Standing proudly in Panfilov Park, this brightly coloured Russian Orthodox cathedral is hard to miss. Built between 1904 and 1907, it holds an architectural secret: it was built without a single metal nail and crafted entirely from blue Tian Shan spruce. Thanks to its wooden flexibility, the cathedral uniquely survived the 1911 earthquake. Step inside and look around in awe at its intricate gilded iconostasis and light-filled, hand-painted frescoes.

Trade urban avenues for a raw geological wonderland just three hours east of Almaty at Charyn Canyon. Here, you'll be greeted by towering red sandstone gorges, carved by the elements over 2 million years ago. As you descend into the "Valley of Castles", keep an eye out for the rare Sogdian ash grove, a prehistoric tree species that survived the Ice Age alongside the dinosaurs – the only one of such groves left on Earth. Have your camera ready, as the canyon is also home to diverse wildlife like Siberian mouflons, eagles and desert foxes.

Spanning over 70 hectares at the foot of the mountains, this expansive urban oasis is where locals go to unwind. Framed by a grand colonnade entrance and sweeping mountain peaks, the park features manicured formal gardens, giant water fountains and peaceful walking avenues. Visit in late afternoon to catch the sunset glowing off the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau range.

Whether you're chasing winter powder or summer mountain air, a trip up to Shymbulak is a must. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Almaty, Central Asia's premier ski resort, Shymbulak, offers high-altitude trekking trails, mountain biking tracks and ski slopes with gondolas available. On your way up, stop at Medeu, which features the world's highest outdoor speed skating rink, situated 1691 metres above sea level, where over 200 world records have been broken.

For panoramic views of Almaty city without having to go too far, hop on the cable car from near Hotel Kazakhstan up to Kok Tobe Hill. Glide above the city's streets and enjoy stunning views of the skyline framed by alpine peaks. At the summit, you'll find a park with food vendors, a TV tower and the iconic bronze statue of The Beatles.

Kolsay Lakes, tucked into a high-altitude valley roughly five hours from the city, promise the quintessential Central Asia road trip reward: glassy, turquoise waters reflecting dense spruce forests and the soaring Tian Shan range. Explore the tranquil first lake on a pedal boat or venture deeper on horseback or by foot toward the second lake for a wilder, untamed scale of beauty.

Venture northeast to discover Altyn-Emel, a vast UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that feels like stepping onto another planet. Don't miss the legendary Singing Dune, a 150-metre sand mountain that emits a deep hum when the wind moves the dry sand grains. Further into the park, trek through the Aktau Mountains, where glimmering quartz crunch beneath your feet and multi-coloured layers of red, white and yellow chalk hills create a tiramisu-like landscape.

Beyond its natural beauty, Almaty also offers a fascinating architectural heritage. Architecture enthusiasts will love iconic landmarks like Hotel Kazakhstan, the Auezov Theater and the Wedding Palace. Head underground to the Almaty metro and discover unique artwork, chandeliers and Kazakh motifs.