Nomad Enduro Tour - a unique motorcycle tour for fans of off-road and Free-riding. Why is unique? Because during 7 days you will riding on the enduro motorbike and feeling the unique landscape: Kazakh steppe endless flat , the sands of Tau-Kum desert, hills, rocky ridges and green alpine meadows Zaili Alatau. And all these are on ancient trails of nomads. Wildlife, a national food, overnight in the yurts (nomad's home) and enduro motorbike - all in the Nomad Enduro Motorcycle Tour in Kazakhstan!
P.S. We do not describe some places and roads on our website because it is exclusive part of our itinerary and commercial secret.
Duration: 9 days
Country: Kazakhstan
Start/finish: Almaty (Kazakhstan)
Total distance: 1500 km
Dates: contact with Sergey by emailmotoskott@gmail.com
Arrival and meeting at the airport of the city of Almaty. Transfers, hotel accommodation. City tour in Almaty: 28 Panfilov Park, Medeo skating rink. Lunch in a restaurant of traditional Kazakh cuisine. After a lunch it is high time to check the motorbikes.The rest time till supper you can stay at the hotel or go for a walk by yourself. Welcome dinner in the evening. Then you return to the hotel and rest. Tomorrow the enduro freedom!!!
2. Almaty – Aral-Tube settlement
Let’s start! A little bit patience and we are already in the wild Kazakh steppe – Karaoy plateau. There is a plain, endless steppe! Enjoy the riding on enduro motorbike! There is the only border – between the sky and the earth, between the speedometer pointer and your courage. After lunch the main obstacle - the desert Taukum. 100 km of hot sand dunes! For nomad is a trifle. Especially when it is waiting for a cold beer in the evening . In the evening we stay in comfortable homes located in the tourist base. This is a true desert oasis. Swimming in river, beer and tasty food.. cool rest!!
3. Aral-Tube settlement - Kapchagai lake
In the morning we will continue our enduro motorbike tour. Today we will drive on our motorbikes along the Ili River - the largest river in the region and one of the largest rivers in Kazakhstan. One of the river routes of the Silk Road. This day will be hot and long. A variety of roads - sand, salt marsh, gravel, etc. But in the evening we will enjoy in nice resort on Kapchagai lake.
4. Kapchagai lake - Altyn Emel National Park
Start. We will continue our motorcycle adventure. Today we evade the civilization. From this place you can meet only nomads on horses, like many years ago. Then we go through the plateau Kokhan. It is a hilling steppe along the range Kaprek. Till the midday we get to the Altyn-Emel pass and have a dinner – a delicious mutton "shashlik” – it will be cooked for us by local family right near the road. Till the evening we stay at the night in the guest house at the territory of the Altyn-Emel. Here, at the far distance from the civilization, in a cosy house of the Kazakh family you can have a rest and drink cold beer.
5. Altyn Emel National Park - Charyn canyon
In the morning we will continue enduro riding. The Altyn-Emel reserve. It is the huge strictly protected territory. Only with us you can go through this territory and see all mysteries of this unique place. At first we go to listen the The Singing Dune. From that place we get to the Aktau mountains. Aktau – the piece of Mars landscape on the Earth. It is just fantastic! Till the evening we get to the Charyn canyon.The most famous place in Kazakhstan. The sleep here is strong and healthy. Here in the coolness of the river canyon we stay at the night in the yurt camp or bungalow. Fantastic night!
6. Charyn canyon - Kulsai Lake
We continue our motorcycle adventure and leaving the landscapes of plain steppes and Red Mars mountains behind, we go to the cool kingdom of green fur-trees and mountains of the Ili Alatau. Our climbing begins from the pass named "Wolf’s Gates” through the Toraigyr mountains. In some places there are no roads, there are only the direction with sharp stones. Here you should hold the wheel firmly and not reduce speed if you do not want to get in the bushes. Cold beer and the fattest bit of meat will be waiting for the one who can hold at the bike and be able to pass the pass without stopping and falling. We hope for it)) Till the evening we get to the Kulsai lake. We spend this night in the warm guesthouse which are surrounded with the Tyan-Shyan mountains.
7. Kulsai Lake – Asy plateau
After breakfast we continue our enduro motorbike tour. Today we go through 3 mountains passes: Alabital, Bakaly,Asy and Sarytau about 2500 m range and force the Asy river. Abrupt winding roads will lift us on Asy plateau which is the paradise on the Earth. The Asy plateau is the largest high- mountain summer pasture in the country. There is a blue sky and green meadows. This is created specially for relax. You can lie on the grass, breathe with mountainous air, drink kumys (horse’s milk) and enjoy the moment until we get to stuffy city jungles, because our tour comes to the end. This night we stay in yurts of hospitable shepherd Kajrat under the bright starry sky of the Kazakh earth.
8. Asy plateau - Almaty city
After breakfast we are on our enduro motorcycle again and go through the Turgen gorge where the civilization’s signs can be seen. We have a dinner at one fish restaurant where we taste mountain trout.
In the evening we meet all together at the restaurant to celebrate the end of our tour, exchange with photos and we give you the presents and the souvenirs.
So, these are only the main features of our tour. You must have in mind that all these places are united with the unique route including asphalt, sand, gravel, clay, grass, bushes, stony cliffs, mountainous serpentines, rivers and forests, which cannot be described in the tour programs. It is also impossible to describe the drive and all those pleasant feelings which you feel yourself during the trip. To feel it, you must arrive in Almaty and come to us. Trust us. Nobody except us can escort you among the secret paths of the great nomads.
9. Departure Almaty
Good luck! Come back to take part in «THE GREAT TYAN-SHAN» ADVENTURE TOUR!
USEFUL INFORMATION FOR PARTICIPANTS NOMAD Enduro Off Road Tour
Duration: 9 days, 7 days way
Countries: Kazakhstan
Start / Finish: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Total distance: about 1800km.
The nature of the tour: 80% offroad
Accommodation: hotel in Almaty, guest houses, yurt
Support:: Toyota Land Cruiser and the leader of a motorcycle.
Garage: Suzuki DRZ400S or Suzuki DR650SE
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS:
-Readiness to have unbelievable adventure with lots of surprises on the way
-Physical strength and pure optimism
-Good riding skills (especially the experience of driving in the sand)
-Respect laws and culture of local people
VISA PROCEDURE
Our company does not issue visas nor provide visa support. But don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any information on visa. We will contact our partners providing services on visa support
In order to participate in the trip through Nomad tour, you will have to obtain the Kazakh single tourist visa.
Please, contact us first before applying for visa, since visa procedures differ according to the country of your citizenship. Citizens of some countries do not need visa to Kazakhstan or may obtain it according to simplified procedure.
Unfortunately, visa procedure is inimitable part of the tour, so please take some time in order to finish this process successfully, but we want to reassure you, that you will not face any troubles and obtain your visa in the shortest time. We recommend starting visa process 1-2 months prior to the tour. We are always there for you to help!
HOW TO GET HERE
Here is the list of air companies, providing flights to Almaty. You may also contact us specifying your country of departure. Since we have a wide client base from all over the world, we will contact them in order to receive recommendations or advise concerning flight details.
Air Arabia, Asiana Airlines, Atlasjet, British Airways, China Southen Airlines, Czech Airlines, Etihad Airlines, Hainan Airlines, KLM Airlines, Lufhansa, Mahan Air, Pegasus Airlines, S7 Airlines, Samon Air, Tajik Air, Turkish Airlines, Rossiya Airlines, Transaero, Turkmenistan Airlines, Uzbekistan Airlanes, Air Astana, Fly Dubai, Fly Vista
WHAT TO WEAR FOR DRIVING NOMAD OFF ROAD ENDURO TOUR?
WHAT TO BRING?
You can bring any number of things in Almaty, but the baggage of participants which will be in the car support is limited. The weight of your bags that you take the tour should not exceed 10 kg. And that means you have to take only the essentials.
1. Passport, driving licency , money.
2. Helmet, boot, gloves, knee and elbow protection.
3. 100% watreprove rainsuit
3. Off- line GPS navigator in your mobile.
4. Necessary medications if you need them.
5. Shoes: Sandals or slates for resorts. Boots or sneakers for the prom;
6. Clothes: a few T-shirts, a few spare socks, jeans, shorts, swimming trunks, a warm sweater, light jacket;
7. Towel and toiletries.
8. Sunglasses.
9. Sunscreen.
10. Mosquito Cream
11. Headdress: a cap or hat for the warm days and knit cap for cool;
12. Flashlight
13. Camel bag for water
Please use soft, compact bag for tour. Do not use bulky plastic suitcases.
You can leave excess clothes and bags in our office in Almaty to return.
P.S. You can also bring a variety of inexpensive gifts. People (owners of guest houses, children of nomads, to love get all sorts of gifts.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Central Asia is the region with seasonal inland climate. Day temperature during summer period is +25 to +40 degrees. After the sunset, temperature drops to +20 degrees, and may be + 15 in the mountain areas.
It is hard to predict weather conditions in mountain regions. Sometimes it can be rainy. So you have to be ready for any weather conditions.
ROADS CONDITION
Some roads has dust. The road may be washed out due to heavy rains. In this case we will change the route. Please, be ready for that. Sometimes route has a short distance on the asphalt on the main road.
DISTANCE
There are some very long distances as well as very short ones, but going through rough roads. So you have to be ready for early wake up and arrive late.
ROUTE SCHEDULE AND CONDITIONS.
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE NOMAD ENDURO OFF ROAD MOTORCYCLE TOUR.
ATTRACTIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN.
Attractions of Almaty.
MEDEO on motorcycle motorbike tour jeep tour
The Medeu, (Kazakh: Медеу; Medeu) or Medeo (Russian: Медео) is an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink. It is located in a mountain valley (Medeu Valley, or the valley of Malaya Alma-Atinka River) on the south-eastern outskirts of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Medeu sits 1,691 metres above sea level, making it the highest skating rink in the world.[1] It has 10.5 thousand square meters of ice and utilizes a sophisticated freezing and watering system to ensure the quality of the ice. The mountain valley was named in honor of Medeo, a wanderer who lived in the last century and established own aul in this picturesque. site.
Construction of the stadium began in the fall of 1949, and the first competition took place at the stadium on 4 February 1951. Medeu switched to its current system of artificial ice in 1972 by a team of Soviet engineers.
The Medeu Dam, built in the late 1960s, stands immediately south of the skating rink, protecting it – and the city of Almaty itself – from potentially devastating mud flows. Viewpoints on top of the dam provide great views of the stadium. The dam has 3 successive altitude levels. Special water reservoir allows holding about 6 million cubic meters of water. Stairs known to city inhabitants and tourists consisting of 842 steps leads to the dam. Contests on ascension along this unique stairs are regularly carried out.
Medeu has seen many world records in all the speed skating distances from 1951 until the 1980s: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 5000 m, and the 10000 m. In 1972, the rink made a very successful transition from natural ice rink to artificial ice rink.
The bandy team Dynamo Alma-Ata, won the Soviet Championships in 1977 and 1990 and the European Cup in 1978.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the costs to uphold the arena as a top ice rink proved too expensive for the independent Republic of Kazakhstan. The last great championship event for a long time on this ice rink was held in 1988—the Men's World Speed Skating Championship—which was won by the American skater Eric Flaim.
In the early years of the 2000s, Medeo's future status as a competition rink was uncertain. However, it was proposed as the speed skating venue both for Almaty's unsuccessful bid for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the successful one for the 2011 Asian Winter Games. In the end, bandy was the only sport here during the Games. Speed skating was held at Alau Ice Palace in Astana. Medeo was the main arena of the Bandy World Championship 2012.
Several years in succession (1990–2004) the ice skating rink turned into the large concert ground where the popular international music festival "Voice of Asia” ("Azia Dauysy”) was carried out in which not only Kazakhstan performers but also variety stars from all over the world take part
THE ZENKOV'S CATHEDRAL IN ALMATY on motorcycle motorbike tour jeep tour
In the late 19th century the first bishops of the Turkistan eparchy discussed the need for a Russian Orthodox Church in Almaty. On September 26, 1903 the bishop of Turkestan and Tashkent, Paisii (Vinogradov) consecrated the foundation of the church. Construction lasted between 1904 and 1907. The belfry was erected on September 14, 1906. The cathedral survived the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, even though it was built without any nails, which some bishops attributed to divine intervention.
The inner structure of the cathedral was made in the artistic workshops of Moscow and Kiev. The iconostasis was painted by N. Khludov. After the Russian Revolution the cathedral was used to house the Central State Museum of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. From 1930 to 1940 it was used by important public organizations. The first radio transmitters in Almaty were situated in the cathedral's belfry.
Front View of the cathedral during winter
Restoration work on the cathedral began in 1973 and lasted until 1976. In May 1995 control of the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and after additional restoration work it was reopened for religious services in 1997.
The cathedral is in the centre of Panfilov Park, named after the 28th Panfilov
PARK OF HEROES 28 - PANFILOVTSEV on motorcycle motorbike tour jeep tour
Park of Heroes 28-Panfilovtsev, located in the heart of the city. The park is the memorial of glory, and eternal memory lane with fire. Memorial to the great courage and honor established in memory of those who defended our Motherland, its freedom, independence and honor of the WWII years, 8 May, 1975 on the eve of 30 anniversary of the victory of Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It consists of three songs that complement each other. The first part - high relief «Oath» (left side) - is dedicated to the young fighters for Soviet power in Kazakhstan. The central part of the triptych - «Podvig» - captured images of the heroes-Panfilovtsev, Russians, Kazakhs, Ukrainians, symbolizing the international nature of the heroic feat of Soviet people in November 1941 near Moscow the right track «Trubyaschie glory», which gives the entire memorial optimistic sound, the images represent hymn of triumphant life. Along the alleys of memory installed obelisks with the names of 28 fighters 1075 Regiment 316 Rifle Division, accepted the unequal battle with German tanks during the winter of 1941, during the battle for Moscow.
THE MONUMENT OF INDEPENDENCE on motorcycle motorbike tour jeep tour
The Monument of Independence is installed in the city of Almaty in the Republic Square, on BajseitovaStreet and Satpayev Street road crossing. The complex represents the complete work of art that synthesizes architecture, sculpture andtexts of sayings of outstanding scientists, figures of culture and state.
The monument is installed on a semicircular stylobate the diameter of which is 28 metres and which is situated in the centre of a paved round platform with 46 metres in its diameter.
"The exposition of the complex’s territory is stretched horizontally on 180 metres. The composition’s centre is a vertical plastic sculpture 28 metres in height, reminding relief kulpitases (historical kazakh statues)of Mangishlak. It is crowned with «Golden» Man (Altınadam) (6 metres in height) - the ruler who drives a winged ouncein the standing position and symbolizes the firm government on the Kazakh earth. This image is recreated on the basis of studying the concrete archeological finds in a barrow of Issyk near Almaty where a sovereign of saks(VIII-IV centuries BC) was buried in smart clothes with regalias and attributes of the supreme power. (Its style of clothing, gold ornaments on it are the masterpieces of world art, inspired by the products of the human genius.
CHARYN CANYON on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tour
Charyn Canyon (kaz. Sharyn) - stretching for 154 km along the river Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan. Canyon is located 195 km east of Almaty, near the border with China. Canyon enters the territory of the Charyn National Park, formed by 23 February 2004.
Charyn Canyon - a natural monument, built of sedimentary rocks whose age is about 12 million years. Height steep mountain canyon reaches 150-300 m.
The most interesting place for tourists is the so-called Valley of locks, the length of which is about 2 km, width - 20-80 m. In the bosom of the canyon grove preserved relict species of ash surviving era of glaciation - Sogdian ash. Another similar grove is only in North America. Since 1964, Ash Grove declared a natural monument. Also of great interest is and turanga Grove - Grove Asian poplar. Landscape diversity of Charyn Canyon causes diversity of flora and fauna. There are more than 1,500 species of plants, 17 of which are listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan and 62 species of mammals, 103 species of breeding birds, 25 species of reptiles.
ILI RIVER on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tour
The Ili River (Kazakh: Іле, Ile, Chinese: Yili He) is a river in northwestern China (Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region) and southeastern Kazakhstan (the Almaty Province). It is 1,439 km (870 miles) long, 815 km of which in Kazakhstan. It takes its beginning in eastern Tian Shan from the Tekes and Kunges (or Kunes) rivers. The Ili River drains the basin between the Tian Shan the Borohoro (P'o-lo-k'o-nu) Mountains to the north.
Flowing into Lake Balkhash it forms a large delta with vast wetland regions of lakes, marshes and jungle-like vegetation
Chinese part
The upper Ili Valley is separated from the Dzungarian Basin by the Borohoro Mountains. The city of Yining (Kulja) is located on the northern side of the river some 100 km upstream from the international border. Until the early 1900s, the city was commonly known under the same name as the river (Pinyin: Yili; Wade-Giles: Ili).
On the southern side, even closer to the border, Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County is located, which is home to many of the China's Xibe people. The upper Ili was occupied by Russia from 1871 to 1881, that is, from the Yaqub Beg rebellion to the Treaty of Saint Petersburg (1881).
Kazakh part
The part of Kazakhstan drained by the Ili and its tributaries is known in Kazakh as Zhetysu ('Seven Rivers') or in Russian as Semirechye (the same meaning).
The Kapchagai Hydroelectric power station was built from 1965 to 1970 in the middle flow of the Ili River, forming the Kapchagay Reservoir - a 110 km lake north of Almaty.
ALTYN EMEL NATIONAL PARK on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tour
Altyn-Emel National Park is a national park in Kazakhstan. It was created in 1996. The park covers 90 square kilometers between the Ili River and the Ak-Tau mountain range, near Lake Kapchagai, and is comprised of mostly desert and rocky terrain. The park contains the singing sand, a large dune which is famous for the noises it produces.
The object of nomination is located on the southern macroslope Dzhungar Alatau at a height of 1000-1200 m above the sea level, almost from different directions is surrounded with mountains. Relief. The mountain relief is obliged by the origin to vault – cloded nontectonic movement ( Didenko - Kislitsina, 1981). The region is various and includes all kinds of landscapes from plains up to mountain areas. The basic part is represented by(with) mountain files reaching 1200-2500 m in height. A relief from flat slopes up to the rocks, in many cases are observed deeply cut slopes (mountain Chulak, Koktay, Aktay, Matay, Degeres). The foothills are submitted by various types of steppe. On flat sites are observed knobby and khobby – ridge sand combined with extensive between ridge meadow downturn and takur plains.
Ground. On the territory of the object all patrimonial spectrum of mountain groud is submitted. A picture of a soil cover, in connection with mountain areas very motley. On plains prevail grey ground, meet salt marsh. Hydromorhe ground meet only in watered sites. In flood land areas are located deluval plains. Climate sharply continental. The winter period is characteristic in low temperatures and prevalence of clear weather (number of clear days for winter -24 days). Average temperature of January - 100?. The situation of the park on slopes of a southern exposition, and also receiption of dry weights of air from Ily nollow results in early arrival of spring and low quantity(amount) of average falls (200 mm). Summer is hot, the average temperatures of July reach(achieve) +200F (Atlas Kazakh SSR, 1982). The most damp month - June (29 % of the annual sum of deposits). For one year, on the average, 65 days with falls. The least quantity(amount) of falls in the winter and at the beginning of spring. The northwest winds prevail, annual repeatability have northeast (4 %) and southwest winds. The greatest speed of a wind - 4,8 m/s, least - 1,6 m/s.
Fauna. The originality of territory of the National park promotes prosperity of as highly specific landscapes, adapted to conditions, as kinds of large ecological valency. Ichtiofauna is submitted by 28 kinds of fishes (22,1 % Ichtiofauna of Kazakhstan), concerning to to five groups, from them 12 aboriginal kinds (Dukravech, 1986). Aboriginal Ichtiofauna differs poor types by structure and brightly expressed endomism. Ily marinka (Schizotyorax), balchash the perch (Perca schrenki), thorn (Acipenser nudiventris) are brought in the Red book of Kazakhstan. The first kind is on the verge of disappearance (Bekenov etc., 1988). From a class of amphibious on the in territory of the park there are 4 kinds from the family of tailless (green (Bufo viridis) and danatin toad (Bufo danatensis) lake frog and Siberian (Rana ridibunda, R. sibiricus). Danatin toad and Siberian frog are brought in the red book of Kazakhstan. According to the number of kinds reptiles of the region they make 51 % from all gerpetofaund of Kazakhstan (25 kinds), of them 16 kinds of the snakes, 8 kinds of the lizards and 1 kind a turtle. In the Red book one kind motley kruglogolovka (Phrynocephalus versicolor) is brought. A variety ornitofauna here is submitted by 155 kinds of birds, that makes 39,8 % from all nested ornitofauna of Kazakhstan, from which 40 kinds are brought in the Red book of Kazakhstan (result last reexamination by the employees of the institute of Zoology and genefund together with the scientific employees of university of the state of Arizona (USA). Teriofauna of the park is submitted by 70 kinds of mammals. Dzheiran(Gazella subgutturoza), wild ram (Ovis ammon), turkmen kulan(Equus himionus) (makes 60 % all total number of a kind in Republic) are brought in Red book of Kazakhstan. In the Red book such kinds of region as stone marten (Martes foina), bandaging (Vormela peregusna), river otter (Lutra lutra) also are brought. From vertebralless animals on the territory of the park live numerous as well as rare kinds. In the Red book 32 kinds concerning 8 groups are brought: a dragonfly, devouts, straight winged, hard winged, membraneus winged, double winged, scaly winged.
Flora. On the territory of the park there are 634 kinds of plants. A significant variety of landscapes causes types of riches of flora. The most widespread representatives are juniper (Juniperus sabina), outmeal (Featula), fire nonawned (Bromopsis inermis).
Artemisia. 41 kinds are rare and is on the verge of disappearance. It is such kinds, as Ilyinya Regelya (Iljinia regeliis), onions(bow) milkcoloured (Allium galantum), feather-grass Caucasian (Stipa kaucasica), honeysuckle (Lonicerta), poplar diverleave (Populus divergifolia), vodosbor Vilalya (Aquilegia vilalii), tian-shan cherry (Cerasus tianschanica), Ily saxaul and Balchash (Arthrophytum iliensis, A. balchaschiensis). Here appear 27 kinds endemics, are available relicts of the form, for example, Ily ferula (Ferula ilinensis). History and development The state national natural park "Altyn-Emel" was created by the governmental order of Republic of Kazakhstan from April 10, 1996 416 in territory of Kerbulak and Panphylov administrative areas of Almaty area. March 9, 1999 this order was is re-registered by the order of Committee of a wood, fish and hunting facilities of the Ministry of natural resources and protection of an environment of Republic of Kazakhstan. Presence of historical and cultural objects. The territory of National park abounds archeological monuments of a stone epoch, bronze, early and late iron century, ethnographic and historico-cultural monuments. They are submitted vast burying grounds (height up to 20m, diameter up to 100m) and single buryings. 191 monuments of a history and cultures are totaled. The special scientific value has is a complex of monuments Besshatyr with grandiose barows, cult fencings and numerous petroglyphs in nearby gorges of mountains Chulack. (Akyshev, 1956; 1959; Maryashev, 1998). These burial places represent huge scientific and cultural value and require protection. Categories IUCN: state national park, reserved zone – 4
THE SINGING DUNE on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tour
Across the Ili river in the north-east from Almaty there is a strange mountain. People call it in different ways: the Singing Barhan, the Singing Mountain. It is made of light tones sand and against the background of the dark ridges of the Dzungarian Alatau — the Big and Small Kalkans — represents an extraordinary sight thanks to the color contrast. The sand mountain is 1,5 km long and 120 m high. The barhan is located in a peculiar passage between the Kalkans ridges. It has been formed as a result of wind activity bringing sand from the Ili banks and laying it in this place. In dry weather the sand runs down the barhan’s slope, and a sound appears. Gradually it increases and sounds like a streamer hooter. A similar natural phenomenon is known in other places of the globe as well: In the Arabian Desert, on the Hawaiian Islands, in America and China. For a long time the nature of sand sounding has been a mystery. In 1962 V. Arabadzhi, a physicist from Leningrad, made a series of observations of the Singing Barhan: he recorded the sand sound, measured the temperature, strength and direction of wind, determined the sand fractions. The reason of the sand sound turned out to be its movement. When walking on the sand, the sounds remind of snow crunching, quick and strong movement causes the sound like a scream. The more is a moving mass the more expressive is the sound – from week squeak to crash. The sound appears due to other conditions as well. The biggest volume falls at the middle of the day and at the temperature of about +24°. The sounds are produced only by a dry sand mass. Having climbed one of its three peaks, one can admire the Ili river and Zailiisky Alatau ridge panorama. If the mountain keeps silence impatient visitors make it sing. For this one must quickly run down the south slope where the sand is not compressed so much. The sand jets will run from under the legs, and strong buzzing will appear form the barhan’s depth. Sometimes besides sounding the barhan starts shaking. And it gives the impression of an earthquake.
NOMAD YURT (click on photo for more info) on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tou
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KAPCHAGAY LAKE (click on photo for more info) on motorcycle motorbike enduro tour on jeep tou
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THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE CENTRAL ASIAN RING ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE TOUR.
ATTRACTIONS OF KAZAKHSTAN.
Attractions of Almaty.
MEDEO in motorcycle motorbike tour
The Medeu, (Kazakh: Медеу; Medeu) or Medeo (Russian: Медео) is an outdoor speed skating and bandy rink. It is located in a mountain valley (Medeu Valley, or the valley of Malaya Alma-Atinka River) on the south-eastern outskirts of Almaty, Kazakhstan. Medeu sits 1,691 metres above sea level, making it the highest skating rink in the world.[1] It has 10.5 thousand square meters of ice and utilizes a sophisticated freezing and watering system to ensure the quality of the ice. The mountain valley was named in honor of Medeo, a wanderer who lived in the last century and established own aul in this picturesque. site.
Construction of the stadium began in the fall of 1949, and the first competition took place at the stadium on 4 February 1951. Medeu switched to its current system of artificial ice in 1972 by a team of Soviet engineers.
The Medeu Dam, built in the late 1960s, stands immediately south of the skating rink, protecting it – and the city of Almaty itself – from potentially devastating mud flows. Viewpoints on top of the dam provide great views of the stadium. The dam has 3 successive altitude levels. Special water reservoir allows holding about 6 million cubic meters of water. Stairs known to city inhabitants and tourists consisting of 842 steps leads to the dam. Contests on ascension along this unique stairs are regularly carried out.
Medeu has seen many world records in all the speed skating distances from 1951 until the 1980s: 500 m, 1000 m, 1500 m, 3000 m, 5000 m, and the 10000 m. In 1972, the rink made a very successful transition from natural ice rink to artificial ice rink.
The bandy team Dynamo Alma-Ata, won the Soviet Championships in 1977 and 1990 and the European Cup in 1978.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the costs to uphold the arena as a top ice rink proved too expensive for the independent Republic of Kazakhstan. The last great championship event for a long time on this ice rink was held in 1988—the Men's World Speed Skating Championship—which was won by the American skater Eric Flaim.
In the early years of the 2000s, Medeo's future status as a competition rink was uncertain. However, it was proposed as the speed skating venue both for Almaty's unsuccessful bid for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games and the successful one for the 2011 Asian Winter Games. In the end, bandy was the only sport here during the Games. Speed skating was held at Alau Ice Palace in Astana. Medeo was the main arena of the Bandy World Championship 2012.
Several years in succession (1990–2004) the ice skating rink turned into the large concert ground where the popular international music festival "Voice of Asia” ("Azia Dauysy”) was carried out in which not only Kazakhstan performers but also variety stars from all over the world take part
THE ZENKOV'S CATHEDRAL IN ALMATY in motorcycle motorbike tour
In the late 19th century the first bishops of the Turkistan eparchy discussed the need for a Russian Orthodox Church in Almaty. On September 26, 1903 the bishop of Turkestan and Tashkent, Paisii (Vinogradov) consecrated the foundation of the church. Construction lasted between 1904 and 1907. The belfry was erected on September 14, 1906. The cathedral survived the 1911 earthquake with minimal damage, even though it was built without any nails, which some bishops attributed to divine intervention.
The inner structure of the cathedral was made in the artistic workshops of Moscow and Kiev. The iconostasis was painted by N. Khludov. After the Russian Revolution the cathedral was used to house the Central State Museum of the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic. From 1930 to 1940 it was used by important public organizations. The first radio transmitters in Almaty were situated in the cathedral's belfry.
Front View of the cathedral during winter
Restoration work on the cathedral began in 1973 and lasted until 1976. In May 1995 control of the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and after additional restoration work it was reopened for religious services in 1997.
The cathedral is in the centre of Panfilov Park, named after the 28th Panfilov
PARK OF HEROES 28 - PANFILOVTSEV in motorcycle motorbike tour
Park of Heroes 28-Panfilovtsev, located in the heart of the city. The park is the memorial of glory, and eternal memory lane with fire. Memorial to the great courage and honor established in memory of those who defended our Motherland, its freedom, independence and honor of the WWII years, 8 May, 1975 on the eve of 30 anniversary of the victory of Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It consists of three songs that complement each other. The first part - high relief «Oath» (left side) - is dedicated to the young fighters for Soviet power in Kazakhstan. The central part of the triptych - «Podvig» - captured images of the heroes-Panfilovtsev, Russians, Kazakhs, Ukrainians, symbolizing the international nature of the heroic feat of Soviet people in November 1941 near Moscow the right track «Trubyaschie glory», which gives the entire memorial optimistic sound, the images represent hymn of triumphant life. Along the alleys of memory installed obelisks with the names of 28 fighters 1075 Regiment 316 Rifle Division, accepted the unequal battle with German tanks during the winter of 1941, during the battle for Moscow.
THE MONUMENT OF INDEPENDENCE in motorcycle motorbike tour
The Monument of Independence is installed in the city of Almaty in the Republic Square, on BajseitovaStreet and Satpayev Street road crossing. The complex represents the complete work of art that synthesizes architecture, sculpture andtexts of sayings of outstanding scientists, figures of culture and state.
The monument is installed on a semicircular stylobate the diameter of which is 28 metres and which is situated in the centre of a paved round platform with 46 metres in its diameter.
"The exposition of the complex’s territory is stretched horizontally on 180 metres. The composition’s centre is a vertical plastic sculpture 28 metres in height, reminding relief kulpitases (historical kazakh statues)of Mangishlak. It is crowned with «Golden» Man (Altınadam) (6 metres in height) - the ruler who drives a winged ouncein the standing position and symbolizes the firm government on the Kazakh earth. This image is recreated on the basis of studying the concrete archeological finds in a barrow of Issyk near Almaty where a sovereign of saks(VIII-IV centuries BC) was buried in smart clothes with regalias and attributes of the supreme power. (Its style of clothing, gold ornaments on it are the masterpieces of world art, inspired by the products of the human genius.
Arrival and meeting at the airport of the city of Almaty. Transfers, hotel accommodation. City tour in Almaty: 28 Panfilov Park, Medeo skating rink. Lunch in a restaurant of traditional Kazakh cuisine. After a lunch it is high time to check the motorbikes.The rest time till supper you can stay at the hotel or go for a walk by yourself. Welcome dinner in the evening. Then you return to the hotel and rest. Tomorrow the enduro freedom!!!
Let’s start! A little bit patience and we are already in the wild Kazakh steppe – Karaoy plateau. There is a plain, endless steppe! Enjoy the riding on enduro motorbike! There is the only border – between the sky and the earth, between the speedometer pointer and your courage. After lunch the main obstacle - the desert Taukum. 100 km of hot sand dunes! For nomad is a trifle. Especially when it is waiting for a cold beer in the evening . In the evening we stay in comfortable homes located in the tourist base. This is a true desert oasis. Swimming in river, beer and tasty food.. cool rest!!
We continue our motorcycle adventure and leaving the landscapes of plain steppes and Red Mars mountains behind, we go to the cool kingdom of green fur-trees and mountains of the Ili Alatau. Our climbing begins from the pass named "Wolf’s Gates” through the Toraigyr mountains. In some places there are no roads, there are only the direction with sharp stones. Here you should hold the wheel firmly and not reduce speed if you do not want to get in the bushes. Cold beer and the fattest bit of meat will be waiting for the one who can hold at the bike and be able to pass the pass without stopping and falling. We hope for it)) Till the evening we get to the Kulsai lake. We spend this night in the warm guesthouse which are surrounded with the Tyan-Shyan mountains.
Park of Heroes 28-Panfilovtsev, located in the heart of the city. The park is the memorial of glory, and eternal memory lane with fire. Memorial to the great courage and honor established in memory of those who defended our Motherland, its freedom, independence and honor of the WWII years, 8 May, 1975 on the eve of 30 anniversary of the victory of Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It consists of three songs that complement each other. The first part - high relief «Oath» (left side) - is dedicated to the young fighters for Soviet power in Kazakhstan. The central part of the triptych - «Podvig» - captured images of the heroes-Panfilovtsev, Russians, Kazakhs, Ukrainians, symbolizing the international nature of the heroic feat of Soviet people in November 1941 near Moscow the right track «Trubyaschie glory», which gives the entire memorial optimistic sound, the images represent hymn of triumphant life. Along the alleys of memory installed obelisks with the names of 28 fighters 1075 Regiment 316 Rifle Division, accepted the unequal battle with German tanks during the winter of 1941, during the battle for Moscow.
Across the Ili river in the north-east from Almaty there is a strange mountain. People call it in different ways: the Singing Barhan, the Singing Mountain. It is made of light tones sand and against the background of the dark ridges of the Dzungarian Alatau — the Big and Small Kalkans — represents an extraordinary sight thanks to the color contrast. The sand mountain is 1,5 km long and 120 m high. The barhan is located in a peculiar passage between the Kalkans ridges. It has been formed as a result of wind activity bringing sand from the Ili banks and laying it in this place. In dry weather the sand runs down the barhan’s slope, and a sound appears. Gradually it increases and sounds like a streamer hooter. A similar natural phenomenon is known in other places of the globe as well: In the Arabian Desert, on the Hawaiian Islands, in America and China. For a long time the nature of sand sounding has been a mystery. In 1962 V. Arabadzhi, a physicist from Leningrad, made a series of observations of the Singing Barhan: he recorded the sand sound, measured the temperature, strength and direction of wind, determined the sand fractions. The reason of the sand sound turned out to be its movement. When walking on the sand, the sounds remind of snow crunching, quick and strong movement causes the sound like a scream. The more is a moving mass the more expressive is the sound – from week squeak to crash. The sound appears due to other conditions as well. The biggest volume falls at the middle of the day and at the temperature of about +24°. The sounds are produced only by a dry sand mass. Having climbed one of its three peaks, one can admire the Ili river and Zailiisky Alatau ridge panorama. If the mountain keeps silence impatient visitors make it sing. For this one must quickly run down the south slope where the sand is not compressed so much. The sand jets will run from under the legs, and strong buzzing will appear form the barhan’s depth. Sometimes besides sounding the barhan starts shaking. And it gives the impression of an earthquake.
