London to Mumbai by Road 2016 – Revisited
Day 28 – 24 September 2016
A Perfect Day in the Mountains
Today was one of those special days that remind you why travel is about so much more than simply moving from one place to another.
In the morning, our good friends Zhan and Bella arrived at our apartment and collected Team Kontiki for a day out in the mountains surrounding Almaty. We had been looking forward to this excursion ever since they first suggested it.
Our destination was the famous Shymbulak Ski Resort, nestled high in the spectacular Tian Shan Mountains.
The weather could not have been better. The skies were a brilliant blue, the sun was shining, and the mountain air was wonderfully fresh. As we climbed higher into the mountains, the views became increasingly breathtaking. Snow-capped peaks rose above us while deep valleys stretched far into the distance.
It was difficult to believe that only a few weeks earlier we had been leaving Leicester. Now we were standing amongst some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in Central Asia.
Shymbulak is Kazakhstan’s premier ski resort and a popular destination throughout the year. Although the ski season was still some way off, the mountains were alive with visitors enjoying the scenery, cafés, and fresh alpine air.
We spent several enjoyable hours exploring the area, taking photographs, admiring the spectacular views, and simply enjoying the company of our friends. It was a refreshing break from long days of driving and navigating unfamiliar roads.
More importantly, it gave us the opportunity to experience Kazakhstan through the eyes of local people rather than as passing tourists.
After leaving the mountains, we stopped at a local supermarket to buy groceries and supplies for the evening. We also purchased some fresh fish, which would soon become the centrepiece of another memorable meal.
By now, Ramesh had earned quite a reputation amongst our Kazakh friends for his cooking skills, and tonight they were looking forward to sampling another of his creations.
Back at the apartment, preparations for dinner soon began.
As the food cooked, we relaxed together with a few drinks and reflected on the wonderful day we had spent in the mountains. The conversation flowed easily despite our different backgrounds and cultures. Once again, we were reminded that friendship requires no common language when people share kindness, laughter, and goodwill.
Before long, the delicious aroma of freshly cooked fish filled the apartment.
Ramesh served the fish alongside hot rotis and rice, and the meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Judging by the compliments received, Chef Ramesh had once again exceeded expectations.
The evening passed far too quickly.
Sitting together around the table, sharing food, drinks, stories, and laughter, we realised how fortunate we had been to meet such wonderful people during our stay in Almaty. What had begun as chance encounters had developed into genuine friendships.
As the night drew to a close, we felt both happy and a little sad. Happy because we had enjoyed such a fantastic day, and sad because our time in Almaty was coming to an end.
Tomorrow, Team Kontiki would once again be back on the road.
Our destination would be Zharkent, our final stop in Kazakhstan before crossing into China. Ahead lay one of the most anticipated and challenging sections of our entire London-to-Mumbai adventure.
China was waiting.
For now, however, we simply wanted to say:
Thank you, Latifa. Thank you, Zhan. Thank you, Bella.
Your friendship, hospitality, and kindness made our stay in Almaty truly unforgettable.
Location: Almaty and Shymbulak Ski Resort, Kazakhstan
Weather: Sunny, warm, and perfect for sightseeing
Highlights: Exploring the Tian Shan Mountains and spending the day with Zhan and Bella
Dinner: Fresh fish, rotis, rice, and drinks with friends
Most memorable moment: Enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery and the warmth of Kazakh hospitality
Mood of the day: Grateful, relaxed, and excited for the journey ahead
Join us tomorrow as Team Kontiki leaves Almaty behind and heads towards Zharkent, the final Kazakh town before the Chinese border and the next great chapter of our epic road journey from London to Mumbai.
