Why I traveled to a country 7,000 miles away. And you should too

When presented with the opportunity to go to Kazakhstan, I had to think about it. I’d never traveled to a place I knew so little about. Especially one so far away. Friends expressed concern about safety.

I found a sophisticated city, gorgeous scenery, vibrant culture and friendly people. I hiked into a canyon known as the Grand Canyon’s little brother, explored a blue-green lake with a sunken forest, took cable cars to ski resorts and learned about the nomadic culture and how long it takes to dissassemble a yurt.

And I never once felt unsafe, no matter where we went.

Read our stories on this fascinating country: “Amazing things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan “and “5 unforgettable day trips from Almaty you need to take.”

– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief