Things to Do in Ascension Cathedral

A wooden Orthodox cathedral in Almaty survived every earthquake since 1907—built entirely without nails using traditional Russian techniques. Kazakhstan's former capital sits dramatically against snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, mixing Soviet brutalist monuments with glass towers and tree-lined boulevards. Total architectural chaos. Ascension Cathedral's bright yellow and blue exterior cuts through the city's gray landscape, while Panfilov Park creates a peaceful escape from the busy center.

The dining scene mixes Kazakh, Russian, Korean, and international food. Traditional spots serve beshbarmak (horse meat with noodles) and plov, while the large Korean population created excellent Korean restaurants throughout the city. Green Bazaar delivers authenticity. Try lagman noodles and fresh bread at local eateries near the market. Downtown restaurants serve Japanese to Italian food with surprisingly high quality.

Late spring through early fall offers the best weather—May through September brings warm days and cool evenings perfect for walking and outdoor time. Summer gets hot but mountains keep temperatures bearable compared to other Central Asian cities. Winter means heavy snow. Temperatures drop well below freezing, creating beautiful alpine atmosphere and making ice skating at Medeu particularly appealing. Spring and fall balance good weather with fewer tourists, though crowds rarely overwhelm Almaty anyway.