In the whole world, the ninth largest country is known as Kazakhstan. The country has rich cultural values, lots of historical landmarks to visit, and plenty of natural landscapes, which will keep you mesmerized for a long time. It is located right in the center of Asia. Once you visit this place, it is guaranteed that you will experience a lot of diverse attractions, from modern cities to vast natural steps and mountains. Hence, today, we will discuss the best things that you can do when you visit Kazakhstan.
Explore Almaty – The Cultural Heart
One of the best things to do in Kazakhstan is to visit the largest city, Almaty. The atmosphere over there is very lively, filled with loads of cultural sites and they are surrounded by the awesome beauty of scenery. You can start by visiting Kok-Tobe Hill. Just hop on a cable car, which will take you to Kok-Tobe Hill. From there you will be able to see the full view of the city. At certain times you can even see the Trans – Ili Alatau mountains filled with snow on the peak.
Come down and go for a walk at the Panfilov Park. You will find a lot of greenery. Head to the astounding Zenkov Cathedral. In the whole world, it is known as the tallest wooden building. If you have time, visit the Green Bazaar so that you can explore local life. Don’t forget to taste the local Kazakh cuisines such as kurt which is dried cheese and baursak which is fried dough. Take your time to roam around the bustling market so that you don’t miss anything.
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Marvel at the Charyn Canyon
Visiting Charyn Canyon is another best things to do in Kazakhstan. However, you will have to travel a lot to reach this place from Almaty, as it is around 200 kilometers from there. You must have heard about the Grand Canyon in the United States, right? The Charyn Canyon is so great to explore it is even compared with the Grand Canyon. Most of the deep formations you will see have happened due to the flow of the Charyn River. If you are a nature lover and would like to take a lot of photographs of this wonder, then this is your place. You can hike down the part of the canyon. There, upon reaching, explore the magnificent Valley of Castles. Take some food with you as well so that you can rest after hiking and enjoy a picnic.
Discover Astana also known as Nur – Sultan – The Modern Marvel
Out of the best things to do in Kazakhstan, you should definitely consider visiting the capital city called Nur-Sultan. You will be amazed to see how modern the city is with its skyline and architecture which looks very much innovative and futuristic. Start by visiting the Bayterek Tower in the city. Did you know the Bayterek Tower symbolizes a Kazakh legend? You can go to the top to get a full view of the city. Just remember to place your hand on the golden imprint of President Nazarbayev’s palm for good luck.
Then, proceed to the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center. This is a gigantic tent-like structure that has lots of houses where you can do shopping and go for any sorts of entertainment. There is even an artificial beach available. Finally if you want to know art, culture and history of the country then head to the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. You will find a lot of interactive exhibitions and places filled with ancient artifacts for display.
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Experience the beauty of Lake Kaindy
This is one of the best places that you shouldn’t miss from the itinerary of the best things to do in Kazakhstan. Right in the Tian Shan Mountains, this Lake Kaindy is located. It is even famous for the existence of submerged forests. This occurred when there was an earthquake in 1911. If you go near, you will see the lake’s clear water, which shows the trunks of the spruce trees. The view will be as if you are in a different world. Then, the reflections of the surrounding mountains and tree stumps make it an excellent spot for photography and exploration of nature.
Visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is located in Turkestan and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting this place absolutely falls under the category of best things to do in Kazakhstan. This place is also known as the spiritual landmark in Kazakhstan. It was built in the 14th century. You will find the architecture made out of Timurid style with intricate mosaics. This is also considered a pilgrimage site. Due to this great historical significance, it is surely a place worth visiting.
Hike in the Altai Mountains
If you are looking for some adventure, you should definitely head to the Altai Mountains in the eastern part of Kazakhstan. There are a lot of best things to do in Kazakhstan, and here you can do a lot of hiking, trekking, and camping. You can explore a lot of natural beauties such as lakes, dense forests, and natural wildlife. Some of the popular spots are Markakol Lake and Katon-Karagay National Park. If you are lucky, you can spot the rare snow leopards and Siberian ibex.
Go Skiing in Shymbulak
The best things to do in Kazakhstan during winter is to visit the Shymbulak Ski Resort near Almaty. This is considered as the best ski resort in the entire Central Asia. The slopes are arranged in such a way that people of all skiing levels can enjoy here. Along with that you get amazing mountain views. Sometimes the resorts also host night skiing which is truly a unique experience.
Immerse yourself in Kazakh culture
Understanding Kazakh culture is also one of the interesting things to do in Kazakhstan. Try to visit during the time when you can attend a traditional festival. Consider the festivals such as Nauryz, the Persian New Year, which is celebrated on March 21st of every year. These are perfect times to immerse yourself in the traditions of Kazakh food and music.
Try to watch the Falconry Demonstration. The eagle hunters, also known as Berkutchi, will show the ancient practice of how hunting was done with trained golden eagles. Many generations still practice this skill.
If you want to get an experience on how to stay in a nomadic life, then spend a night in a traditional yurt. While staying, you can enjoy the local dishes such as beshbarmak, which is basically boiled meat with noodles. In order to make it more interesting, you can even spend some time listening to local stories right under the open sky.
Explore Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Another best things to do in Kazakhstan is to visit its oldest natural reserve called Aksu-Zhabagly. It is a great place to experience the diverse range of flora and fauna. Some of the major highlights are snow leopards, ibex, and over 300 bird species. Then, there is a great Aksu Canyon. It is a very deep gorge from which you get a lot of stunning views, and it also has a variety of hiking trails. There are certain times, if you are lucky, you will be able to see the alpine meadows with blooming tulips.
Admire the singing Dunes in Altyn-Emel National Park
A fascinating phenomenon that occurs within the Altyn Emel National Park is the Singing Dunes. The dunes are quite high at 150 meters and produce a kind of melodic sound when the wind blows. This will surely create an unforgettable experience and is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan. Apart from that, there are also other interesting attractions, such as the Aktau Mountains. Here, you will see the mountains with vibrant colors. Then, there are the Kattau Mountains, which have ancient volcanic formations.
Explore the Underground Mosque of Becket – Ata
The Mosque of Becket Ata is situated in the region of Mangystau. It is a great place that is carved into the rocky hills. For people in Kazakhstan, it holds a great amount of religious and historical significance. Every year lots of pilgrims come to pray. During prayer they pay a lot of respect to Becket-Ata who is a revered Sufi Saint. The location is so remote that along with the majesty mosque, you get to see a lot of desert landscaped which adds an essence to the adventure.
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Conclusion
Hence, to conclude, when you visit Kazakhstan, you get a mix of modern city life, great historical facts, and magnificent views of natural scenery. There are lots of activities even available here, such as trekking right through the mountains, exploring and discovering the ancient mosques, and wandering through the city streets; everything will make an unforgettable experience. Do not forget to taste the delicious cuisine and experience the warm hospitality of the Kazakh people. It is truly a kind of land that is waiting to be discovered, and in every corner, you will find a unique story.
FAQ’s
The official currency of Kazakhstan is Kazakhstani Tenge. You can easily use credit cards in the big cities such as Almaty and Astana. But if you visit the rural areas, it is recommended to carry cash. ATMs are always available in all the cities and airports.
Most of the areas in Kazakhstan have low crime rates. But beware of pickpockets in the busy area or while traveling on a public transport. However the local people are very friendly and hospitable. When you are traveling to a remote location, let someone know of your plans for safety sake.
In Kazakhstans, mostly Kazakh and Russian languages are spoken. In main cities like Almaty and Astana , you can converse easily in English as the younger people in the tourism industry try to learn basic English. However in rural areas it’s best to learn a few key phrases in Kazakh or Russian before visiting. You can even take the help of the translation app.
If you go to Kazakhstan in the months of April to June and September to October in the Spring months , you will find that the climate is very pleasant for sightseeing and exploring nature.
If you go during the summer season in the months of July to August you will get lots of opportunities to trek in the mountains along with other outdoor adventures.
And lastly if you go during the winter season in the months of December to February, you can enjoy a lot of skiing and view the amazing snowy landscapes.