Kazakhstan

The largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan stretches from the Caspian Sea to the Altai mountains, its vast steppe long home to nomadic horse cultures that traded and traveled along the northern branches of the Silk Road. Almaty, cradled beneath the snow-capped Tien Shan range, remains the cultural gateway to the country's mountains and canyons.

Panfilov Park, the Green Bazaar and the Holy Ascension Cathedral reflect a city shaped by Kazakh, Russian and Silk Road influences alike. Beyond Almaty, dramatic mountain passes lead travelers toward Kyrgyzstan, tracing routes once used by caravans moving between the steppe and the oasis cities of Central Asia.