How Many Days Needed for Travelling in Kazakhstan?

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How Many Days Should You Spend Traveling in Kazakhstan?

Kazakh traditional life scene

Major cities like Astana and Almaty attract the majority of tourists. These cities offer a wide array of entertainment options and leisure activities, along with visits to historical and modern landmarks. However, it’s unfortunate that much of Kazakhstan’s stunning natural beauty often goes unnoticed by hurried travelers. If you’re aiming to plan a truly captivating journey in Kazakhstan, take a look at our guide and create your own detailed itinerary for an unforgettable adventure across the country.

Astana – Kazakhstan’s stylish and modern capital, renowned for its windy weather and futuristic architecture.
How much time to spend? 1-2 days
Top attractions: Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr shopping center, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
Off the beaten path: Take a day trip to Burabay National Park or Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve.

Almaty – The former capital and the largest city in Kazakhstan, where Soviet and modern architectural styles blend impressively.
How much time to spend? 1-2 days
Top attractions: Panfilov Park, Green Bazaar, Almaty Cable Car to Kok-Tobe Hill
Off the beaten path: Travel back in time by visiting a Hun ethnic village, where the lifestyle and traditions remain as they were centuries ago. For breathtaking views, head to the high-altitude Medeu sports complex near Almaty and take in the surrounding mountain scenery along with a view of the skating rink below.

Almaty Region – Just outside Almaty, you’ll find numerous day-trip destinations that deserve special attention.
How much time to spend? 2 days (camping along the way or taking day trips from Almaty)
Top attractions: Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Turgen Gorge and waterfall
Off the beaten path: Admire the ancient petroglyphs at Tamgaly or set up camp in the Altyn-Emel National Park.

Shymkent – A large southern city where the Central Asian atmosphere has been well preserved.
How much time to spend? 1-2 days
Top attractions: Kyluet Ethnographic Museum, Aksu-Zhabagly Memory Alley in Abay Park, Arbat Street
Off the beaten path: Visit the mausoleums and local bazaar in the village of Sairam, or enjoy horseback riding in the Aksu-Zhabagly Reserve.

Turkestan – The capital of Southern Kazakhstan, a small but ancient city and a sacred pilgrimage site.
How much time to spend? 1 day
Top attractions: The Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Complex with its underground mosque, museum, mausoleums, and city walls
Off the beaten path: Join the religious pilgrims at the Mausoleum of Arystan Bab or explore the ruins of Otrar.

Aktau – A city on the far west, known for its oil, long coastline along the Caspian Sea, and proximity to the Caucasus.
How much time to spend? 1 day
Top attractions: Republic Square, Aktau promenade and seaport, Kasha Kurzhimanuly Monument
Off the beaten path: Descend into the Karagiye Depression or admire Sherkala Mountain in Mangyshlak.

Baikonur – A modest city overshadowed by the nearby Baikonur Cosmodrome, a cornerstone of the Soviet space program.
How much time to spend? 1-2 days
Top attractions: The Soyuz rocket model, Baikonur Cosmodrome Museum, Yuri Gagarin Monument
Off the beaten path: Spend a day at the Baikonur Cosmodrome (advance permission required) or take a weekend trip to the Kokaral Dam at the Aral Sea and the village of Karateren.

Tourists in Baikonur

Discover Baikonur: Space History Exploration Tour

From$750
5 Days / 4 Nights

Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome
Explore historic launch pads
Tour the Space Museum
See iconic space artifacts
Witness rocket assembly facilities
Visit the Gagarin Start Pad

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Baikonur, the world’s first spaceport. Explore historic launch sites, see iconic space artifacts, and learn about Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in space exploration. A must for space enthusiasts and history lovers alike!