Stargazing is becoming a popular tourist activity, actively promoted and developed in Almaty by KOVSH TRAVEL HOUSE in collaboration with Qazaq National Parks and the V.G. Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute.
In Kazakhstan, there are currently three observatories where you can observe and explore the cosmos in all its vastness. These include the Kamenskoye Plateau Observatory, the Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory, and the Assa-Turgen Observatory named after Academician Omarov. Conveniently, Almaty serves as a gateway to reach them.
While simply gazing at the starry sky has always been a timeless activity, professional astrophotographers suggest that the best conditions for «stellar» photography are usually found in mountainous areas, far from the bright and noisy city life. Clean air, clear weather, and pitch-black darkness free from artificial lighting are essential conditions for capturing your unique star in the frame.
In this regard, Almaty tourists have access to excellent locations. Now, all of these locations are also presented by KOVSH TRAVEL HOUSE in the Aspannan Jogari (Above the Sky) project.
This project introduces both avid and novice ecotourism enthusiasts to the activities of scientific staff at observatories, prepares visitors for special astrotours, and, of course, enhances overall cultural experiences while on the observatory premises.
According to experts, today, Assa-Turgen is the only observatory in Kazakhstan with an ideal astroclimate. This means the absence of light pollution, high air transparency, and low turbulence. In other words, it has all the essential conditions for observers’ work. Regarding the culture and criteria of astrotourism, it primarily involves the traveler’s personal preparation (attending thematic workshops, educational lectures), logistics, direct access to observatories, entry and exit times, behavioral rules such as minimizing artificial light, using necessary technical equipment, observing silence and cleanliness, and ensuring safety. However, it’s always important to keep in mind that excursions and observations are subject to favorable weather conditions.
As is well known, Earth passes through meteor showers annually. Perhaps the most famous are the August Perseids when the naked eye sometimes captures up to a hundred meteors per hour. Therefore, the last month of summer is ideal for those who love to watch meteor showers. However, meteor «showers» can also be observed in the near future — in April during the Lyrids and May’s Aquariids. To better navigate, one can consult the meteor shower calendar prepared by the International Meteor Organization. For enthusiasts observing the Moon, there is a special calendar, with Almaty as the default location.
In the age of advanced information technology, astrotourists are encouraged to utilize specialized programs and apps containing data on celestial bodies’ movements and galaxies. For instance, one can explore the offerings listed in this link. Furthermore, the dedicated website offers a glimpse of the sky above Almaty.
In essence, the starry sky above Almaty beckons to «the last romantics», stirring the imagination of those fascinated by the allure of natural phenomena.
