Kazakhstan stretches across Central Asia, Siberia, and Europe, a vast land once inhabited by nomads who shaped a vibrant and distinctive culture here. The romance of freedom, which can be fully experienced amid the boundless expanse of Kazakhstan’s Great Steppe, is a true gift for the traveler seeking an escape from the hustle of noisy metropolises and crowded tourist destinations. Traditional nomadic homes known as yurts, the refreshing mare’s milk drink called kumis, the hearty meat dish beshbarmak, the healing air, breathtaking mountain landscapes, the singing dunes, and the Charyn Canyon, often dubbed the «brother» of the Grand Canyon in the USA—all of these await you in Kazakhstan. The journey will be unforgettable for the incredible variety of landscapes, from towering mountains to flowing lakes, desert sands, forests, and meadows, which you can experience as you travel across the country.
Kazakhstan’s wealth of natural resources and diverse locations has made it a prime destination for various forms of tourism, including recreational, cultural, eco-tourism, sports, and wellness tourism. The range of routes available for tourists is impressive. In the southern steppes, where nomadic and settled civilizations once converged, some of the world’s most ancient cities flourished. For centuries, this land was traversed by the ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road, linking China with the Middle East and Europe. Today, the legacy of the Silk Road serves as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s tourism industry, attracting countless visitors each year.
The primary hubs of historical and cultural tourism in Kazakhstan are found in ancient cities such as Otrar, Sayram, Taraz, Shymkent, and Turkestan—centers that were once renowned for trade, science, and culture. Here, centuries-old mausoleums such as the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Aisha-Bibi, Babadzha-Khatun, Karakhan, and Dauitbek stand alongside mosques and numerous other monuments, immersing visitors in the atmosphere of bygone eras. The lands of Mangyshlak, Ustyurt, and their surrounding nature reserves, celebrated in Kazakh epics, also offer a wealth of experiences for those who appreciate historical tourism.
Another increasingly popular destination is the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the site of the first manned spaceflight in human history. Until recently, Baikonur remained a closed and secretive site. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the spaceport, visit the Cosmonautics Museum, and explore the houses where Korolev and Gagarin once lived. The highlight of any trip, however, is witnessing a real rocket launch with your own eyes.
Adventure tourism in Kazakhstan offers unique travel experiences to some of the country’s most fascinating and unusual locations, promising unforgettable moments. Activities such as hiking, sailing, swimming, and rock climbing are available in many of the national parks and the surrounding areas of Almaty. You can try your hand at traditional Kazakh falconry, ride horses through national parks, or cycle across the sparsely populated steppe for a truly adventurous experience.
Ecological tourism is one of the most popular types of travel in Kazakhstan. Eco-tourism invites travelers into the heart of nature, offering journeys through protected areas and visits to national parks. Kazakhstan is renowned for its unique natural landmarks that draw tourists from around the globe. Eco-tourism offers a variety of routes, including those that pass through the country’s national parks such as Altyn-Emel, Ile-Alatau, Katon-Karagay, Burabay, Karkaraly, Aksu-Zhabagly, and others. For those seeking a more exotic and adventurous escape, there’s the option to live in traditional Kazakh yurts, immerse themselves in local customs, and explore the lifestyle, traditions, and everyday life of the Kazakh people.
Eco-tourism in Kazakhstan can be divided into several categories: scientific (research-based), active (diving, mountaineering, skiing, snowboarding, rafting, rock climbing), recreational (hiking, horseback riding, cycling, and swimming in lakes and medicinal springs), and agritourism (focused on learning about rural life).
Among the most popular ecotourism destinations in Kazakhstan are:
Zhabagly (South Kazakhstan Region) – This picturesque village is located near Aksu-Zhabagly, the oldest biosphere reserve in Kazakhstan. Here, exciting and captivating tourist routes await you. You can stay in a cozy guesthouse and experience the quiet, measured pace of rural life, immersing yourself in the daily customs and traditions of the local people.
Ugam (South Kazakhstan Region) – A land of diverse landscapes intersecting ancient caravan routes. The mild and warm climate, the welcoming hospitality of the guesthouse owners, and the pristine corners of untouched nature await you when visiting the Ugam region.
Kokshetau (Akmola Region) – A place of fantastically beautiful lakes, natural stone sculptures, pine forests, and the «Dancing Birches» grove.
Korgalzhyn (Akmola Region) – Known as the land of a thousand lakes, this region is home to many species of birds, including the enchanting pink flamingos, which spend the spring and summer here. The Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site.
Lepsinsk (Almaty Region) – A quiet, cozy village at the foothills of the Dzungarian Alatau mountains. The region is famous for its beekeeping, where the finest honey is produced. The guesthouses of local residents serve as excellent starting points for horseback riding and hiking through the scenic landscapes.
Alakol (Almaty Region) – A lake with healing waters. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing beach holiday, take excursions to bird-watching sites, and explore many other natural wonders.
Katon-Karagay (East Kazakhstan Region) – A pristine area of the Kazakh Altai, featuring majestic coniferous forests and rushing rivers that flow into crystal-clear lakes. The region is renowned for its untouched nature.
Ridder (East Kazakhstan Region) – Located high in the mountains of the western Altai. For adventure enthusiasts, you can scale Mount Belukha or raft down the mountain rivers.
Karkaraly (Karaganda Region) – Often referred to as the «Kazakhstan Switzerland,» this region is known for its crystal-clear air, mountains, pine trees, and transparent lakes.
Kazakhstan is rich in resources for sports tourism, including mountaineering and skiing. The Northern and Western Tien Shan, Dzungarian Alatau, and Rudny Altai provide ideal conditions for these activities. Located 25 km from Almaty in the gorge of the Zailiysky Alatau at an altitude of 2,200 meters, the Shymbulak ski resort attracts visitors with its mild climate, abundant sunny days, and a dense snow cover that lasts from November to May. The resort is surrounded by scenic mountain peaks. Both the Almaty and Eastern regions of Kazakhstan offer excellent conditions for mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, and sledding.
Health tourism is flourishing in Kazakhstan, thanks to the country’s wealth of natural therapeutic resources such as hot springs, healing mud, and pure mountain air. Various treatments, including pantotherapy (therapy using deer antlers), hydrotherapy, mud treatments, and salt cave therapy, are practiced in Kazakhstan’s numerous health resorts.
Additionally, the country boasts a wide range of retreat centers where you can relax, rejuvenate, and breathe fresh air far from the hustle and bustle of city life. These centers are located in some of the country’s most beautiful areas, including the shores of Lake Alakol, the resort zones of Borovoye and Bayanaul, the Caspian Sea coast, and the foothills of the Zailiysky and Dzungarian Alatau mountains.