Squares and parks of the Southern Capital -
A walk through the squares of Almaty and Almaty region -
The Almaty Botanical Garden (The Main Botanical Garden of the Republic of Kazakhstan) is one of the most significant and beloved places in Almaty, where science, nature and recreation harmoniously combine. It was founded in 1932 as part of the Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and has since become an important center for botanical research. The garden covers an area of over 100 hectares and is divided into several zones, each dedicated to a specific type of flora. Here you can find plants from all over the world: rare species of Central Asia, Siberia, the Caucasus, as well as exotic trees and shrubs from North America, Europe and East Asia.
The Botanical Garden is famous for the fact that it is planted with an alley of giant birches, a deciduous alley (larch tree), a hawthorn alley, a lime alley (linden tree), a pine alley (pine tree), a juniper alley, as well as a pond with lotuses and a pond where goldfish live.
There are several entrances to the park, the main entrance is located on Temiryazeva Street (43°13'34"N 76°54'47"E), the western entrance is located on Utepova Street, Zharokova Corner (43°13'08"N 76°54'14"E) and the southern entrance is located on Prospekt Al-Farabi (43°12'52"N 76°55'17"E).
History
After the transfer of the capital of Kazakhstan to Alma Ata in the early 20th century, it became necessary to create a scientific center to study the local flora and acclimatize plants from other regions. In 1932, on the initiative of botanical scientists, the Botanical garden was founded, which eventually became part of the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR. In the early years, the garden was used exclusively for scientific purposes – research was carried out here, collections of rare plants were laid, experimental plots were created.
In the post-war years, the botanical garden began to turn into the cultural center of Almaty: citizens came here for walks, vacations and excursions. In the 60s and 70s, new alleys were laid, greenhouses and greenhouses were built, and plant collections were replenished. In Soviet times, the garden was one of the favorite places of intellectuals and students.
In the 90s, the garden went through difficult times, but retained its unique collection. In 2019-2020 It underwent a large-scale reconstruction: alleys, ponds, lighting were updated, new benches and bridges were installed. Today, the botanical garden has once again become one of the most popular recreation and tourism destinations in Almaty, maintaining a balance between scientific value and a cozy atmosphere.
What to see in the Botanical Garden of Almaty?
• The rose garden is one of the most picturesque places in the garden, where more than 200 varieties of roses are collected, blooming all summer.
• The Alley of Coniferous Trees is a unique collection of firs, pines, firs and even rare redwoods, creating a cool green corridor.
• Collection of medicinal plants – a site where herbs used in folk and modern medicine are collected.
Ponds with bridges are picturesque corners where you can relax by the water and feed the ducks.
• Greenhouses and greenhouses – exotic plants from the tropics and subtropics are grown here.
• Collection of endemic and rare species – plants listed in the Red Book, including Greig and Kaufman tulips, Altai and Dzungarian relict species.
• The Flora of Kazakhstan exhibition features plants from all over the country, from the steppes to the mountain slopes of the Tien Shan.
How to get there and visit -
The main Botanical Garden of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the southern part of Almaty in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau, between Zharokova Street, Temiryazev Street and Al-Farabi Avenue, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°13'09"N 76°54'48"E
The Botanical Garden is easily accessible by public transport, taxi or private car. Choose the entrance that is closest to you:
• North entrance (Timiryazeva Street): the bus № 18, 30, 32, 45, 70, 79, 123, 124, 205; trol. 9, 11.
• West entrance (Utepova Street, corner of Zharokova Street): bus number 19, 56, 113 (a few minutes on foot).
• South entrance (Al-Farabi Avenue): bus number 38, 63, 86, 127.
Working hours: daily from 10.00 to 19.00 (seven days a week)
Contacts: +7 727 394 80 40; +7 708 973 27 57
Legend and the spirit of the place: The Tree of Desires and the whisper of greenhouses
There is a beautiful modern legend associated with this place. It is said that in the oldest part of the garden, among the century-old trees, there is one special "Wish Tree" (visitors often assign this status to the most powerful and ancient oak or ash). To make a wish come true, you need to walk around it three times, holding onto the bark with your hand, and mentally tell about your dream. It is said that the silence and powerful energy of this place help desires reach the universe and fulfill them.
And at dusk, when the visitors leave, the greenhouses are rumored to begin their own secret life. Tropical leaves whisper together, and the spirit of the first head gardener, invisibly circling his domain, checks whether all his green pets are in order. This is not a frightening, but a kind guardian who gives a sense of peace to everyone who came here with an open heart.
Interesting facts
– The garden is home to more than 7 thousand plant species from all over the world.
– Rare species can be found here, which are becoming fewer and fewer in the wild.
– The Almaty Botanical Garden was a filming location for Soviet films, and its alleys still attract photographers and newlyweds.
– Many rare trees and shrubs planted by scientists in the 30-40s have been preserved to this day and are considered living historical monuments.
The Almaty Botanical Garden is not only a scientific center and a protected natural area, but also one of the most intimate places in Almaty. It combines history, the beauty of nature and an atmosphere of tranquility, where you want to return again and again.
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