Botanical garden — Attraction in Almaty

It was ok...

We paid 1800 per person. Once we entered, there wasn't much to see. For the most part, there were just trees and grass. It was about the same as the presidential park. The only difference was there was a pond the size of a fountain that had 2 swans and koi fish. There were also squirrels and pheasants running around. I wanted to go see the flower garden, but it was behind a chain-linked fence. We were told that we could not enter. What's the point of pay for entry when you can't even see the flowers behind the fence. If this garden was in Europe, it would just be a public park, and there would still be more vibrant flowers and with bees and butterflies. Usually, a garden that you pay for would contain many greenhouses of exotic plants (desert, tropical, epiphytes, orchids, etc) and plaques of information about each plant. I think they spend too much money maintaining such a large piece land instead of designing the space for visitors. You can have a garden that's 3x more interesting, using 1/3 of the space. See Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens or Jardim Botânico...

The Garden stands as a living testament to scientific exploration, with its roots tracing back to the visionary decision of the USSR Academy of Sciences in 1932. Originally established as part of the Kazakhstan base, it has evolved through various phases, reflecting the dynamic history of botanical research.

During my recent visit, I appreciated the garden's commitment to preserving this rich scientific heritage. The meticulous plant collections, shaped by decades of expertise, showcased the evolution of botanical knowledge. The garden's history, rooted in the decisions of the Presidium and the restructuring in the mid-20th century, adds layers to its significance.

However, for a visitor seeking a more immersive experience, the garden could benefit from additional facilities. Including restaurants, engaging activities, and enhanced visitor services could transform it into not just a scientific marvel but also a recreational...

Personally I think this place is mediocre at best in terms of actual gardens! The name is such a misnomer. There’s a measly Japanese garden (not really) and a patch of flowers close by and then another smaller patch of roses by the western (or eastern?) entrance. The “gardens” truly are groves of tress planted. So yes, the trees are lovely, and especially in the autumn colours. But this botanical garden has NOTHING on others I’ve seen, such as in Singapore.

The best part of the gardens honestly are the ADORABLE fluffy-eared squirrels who can come come right up to you! And the entrance fee is...