In search of new views, sensations and emotions, people are increasingly moving as far from home as possible. Nobody argues that exotic countries are beautiful, but sometimes a traveler can make incredible discoveries in a neighboring country. Scenic views and breathtaking landscapes can be just around the corner in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. But in winter these countries, covered with fluffy snow, are especially beautiful.
Armenia
Sun, apricots and cognac – this is exactly the associative series that arises when mentioning Armenia. Indeed, the country is summery and sunny, with charismatic residents. At the same time, people travel to Armenia not only for warmth, but also for snow: to look at Lake Sevan in winter, ski in Tsakhakadzor and soak in the healing springs of Jermuk.
Mountain Lake Sevan
Lake Sevan, located 15 kilometers from Yerevan and does not freeze in winter. The reason for this is the hot springs coming out of the ground. The water in it is exceptionally clean and transparent; according to ancient legends, stars and gods quenched their thirst from it.
Sevan is the largest lake in Armenia. It is located in the heart of the mountains at an altitude of almost 2 thousand meters. They usually come here for the day, in the morning to go for a ride, and in the afternoon to walk along the shore of the lake.
Tsaghkadzor ski resort
The resort of Tsaghkadzor, popular in Soviet times, has found a second wind in recent years. New Austrian ski lifts have been installed here, the slopes are looked after, and ski and snowboard rentals are available.
Skiing season lasts from mid-December to March. At the top station (almost 3,000 meters),
skiers will be impressed by the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains and peaks. The length of the continuous slope is 8 kilometers. The resort is located an hour’s drive from Yerevan.
Jermuk city
Jermuk is known as a balneological resort with thermal springs. The name of the city comes from the hot water of healing mineral springs. A bonus for a holiday in Jermuk is picturesque views of the gorge and waterfalls. In the city, by the way, there is one of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in Armenia. Its height is 68 meters.
On the territory of a small town there are preserved ruins of an ancient fortress built in the 2nd century BC, although the village itself was founded even earlier.
Belarus
A country with pleasant low prices for holidays and a mentality close to Russian tourists. Here, of course, there are no high mountain ranges, but the “lungs of Europe” are located (Belovezhskaya Pushcha),
thousands of lakes and rivers. Over the last ten years, rural tourism has been developing in Belarus: there are about 2,000 estates in the country ready to receive tourists. Mild winters and cheap flights are the undoubted advantages of a holiday in a neighboring country.
Residence of Father Frost in Belovezhskaya Pushcha
In Western Belarus, a forest with a thousand-year history has been preserved – Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The residence of the main New Year’s wizard, Father Frost, is also located here. On his territory there are many fairy-tale characters, several wooden huts and a museum with children’s letters and crafts. Greets guests – Grandfather Frost. The Snow Maiden and fairies help the wizard create a festive atmosphere.
Tourists who do not believe in a fairy-tale character can relax in one of the hotels on the territory of the Pushcha, ride a sled through ancient trees, dine on game and look at the bison listed in the Red Book.
Mstislavl and Pustynki
7 kilometers from the border with Russia is the small provincial town of Mstislavl. The best view is from Castle Hill. At the top, much to your surprise, there is a stage, a small amphitheater and a wooden castle. Swiss landscapes will not leave you indifferent – couples flock here at sunset, romantic photographs against the backdrop of the setting sun should turn out spectacular.
And 500 meters from the border with Russia there is a “place of power” – Pustynki. Previously, only monks had the right to settle here. In the Pustynsky Monastery they retired and prayed to God. Therefore, on its territory there are several dilapidated temples, a church, a holy spring and a monastery. And now only monks live in the religious complex. Tourists can also visit this place.
Braslav Lakes
North-East of Belarus – hundreds of large and small lakes. The most famous are the Braslav ones. The area of 30 lakes is more than 130 square kilometers. The road to Myadel is especially picturesque. It is worth stopping and admiring the wonderful views of the water surface. There are many recreation centers and stylized estates on the banks. Well, the visiting card of the Braslav region is considered to be one of the best observation points in Belarus – Mount Mayak.
Kazakhstan
The state is rich in both natural and man-made attractions, not only ancient, but also modern. Take, for example, the ultra-modern capital Astana. Despite the cold winters, Kazakhstan is especially good in snow.
Kolsay lakes
Kolsai is a must-visit in summer. In winter, the lake becomes even more beautiful, ice and snow create the necessary tension. Subjects for photography appear. The Kolsai lakes are located 290 kilometers, southeast of Almaty.
Lower Lake Kolsai stretches for one and a half kilometers in length, it is sandwiched in a narrow gorge and surrounded by the tallest Tien Shan firs, which seem to have been specially planted here to preserve this piece of paradise. In winter, the lake freezes, the ice thickness is 30-40 centimeters, and the bravest people skate on the surface. Five kilometers higher is the second lake Kolsai, shaped like a heart.
There are places for recreation on the lower lake: there is a campsite, conditions for fishing have been created.
Borovoye Resort
Borovoye is considered the most famous resort in Kazakhstan, famous for its nature, dozens of health resorts, and clean air. In the summer, this is a wonderful relaxation by the pond, and in the winter – sports entertainment and the opportunity to walk on the ice of the lake, if it is frozen enough.
The main attraction of the area is called the Zhumbaktas rock – a mystery rock whose outline on one side resembles an Egyptian sphinx, on the other an old woman, and on the third a beautiful girl.
High-mountain skating rink “Medeo”
25 kilometers from Almaty is the world’s largest high-mountain skating rink, Medeo, located at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level. The area of the artificial ice field is 10.5 thousand square meters. The highlands contribute to the establishment of the highest achievements; 170 world records have been recorded here throughout the entire period.
It is open daily from October to May. Adult tickets cost $5, skate rental for two hours costs $3.
The Chimbulak ski resort is adjacent to the famous skating rink. The length of the ski slopes is more than 20 kilometers. The slopes are equipped for night skiing and are open 24 hours a day. A daily ski pass costs $23 on weekends and $16 on weekdays.
Kyrgyzstan
The country of high mountains and fast rivers. There are few ancient monuments in Kyrgyzstan, but they are more than compensated by the beautiful valleys that hide behind the Pamir-Alai and Tien Shan mountain ranges.
Lake Issyk-Kul
Issyk-Kul is in seventh place on the list of the deepest lakes in the world and is considered the largest in Kyrgyzstan. And in terms of water transparency it ranks second in the world after Lake Baikal. Locals call it the “pearl” of Kyrgyzstan.
Translated from the Kyrgyz language, “ysyk kel” means “hot lake”, because in winter it does not freeze, and all because the water in it is salty. Also, 80 rivers of Kyrgyzstan flow here, thereby replenishing the volume of Issyk-Kul. The dimensions are impressive: its area is more than six thousand square kilometers, and its depth in some places exceeds 700 meters.
Bishkek–Osh Road
This is perhaps the most beautiful road in the country. The route passes through mountain passes, as well as along the shore of the Toktogul reservoir and other picturesque places. You can drive through it in one day, during which you will be able to see almost all seasons of the year: from snowy winter on the passes to summer in the valleys.
Grigorievskoe Gorge
Grigoryevskoye Gorge is located 60 kilometers from the city of Cholpon-Ata. Along with Lake Issyk-Kul it is considered one of the most picturesque places in the country. A crystal clear river flows along the bottom, and on the “walls” of the gorge are the most beautiful Tien Shan spruce trees in the world.
In the Chon Ak-Suu gorge there are three high-mountain lakes, forests and alpine meadows. Tourists are offered a lot of entertainment here: the most memorable is horseback riding and wonderful walking. Also, in the Grigorievskoye Gorge you should definitely taste kumys and take an active part in setting up a yurt.
