You might think, «What’s so special about Kazakhstan?» But only those who don’t know what to look for would say that. Here are a few reasons why you should head to this fascinating country. Walk on an ancient seabed, listen to the music of the wind, and visit a dragon’s cave.
Where is the world’s first spaceport located? Of course, in Kazakhstan. Baikonur, still the largest spaceport on the planet, was built in 1955. It was from here that «Vostok-1» and «Vostok-6» launched, carrying Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova into space. But Baikonur isn’t just about history. Today, numerous tour operators organize excursions to the spaceport, offering visitors the chance to witness its most intriguing sights. While you may not be able to fly into space, you can certainly experience the thrill of watching a real rocket launch, explore the history of Baikonur and space exploration, and immerse yourself in the stories of cosmic pioneers.
Nature often works in mysterious ways, and one such wonder is the «singing» sand dune in the Altyn-Emel National Park. Located just a few hours’ drive from Almaty, this dune got its name from a peculiar phenomenon. During dry weather, when the steppe winds blow, the dune begins to produce a melodic sound resembling an organ’s notes. But that’s not all. From the top of the dune, breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes unfold, and the dune itself rivals the beauty of the African deserts.
If you’re visiting Kazakhstan for just a few days but want to see everything at once, head to the open-air park «Atameken» in Astana. Here, you’ll find miniature replicas of Kazakhstan’s main attractions. In total, the «Land of Ancestors» (as «Atameken» translates from Kazakh) houses about 300 models, and the number grows as Kazakhstan and the park itself evolve. The Caspian Sea, the Pyramid of Peace, and even the entire village of Burabay and its surroundings have been recreated here. A separate hall showcases the landmarks of Nur-Sultan, including the presidential residence, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, mosques, museums, mausoleums, and many other structures.
Kaindy Lake in the Almaty region draws visitors with its beauty. The lake’s name translates as «abundant with birches,» owing to the birch grove located five kilometers from it. But trees are not in short supply here either. Spruce trees, which the locals refer to as «Guardians,» rise straight from the lake itself. This creates an incredibly captivating and otherworldly scene. Although the lake is nestled in the mountains at an altitude of more than 1,600 meters (which means the water is quite cold, and it never gets hot here), diving enthusiasts regularly flock to Kaindy. If you muster the courage to dive in, a fantastic underwater forest will reveal itself before your eyes.
It may seem unlikely in the heart of Asian Kazakhstan, but you’ll indeed find a touch of European medieval architecture here. The Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Fatima in Karaganda is a prime example. Its exterior is reminiscent of churches in France, Italy, Spain, and other European countries, with Cologne Cathedral serving as its model. While the Catholic church in Karaganda is more modest than its European counterparts, encountering such a structure in Kazakhstan is remarkable in its own right.
No, even a countryside picnic doesn’t compare to a true nature escape like the one offered by Bayanaul National Park. Opened in Pavlodar Region in 1985, the park has since been carefully preserved, along with its inhabitants. The vast expanse of the park is home to hundreds of birds and animals rarely seen in forests and parks elsewhere. There is also an abundance of rare plants and trees here. If you’ve longed for a place to experience real peace, spend time in solitude, and simply enjoy the silence, Bayanaul is exactly what you need. The park’s landscape is incredibly diverse, featuring forests, meadows, steppes, and even rocky cliffs overlooking stunning bodies of water.
Not just any sea floor—but one you can walk on without a diving suit or gear. In Kazakhstan, there is a place called the Great Aral. Once home to the navigable Aral Sea, it has since dried up, dramatically transforming the landscape. Now, caravans of camels roam the sands where ships used to sail. Rusting hulls of once-mighty vessels lie scattered, half-buried in the sand, offering an apocalyptic scene like no other.
In the heart of Astana rises the 97-meter-high Bayterek Monument, a modern symbol of Kazakhstan’s capital. Built in 2002 to commemorate the relocation of the capital from Almaty to Astana (now called Nur-Sultan), the structure represents a colossal tree crowned by a golden orb. Inside this orb lies an observation deck offering sweeping views of the city. For those wary of heights, visiting at night is another option, when Bayterek is bathed in a rainbow of lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Love ancient legends and mysterious tales? The Ak-Mosque Cave near Shymkent is a place steeped in myth. Even seasoned spelunkers marvel at its enormity, measuring over 250 meters in length, more than 60 meters in width, and with ceilings soaring to 25 meters high in places. It’s no surprise that one legend claims the cave was once home to a gigantic flying dragon. As you explore, you’ll notice piles of small stone pyramids, left by visitors who believe that building one in this sacred place will grant their deepest wish.
Surprised to hear that Kazakhstan, not the Netherlands, is the original home of tulips? In Kazakhstan, tulips bloom in their wild, untamed glory, covering vast expanses of land. This country is home to around 40 of the 65 wild tulip species native to Central Asia, with 18 of them listed in the Red Book of endangered species. Among them, you’ll find the famous Shrenk and Greig tulips. Unlike the manicured fields of the Netherlands, Kazakhstan’s tulips thrive naturally, adding another layer of wonder to this diverse landscape.
While many travelers and pilgrims make their way to Turkestan to visit the majestic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, few know about a hidden gem nearby—the ancient settlement of Otrar. Located along the route from Shymkent to Turkestan, this archaeological wonder is a remarkable site where ancient streets have been carefully restored and preserved. It’s one of the rare historical spots in Kazakhstan where you can literally walk through the city’s ancient streets, making it the perfect backdrop for spectacular selfies and photo sessions. For an enriched experience, it’s worth reading up on Otrar’s history beforehand or watching the film The Fall of Otrar. Alternatively, you can hire a local guide for an immersive tour.
Tired of the usual golden sands? It’s time to discover the black pebble shores of Lake Alakol in southeastern Kazakhstan. This unique shoreline, composed of black silicon stones, is not only strikingly beautiful but also believed to have healing properties. People suffering from skin conditions, colds, or even nerve disorders are drawn to this therapeutic beach. In fact, astronauts undergo rehabilitation here after space missions. The lake is also part of the Alakol Nature Reserve, created to protect rare bird species, while its waters are home to the famous silver perch.
And of course, no visit to Kazakhstan is complete without savoring its culinary delights. Kazakh cuisine offers a mix of unexpected yet delightful flavors, with healthy, natural ingredients. You’ll find an array of dairy products that play a central role in the traditional Kazakh diet, providing a taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage. Whether it’s a hearty dish or a simple dairy treat, Kazakh cuisine promises a journey into both flavor and culture.
Kazakhstan offers more than you might expect—from walking ancient sea floors to listening to the wind sing across a desert dune, and from dragon legends to tulip-filled landscapes. This diverse and vast country is filled with wonders waiting to be explored.