The best places to visit in Kazakhstan
This vast country located in Central Asia, spanning over 2.7 million square kilometres. It is the world’s ninth-largest country and the largest landlocked country in the world. Kazakhstan is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breath taking natural beauty. From the soaring peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains to the rolling steppe and the deserts, Kazakhstan offers a wide range of experiences for travellers. In this travel blog, we will explore some of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan.
1. Almaty
Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan and one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan and is known for its beautiful parks, tree-lined boulevards, and impressive architecture. The city is nestled at the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains and offers a stunning backdrop for your travels. The city is home to many museums, galleries, and theatres, making it a cultural hub of Kazakhstan.
One of the must-visit places in Almaty is the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan, which showcases the history and culture of Kazakhstan. The museum has a vast collection of artefacts, including traditional Kazakh clothing, weapons, and jewellery. Another popular attraction in Almaty is the Ascension Cathedral, which is the second-largest wooden cathedral in the world. The cathedral is a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture.
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Almaty has plenty of outdoor activities to offer right on it’s doorstep making it one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan . The Medeu skating rink is a popular destination for ice-skating in winter, while the Shymbulak ski resort offers skiing and snowboarding opportunities. In the summer, you can hike in the nearby mountains, go rock climbing, or paragliding.
2. Astana
Astana is the capital city of Kazakhstan and is known for its modern architecture and futuristic skyline. The city has undergone massive development in the last two decades and has become a symbol of Kazakhstan’s economic growth and modernization.
One of the most impressive buildings in Astana is the Bayterek Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city and one of best places to visit in Kazakhstan. The tower represents a Kazakh legend about a mythical bird that lays its egg in a poplar tree. The tower is located in a park that is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Another popular attraction in Astana is the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, which is a pyramid-shaped building that houses a concert hall, an opera house, and a gallery. The building was designed by the British architect Norman Foster and is a stunning example of modern architecture.
3. Shymkent
Shymkent is the third-largest city in Kazakhstan and is located in the southern part of the country. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and it is a gateway to the Silk Road. Shymkent has a lively bazaar, where you can find everything from spices and textiles to traditional Kazakh handicrafts.
One of the must-visit places in Shymkent is the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, which is located about 50 kilometres from the city. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the snow leopard and the golden eagle. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or bird-watching in the reserve making it worthy contender to become on of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan.
Another popular attraction in Shymkent is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mausoleum is an impressive example of Islamic architecture and is considered one of the most important religious sites and best places to visit in Kazakhstan.
4. Baikonur Cosmodrome
Baikonur Cosmodrome is the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. It is located in the desert in southern Kazakhstan and is leased by Russia. The cosmodrome was built in the 1950s and has been used for launching satellites, manned spacecraft, and interplanetary probes.
Visiting Baikonur Cosmodrome is a unique experience, and you can witness a rocket launch if you time your visit right. The cosmodrome also has a museum that showcases the history of space exploration and the role of Baikonur in space missions. Although it may not be the best places to visit in Kazakhstan, it’s worth a visit if your interested in Space history.
5. Kolsai Lakes
Kolsai Lakes are a series of three interconnected lakes located in the Tian Shan Mountains in south-eastern Kazakhstan. The lakes are known for their crystal-clear water and stunning scenery meaning it is one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan. The area around the lakes is a protected national park and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
You can go hiking or horseback riding in the Kolsai Lakes National Park and explore the surrounding forests and meadows. The park is also a popular spot for fishing and camping.
6. Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder located in south-eastern Kazakhstan. The canyon is about 80 kilometres long and is known for its unique rock formations and striking colours. The canyon was formed over millions of years by the Charyn River, which carved deep gorges and canyons into the rock. It is one of the most popular and best places to visit in Kazakhstan.
Visiting Charyn Canyon is a must for any nature lover. You can hike through the canyon and explore its various formations, including the Valley of Castles, which has towering rock formations that resemble medieval castles. The canyon is also a popular spot for camping, and there are several campsites in the area.
7. Aktau Mountains
The Aktau Mountains are a range of colourful mountains located in central Kazakhstan. The mountains are known for their unique geological formations and their stunning colours, which range from white and pink to red and orange. The area around the mountains is a protected national park and is home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, foxes, and eagles.
You can go hiking or mountain biking in the Aktau Mountains and explore the various trails that wind through the mountains. There are also several campsites in the area where you can spend the night under the stars.
8. Karaganda
Karaganda is a city located in central Kazakhstan and is known for its mining industry and Soviet-era architecture. The city has several museums and cultural centres that showcase the history and culture of Kazakhstan. One of the must-visit places in Karaganda is the Karaganda Regional Museum of History and Local Lore, which has a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits related to the history of the region.
Another popular attraction in Karaganda is the Bektau-Ata Mountains, which are located about 70 kilometres from the city. The mountains are known for their unique geological formations and are a popular destination for hiking and camping.
9. Atyrau
Atyrau is a city located in western Kazakhstan and is known for its oil industry and multicultural population. The city is located on the banks of the Ural River, which forms the border between Kazakhstan and Russia. Atyrau has several museums and cultural centres that showcase the history and culture of the region.
One of the must-visit places in Atyrau is the Atyrau Dossor Museum, which has a vast collection of artefacts and exhibits related to the history of the city and the region. Another popular attraction in Atyrau is the Ural River, which is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
10. Kokshetau
Kokshetau is a city located in northern Kazakhstan and is known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city is located in the foothills of the Kokshetau Mountains and is surrounded by forests, lakes, and rivers.
One of the must-visit places in Kokshetau is the Burabay National Park, which is located about 200 kilometres from the city. The park is home to several lakes, including the famous Lake Burabay, which is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning scenery. You can go hiking, horseback riding, or wildlife watching in the park and explore the various trails that wind through the forests and meadows.
Another popular attraction in Kokshetau is the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reserve is located about 150 kilometres from the city and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Dalmatian pelican and the saiga antelope. You can go bird-watching, hiking, or fishing in the reserve and explore the various habitats that make up the park.
11. Aral Sea – (bonus) best places to visit in kazakhstan
The Aral Sea was once one of the largest lakes in the world, located in Central Asia between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. However, due to extensive irrigation programs by the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century, the two main rivers that fed the Aral Sea were diverted for agricultural use, causing the lake to shrink dramatically. By the early 2000s, the Aral Sea had lost over 90% of its volume and split into two smaller bodies of water.
The shrinking of the Aral Sea had devastating effects on the environment and the local communities. The exposed lakebed created a toxic dust that caused widespread health problems, including respiratory illnesses and cancer. The loss of the sea also disrupted the local climate, leading to more extreme temperatures and weather patterns. – Check safety concerns and recommendations before visiting this area!
Kazakhstan is a vast and diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences for travellers. From the modern cities of Almaty and Astana to the natural wonders of Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, Kazakhstan has something to offer for every type of traveller. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or adventure, Kazakhstan has it all. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this beautiful country that is waiting to be discovered. Don’t forget to check the UK travel advice here!
Like this post? Check out our other Central Asia blog posts here! Visiting Samarkand? Read if Samarkand is worth visiting here!
