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Deserted Bus at Tian Shan Observatory - Almaty, Kazakhstan

Our welcome to Tian Shan Observatory above Big Almaty Lake. The eerie silence and abandoned feel of the place made us wonder whether we had arrived at the Kazakh version of Bates Motel. This Soviet-era observatory partially survives financially on stranded hikers like us using their facilities for accommodation. For a few extra tenge (about $4), an astronomer will pull out the big telescope and show you the stars. Recommended for a side trip from Almaty. Read more about our adventures in the Tian Shan Mountains.