Its altitude is 2800 m, coinciding with the tree line. Below it, many slopes are covered with Tien-Shan Spruce (Picea schrenkiana). The observatory also overlooks Great Almatinski Lake. On my brief visit there in early May 2001, there were tulips around the lake, and snowcock calling in the distance. The slopes above the observatory were still snow-covered.

The months October-April are good for skiing: there are three down-hill slopes next to the observatory, and down-hill ski packages are available.

The observatory includes a 30-bed hotel, which is available for visitors - astronomers or general tourists. Facilities include dining room, sauna, conference room, library, volley-ball court, table tennis, and billiards.

Astronomical equipment includes: Richi-Cretien-Coudet telescopes (mirror diameter 1 m); Cassegren telescopes; ACU-5 horizontal solar telescope; HSFA horizontal solar telescope-spectrograph; 20 cm Coudet refractor; Nikolski coronograph; Schmidt astrograph. (Check with the Observatory about availability.) Clear nights are most frequent in autumn and winter, so complementing the pattern in Europe.

The Observatory welcomes astronomers, naturalists and general tourists. Any visitor making use of the accommodation will be helping to finance the Observatory's scientific work.

For further information, please contact the Director of the Observatory, Dr Kenes S.Kuratov, at: