Kazakhstan's sky fills with hot air balloons as festival returns

One of the largest hot air balloon festivals in Kazakhstan returned to the Almaty region after a two-year hiatus, attracting pilots from 12 countries and featuring 29 balloons, including a giant owl-shaped craft. Daily flights took place over the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, with captive and passenger flights. The festival also offered concerts, family activities, giant kites, and powered paraglider demonstrations.