Kazakhstan: Snow-capped mountains to luxury shopping malls

The National
  • Almaty, Kazakhstan, October 19, 2012: Shymbulak Ski Resort in Almaty, Kazakhstan on October 19, 2012. Christopher Pike / The National
    Almaty, Kazakhstan, October 19, 2012: Shymbulak Ski Resort in Almaty, Kazakhstan on October 19, 2012. Christopher Pike / The National
  • A local man on a horse in Turgen Gorge in the Ili-Alatau National Park, 90km from Almaty.
    A local man on a horse in Turgen Gorge in the Ili-Alatau National Park, 90km from Almaty.
  • Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the second tallest wood building in the world.
    Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the second tallest wood building in the world.
  • Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
    Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
  • Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
    Green Bazaar in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
  • Traditional dancers perform at a restraunt in Almaty.
    Traditional dancers perform at a restraunt in Almaty.
  • Workers prepare for the launch party of Esentai Mall in Almaty.
    Workers prepare for the launch party of Esentai Mall in Almaty.
  • Foreign journalists tour the Esentai Mall prior to the launch party in Almaty.
    Foreign journalists tour the Esentai Mall prior to the launch party in Almaty.
  • A model walks the runway during a fashion show at the launch party of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall in Almaty.
    A model walks the runway during a fashion show at the launch party of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall in Almaty.
  • People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.
    People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.
  • A man watchs a fashion show at the launch party.
    A man watchs a fashion show at the launch party.
  • People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.
    People attend the launch of Capital Partners' Esentai Mall.
  • People watch a fashion show at the launch party.
    People watch a fashion show at the launch party.