London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 26 – 22 September 2016
Discovering the Heart of Almaty
After weeks of sleeping in campsites, fuel stations, hotel car parks, and of course our faithful Kontiki motorhome, it was a real pleasure to enjoy a comfortable and uninterrupted night’s sleep in our beautiful apartment overlooking Almaty.
We woke feeling refreshed and relaxed. Looking out from the tenth floor, we could see the city stretching below us, framed by the magnificent backdrop of the snow-capped Tien Shan Mountains in the distance. It was easy to understand why Almaty is regarded as one of the most attractive cities in Central Asia.
There was no rush this morning.
For once, there were no border crossings to reach, no long driving days ahead, and no worries about finding fuel or a place to park. Today was all about enjoying the city and experiencing local life.
When we arrived downstairs, we were pleasantly surprised to find Latifa already waiting for us in reception. Although we had met only the previous day, she had gone out of her way to make us feel welcome in her city.
With our local guide ready and waiting, we set off to explore Almaty.
The city had a very different atmosphere from Astana. While Astana impressed us with its futuristic architecture and grand government buildings, Almaty felt greener, more relaxed, and more European in character. Tree-lined avenues, parks, cafés, and bustling shopping streets gave the city a warm and welcoming feel.
We spent much of the day wandering around, exploring various parts of the city and simply soaking up the atmosphere. Sometimes the most enjoyable travel days are not those packed with famous sights but those spent observing everyday life and interacting with local people.
One particularly memorable moment came when we witnessed a traditional Kazakh wedding procession.
A long convoy of gleaming Mercedes cars swept through the streets, decorated for the occasion and attracting plenty of attention. Weddings are clearly celebrated in style here, and it was fascinating to catch a glimpse of local traditions. The bride and groom looked magnificent, and the joyful atmosphere was infectious.
Later in the day, Latifa and her boyfriend kindly took us to a traditional Kazakh restaurant so that we could sample more local cuisine.
This proved to be one of the highlights of the day.
The restaurant was full of character, and the food offered a wonderful introduction to the flavours of Kazakhstan. While the dishes were generally less spicy than those we were accustomed to, they were hearty, flavourful, and perfectly suited to the country’s nomadic heritage.
As always, the food tasted even better because of the company.
The hospitality shown by Latifa and her boyfriend was truly heartwarming. What had begun as a chance meeting in a shopping centre had developed into a genuine friendship. Throughout our journey, we had repeatedly experienced the kindness of strangers, and today was another perfect example.
The more we travelled, the more we realised that while landscapes, monuments, and cities are memorable, it is the people you meet along the way who often leave the deepest impression.
By evening, we returned to our apartment after what had been a thoroughly enjoyable day. There had been no breakdowns, no police stops, no border formalities, and no navigation challenges—just good company, interesting experiences, and the opportunity to enjoy one of Central Asia’s most charming cities.
As we settled in for the night, we reflected on how fortunate we had been. A few weeks earlier we had been stranded in Berlin wondering whether the journey would continue at all. Now we were relaxing in Almaty, surrounded by new friends and creating memories that would stay with us forever.
Today had reminded us that the road to Mumbai was not just about reaching a destination.
It was about the people, friendships, and unexpected moments that made the journey so special.
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Accommodation: 10th-floor apartment overlooking the city
Weather: Pleasant and mild
Highlights: Exploring Almaty, witnessing a traditional Kazakh wedding, and enjoying local cuisine with Latifa and her boyfriend
Most memorable moment: Experiencing the warmth and hospitality of our new Kazakh friends
Mood of the day: Relaxed, grateful, and thoroughly enjoying Central Asia
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki continues exploring Almaty and prepares for the next major chapter of our adventure—the journey towards the Chinese border and the vast landscapes beyond.
