Attractions in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s vast steppe is one of the country’s most defining features, stretching endlessly across the horizon. Over the centuries, this expansive landscape witnessed several waves of migration from East to West, leaving behind a treasure trove of human history in the form of ancient burial mounds, abandoned settlements, and mysterious stone statues. In addition to its rich history, Kazakhstan is home to a variety of breathtaking natural wonders. Tours to the iconic Charyn Canyon, with its “Valley of Castles” and ancient aspen grove, are especially popular. Other must-see attractions include the Saka burial mounds, the stunning Karabulak Gorge, the serene “Borovoe” nature reserve, and the fascinating petroglyphs at Tamgaly-Tas.

Kazakhstan’s architectural heritage is equally impressive, featuring numerous historical monuments that are well worth exploring. Among these is the ancient city of Otrar, whose ruins still bear the scars of Genghis Khan’s invasion. Another significant site is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a revered Sufi poet and mystic, which attracts Muslim pilgrims from across the globe each year. No visit to Kazakhstan would be complete without a trip to the world-famous Baikonur Cosmodrome, the launch site of Yuri Gagarin’s historic first human spaceflight. Visitors to Baikonur can enjoy guided tours that explore the cosmonauts’ former residences, the space museum, commemorative alleys, launch stations, and even actual space rockets, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of space exploration.

Aisha Bibi Mausoleum
The Aisha Bibi Mausoleum stands as the only monument in Central Asia entirely adorned with intricately carved terracotta. This architectural masterpiece holds such cultural and historical significance that it has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the world’s most valuable historical monuments.

Babdja Khatun Mausoleum
Renowned for its distinctive 16-rib, umbrella-shaped dome, the Babdja Khatun Mausoleum is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel in Central Asia. The mausoleum’s walls are beautifully decorated with intricate brickwork, adding to its unique charm and historical significance.

Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is an imposing complex featuring a massive rectangular structure with portals and domes. Measuring 46.5 by 65.5 meters in ground plan, its outer walls are 1.8 to 2 meters thick, while the central chamber’s walls are an impressive 3 meters thick. The building is crowned by a monumental portal and a series of domes, and it houses over 35 rooms surrounding the central chamber, each serving different purposes.

Otrar
Approximately 150 km northwest of Shymkent lie the ancient ruins of Otrar, the city that played a pivotal role in the course of Central Asian history. It was here, in the 13th century, that the governor’s actions in murdering Genghis Khan’s merchants triggered the Mongol invasion.

Baikonur Cosmodrome
Baikonur Cosmodrome holds a place of historic importance not just for Kazakhstan, but for the entire planet. It was here that the course of human civilization shifted, as the countdown to a new era began with humanity’s first steps into space exploration.

Charyn Canyon
Often referred to as the “little brother” of the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon is carved by the Charyn River through the arid steppe, located about 175 km east of Almaty. Over centuries, the natural forces of wind and water have shaped this landscape into a striking array of colorful and fantastically shaped rock formations, offering visitors a surreal view of nature’s artistry.

Altyn-Emel National Park
Nestled 150 km from Almaty in southeastern Kazakhstan, Altyn-Emel National Park spans an impressive 600,000 hectares within the Dzhungar Mountain region. The park is a treasure trove of natural beauty, combining diverse landscapes with an abundance of wildlife. It is home to approximately 190 archaeological sites, including Bronze Age burial mounds and ancient settlements. The park boasts a wide range of fauna, from snow leopards and wolves to steppe cats, making it a destination of both historical and ecological significance.

Tamgaly-Tas
Tamgaly-Tas is renowned for its ancient rock carvings, attracting visitors with its striking imagery. This site is famous for the discovery of intricate Buddhist and Bodhisattva figures etched into the rocks, complemented by delicate Tibetan inscriptions. The fine stonework, characterized by precise contour lines, creates a unique artistic style that has fascinated travelers for years.

Aqsu-Zhabaghly Nature Reserve
Covering 740 square kilometers, Aqsu-Zhabaghly Nature Reserve, established in 1926, is one of Kazakhstan’s oldest protected areas. Its crown jewel is the Aksu River Canyons, which stretch for 18 km and plunge 500 to 600 meters deep. The canyon’s upper reaches span up to 500 meters wide, with slopes that form natural terraces leading to towering vertical walls. This unspoiled natural haven is home to rare species like the Tien Shan brown bear, Siberian ibex, and snow leopard, preserving the region’s biodiversity for nearly a century.

Borovoe (Burabay)
The pine-covered landscape of Borovoe, also known as Burabay, is breathtaking in any season. In winter, the forest is blanketed in snow, while in summer, a gentle breeze carries the scent of pine resin. In autumn, the forest releases a rich aroma of wet bark, mushrooms, and herbs. Borovoe is not just a natural wonder; it is also a renowned health resort, famous for its climate therapy and treatment using kumis, the fermented milk of horses, attracting visitors from far beyond Kazakhstan’s borders.