Verified Facts
Official NameRepublic of Kazakhstan
CapitalAstana
Population20.4 million
Area2,724,900 km² (1052089 sq mi)
LanguagesKazakh, Russian
CurrencyKazakhstani tenge (₸)
TimezoneUTC+05:00, UTC+06:00
RegionAsia / Central Asia
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API
Kazakhstan offers a diverse range of exciting activities and attractions for visitors to explore, from its stunning natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
| Attraction | Location | Type | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bayterek Tower | Astana | Monument | Offers panoramic views of the city and is a symbol of Astana's modernization |
| Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center | Astana | Shopping and Entertainment | Features a large shopping mall, entertainment complex, and a beach club with an artificial beach |
| Turkestan | Turkestan | Historical Site | A city with a rich history, featuring the Mausoleum of Khawaja Ahmad Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Charyn Canyon | Almaty Region | Natural Wonder | A stunning canyon system, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of Central Asia" |
| Green Market | Almaty | Market | A bustling marketplace where visitors can sample local foods, buy souvenirs, and experience the vibrant atmosphere |
| Panfilov Park | Almaty | Park | A beautiful park featuring the famous Zenkov Cathedral, a unique example of Russian Orthodox architecture |
| Akmeshit Cave | Mangystau Region | Cave System | A massive cave system featuring stunning rock formations and underground landscapes |
| Kok Tobe Hill | Almaty | Hill | Offers panoramic views of the city and features a variety of amusement park attractions |
| Dombra Museum | Astana | Museum | Dedicated to the traditional Kazakh instrument, the dombra, and features a collection of instruments and exhibits on Kazakh music |
| Palace of Peace and Reconciliation | Astana | Monument | A unique building featuring a pyramid-shaped design and hosting various cultural and educational events |
Unique Experiences
- Take a traditional Kazakh eagle hunting lesson and learn about the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles
- Visit a yurt camp and experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kazakh people
- Attend a Nauryz celebration, a traditional Kazakh holiday marking the beginning of spring
- Go on a horseback ride through the stunning landscapes of the Altai Mountains
- Learn about Kazakh cuisine and take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as beshbarmak and shashlik
- Take a train ride on the Turkestan-Siberia Railway, which offers breathtaking views of the Kazakh countryside
- Visit a local bazaar and try some of the traditional Kazakh foods and drinks, such as kuyrdak and shubat
Outdoor & Nature
- Explore the Altai Mountains, a stunning mountain range featuring glaciers, lakes, and forests
- Visit Kolsay Lakes, a system of three lakes surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests
- Go hiking in the Trans-Ili Alatau National Park, which features stunning mountain scenery and a variety of wildlife
- Take a boat tour of the Caspian Sea, the largest inland body of water in the world
- Visit the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the rare snow leopard
Cultural Experiences
- Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan, which features a collection of exhibits on Kazakh history and culture
- Attend a traditional Kazakh music performance, featuring instruments such as the dombra and the kui
- Explore the Turkestan Historical and Cultural Reserve, which features a collection of historical buildings and monuments
- Take a tour of the Almaty Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture
- Visit the Kasteyev State Museum of Arts, which features a collection of Kazakh and Russian art
- Attend a performance of the Kazakh State Opera and Ballet, which features a variety of traditional and modern performances
Hidden Gems
- Visit the Saryarka Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a unique landscape of steppes and lakes
- Explore the Mangystau Region, which features a unique landscape of canyons, mountains, and deserts
- Take a tour of the Almaty TV Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city
- Visit the Atyrau Regional Museum, which features a collection of exhibits on the history and culture of the region
- Go on a trekking tour of the Tian Shan Mountains, which features stunning mountain scenery and a variety of wildlife
Day Trips
- Take a day trip from Almaty to the Turgen Gorge, which features stunning mountain scenery and a variety of hiking trails (distance: 100 km, travel time: 2 hours)
- Visit the Big Almaty Lake from Almaty, which features stunning mountain scenery and a variety of hiking trails (distance: 30 km, travel time: 1 hour)
- Take a day trip from Astana to the Burabai National Park, which features stunning natural scenery and a variety of outdoor activities (distance: 200 km, travel time: 3 hours)
- Visit the Kolsay Lakes from Almaty, which features stunning mountain scenery and a variety of hiking trails (distance: 300 km, travel time: 5 hours)
- Take a day trip from Turkestan to the Sauran Ancient Settlement, which features a collection of historical ruins and monuments (distance: 50 km, travel time: 1 hour)
Planning Tips
Suggested itineraries:
- 3-day itinerary: Visit the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center in Astana, and explore the Green Market and Panfilov Park in Almaty
- 7-day itinerary: Explore the city of Almaty, visit the Turkestan Historical and Cultural Reserve, and take a day trip to the Big Almaty Lake
- 14-day itinerary: Visit the cities of Astana and Almaty, explore the Turkestan Historical and Cultural Reserve, and take a trekking tour of the Tian Shan Mountains
Key tips for booking and prioritizing: book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak travel season, and prioritize visiting the top attractions and experiences listed above.