Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, occupies a sizable chunk of Central Asia. Dramatic mountains, canyons, lakes, and valleys can be found strewn around, contrary to popular belief that the area consists entirely of monotonous, featureless wasteland.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
The majority of Kazakhstan’s population, the wealthiest in the region thanks to its enormous oil and petrol reserves, resides in the two largest cities, Almaty and Astana (the capital).
There are a lot of amazing places to see in the country, but few visitors. Because you will likely be the only foreigner there, the locals will treat you like family and show you all the amazing things to see and do in Kazakhstan. Check out our recommended sights in Kazakhstan before you travel to this Central Asian nation.
1. Tamgaly Petroglyphs
The Tamgaly Petroglyphs depict a diverse variety of animals and nature, including epic hunting scenes, stately individuals, and more. Amazingly, you can choose from more than 5,000 of them.
The site is truly unique, with many of the artefacts dating back to the Bronze Age. It’s incredible to be exploring a beautiful canyon then around a corner come across another perfectly preserved petroglyph with complex carvings.
The tranquilly of the canyon’s interior conveys the spiritual significance of the region, and the outstanding petroglyphs, in addition to the stunning scenery, make the destination well worth a day trip from Almaty.
2. Aral
The Aral Sea’s drastic shrinkage after 1960 is a prime example of the ecological devastation that can be caused by human activity. Its waters were diverted to cotton fields in the desert during the Soviet era, where they quickly evaporated or seeped below earth.
The Aral Sea was the world’s fourth-largest source of fresh water until it was drastically reduced and is only now slowly recovering to its former size. Because of all this, Aral is a fascinating town to explore.
Once known across the Soviet Union for its abundant catches, the fishing port is now surrounded by an endless desert as the sea has receded beyond the horizon.
Aral Sea, a town in central Asia, is a good starting point for exploring “one of the planet’s biggest environmental disasters” and learning about the government’s successful efforts to restore the sea’s water levels, year by year.
3. Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon, located in the southeast of Kazakhstan, is an absolutely stunning natural attraction. It’s hard to imagine the stunning scene that awaits you as you make your way over the vast, featureless plain. The canyon cuts its way through the rock for a total length of over 90 kilometres and a maximum depth of about 300 metres in some places.
The crimson hues of its walls and rock formations are evocative of those in the American states of Utah and Arizona. Visitors to Charyn Canyon often remark that it rivals the Grand Canyon in terms of sheer beauty.
The most impressive part of the canyon is called the Valley of Castles, and walking through it is awe-inspiring since the canyon walls are so tall. From above, the sheer drop of Charyn Canyon is just as breathtaking. The swift-moving Sharyn River that cuts through it is a popular destination for whitewater rafters and canoeists.
4. Turkestan
Turkestan, a city in southern Kazakhstan bordered by the Kazakh Desert, is a one-of-a-kind destination thanks to the harmonious fusion of nomadic culture and the urban lifestyle of neighbouring Uzbekistan. Because of this, exploring the area is fascinating.
The stunning tomb of Kozha Akhmed Yasaui, built in the 14th century, appears like it belongs in one of Uzbekistan’s historic Silk Road capitals rather than in Kazakhstan. One of the most spectacular and significant historical sights in the country, the tomb was built by Timur in honour of the great Sufi Sheikh.
In addition to this, the nearby desert is home to the ruins of the ancient cities of Otrar and Sauran, two of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. Aside from seeing these ancient sites, the best way to experience Turkestan is to simply stroll around the city’s major market and people-watch.
5. Baikonur Cosmodrome
If you’re interested in space, the Baikonur Cosmodrome is one of the few spots on Earth where you can see a rocket launch into orbit. Even if you aren’t a space buff, witnessing a rocket blast out into the cosmos is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Baikonur is a joint Kazakh-Russian venture and the world’s largest space launch facility. The first two manned spacecraft, Sputnik 1 and Vostok 1, were launched from this location. So much of the past is on display. Tours of the building and the associated museum, which features numerous interesting exhibits, models, and memorabilia, are available to interested parties.
6. Karkaraly National Park
Karkaraly National Park, found in Kazakhstan’s Central Highlands, is a paradise for ecotourists and mountaineers. The national park encompasses a vast area and is teeming with wildlife; its unending forests are home to foxes, deer, and wolves, among many other species.
There are sparkling lakes, gaping caves, and unique rock formations hidden among its many stunning settings, and the vistas are breathtaking no matter where you walk. Karkaraly National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts due to its abundance of breathtaking scenery, making it ideal for hiking, bouldering, and camping.
7. Kolsai Lake
Kolsai Lake, which is about 250 kilometres from Almaty, is actually made up of three smaller lakes. The sparkling lakes are sometimes referred to as the “Pearls of Tian Shan,” and they are strung out along the Kolsay River as it winds its way through the forested Tian Shan Mountains.
Getting from the lower to the higher lake is possible via a beautiful but challenging walk. Kolsai Lake and its surrounding area are popular vacation spots for Kazakhs and visitors alike due to the abundance of beautiful camping and homestay options and the widespread popularity of horseback riding in the area.
The lakes feature some of the most breathtaking views in the country and should not be missed.
8. Astana
Astana, or Nur-Sultan as it was renamed at the start of 2019, is the capital of Kazakhstan. Every year, new iconic skyscrapers rise, each one bigger and better than the last. Astana, one of the most contemporary and futuristic towns in Central Asia, is located in the middle of the country’s featureless northern grassland and is home to several tall buildings.
Exploring its broad boulevards is fascinating because of the unique blend of Soviet, Kazakh, and Western influences. The breathtaking Bayterek Tower is the focal point of the complex.
The city’s excellent national museum is also located in the enormous Khan Shatyr, which features a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and a striking architectural style. Astana’s streets exude a sense of vitality and youthfulness due to the influx of young people from all over the country who have been drawn to the city’s rapid expansion.
9. Aksu-Zhabagly
Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in all of Central Asia, having been established in 1926. The landscape of Aksu-Zhabagly is diverse and beautiful, with snow-capped mountain peaks and glaciers, rushing rivers, wide valleys, and, of course, the boundless grassland.
The nature reserve is rich in breathtaking scenery and is teeming with fascinating animals. Stalactite Cave, Aksu Gorge, and the sparkling Kshi-Kainy waterfalls are just a few of the spectacular natural attractions that can be seen along the network of trails and paths here.
10. Almaty
Almaty, which served as the country’s capital from 1924 to 1997, is now the largest city in Kazakhstan and its cultural and economic centre. Hence, you can expect a high level of affluence and sophistication, as well as a wide variety of cutting-edge dining and drinking options.
Many tourists use it as a jumping-off point to explore the surrounding area, and it’s easy to see why: the city is filled with interesting museums and historic landmarks. Almaty is incredibly fortunate to have such beautiful wilderness right on its doorstep.
Its location at the foot of the stunning Tian Shan mountain range makes it an ideal backdrop for photographs.
The highlands are plenty with great places to visit, such as the breathtaking Big Almaty Lake and the world’s highest skating rink at Medeu or the fantastic ski resort at Shymbulak. It would be easy to spend a week or more exploring Almaty and the surrounding area.
