Pics are from Astana and Burabay Nature Reserve. I’d been fascinated by Astana since reading about it as a kid well before I started traveling. The futuristic architecture and that Kazakhstan had moved the capital was so interesting to me. It worked out to finally visit at the end of a Central Asia trip and Astana exceeded my tall expectations – it’s absolutely stunning, one of my favorite cities from all my travels. I also made a trip to Burabay Nature Preserve to hike Kokshetau, a fun and isolated summit.