Top Tourist Places in Kazakhstan: The Ninth Largest Country

A journey to Europe is filled with ample hidden treasures which will leave you in awe, whether due to its enchanting beauty or untouched grandeur. Kazakhstan is one such tourist attraction in the world that proudly holds the title of being the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country in the world. This Central Asian country is teemed with spectacular beauty, from crystalline lakes to abundant forests, mountains to salt panes and ancient cities bustling with culture and art. Spanning two time zones and five climate zones, Kazakhstan's biological diversity is something which you can experience only when you plan to visit the country.

The word Kazakhstan translates to ‘The Land of Wanderers’, where Kazakh means ‘wanderer’ in Turkish language and the suffix Stan means ‘land’ in the Persian language. Once a place which used to be inhabited by Kazakh nomads of Mongolia, it is now one of the most fascinating places of interest for an authentic Kazakhstan travel experience in the world, each tourist place in Kazakhstan is worth a trip. Sounds like your cup of tea?

Tourist Places in Kazakhstan

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Kazakhstan that you cannot miss: -

• Almaty
• Astana
• Shymkent
• Bozjyra
• Ulytau
• Charyn Canyon
• Kolsay Lakes
• Aktau

Almaty

Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan, is often the first city travellers visit among various Kazakhstan tourist destinations. This tourist place in Kazakhstan sits at the foothills of the gigantic Tian Shah mountains, which guard Almaty and make for a stunning backdrop. The city got its name from Alma ata, which means ‘Father of Apples’, as Almaty is home to a variety of apples around the world. Some of the top things to experience at Almaty include taking a gondola ride to Kök Töbe or, visiting its lovely parks, including Almaty Central Park or visiting its many museums, including the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan. Each lane in Almaty is beautified with old Russian Cathedrals, which makes for your Instagram posts. You can also go around shopping at Dostyk Plaza or Zelyony Bazaar, from where you can shop for souvenirs for you and your friends and family.

Astana

Astana, the present capital of Kazakhstan, is another tourist destination where you cannot afford to miss spending a few days. With plenty of corporate skyscrapers and business centres, the architecture of Astana will stun you with its beauty. You can catch a panoramic view of Astana by adding the Bayterek Tower to your Kazakhstan travel bucket list. It is a 105-metre-tall building known to be the tallest building in the capital city. Other sightseeing options include spending a day at MEGA Entertainment Centre and visiting the Astana Grand Mosque, known to be the largest mosque in Central Asia and the biggest in the world. Nature lovers can visit the Museum of Miniatures and Seaquarium, where you will see over 2,000 species of aquatic plants and animals from around the globe. Additionally, Astana-Arena Stadium and Ak Orda Presidential Palace are surely not to miss among the beautiful places in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Shymkent

For an authentic Kazakh experience away from the hustle and bustle, Shymkent is a city that comes next on the list and is totally worth visiting. Known as the ‘Southern Capital’, Shymkent used to be the trade route of the Great Silk Route. Hence, you will be able to see buildings and other attractions in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, which were built during the bygone era. Other historical places in Shymkent include visiting its vibrant bazars, archaeological sites and majestic mosques. Shymkent’s diverse culinary scene is a treat for food lovers, which one can experience amidst its welcoming atmosphere and fascinating heritage.

Bozjyra

Located on the historic ruins of Ustyurt Plateau West Kazakhstan, Bozjyra is another tourist destination in Kazakhstan that never fails to mesmerise tourists. A place of nature’s creation due to weathering and erosion, at Bozjyra, you will see vast clay deserts, buttes taller than 200 metres and limestone mountains. The area in Kazakhstan was once covered by the Tethys Ocean in the Mesozoic era, which means you will be able to spot ample fossiled shells and teeth of prehistoric sharks. Most globetrotters frequent this piece of land in Kazakhstan, as Bozjyra is a beautiful example of nature at its best.

Ulytau

For nature lovers, there is no dearth of tourist places to visit in Kazakhstan. Ulytau is another example, where you will be greeted by ancient settlements, burial mounds, fortresses, mausoleums and rock art sites which await your arrival. The Ulytau trail also lies on ancient silk routes, which you can enjoy either by walking along the way or on horseback. All the historic and cultural heritage sites are preserved today, which makes them the most attractive modern pilgrimage sites for tourists coming from different parts of the world.

Charyn Canyon

Often compared with the Grand Canyon in the United States, Charyn Canyon is a beautiful tourist spot in Kazakhstan that you must visit. Charyn Canyon is much bigger due to five different canyons in its vicinity, including the Temirlik Canyon, the Valley of Castles, the Yellow Canyon, the Bestamak Canyon, the Red Canyon and the Temirlik Canyon. The landscape of Charyn Canyon keeps on changing due to continuous erosion and weathering. The tourist spot in Kazakhstan is home to an array of birds and animals which live in harmony with nature. Some of the most picturesque places to visit in Charyn Canyon include the Ash and Turang Groves, the Valley of Castles and the Charyn River. You can either choose to hike to this historical place in Kazakhstan or hire a vehicle to help you explore nature’s marvel.

Kolsay Lakes

Famously known as the ‘Pearl of the Tian Shan’, Kolsay Lake is absolutely gorgeous and a must-visit place of interest in Kazakhstan itineraries. Kolsay Lake consists of three lakes, which are the upper, middle, and lower lakes. The lower lake at Kolsay Lake is easily accessible via walking from the car parking. The lake is one of the most famous places in Kazakhstan among tourists for fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, and horseback riding. If you like hiking, the middle lake is situated at an elevation of 2,250 metres. The third lake, which is the upper lake, is generally not open to tourists to visit due to its proximity to the  Kyrgyzstan border. Upon visiting the Kolsay Lakes, one thing is a guarantee that you will have the most relaxing time at this beautiful lake.

Aktau

Last but not least, Aktau is next on the list, a city situated on the shores of the Caspian Sea, which offers a blend of modern amenities and natural wonders. With its pristine water, breathtaking sunsets and crystal clear beaches, Aktau is easily one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan for a beach holiday. After a relaxing sun bath at one of the beaches, you can visit Mangyshlak Peninsula, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning rock formations. Aktau is home to some fine dine-ins as well, where you can embark on a culinary adventure and indulge in local delicacies. All in all, Aktau is a coastal getaway in Kazakhstan that will remain fresh in your memories for years to come.

We hope this travel guide has been helpful in planning and booking Kazakhstan tour packages. To explore some of the best tourist places in Kazakhstan, Veena World has all-inclusive packages, which you can check. All the packages comprise some of the best tourist attractions in Kazakhstan, making for the best Kazaki experience. All the packages assure you will have nothing but the best of your journey with your near and dear ones. Veena World has your back in case you need flexibility in tailoring your itinerary with the Customised Holidays option. You can choose the travel dates, tourist places in Kazakhstan, accommodation, and other inclusions according to your preferences. Immerse yourself in a memorable travel experience with Veena World as your trusted travel companion.