journey to Remember

As our trip came to an end, we headed back to the airport, reluctant to leave. Kazakhstan has given us special moments. Moments of laughter as we stumbled on ice, of awe as we gazed at landscapes untouched by time, of togetherness as we sat by the lake, talking about everything and nothing.

I looked out of the window as the plane took off, the city lights of Almaty twinkling below us. 

Kazakhstan had been unexpected, unfamiliar, and utterly unforgettable. And in the end, that is what made it so special.

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