Top 20 places to visit in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan, the world’s largest landlocked country, has diverse landscapes, rich history and unique cultural experiences. Here are the top 20 kazakhstan tourist places to visit in Kazakhstan, explained:
The best time to visit Kazakhstan depends on what you are looking for, different months are good for outdoor activities, skiing and natural beauty.
About Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a big and diverse country in Central Asia with a mix of natural wonders, modern architecture and rich cultural heritage.
From the landscapes of Altyn Emel National Park to the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan has plenty of exciting places to visit, many of which are iconic heritag .
Located along the Silk Road, Kazakhstan has a fascinating history, especially in its biggest city and a mix of traditional and modern.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or just want to visit a new and unexplored destination, Kazakhstan is a popular destination and a great place to visit.
The country’s history and diverse landscapes make it a must-see for any traveler looking to see the best of Central Asia.
Almaty
- Why Visit: The biggest city in Kazakhstan and its cultural and economic hub. Known for its green spaces, mountain backdrop and urban lifestyle.
- Attractions:
- Kok-Tobe Hill for views.
- Medeu Ice Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort.
- Central State Museum and Zenkov Cathedral, also known as the Ascension Cathedral, historic and architectural significance.
- Green Bazaar, a marketplace with fresh produce and spices.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
- Why Visit: The futuristic capital of Kazakhstan shows modern architecture and city planning.
- Attractions:
- Bayterek Tower: A symbol of the city, designed as a poplar tree holding a golden egg, harmony and prosperity.
- Khan Shatyr: A giant tent-shaped shopping and entertainment center.
- Nur-Astana Mosque and the National Museum.
- Bayterek Tower: A symbol of the city.
- Khan Shatyr: A massive tent-shaped shopping and entertainment center.
- Nur-Astana Mosque and the National Museum.
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Charyn Canyon
Why Visit: Known as the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”, has red rock formations, including the Yellow Canyon with geological significance and natural formations.
Activities:
- Hiking in the Valley of Castles.
- Photography and nature walk.
Big Almaty Lake
- Why Visit: A peaceful turquoise alpine lake surrounded by mountains, Big Almaty Lake is at 2,511 meters above sea level, with breathtaking views and high-altitude experience, especially if you take the cable car .
- Activities:
- Hiking and photography.
- Perfect for a day trip from Almaty.
Altyn-Emel National Park
- Why Visit:
- A desert ecosystem with Singing Dunes and rock formations like Aktau and Katutau mountains.
- The park also has alpine meadows that add to its beauty, ecologically rich environments that host wildlife and hiking trails.
- Activities:
- Sand dune exploration.
- Wildlife spotting, gazelles and wild donkeys.
Ile Alatau National Park
Ile Alatau National Park is one of the most beautiful and popular national parks in Kazakhstan, located in the almaty region of Trans-Ili Alatau mountains south of Almaty.
The park has a wide range of flora and fauna, including the rare and endangered snow leopard, and stunning scenery, hiking trails and outdoor activities.
Visitors can visit the park’s attractions, Big Almaty Lake, Turgen Gorge and Kolsai Lakes National Park.
With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, Ile Alatau National Park is a must-visit for anyone who wants to see the great outdoors of Kazakhstan.
The park’s diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity is a nature lover’s and adventure seeker’s paradise.
Karkaraly National Park
Karkaraly National Park is another natural wonder of Kazakhstan, located in the central part of the country. The park has stunning landscapes, hills, forests and lakes and is home to a wide range of wildlife, deer, wild boar and birds of prey.
Visitors can hike, horseback ride or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
With its unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Karkaraly National Park is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The park’s peaceful environment and diverse ecosystems is a perfect escape for those who want to connect with nature.
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Why Visit: Kazakhstan’s oldest nature reserve, with rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes, has an architectural monument to visit .
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including golden eagles that play a big role in the park’s ecosystem.
Activities:
- Hiking in meadows and mountains.
- Bird watching and snow leopard spotting.
Baikonur Cosmodrome
- Why Visit: The world’s first and largest space launch facility still in operation. Established during the Soviet Union, Baikonur Cosmodrome is a historical site for space missions.
- Activities:
- Space history tours.
- Rocket launches (special permission required).
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Kolsai Lakes
- Why Visit: A series of three mountain lakes often called the “Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan”. The lakes are surrounded by beautiful scenery, perfect for relaxation and nature.
- Activities:
- Hiking between the lakes.
- Horseback riding and camping.
Lake Kaindy
- Why Visit: Famous for its submerged forest where tree trunks rise out of the water. Lake Kaindy is at 2,000 meters above sea level, adding to its geographical significance and appeal.
- Activities:
- Scuba diving and photography.
- Exploring the wilderness.
Turkistan
- Why Visit: A mix of forests, rock formations and lakes, Burabay National Park is famous for its natural beauty and diverse environments.
- Activities:
- Boating on Lake Borovoe.
- Hiking and rock climbing.
Burabay National Park
- Why Visit: A stunning mix of forests, rock formations, and serene lakes.
- Activities:
- Boating on Lake Borovoe.
- Hiking and rock climbing.
Shymkent
- Why Visit: A city with culture, history and modern amenities. Shymkent has a significant Russian population, adding to the city’s cultural diversity.
- Main Attractions
- Independence Park and Ordabasy Square.
- Archaeological sites and bazaars.
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Mangystau Region
- Why Visit: Famous for its desert landscapes and geological formations, Mangystau Region has a flat desert that makes its natural attractions stand out.
- Main Attractions:
- Bozzhyra Canyon and Sherkala Mountain.
- Underground mosques like Beket-Ata.
Karaganda
- Why Visit: A city with Soviet history and mining heritage, Karaganda is in central Kazakhstan and is known for its coal mining and Soviet history.
- Main Attractions:
- Karlag Museum (former labor camp).
- Soviet architecture.
Lake Balkhash
- Why Visit: One of the world’s largest lakes, part fresh and part salt water. Lake Balkhash is at 340 meters above sea level.
- Activities:
- Fishing and boating.
- Relax on its shores.
Tamgaly Petroglyphs
- Why Visit: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 5,000 ancient rock carvings, Tamgaly Petroglyphs is a historical site with cultural heritage.
- Activities:
- Explore petroglyphs of animals, hunting scenes and rituals.
- Learn about ancient Kazakh culture.
Aktau
- Why Visit: A coastal city on the Caspian Sea in south west Kazakhstan with beautiful beaches and geological sites nearby.
- Main Attractions:
- Caspian Sea waterfront.
- Valley of Balls, a geological wonder.
Taraz
- Why Visit: An ancient Silk Road city with over 2,000 years of history. Old town areas of Taraz are notable for their rich architectural heritage and blend of ancient and modern, serving as open-air museums that attract tourists with well-preserved structures and historical stories.
- Main Attractions:
- Mausoleums of Aisha Bibi and Karakhan.
- Archaeological sites and monuments.
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Sauran Ancient City
- Why Visit: Ruins of a medieval city once a trade hub on the Silk Road, highlighting its historical significance as a point on ancient trade routes.
- Activities:
- Explore fortresses and walls.*
- Learn about its history with local guides.
Esik Lake and Golden Man Museum
- Why Visit: A site where the famous Golden Man (an ancient Scythian warrior’s burial suit) was found. These sites are key to understanding Kazakhstan’s history and cultural heritage.
- Main Attractions:
- Esik Lake, an alpine lake.
- Golden Man Museum to learn about ancient Scythian culture.
Hot Springs and Health Resorts
Kazakhstan has many hot springs and health resorts where you can experience the country’s natural beauty in a unique way.
The hot springs are located in different parts of the country, in the Altai Mountains and the Caspian Sea coast, and are believed to have healing properties.
You can soak in the warm waters, enjoy spa treatments and relax in the beautiful surroundings.
With its natural beauty and health benefits, these are part of many kazakhstan tours.
In addition to its landscapes, Kazakhstan’s hot springs and health resorts are perfect for those who want to unwind and rejuvenate, so add to your list of places to visit.
These peaceful retreats offer a perfect balance of relaxation and natural splendor, so must-visit for anyone looking for a restful getaway.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) for mild weather. Winter (December to February) is great for snow sports and mountain scenery.
- Transportation: Domestic flights, trains and buses connect major cities. Private tours recommended for remote destinations.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss traditional Kazakh dishes like beshbarmak, kazy and plov during your trip.
- Travel Tips: When visiting Kazakhstan in winter, make sure to pack warm clothes. Temperatures can drop significantly in cities like Nur-Sultan and National Parks.
If you want to have diverse travel experiences, visit kazakhstan, it offers everything, from natural wonders to cultural treasures, so must-visit for every kind of traveler, especially those who want to visit almaty !
