As the largest landlocked country in the world, Kazakhstan has a lot going for it. The country, which is larger than all of Western Europe, is blessed with abundant natural resources, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant cultural melting pot. Here are the must-do experiences in and around Almaty, the nation’s largest metropolis, as well as the capital city Astana.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Almaty
Located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, and its historical and cultural hub. Thanks to its location, the city is surrounded by several national parks and lakes.
Must-Do’s in and Around Almaty
Marvel at the Charyn Canyon
Kazakhstanis describe the Charyn Canyon as their version of the Grand Canyon in the United States. While Charyn Canyon might be smaller in size, it is equally comparable in beauty and natural grandeur. It is composed of sedimentary rocks dating back nearly 12 million years.
Hikers and wildlife enthusiasts visit this magnificent natural monument to enjoy a day in the outdoors. The canyon is located three hours from Almaty, near the border with China, and stretches for 56 miles along the Charyn River.
Lake Kaindy
Just 81 miles east of Almaty is one of the most surreal lakes in the country, formed after a limestone landslide in the early 1900s that created a dam.
In this 1,300-foot-long lake, submerged tree trunks rise above the surface to give the feeling of a sunken forest. The cold, bluish-green water helps preserve the tree trunks, which are overgrown with algae and various other water plants. You can enjoy the views of the lake year-round, and go ice diving and trout fishing during the winter.
Visit the Big Almaty Lake
One of the most popular sights in Almaty lies just a 45-minute drive south of the city in the stunning Zailiysky Alteau Mountain Range. Naturally, the mountain range is full of beautiful spots, but the main attraction here is the Big Almaty Lake.
Flanked by dramatic mountains, what’s most striking about the lake is its color, which can appear green, turquoise or even gray, depending on the time of year. Hike around the lake and its surrounding forest to enjoy nature at its best.
Ski at the Shymbulak Mountain Resort and Ice Skate at the Medeu Skating Rink
Shymbulak Mountain Resort and the nearby Soviet-era Medeu Skating Rink make for a perfect active day trip just outside of Almaty. Winter is the best time to visit, particularly if you want to ski, or skate on the world’s largest high-mountain skating rink.
At an elevation of 7,200 feet (2,200 meters), Shymbulak is the largest ski resort in Central Asia, and it’s extremely popular with all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Three lifts bring skiers to more than 7 miles of trails, which reach a max elevation of nearly 10,500 feet (3,200 meters). If you’re visiting during the summer, there’s also many valley trails ideal for short hikes.
See the Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs
Just 100 miles north of Almaty, find 5,000 petroglyphs at Tamgaly Tas along the banks of the Ili River, spread across 48 complexes with settlements and burial grounds. These petroglyphs range from the second millennium BCE to the beginning of the 20th century. Exploring these allows you to uncover layers of history.
Astana
Kazakhstan’s capital city of Astana is a modern metropolis featuring bold, futuristic architecture and modern boulevards. Astana sprawls across the windswept steppe that covers most of the country, and you can find incredible outdoor travel adventures just beyond the city.
Must-Do’s in and Around Astana
Admire Modern Architecture
It’s hard to miss Astana’s futuristic and extravagant architectural style. Take a walking tour around the city, and be sure to look for sights like Khan Shatyr, a mall built in a translucent tent; the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid built to host the yearly Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions; and the Palace of Independence, a trapezoid-shaped state building made out of blue glass with a white lattice.
Culture lovers can visit the Astana Opera, a neoclassical building in the shape of a Greek temple, as well as Hazrat Sultan and Nur-Astana Mosque.
Historians will enjoy a peek at Kazakh Eli Monument, the city’s main square and a symbol of the country’s sovereignty, and Ak Orda Presidential Palace, the president’s workplace.
Reach New Heights at Bayterek Tower
This observation tower is another architectural wonder that mixes Kazakh’s cultural identity with modern architecture. The tower symbolizes the tree of life topped with the golden egg of Samruk — the mythical bird of Kazakh happiness.
From its observation deck, more than 300 feet above the ground, you can see a panoramic view over Astana.
You can also get a beautiful perspective of Bayterek Tower from The Ritz-Carlton, Astana, which is just at the edge of the square.
Visit the National Museum of Kazakhstan
The National Museum of Kazakhstan, the largest museum in Central Asia, tells the nation’s story from prehistoric to modern times. There are 11 halls dedicated to different cultural aspects, historical techniques and artifacts, and eras, including a room centered around Astana itself. Its Hall of Ethnography gives insight into Kazakh’s nomadic culture, which remains in specific regions today.
Go Bird-Watching at the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve
Korgalzhyn is Kazakhstan’s largest national park, and it lies within two hours of Astana.
Its fertile wetlands are part of many birds’ migration routes, which makes it one of the best bird-watching spots in the region. You may catch views of Dalmatian pelicans, pink flamingos, and white-tailed eagles.
Roam in Nature at the Borovoe Nature Reserve
A three-hour drive from Astana lies a picturesque reserve of lakes, hills, pine forests, and rock formations that have inspired several Kazakh legends. Fourteen crystal-clear lakes surrounded by pine tree forests make Borovoe a popular nature getaway. Enjoy seeing some of the most incredible waterfront views in Kazakhstan by selecting one of countless hike options at Borovoe Nature Reserve.
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