Chimgan and its peaks have attracted people of all ages since time immemorial. Lately Chimgan is also attracting nature lovers, music lovers and those concerned about the safety of the environment.

The Annual Ecological Tourist Festival in Chimgan has been running for 25 years now, attracting not only environmental enthusiasts and musicians from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan but also from Latvia, Russia who participated in the Festival last year. Anyone can come to the festival and enjoy singing and listening to songs around a campfire. You don't need to buy tickets beforehand... there is plenty of space on the "mountain" slope where observers can comfortably sit and enjoy the performances of these talented minstrels.

All are equal here, all opinions are welcome, and if a performer is not to your liking, they can be hissed off the stage. On the other hand, a good performer can be applauded and, in a moment, turned into a star.The spirit of the festival is free.

It is a place that attracts people of passion - a mixture of thorns and roses. The "mountain" ultimately is the judge, the "mountain" rarely makes mistakes. Tel. 45684188. Everyone can sing at the festival, there are no special invitations.

Closer to June those who would like to participate with a song and guitar accompaniment call the Tashkent City Club of Bard Songs "Arena" to find out the festival's opening date. If you are interested contact us:
Tel: +998(3) 71 144-60-77, 144-60-33
e-mail:archa@notbox.ru

MEDEU

It is impossible to imagine Almaty, the southern capital of Kazakhstan, without its diamond necklace of mountain ranges in Zailiyskiy Alatau. The city and the mountains have become synonymous which is why Medeu was built here. It has a reputation as the world's fastest skating-rink and the forger of sports records. Tourists, competitive sportsmen and those who like music like to spend their spare time here surrounded by rocky mountain ranges and fresh air. Medeu is the place of numerous festivals and competitions.

One of them, "Asia Dausy", an International competition, is traditionally held in August. In the course of these four days Medeu becomes a refuge for "irreconcilable" competitors who escape from their mundane daily routines into the quiet solitude Medeu offers. People, although sometimes strangers, consider themselves friends - everybody gets along. There is a feast of music for four days performers live by the most talented and energetic artists who transmit their enthusiasm and energy to all those who bear witness to this amazing event.

Department of Tourism
4, Republic Sq., Almaty city, Republic of Kazakhstan.
tel./fax: +8 (3) 272 620030
e-mail: dep_tour@nursa.kz
www.kaztour.kz