Kazakhstan

admin_Tourism Updated on December 3, 2024August 19, 2024

TOURISM IN KAZAKHSTAN

The nature of Kazakhstan is striking in its diversity and splendor. Towering mountain ranges, vast flat steppes, green valleys, sprawling deserts, deep canyons, and turquoise lakes – Kazakhstan has everything to stun even the most experienced traveler. Nowadays, when there are fewer and fewer areas of pristine nature in the world, Kazakhstan boasts an abundance of natural beauty. From time immemorial, our ancestral nomads lived in connection with nature, treating it with care and ensuring sustainability.

Another thing Kazakhstan is proud of is its cultural diversity. People of many nationalities call Kazakhstan their home, having created a unique cultural mosaic here. At the same time Kazakhs cherish their nomadic past, unique traditions, and customs, and pass them from generation to generation.

While the country is young, having gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the USSR, the history of Kazakhstan dates back centuries. Travelers will marvel at medieval underground mosques, mausoleums, and ancient burial mounds. Those interested in the Soviet Era will be delighted to see amazing examples of Stalinist architecture as well.

With such a rich past, Kazakhstan’s present is no less intriguing. Astana, the country’s new capital, is known for its bold, futuristic architecture. Meanwhile, the mountainous city of Almaty encompasses green alleys, fountains, museums, bazaars, and even the world’s highest-altitude skating rink.

However, Kazakhstan’s main treasure is its people. Hospitality is a feature of Kazakhs’ national character and you’ll definitely feel genuinely welcomed here.

Visit amazing Kazakhstan and have a chance to learn ancient traditions, admire breathtaking landscapes and immerse yourself in nomadic culture of Kazakhstan. Immersing yourself won’t be difficult since Kazakhstan has everything needed for a truly authentic experience.

TOP DESTINATIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Astana

Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan and the one of the main cities to explore when visiting the country. Every landmark within the cityscape epitomizes the modern era, reflecting Astana’s remarkable journey as a beacon of contemporary development and innovation.

The new center of Astana, with wide avenues and unusual buildings, was built from scratch on the left bank of the Esil River; whereas the right bank of the river, with its calm and cozy atmosphere, still preserves the memory of the past.

On the left bank are located such world-famous sights of Astana as:

Bayterek Tower, with a viewing platform at 97 meters. The building embodies a legend about a mythical tree of life and a magic bird Samruk.
Khan Shatyr, the largest tent-shaped building in the world, is a shopping mall, with restaurants, entertainment, and even an indoor beach.
Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy in the form of a sphere, each floor of which demonstrates different sources of energy.

The other part of the city contrasts quite noticeably with the left bank: old buildings and sights of the XIX century and Soviet period seem to take you into the past; however there is also a new district with the same unusual views and wide streets as on the left bank. Some of the sights worth seeing are:

Saken Seifullin Museum (the oldest building in the city), First Muslim School (today the building of a bank), trading house of merchant Matvey Kubrin (today Astana shop), merchant Vasily Kubrin’s house (State Archive), merchant Moiseev’s house (a hospital), etc., which were all built more than 100 years ago.
Old Square on the right bank, and Beibitshilik Avenue for a taste of Soviet history.
The snow-white Hazrat Sultan Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, or the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in the form of a sparkling pyramid.
We would also recommend visiting Astana Opera and the Astana Ballet theatres, multi-genre repertoires of which are constantly enriched with masterpieces of world classics and modern performances.

These are only a few of the activities that the capital of Kazakhstan has prepared for you. We definitely recommend staying here for longer in order to discover more.

Baiterek – One of the symbols of Astana stands as a 105-meter tower adorned with a gilded orb atop. Named after the Tree of Life from ancient Kazakh folklore, Baiterek embodies the golden sphere as the egg of the revered bird Samruk dwelling within its pinnacle. The height of the observation deck (97 m) commemorates the year of Astana’s ascension to capital status – 1997. First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev keep a part of himself in this monument in the form of his right palm’s golden imprint. Anyone can touch it,

make a wish and it will come true.

Hazret Sultan Mosque – the largest in Kazakhstan and the second largest in Central Asia, welcomes all visitors. Its name, «Holy Sultan» pays homage to the Sufi sheikh, poet, and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, to whom the mosque is dedicated. This grand white edifice, boasting four 77-meter minarets and nine domes, sprawls across an area exceeding 11 hectares, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers.

Nur Alem museum of future energy – In 2017 the capital of Kazakhstan hosted an EXPO exhibition, themed “Future Energy”. Nur Alem National Pavillion is an after-exhibition heritage, now serving as a museum of future energy in Kazakhstan. Its unique spherical shape was in the spotlight before the opening of the exhibition and still attracts much attention. The museum is a 8-storey building. Each floor is dedicated to a different theme: “Solar power”, “Wind power”, “Space power”, “Bioenergy”, “Hydropower”, “Kinetic energy”, “National Pavilion”, and “Future Astana”. Energy sources are presented in an entertaining way. Visitors are advised to start exploring the museum from the top floor. In Nur Alem Museum the most advanced developments in the field of sustainable energy are displayed. These unique exhibits will not leave indifferent either a child or an adult.

The North Kazakhstan Region

The region is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, making it an idyllic destination for eco-tourism. Nature excursions in the region thrive, showcasing diverse habitats including steppes, forest-steppes, birch and aspen-birch forests, willow thickets, expansive grasslands, and sedge swamps.

Burabay – a picturesque resort town in Kazakhstan, captivates visitors with its array of natural wonders, chief among them being the iconic rock formation Zhumbaktas. Perched at the base of Kokshetau Mountain in the heart of Blue Bay on Lake Burabay, the enigmatic Zhumbaktas rock formation beckons adventurers. We recommend climbing to Bolektau Mountain to enjoy the best view to the Lake Burabay and the mountains.

Imantau-Shalkar resort area exudes a charm reminiscent of Switzerland, owing to its unique natural landscape. Here, visitors encounter a picturesque tableau of lakes, mountain ranges, forests dotted with relict pines, and expansive steppe expanses. The majority of the lakes boast fresh water, with the exception of Lake Shalkar, which contains trace amounts of salts, yielding therapeutic benefits.

Zerendi – unfolds as a sanctuary of invigorating air and crystalline lakes, nestled amidst rocky hills steeped in ancient tales. Each boulder bears witness to a bygone era, breathing history into the landscape. Ascending to the summit, one’s heart swells with poignant sweetness as the endless expanse of forests unfolds before them. The gentle whisper of the wind and the tranquil rustle of birch leaves evoke

dreams amidst this tranquil haven.

Almaty and Almaty Region

Almaty is virtually the only megalopolis in the world with a world-class ski resort, which can be reached in just 30 minutes from the city center! In winter, it is incredibly cozy here: a lot of fluffy white snow covers huge spruces in the streets of Almaty, making the city look more like a decoration for Christmas movies. In spring and summer, Almaty will wrap you up with warmth, the scent of pine needles and mouth-watering smells coming from summer cafes and coffee shops. There are plenty of entertainment options here and absolutely for every taste!

The main sights of Almaty, which must be visited: Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, Ascencion Cathedral (also known as Zenkov Cathedral), Green Bazaar, where you can taste and buy local food; Kok Tobe TV Tower and Recreation Area, where you can get on a cable car and enjoy a stunning view of the city. Also, walk through Jibek Joly Avenue and Panfilov Street, admiring the beauty of the local architecture. The Old Square (also known as Abay Square) is also worth visiting – something interesting is always happening there.

City entertainment: choose any among many malls, cinemas, restaurants, and clubs. Outdoor activities: Medeu, the highest skating rink at 1691 m above sea level, where you can experience skating in the open air with beautiful high mountains around; or Shymbulak Ski Resort, ideal place for skiing both for beginners and professional skiers, especially if you do not want to travel far from the city.

Trekking outside the city: Big Almaty Lake, Kok-Jailau or Charyn Canyon – incredible landscapes not far from Almaty, will be your best impression about your trip to Almaty.

At any time of the year, Almaty will welcome you with open arms – there is no bad weather here. Almaty is literally created for travel, so try to give it as much of your time as possible.

The Almaty region is rich in natural attractions. The region impresses with its picturesque landscapes. Here, you can find mountain peaks, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, valleys, and gorges.

Charyn Canyon – located 200 kilometers from Almaty, is a must-see for anyone exploring Almaty region. Stretching for 154 kilometers along the Charyn River, this natural wonder is crafted from sedimentary rocks that boast an age of approximately 12 million years. Often hailed as the «brother» of the renowned Grand Canyon in the USA, Charyn Canyon captivates visitors with its awe- inspiring beauty. Beyond its majestic vistas, Charyn Canyon is home to numerous natural attractions, adding to its allure as a must-visit destination.

Altyn-Emel National Park is notable for its unique location and diverse landscapes, ranging from rivers, deserts, and steppes to highlands, resulting in a rich flora and fauna. The park is home to 31 species of rare plants and 66 species of animals listed in both the Red Book of Kazakhstan and the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Altyn-Emel State Scientific and Industrial Enterprise prioritizes the conservation and population growth of kulans, gazelles, deer, argali, Przewalski’s horse, and snow leopards.

Kolsai Lakes National Park a popular destination in the Almaty region, situated within the Northern Tien Shan. They are nicknamed the «blue necklace» for their remarkably clear water, reflecting the boundless blue sky on their surface. The Kolsai reservoir system consists of three lakes: Upper, Middle, and Lower, all of which are quite deep, cool, and exceptionally beautiful. Trekking routes, horseback riding excursions, and walks are organized here.

Kaindy Lake is an ideal place to relax, unwind, and meditate. It belongs to the Kolsai Lakes system and is its most prominent feature. The reservoir is surrounded by tall fir trees, although its name means «teeming with birches», despite the fact that birch groves are located a few kilometers from Kaindy. The lake is nestled in a hollow hidden behind dense forest, making it almost impossible to see the water surface from above. However, the most notable feature of the lake is the «silent guardians» – the weathered trunks of ancient fir trees towering right in the middle of it.

Ile-Alatau National Park is a unique natural complex situated in the Trans-Ili Alatau, in the northwest of the Tien Shan, and is under state protection. It is distinguished by the complexity and beauty of the landscape, as well as its amazing biological diversity. Covering an area of 199,000 hectares, the park spans the entire central part of the Trans-Ili Alatau, stretching 120 km from west to east and 30 km from south to north. The park’s territory ranges in altitude from 600 to 5000 meters. Being the closest nature park to Almaty, Ile Alatau is the most comfortable one in terms of infrastructure and rendered services. The Ayusai Visitor Center in Ile Alatau is located 30 minutes from the center of Almaty. Its concept is based on non-interference in the life of wildlife, focusing on its seasonal and local cycles. On the center’s grounds, there is a glamping and camping site called Tau Tas, offering opportunities to spend the night in nature. Ayusai regularly hosts activities such as excursions, masterclasses, quests, lectures, and film evenings. Red book plants grow around the Ayusai Visitor Center, and there are four springs on the premises: one next to the nearest waterfall, another near the campsite, and two springs on the Myn Koz trail. The Turgensai Visitor Center in Ile Alatau is situated in the Turgen Gorge, 70 km from the city of Almaty. The complex comprises parking, access and information areas, a catering area, a souvenir shop, a playground, restrooms, and terraces. Within the Turgen Gorge, visitors can explore the Kiely-Bulak spring, an ostrich farm, a trout farm, the Bear, Kairak, and Rocky waterfalls, the Chinturgen spruce forest, the Turgen and Kishi Turgen rivers, the Saka mounds, and much more.

Turkestan Region

Turkestan city stands as the spiritual capital of Kazakhstan, boasting a rich historical legacy as one of the country’s oldest cities. Nestled in the southern expanse between Kyzylorda and Tashkent, Turkestan is adorned with a plethora of ancient monuments despite its relatively modest size. Its origins trace back to 418, marking its significance as a pivotal settlement along the Silk Road caravan routes.

The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan, as a sacred sanctuary, draws pilgrims from across the globe seeking solace and enlightenment. Here, amidst its hallowed halls, one can bask in profound tranquility, experiencing a soul- cleansing peace that rejuvenates the spirit and revitalizes the soul.

Ethnic yurt village is as a unique testament to the history of the Kazakh people, offering visitors an immersive journey into their customs, traditions, culture, and medieval way of life. A visit to the ethnic village provides an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the era of the Asian Middle Ages and immerse oneself in its unique atmosphere, gaining insights into the rich heritage of the Kazakh people.

Otyrar in the Turkestan region was once one of the largest centers of the Great Silk Road. The city emerged in the 8th century and was inhabited until the beginning of the 19th century. Otyrar, situated near the Syrdarya River at the descent of the Arys, was a significant agricultural region and a stronghold of nomads due to its location in the foothills of Karatau. The city witnessed Genghis Khan invasions, countering the attack during 6 months; death of Tamerlan, a founder of the Timurid Empire in Central Asia in medieval ages and many other historical events.

The Arystan Bab Mausoleum was founded in the 12th century, holds significance as the spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and, according to legend, an associate of the Prophet Muhammad. The mausoleum boasts a non-traditional external structure: its minaret towers, traditionally used for the azan call to prayer, resemble observation towers, while the most notable feature is the so-called ‘portal’— a wide arch blending Islamic culture with motifs of European and Russian architecture.

The Mangystau region

The region presents a surreal landscape reminiscent of scenes from otherworldly planets, boasting both historical and sacred sites infused with potent energy. Located in southwestern Kazakhstan and bordered by the Caspian Sea, Mangystau is renowned for its breathtaking canyons, majestic rocks, and towering mountains, earning it the moniker of «Martian landscapes». Contrary to expectation, these landscapes are not painted in hues of red but instead dazzle with their pristine white beauty.

Tuzbair Salt marsh is a remarkable natural wonder, surrounded by stunning canyons that attest to the majestic forces of nature. Nestled within the western crevice of the Ustyurt Plateau, a series of clay-limestone steps abruptly culminate, giving way to the expansive Tuzbair salt marsh below. Initially, the marsh may appear unassuming from a distance, with only two outlier mountains capturing the attention amidst the plateau’s main massif. However, upon closer approach along a nondescript road, travelers are greeted with a breathtaking panorama unveiling the incredible interplay of natural elements – water and wind – in an unparalleled display of beauty and grandeur.

The Karagie depression is one of the deepest depressions not only in Kazakhstan but also in the CIS, ranking as the fifth largest globally. Plummeting to a depth of 132 meters below the level of the World Ocean, it harbors Lake Batyr at its base. In ages past, this depression was an integral part of the Caspian Sea, as evidenced by ancient maps.

Mount Sherkala holds legendary status as a fortress built during the Middle Ages to safeguard the caravan routes of the Great Silk Road. At its base lie the remnants of an ancient caravanserai, while its slopes bear witness to niches once inhabited by guards, traces of rope ladders, and the remains of a secret passage leading to the summit.

Mount Bozjyra is a section of the slope of the Ustyurt plateau, where Mother Nature unleashed her imagination, crafting an otherworldly landscape in white hues. For countless millions of years, this area lay at the bottom of the ocean. However, at times, the ocean receded briefly due to deep Earth processes.

Underground mosques are historical monuments unique to the Mangystau region, hardly found elsewhere in Kazakhstan. These architectural structures date back to various time periods, and they still hold unsolved mysteries. During the Middle Ages, they served as the abodes of the earliest Islamic preachers. The names of these preachers are preserved in the names of the underground mosques:

Beket Ata Underground Mosque,

Shopan Ata Underground Mosque and Necropolis, Shakpak Ata Underground Mosque,

Karaman Ata Underground Mosque,

Sultan Epe Necropolis and Underground Mosque

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi – located in the city of Turkestan, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is an architectural masterpiece and an important pilgrimage site in Central Asia. It was built in the 12th century and dedicated to the famous Sufi poet and philosopher, Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.

Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly are situated in the Tamgaly Gorge. This site contains thousands of petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age and the medieval period. The petroglyphs depict hunting scenes, rituals, and daily life of ancient nomadic tribes.

Western Tien-Shan encompasses a vast area of diverse ecosystems, including mountains, forests, and steppe grasslands. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the snow leopard and the Tien Shan brown bear.

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan designated as a UNESCO site for its exceptional biodiversity, Saryarka comprises a network of interconnected steppe ecosystems and freshwater lakes. It provides critical habitat for migratory birds, including endangered species such as the Siberian white crane.

Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor – this UNESCO site represents a network of trade routes that connected Chang’an (present-day Xi’an) in China with the Tianshan Mountains in Central Asia. It played a crucial role in facilitating cultural exchange and trade between East and West during ancient times.