A Winter's Delight: My First Snowfall Experience.

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Having grown up in South India where snow was a rarity, my first encounter with the snowy landscapes of Almaty, Kazakhstan was nothing short of magical. Almaty, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Tien Shan mountains, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, especially during the winter months.


This was my first girl’s trip with my cousin, and the excitement level was boundless. We have been discussing our dreams of visiting countries and eagerly awaiting the right moment for them to materialize. However, as time passed, we realized that there is never quite a perfect time to embark on a journey. So on a whim, we decided to visit Almaty and experience the phenomenon of snow. Although not a great fan of spontaneity, I gave in this time. Too much planning could also be tiring and exasperating.


For a few days leading up to the trip, we were enveloped in a mixture of anticipation and thrill. Uncertain of what to expect or how we would fare in the cold, we packed every piece of winter wear we owned, bought a few, and borrowed some.


                                            Aerial view of the mountains blanketed in snow.

Our journey to Almaty was a four-hour flight. We could see snow-clad heavenly mountains as we entered the airspace of Kazakhstan. We landed in the evening, and as soon as we stepped out of the airport, the sudden gush of wind and cold air gave us shivers. Despite being bundled up, our bodies were slowly adjusting to the new weather. We were driven to our hotel, and we enjoyed a hearty dinner before venturing out for a walk. The frosty air grazed our cheeks, and every breath we took formed a tiny cloud before dissipating into the night. These sensations were unlike anything we had experienced before.


The next morning, we woke up to snow falling outside our window. The vista that lay before us was inexplicable, and our ecstasy knew no bounds. We dressed up hastily and rushed out to experience our first-ever snowfall. As we stepped outside, the cold air nipped at our cheeks, but we were too captivated by the sheer beauty surrounding us. After all, we weren’t there to stay nice and toasty.


                                   Outside our hotel enjoying my first snowfall experience.

We reveled in the simple joys of making snowballs with bare hands, engaged in snowball fights, playfully chased pigeons, and strolled lazily through the city with the snow on our faces. We visited famous landmarks and parks and were blown away by the austere simplicity of this city. And the people exuded bonhomie and warmth despite the language barrier between us.

On the second day, we set out for outdoor activities. This was my first time riding in a cable car. We reached the Shymbulak Ski Resort at the mountain top at 2250 feet. The temperature had dropped to -16 degrees, and I could feel my fingers go numb when I removed my gloves to snap a few pictures. Who needs to feel their fingers and toes if their hearts are full to bursting with joy and excitement?


Mountain top at Shymbulak Ski Resort

We spend one more day in this idyllic city before bidding adieu. We visited the vibrant local market and enjoyed local cuisine relishing every bite of donor kebabs, besbarmaq, and plov. Almaty holds a special place in my heart as it brought me many firsts: My maiden girl’s trip, a visit to a Central Asian country, and the experience of snowfall.

The whole city looked peaceful, pristine, and poised swathed in snow. The memories of this enchanting winterland will stay with me forever.



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