The Bridge between Asia and Europe
Almaty is largest city in Kazakhstan with a population about 2 000 000 with about 9% of the countries population located in one city, it is certainly a hustling and bustling place to be. It also used to be the former capital of the country, until 1997 when it moved to Astana.
Almaty is still the centre of commerce for Kazakhstan, with the stock exchange and largest banks located there including Kazkommertsbank, which is the largest bank in Kazakhstan, and one of the largest players in Central Asia. The Stock exchange is the largest in Central Asia and is responsible for a large proportion of the Countries economy. Plans are being developed to increase substantially the financial facilities, and currently under construction is 'Almaty Financial District and Esentai Park.
Almaty literally means 'city of apple trees', and, because of its relatively mild climate, it has a wide range of apple trees. The Almaty area is said to be the genetic home for many varieties of apples and the area is often visited by researchers and scientists from around the world, in order to learn more about the complex systems of genetics, and also to discover the true beginnings of the domestic apple. A good traditional story links the taking of the apple from the tree in the old testament to Almaty. The Turkic name for apple is Alma and Ata meaning forefather, which could lay it open to be possibly the origin of the Apple (The garden of Eden).
The city certainly has a spectacular beauty, whether or not it was the Garden of Eden, and is located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau in the extreme southeast of Kazakhstan. The backdrop of mountains against the taller buildings makes a dramatic and impressive sight and was the center for the Asian Winter games in January 2011.
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country on the planet and since 1993 became an independent state. Kazakhstan now has developed its own good relationships with both the east and west and also adapted its culture to suite both the old and the new.
How to get to Almaty
Regular direct flights to Almaty International airport (and via Astana) are operated by airlines Air Astana, Fly Arystan, Aeroflot, Rossiya, Lufthansa, Turkish airlines, Asiana, Air Asia, IndiGo, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai, Pegasus, Uzbekistan airways, Tukmenistan airlines, China Southern Airlines.
From the airport to Almaty you can reach by taxi: Uber, Yandex, City taxi, Eco taxi
Time difference
Time in Almaty is 4 hours ahead of GMT
Weather
Weather in August
August in Almaty witnesses a slight cooling trend, compared to July's peak summer heat. With reduced rainfall and temperatures, the city is in the waning phase of the summer season. Weather remains favorable for outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby mountains. Many fruit farms around Almaty open for visitors, enabling tourists to experience apple picking firsthand. August also hosts a wide array of cultural festivals, providing insight into local traditions.
Temperature
Almaty, Kazakhstan, commences August with an average high-temperature of a warm 29.4°C (84.9°F), maintaining a close resemblance to the previous month. Almaty's August nights cool down significantly from the day's heat, to an average low-temperature of 16.9°C (62.4°F).Heat index
For August, the heat index is estimated at a tropical 30°C (86°F). One might feel worn out with persistent exposure and activity, resulting in heat cramps.
For clarity, heat index numbers account for light winds and areas under shade. A rise of up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees in the heat index could result from direct sunlight.
Humidity
August is the least humid month in Almaty, with an average relative humidity of 45%.Rainfall
In Almaty, in August, it is raining for 10 days, with typically 30mm (1.18") of accumulated precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 122 rainfall days, and 684mm (26.93") of precipitation is accumulated.
UV index
The months with the highest UV index in Almaty are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 9. A UV Index estimate of 8 to 10 represents a very high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Customs
Customs rules you can find here
Phone
Almaty telephone code – 727
For a call on an intercity it is necessary to dial 8 - city code – telephone number. For an international call it is necessary to dial +7 (an exit to an international telecommunication) - a telephone code of the country - a city code – telephone number.
Internet
There are plenty of Internet cafes and bars, scattered all over the city. Many cafés and restaurants are equipped with Wi-Fi.
Electricity
European-type AC outlets. Voltage is 220V
Shops, banks, museums hours
Shops, banks and museum hours can vary. The schedule of their work is usually displayed at the entrance. At weekends and holidays the establishments work by the shortened schedule. The majority of museums are open from 10.00 to 18.00 without interruption. Day off - Monday.
