wheretogo
Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan Highlights

Kazakhstan, the world`s largest landlocked country, is known for its diverse landscapes, rich nomadic heritage, and modern architecture. Nur-Sultan, the capital, is a futuristic city with landmarks like the Bayterek Tower and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation. Almaty, the largest city, offers the beautiful Ascension Cathedral, the Kok-Tobe Hill, and the bustling Green Bazaar. Beyond the cities, explore the stunning landscapes of the Altai Mountains, the unique rock formations of the Charyn Canyon, or the historic Silk Road city of Turkestan. Don`t miss the Singing Dune in the Altyn Emel National Park, or the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tamgaly. Kazakh cuisine, known for dishes like beshbarmak, kazy, and baursaks, is hearty and flavorful. Whether you`re exploring a historic mausoleum, hiking in a beautiful national park, or experiencing a traditional yurt stay, Kazakhstan offers a unique and enriching travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, boasting diverse flora and fauna. With snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers, it`s a paradise for nature lovers. The reserve is home to rare and endangered ani... more

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia, boasting diverse flora and fauna. With snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial rivers, it`s a paradise for nature lovers. The reserve is home to rare and endangered animals, including the snow leopard and Siberian ibex.

Altyn Emel National Park

Spanning an area of about 4600 square kilometers, Altyn Emel National Park is known for its unique and diverse natural landscapes. From the mystical singing sand dunes to the ancient willow tree thought to be 700 years old, and from the archaeologica... more

Spanning an area of about 4600 square kilometers, Altyn Emel National Park is known for its unique and diverse natural landscapes. From the mystical singing sand dunes to the ancient willow tree thought to be 700 years old, and from the archaeological traces of nomadic tribes to the endangered species, there`s much to explore here.

Aral Sea

Once the fourth-largest lake in the world, the Aral Sea has dramatically shrunk due to diversion of rivers for irrigation. Despite this environmental disaster, the site is eerily fascinating. The rusting hulls of old fishing boats on the former seabe... more

Once the fourth-largest lake in the world, the Aral Sea has dramatically shrunk due to diversion of rivers for irrigation. Despite this environmental disaster, the site is eerily fascinating. The rusting hulls of old fishing boats on the former seabed create a surreal landscape known as the "ship graveyard".

Ascension Cathedral, Almaty

The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park in Almaty. It`s noted for its brightly colored exterior and intricate woodwork. Remarkably, it was built entirely of wood, i... more

The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park in Almaty. It`s noted for its brightly colored exterior and intricate woodwork. Remarkably, it was built entirely of wood, including the nails, yet it survived a major earthquake in 1911.

Baikonur Cosmodrome

Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world`s first and largest operational space launch facility located in southern Kazakhstan. Used by Russia to launch both satellites and manned missions to space, it`s where Sputnik 1, Earth`s first artificial satellite, an... more

Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world`s first and largest operational space launch facility located in southern Kazakhstan. Used by Russia to launch both satellites and manned missions to space, it`s where Sputnik 1, Earth`s first artificial satellite, and Vostok 1, the first manned spacecraft, were launched. Visitors can tour the historic site and even witness live rocket launches. It`s a unique opportunity to get a closer look at the history and ongoing operations of space exploration.

Bayterek Tower

Bayterek Tower is a modern architectural and observation tower in the capital city, Nur-Sultan. Standing at 105 meters tall, the tower symbolizes a Kazakh legend about the tree of life and a magic bird of happiness. Visitors can take a lift up to the... more

Bayterek Tower is a modern architectural and observation tower in the capital city, Nur-Sultan. Standing at 105 meters tall, the tower symbolizes a Kazakh legend about the tree of life and a magic bird of happiness. Visitors can take a lift up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and to see a golden handprint of the nation`s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is a beautiful alpine reservoir located in the mountains just outside of Almaty. Its turquoise waters change color throughout the seasons, making it a photographer`s dream. The lake is also part of a nature reserve, home to many speci... more

Big Almaty Lake is a beautiful alpine reservoir located in the mountains just outside of Almaty. Its turquoise waters change color throughout the seasons, making it a photographer`s dream. The lake is also part of a nature reserve, home to many species of animals and plants. Visitors can hike, picnic, or simply enjoy the serene landscapes.

Central State Museum of Kazakhstan

Located in Almaty, the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is one of the largest museums in Central Asia. Its collections cover the history and culture of Kazakhstan from ancient to modern times. Exhibits include archaeological and ethnographic artifa... more

Located in Almaty, the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan is one of the largest museums in Central Asia. Its collections cover the history and culture of Kazakhstan from ancient to modern times. Exhibits include archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, traditional Kazakh clothing and jewelry, and displays about the country`s natural history. It`s an essential visit for anyone interested in understanding Kazakhstan`s rich heritage.

Charyn Canyon

Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn Canyon showcases the unique geology of this region of Kazakhstan. The canyon`s red sandstone cliffs have been shaped by erosion into stunning formations. Visitors can hike, camp, and enj... more

Often compared to the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn Canyon showcases the unique geology of this region of Kazakhstan. The canyon`s red sandstone cliffs have been shaped by erosion into stunning formations. Visitors can hike, camp, and enjoy the spectacular views of this natural wonder.

Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments

Located in Almaty, this museum showcases a variety of Kazakh folk instruments with informative displays about their history and how they are used in traditional music. Visitors have the opportunity to hear the sounds of some of these unique instrumen... more

Located in Almaty, this museum showcases a variety of Kazakh folk instruments with informative displays about their history and how they are used in traditional music. Visitors have the opportunity to hear the sounds of some of these unique instruments during live performances.

Khan Shatyr

Khan Shatyr is a gigantic tent-like shopping and entertainment center in Nur-Sultan. Its unique design was conceptualized by renowned British architect Norman Foster. Inside, it houses a beach resort, shopping mall, food court, mini-golf course, and... more

Khan Shatyr is a gigantic tent-like shopping and entertainment center in Nur-Sultan. Its unique design was conceptualized by renowned British architect Norman Foster. Inside, it houses a beach resort, shopping mall, food court, mini-golf course, and more. The building`s scale and multi-purpose usage make it an intriguing modern landmark.

Kok-Tobe Hill

Kok-Tobe is a popular recreational area in Almaty offering a variety of attractions and fantastic views of the city from the observation deck. A cable car ride connects Kok-Tobe with the city center. At the top, visitors can find amusement park rides... more

Kok-Tobe is a popular recreational area in Almaty offering a variety of attractions and fantastic views of the city from the observation deck. A cable car ride connects Kok-Tobe with the city center. At the top, visitors can find amusement park rides, restaurants, a mini-zoo, and a monument to the Beatles.

Kolsai Lakes

Often referred to as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan", the Kolsai Lakes are three alpine lakes situated in a stunning mountain landscape. They`re a great spot for trekking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the views. The clarity of the wate... more

Often referred to as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien-Shan", the Kolsai Lakes are three alpine lakes situated in a stunning mountain landscape. They`re a great spot for trekking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying the views. The clarity of the water and the reflection of the surrounding peaks make the lakes incredibly photogenic.

Lake Kaindy

Lake Kaindy, known for its submerged forest, is a 400-meter-long lake in Kazakhstan`s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains. Created by an earthquake in 1911, the lake is famous for its sunken spruce trees rising straight out of the water. The trees hav... more

Lake Kaindy, known for its submerged forest, is a 400-meter-long lake in Kazakhstan`s portion of the Tian Shan Mountains. Created by an earthquake in 1911, the lake is famous for its sunken spruce trees rising straight out of the water. The trees have retained their needles, and the clear mountain water offers a surreal underwater view.

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Located in the city of Turkistan, this unfinished mausoleum is one of Kazakhstan`s most significant historical and cultural sites. The 14th-century structure is an outstanding example of Timurid construction techniques and decoration. The site is a m... more

Located in the city of Turkistan, this unfinished mausoleum is one of Kazakhstan`s most significant historical and cultural sites. The 14th-century structure is an outstanding example of Timurid construction techniques and decoration. The site is a major destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Medeu

Medeu is a high-altitude outdoor skating rink and ski resort near Almaty. Nestled in a mountain valley at 1,691 meters above sea level, it boasts the largest outdoor skating arena in the world. Whether you`re a fan of winter sports or just love beaut... more

Medeu is a high-altitude outdoor skating rink and ski resort near Almaty. Nestled in a mountain valley at 1,691 meters above sea level, it boasts the largest outdoor skating arena in the world. Whether you`re a fan of winter sports or just love beautiful mountain views, Medeu is worth a visit.

Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This museum in Nur-Sultan is dedicated to Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan`s first president after independence. It showcases his personal belongings, gifts from foreign dignitaries, and a detailed account of his life and political career. It`s a mus... more

This museum in Nur-Sultan is dedicated to Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan`s first president after independence. It showcases his personal belongings, gifts from foreign dignitaries, and a detailed account of his life and political career. It`s a must-visit to understand the recent political history of Kazakhstan.

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

This impressive pyramidal structure in Nur-Sultan serves as an international center for religious understanding and tolerance. It hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions every three years. Visitors can explore its various sec... more

This impressive pyramidal structure in Nur-Sultan serves as an international center for religious understanding and tolerance. It hosts the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions every three years. Visitors can explore its various sections, including the opera hall, museum, art gallery, and an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley near Almaty, Shymbulak Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Central Asia. It provides excellent skiing conditions during the winter months, while in summer it offers hiking and mountain biking trails.... more

Located in the upper part of the Medeu Valley near Almaty, Shymbulak Ski Resort is the largest ski resort in Central Asia. It provides excellent skiing conditions during the winter months, while in summer it offers hiking and mountain biking trails. With its modern facilities and beautiful setting, it`s a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Tamgaly Petroglyphs

The Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most striking archaeological sites in Kazakhstan. The site comprises around 5,000 rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age, with images of animals, people, and mysteri... more

The Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most striking archaeological sites in Kazakhstan. The site comprises around 5,000 rock carvings dating back to the Bronze Age, with images of animals, people, and mysterious symbols, offering a unique glimpse into prehistoric art and belief.

More