I was in Almaty in 2007, I think. We were basically doing a stan trip and that was the starting and departing point. (Flew NW to CDG and then Air France, I think). We did some hiking from Almaty. It's a backpacking spot for Europeans and it also has skiing.

Sarmakand is a don't miss if you are in Uzbekistan. Drop dead gorgeous.

Sickest I've ever been traveling, though.