Kazakhstan Travel brings you to the heart of Eurasia, a clash of time and cultures at the confluence of nomadic, Soviet, and 21st-century history. Stand on the brink of the world’s largest steppe, an endless ocean of pasturelands marked by ripples of mountains, wildflowers, and sleepy towns. Travel cross-country on the modern-day Orient Express, passing the fields where freedom-loving tribes once tamed the wild horse.
Straddling this vast expanse, stretching from the Caspian Sea to China, are cities with remnants of the past and bold displays of innovative architecture. At the same time, national parks the size of countries are cloaked in myriad natural colors that mirror each season.
Kazakhstan’s tenacious people, eager for the world to know their country and national values, welcome visitors with open arms and traditional hospitality. This is a journey well worth taking!
Embark on Your Dream Journey in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is brimming with both traditional and out-of-the-ordinary travel experiences. Wander the remains of Tamerlane-era towns, view cosmopolitan cities from the vantage of a cable car or leave your troubles behind amid the finely crafted peaks and canyons that dot the wild landscape.
Float down a river through the gleaming capital city or learn the local art of falcon hunting. Stand at one of the lowest points on the planet in an arid depression or do figure 8s on the highest ice rink in the world. Taste Kazakh, Russian, Uzbek and Uyghur cuisine as you bargain for authentic souvenirs and enjoy endless photo ops along the way.
Traveling Through Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is at its most temperate in spring and autumn, yet thanks to its massive size, some corner of the country can be enjoyed year-round. Know what to expect in each of its distinct seasons:
Winter: The perfect time to go skiing, snowboarding and ice skating at Almaty’s Medeu and Shymbulak Ski Resort or to enjoy the museums, steamy bath houses and holiday decorations in Kazakhstan’s larger cities.
Autumn: There are ample things to do in Kazakhstan in autumn, as much of the country is cloaked in autumnal beauty and weather conditions are well-suited for hiking and city tours.
Spring: The season for canyon hikes, petroglyph discoveries, tours to southern Turkestan and Shymkent and cross-country train travel, where you’ll enjoy landscapes of snow-capped mountains and flowering meadows.
Summer: Hot in the south and moderate in the north, summer is the ideal season to visit the capital and Burabai National Park or head west to see Baikonur and the Caspian Sea near Aktau.
Your Travel Map Guide
Use the Kazakhstan map to locate the country’s major destinations and find out what each one has to offer.
Determining the Ideal Destination for Kazakhstan
Astana – Kazakhstan’s trendy and windy capital city defined by futuristic architecture.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Bayterek Tower, Khan-Shatyr Shopping Mall, Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
How to get off the beaten path: Take a day trip to Burabai National Park or Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve.
Almaty – Former capital and largest city by far, likeable Almaty impressively blends Soviet and modern styles.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Panfilov Park, Green Bazaar, Almaty Cable Car ride to Kok-Tobe
How to get off the beaten path: Step back in time at Huns Ethno Village or enjoy the views at Medeo.
Almaty Region – So many day trip destinations are within reach of Almaty that they deserve special attention.
How long should I stay? 2 days (camping out along the way or taking day trips from Almaty)
Major Sites: Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Turgen Gorge and Waterfall
How to get off the beaten path: Marvel at the Tamgaly Petroglyphs or camp out in Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve.
Shymkent – Large southern city which has managed to retain a distinctly Central Asian atmosphere.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Kyluet Ethnography Museum, Memory Alley in Abay Park, Arbat Street
How to get off the beaten path: Explore mausoleums and the produce bazaar in Sayram Village or go horseback riding in Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve.
Turkestan – Capital of South Kazakhstan, a small but ancient city and holy pilgrimage site.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Major Sites: Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Complex, with an underground mosque, museum, mausoleums and city wall
How to get off the beaten path: Join religious pilgrims at Arystan Bab Mausoleum or wander the ruins of Otrar.
Aktau – Far western town known for its oil, Caspian Sea coastline and proximity to the Caucasus.
How long should I stay? 1 day
Major Sites: Republic Square, Aktau City Quay and Seaport, Kashagan Kurzhimanuly Monument
How to get off the beaten path: Descend to Karagiye Depression or stand in awe of Mount Sherkala in Mangyshlak.
Baikonur – Inconspicuous town dwarfed by nearby Baikonur Cosmodrome, site of the Soviet space program.
How long should I stay? 1-2 days
Major Sites: Soyuz Rocket Model, Cosmodrome History Museum, Yuri Gagarin Statue
How to get off the beaten path: Spend the day at Baikonur Cosmodrome (advance permission needed) or take a weekend trip to the Aral Sea’s Kokaral Dam and Karateren village.
Where Culture Comes Alive
Kazakhs enjoy a good celebration, as evidenced by the fact that they have a dozen public holidays and counting, several of which span multiple days. Celebrations range from the religious Orthodox New Year and Islamic Feast of Sacrifice to the political Capital Day and First President’s Day, from the internationally recognized Women’s Day and New Year to the Soviet Friendship and Victory Days.
New Year Season (mid-December to early January) – New Year itself is greeted with a grand fireworks show, yet the weeks leading up to it are equally fun, with city streets elaborately decorated and holiday markets filled with New Year trees, souvenirs, tasty foods and appearances by Santa Claus and his sidekick Snow Girl.
Best place to celebrate: Almaty
International Women’s Day (March 8) – Arguably this holiday may be more interesting for one gender than the other, yet it is a great day to experience the decorations, exhibitions, special concerts and gatherings of friends and families in local parks and cafes.
Best place to celebrate: Astana or Almaty
Nauryz (March 21-22) – Nowhere is traditional Kazakh culture more beautifully celebrated than at Navruz festivals, where horse races, national song and dance, festive costumes, seasonal foods and yurt displays will transport you to another world.
Best place to celebrate: Shymkent
Capital City Day (July 6) – Kazakhstan’s capital city is showcased through diverse concerts, art exhibitions, circuses, festivals with activities geared for all ages and a spectacular fireworks show.
Best place to celebrate: capital city Astana, of course!
Independence Day (December 16) – Kazakhstan first experienced national sovereignty after gaining independence from the USSR, an event commemorated with parades, speeches, concerts and fireworks.
Best place to celebrate: Astana
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