What to See and Visit in Kazakhstan

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What to See and Visit in Kazakhstan

Kazakh traditional life scene

Natural Attractions of Kazakhstan

  • Borovoe – A resort located in the Burabay National Nature Park. It’s a mountainous oasis with numerous lakes situated in northern Kazakhstan.
  • Charyn Canyon – The canyon of the Charyn River, which many tourists compare in beauty to the famous Grand Canyon in Colorado.
  • Lakes Balkhash, Zaysan, and Alakol – Large lakes in Kazakhstan. These places are not only perfect for relaxation but also serve as unique natural reserves.
  • Altai – Known as the cradle of civilizations, this area features stunning wilderness, majestic mountains, and unique historical sites.
  • Caspian Sea – An inland sea located in western Kazakhstan, it is the largest lake in the world.
  • Betpak-Dala Desert – A desert and semi-desert area in southern Kazakhstan, home to the endangered saiga antelope, which is listed in the Red Book of Kazakhstan.
  • Northern Tien Shan and its attractions: the mountain lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy, various waterfalls, mountain plateaus, and peaks.
  • Peak Khan Tengri – The highest point in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, reaching an impressive 6,998 meters above sea level.
  • Karagiye Depression – The lowest point in Kazakhstan and the entire former Soviet Union at 132 meters below sea level.
  • Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve – A unique wetland conservation area and the northernmost nesting site for pink flamingos. This reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Dzhungarian Alatau – A national park and mountain range in southeastern Kazakhstan, home to unique natural and historical sites. This is the area where the wild Sievers apple, the ancestor of modern apples, grows.
  • Aksu-Zhabagly – Kazakhstan’s oldest reserve, home to the unique Greig’s tulip and a habitat for the rare snow leopard.
  • Mangystau Peninsula and Ustyurt Plateau – A plateau with unique shale formations that resemble Martian landscapes. It’s also a reserve with rare flora and fauna, home to the Central Asian leopard, honey badger, and rare species of antelope.
  • Aral Sea – A landlocked, drying, and disappearing sea. Due to poor irrigation policies, it has almost dried up. The remains of two settlements and a mausoleum from the 11th-14th centuries were found on the sea’s dry bed.
Charyn Canyon Kazakhstan
Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan
Bayanaul National Park
Kazakhstan Kaindy Lake
Kazakh steppe
Kazakh steppe

Historical Landmarks of Kazakhstan

  • Otrar – One of the largest and richest cities of antiquity in Central Asia, believed to have been founded in the 1st-2nd centuries AD. It was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s army in the 13th century but was later rebuilt. The city remained inhabited until the early 19th century.
  • Saraychik – A 13th-14th century settlement. According to legend, it was founded by Batu Khan and was one of the largest cities of the Golden Horde.
  • Ancient Cities on the Silk Road – Taraz and Turkestan, both key points on the Silk Road. Many monuments in these cities are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – A 14th-century mausoleum built by order of Tamerlane over the grave of poet and preacher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. It is located in Turkestan and is the central feature of the Hazret Sultan Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve.
  • Botai – An ancient settlement in northern Kazakhstan where evidence of the earliest domestication of horses, dating back 6,000 years, was found.
  • Tamgaly Petroglyphs – A prehistoric site dating back to the 13th century BC, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tamgaly-Tas – An ancient open-air Buddhist temple dating to the 10th century AD. Visitors can see several Buddha images, texts, and inscriptions, as well as ancient Turkic runic writings from the 8th-9th centuries.
  • Berel Mounds – The “Golden Mound of Kings,” dating back to the 8th-7th centuries BC. Original gold jewelry was discovered here, which became the basis for the reconstruction of Kazakhstan’s third “Golden Man.” The sculpture and his restored attire can be viewed at the State Museum of Gold and Precious Metals in Nur-Sultan.
  • Issyk Mound – An ancient Saka royal burial site dating back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. The first “Golden Man,” a Saka military leader or ruler clad in golden armor, along with numerous gold ornaments and artifacts, was found here. It can be seen at the Archaeological Museum in Almaty.
  • Ulytau – A village and mountain range in the Karaganda region, famous for being a favorite spot of nomadic khans. It was where Jochi, the eldest son of Genghis Khan, set up his camp, and it was from here that Batu Khan launched his campaign to the east. The area has witnessed many historically significant events in Kazakh history.
Khoja Ahmed Yasawi mausoleum
Otrar, Kazakhstan
Tamgaly-Tas in Kazakhstan
Zharakty, or armored gate, of Otrar
Babdja Khatun mausoleum

Modern Attractions of Kazakhstan

  • Baikonur Cosmodrome – The world’s first and largest operational spaceport.
  • Medeu High-Mountain Skating Rink – A unique sports facility in Almaty, where international competitions of the highest level take place.
  • Shymbulak Ski Resort – One of the most well-developed year-round mountain resorts in the region, just a 30-minute drive from the metropolis of Almaty.
  • Attractions of Almaty – The largest city in Kazakhstan, a financial and cultural hub of the entire Central Asian region, and a beautiful city nestled at the foot of the picturesque northern Tien Shan mountains.
  • Attractions of Astana – The youngest capital in the world, a city of peace and harmony, rising from the steppe and known for its striking architectural forms.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Tourists in Baikonur
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!