Kazakhstan is still an under-the-radar travel destination, which is a shame. It offers an enticing option for those who value authentic experiences and seek new horizons—both literally and metaphorically. The country is rich in natural beauty, boasting everything from the snow-capped peaks of the Altai Mountains to endless steppes, turquoise lakes, and chalk cliffs.
For travelers, Kazakhstan presents a unique blend of comfort and authenticity. Visitors can choose from modern boutique hotels or enjoy solitude in traditional yurt camps, savoring Kazakh cuisine in luxurious restaurants or simple nomadic villages. To start your journey through this fascinating land, we recommend the East Kazakhstan region—a true treasure trove of natural wonders. Conveniently located near the Russian Altai region, it is easily accessible by car or bus.
The town of Ridder, nestled at the foot of the Ivanovsky Ridge, is gradually transforming from a modest mining settlement into a full-fledged resort. It can be reached by car, taxi, or bus from the regional center of Ust-Kamenogorsk, located 120 km away.
Ridder’s calling card is the picturesque peak known as Three Brothers, which is accessible to climbers of all skill levels. Regardless of the season, it provides a stunning backdrop for photographs, while its slopes in winter become excellent trails for skiers and snowboarders.
Nearby lies the West Altai Nature Reserve, famous for its remarkable rock formations known as Stone Fairy Tale. During warmer months (if luck permits, starting from the May holidays), visitors can embark on photo safaris or ornithological tours, as well as hiking expeditions through the mountainous and forested trails. The charm of Ridder lies in its authenticity—a place where nature still sets the rules, and the tourist infrastructure develops organically.
Dense forests, subalpine meadows, and lakes with crystal-clear waters have been preserved here in near-pristine condition. Access to the national park is only possible by car or bus, as there are currently no train services and flights are not yet operational, although plans for an airport are in the works. Here, you can photograph marals (keeping a social distance of 50 meters), meditate by waterfalls, and convince friends that your stunning photos were not taken in Switzerland.
Kazakhstan’s largest national park, spanning an impressive 643,477 hectares, is best explored with a local guide. It’s important to note that not all areas are accessible by car. The nearby Bukhtarma Reservoir on the Irtysh River ranks among the ten largest artificial water bodies in the world. A unique allure is the realization that you are at a remarkable point where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia converge. The area offers a wide range of tourist bases, from Spartan huts to comfortable cottages. However, the water remains icy, even in May, reminiscent of champagne—cold and bubbly.
This mountain road stands as a testament to human perseverance, carved into the rocks by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war during World War I. What began as a pack trail has transformed into 60 km of dizzying switchbacks (out of a total length of 150 km), where every turn presents a challenge for drivers and a thrill for passengers.
Winding at an altitude of two kilometers, the road has retained its wild character despite bridge restorations in 2018. Local guides enjoy recounting how just ten years ago, traveling along it felt like a survival quest. “In bad weather, there are many muddy patches and steep slippery climbs… It’s best to come with a well-prepared vehicle,” warns Yaroslav Dubodelov. Fortunately, it has become easier since then.
The Old Austrian Road’s charm lies in its unpredictable nature, attracting those who understand the difference between an off-road vehicle and a city crossover. Before embarking on your journey, it’s wise to inquire about the condition of the bridges from national park staff, who know where it’s possible to drive and where it’s best not to tempt fate. In early to mid-May, the road can be challenging. The season here is short yet vibrant, lasting from mid-June to the end of September.
At the border of Kazakhstan and Russia lies Belukha, the highest peak of the Altai Mountains (4506 m), which remains shrouded in ice and legend. Locals have long regarded it as sacred, while artist Nikolai Roerich sought the entrance to Shambhala here, and modern travelers search for either enlightenment or the perfect social media shot.
At the foot of the mountain, one can feel a strange energy—perhaps from the combination of glacial air, absolute silence, and the awareness that civilization is far away. Roerich’s prayer stone, adorned with candies and ribbons, serves as a reminder that people still believe in miracles, now leaving not only offerings but also hashtags.
The broken Berel Bridge has shortened the visiting season by three weeks. Access to this majestic area can be achieved via helicopter (expensive but glamorous), on horseback (affordable but time-consuming), or by cable with climbing gear (for the adventurous). It’s essential to obtain a border pass, which must be arranged two to three weeks in advance, either through a travel agency or directly via the government portal.
In the Shilikti Valley of East Kazakhstan, time has preserved a unique testament to an ancient civilization—the Berel Mounds. This necropolis, dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BC, consists of 72 burial structures that open a window into the world of the Saka culture, which many researchers believe to be the ancestral home of Turkic peoples.
The main archaeological sensation of this area is the Golden Mound, where exquisite artifacts were discovered: ceremonial armor covered with gold plates, delicate jewelry, and other burial gifts. Today, these artifacts are proudly displayed in museums across Kazakhstan and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, while the “Golden Man” found here has become one of the symbols of the national cultural heritage.
On the territory of the mounds, an open-air museum has been established, allowing visitors to connect with history. Unlike many archaeological sites, reaching this location is relatively easy—there’s a well-maintained road leading just 12 km from the village of Berel. Local guides are available to help visitors understand the significance of this site, where every stone holds the memory of an ancient nomadic civilization.
After exploring the mounds, be sure to pay attention to the works of contemporary Kazakh jewelers, who creatively reinterpret traditional patterns and techniques rooted in this ancient culture.
Kazakhstan’s most powerful waterfall captivates with its majesty: an 80-meter cascade thunders down, creating a constant cloud of mist. On sunny days, this mist transforms into a shimmering rainbow. The best photographs are captured at noon when the sun illuminates the waterfall at the perfect angle.
Despite its apparent accessibility (just 150 meters from the base camp “Pribelushye”), reaching the waterfall is not easy. The same challenges apply as with visiting Belukha: access is either on horseback or by helicopter. Local guides cheerfully note that Kokkole is a waterfall that must be earned.
Nearby are the Equilibrium Lakes—a pilgrimage site for shamans and esoteric enthusiasts. Russian practitioners even constructed a stone labyrinth here, and the three neighboring peaks with evocative names—Faith, Hope, and Love—add a special charm to the location. However, among this trio, only Faith is accessible to ordinary tourists.
In East Kazakhstan lies a body of water whose age spans 60 million years. Zaysan, which translates to “great prince,” lives up to its title: majestic, complex in character (only the hardy dare to swim here), yet generous to those who appreciate true beauty.
From November to April, Zaysan dons an icy armor, a nod to the glacial period. However, fish are plentiful year-round, ranging from lightly salted roach to the regal muksun. In the fishing village by the lake, locals still remember that fish soup should be cooked over an open fire, and tourists are welcomed as family.
The surrounding area offers a contrasting program: the chalk mountains of Kiin-Kerish could serve as the perfect backdrop for films about Mars, while Cape Shekelmes entices with almost Mediterranean landscapes. The ship graveyard serves as a reminder that even fishing vessels eventually retire.
