Quiet city parks where the air is fresh and the space calls for walks -
Places for recreation, family and travel where nature connects people -
The Park named after the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the most spacious, well–maintained and picturesque places in Almaty. There is a huge arboretum at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau, where the mountains seem closer than anywhere else in the city, and the light falls softly, as if reflecting off the leaves and hills. This is a place where people come for silence, walks, bright panoramas, family vacations and a sense of touching nature right in the city.
Named after Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of independent Kazakhstan, park reflects respect for the historical heritage and the desire for an environmentally sustainable future. This is not just a green area, but a real arboretum reserve, combining natural beauty, national symbols and modern landscape solutions. There is a monument to Nursultan Nazarbayev in the park.
The Park is located in Bostandyk district, at the intersection of Al-Farabi Avenue and Navoi Street. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was founded on the lands where the famous Almaty apple orchards once grew, which gave the city its name.
The history of creation and transformation of space
Today, the park is perceived as a natural part of Almaty, but once there was absolutely no landscaped area here. In the 1990s, the abandoned lands of the former apple orchards of Aport, once the pride of Semirechye, stretched on the site of the future park. After the collapse of the USSR, the state farms disappeared, the territories fell into disrepair, and some of the plots were transferred to private owners who intended to build an elite cottage town here. But the project was never implemented: the purchase and sale agreement were terminated, and the site was returned to the city.
In the early 2000s, a key decision was made to create a large park in the south–west of Almaty, which was originally called the "Park of the XXI Century". In 2001, work began: future alleys, planned arboretum zones and hiking trails were formed, and the first trees were planted. In the same year, Nursultan Nazarbayev personally planted an oak tree, which became a symbol of the park's birth.
But the park remained closed for a long time – a full-fledged opening for visitors took place only in 2010. By this time, a snow-white entrance arcade, a huge musical fountain, wide walking alleys, hundreds of new trees and unique landscape compositions had already appeared here.
Later, the territory was replenished with new facilities: The "Japanese Garden", the "Topiary Garden", the "Zheti Kazyna" ethnozone, an observation deck, sports areas and themed playgrounds, which today make the park one of the most interesting in the city.
Atmosphere and natural space
The Park of the First President is a real arboretum with an area of more than 53 hectares. There are thousands of trees growing here: tall poplars around the perimeter, chestnuts, elms, hawthorns, rare Tien Shan firs, ornamental shrubs, rose gardens and carpet flower arrangements.
The large clearings are especially beautiful, gently sloping towards the mountains. These are ideal places for picnics, photo shoots, walks with children and leisurely evenings. The scent of pine needles and blooming flower beds is in the air. In the silence, you can hear the rustle of the crowns, and in the morning, squirrels are often seen in the park, they have long become the "masters" of this territory.
The architectural design was designed so that the park combines strict lines and natural plasticity. The entrance group in the form of a wide semicircular arcade with columns and a fountain resembles the main entrance of a large European residence. In the dark, the lighting creates a soft glow effect, emphasizing the solemnity of the space.
The singing fountain is the heart of the park
Immediately behind the entrance arcade, guests are greeted by a huge "singing" fountain consisting of five cascading pools. The central bowl is decorated with a sculpture of a crown, at the base of which are the signs of the Zodiac. The main water column rises to 30 meters, and in the evening the fountain turns into a light and music show, the water "dances" to the classics, flashing dozens of shades. This is one of the most popular places for walks of Almaty residents and tourists.
Monumental composition "Kazakhstan"
In the depths of the park, on an artificial elevation, there is a sculptural composition "Kazakhstan", created for the 20th anniversary of the country's independence. It is made in the form of golden eagle wings made of granite and marble. Symbols of the two capitals of Almaty and Astana are depicted under each wing: mountains, towers, iconic buildings and architectural elements. In the center stands the figure of the first president.
Theme areas of the park
The Park of the First President is not just a green space. It is conceived as a set of themed locations, each of which is designed to create a mood and impression:
- The Japanese garden is a quiet area with streams, bridges, a pagoda, stone lanterns and ornamental trees. Sakura trees make this place especially popular among photographers in spring.
- A topiary garden is a corner of curly pruning of green plants. There are green sculptures of elephants, musicians, animals and fantasy forms.
- The ethnic garden "Zheti Kazyna" is a composition dedicated to seven national values. The central place is occupied by shanyrak, next to it is the figure of taza, statues of horses and golden eagle. Lovers' Alley is a romantic area with a stone heart, palm prints and a castle wall.
Observation deck
One of the best viewing points of the city is located on an artificial hill with a height of about 30 meters. From here, a wide panorama opens up: the entire Almaty valley, Al-Farabi Avenue, the green park and the huge mountain ranges that seem to hang over the city.
Events, festivals, and a winter skating rink
The Park has long been a venue for city celebrations. Flower festivals, fairs, sports marathons, cultural events and the famous AlmaFest apple festival are held here.
In winter, there is a large free skating rink with an area of about 850 m2 in front of the entrance. It is open around the clock, and skate rental is open until late at night.
---------------------------------------------
How to get there and visit -
The Park named after the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located in the southern part of Almaty in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau, on Al-Farabi Street, between Dulati Street and Azamat Street, Bostandyk district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°11'33"N 76°53'09"E
It's very easy to get to. The most economical option is to use a well–developed network of city buses. There are more than 15 routes to the desired stop, including № 15, 28, 32, 34, 38, 63, 67, 77, 86, 98, 101, 103, 121, 135 and 211. For those who value comfort and time, driving your own car or calling a taxi through any location is ideal. a user-friendly application.
Working hours: daily from 07:00 to 23:00 (seven days a week)
The Park is open all year round. In summer, it is visited because of the shady alleys and fountains, in autumn - for the sake of golden trees and magnificent panoramas, in winter – for the feeling of silence when the snow emphasizes the grandeur of the mountains. This place can be safely included in the tourist route, as one of the mandatory stops to explore the atmosphere of Almaty.
---------------------------------------------
Legend and legend
There is an unspoken urban legend associated with the place. They say that it is here that the energy of Almaty is best felt: when you stand facing the mountains, your breath becomes deeper and your thoughts clearer. It is believed that the park is located on the line connecting the urban part and the natural forces of the mountains, so many people come here for inner balance.
The mountain peaks opening up right in front of you seem to remind you that the force of nature is always there, you just have to look up.
The Park of the First President is a unique place where history, nature and art are harmoniously intertwined. This is an obligatory point in the itinerary of any guest of Almaty, offering not only picturesque views for photographs, but also the opportunity to touch the modern history of Kazakhstan in an atmosphere of peace and beauty.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Ile-Alatau State National Nature Park;
• Almaty Nature Reserve;
• The Great Almaty Mountain Gorge;
• Big Almaty River;
• Alma-Arasan Gorge;
• Kok-Zhailau Mountain Plateau;
• Zhailjau Golf Club Resort;
• Kamenskoe plateau;
• Kamensky Plateau Observatory;
• Kazakhfilm Film Studio;
• Star Meadow observation deck.
Photogallery:
