Almaty, formerly known asAlma-AtaandVerny, is the largest city inKazakhstan.The cityused to be the former capital of the country, until 1997 when it moved toAstana.Being a financial and cultural center of Central Asia, Almaty boasts moderately-sized tourist and expatriate communities and it is ahustling and bustling place to be.
The word Almatyliterallymeans ''city of apple trees'', andbecause of itsrelatively mild climate, it has a wide range of apple trees. It is a wonderful gateway to this undiscovered and distinctive country. Kazakh people are very kind and welcoming, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the hospitality.