The Top 10 Places That You Must Visit in Kazakhstan!

One of the top 10 largest countries in the world, Kazakhstan is not your typical tourist destination, and you won’t find it on many travellers’ bucket lists. This secluded paradise shines bright on the world map with its striking canyons, sandy deserts, lush mountains, picturesque valleys, and ancient structures.

If you are the kind of traveller who loves exploring beautiful and unusual destinations that most people haven’t even heard of, then you’re at the right place. Looking for a reason to travel? We’re giving you ten!

Read on to unveil what Kazakhstan has in store for you…

1. Almaty

The former capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty is guarded by the beautiful, snow-capped Tian Shan mountains, that are home to the last wild apple forests. The city, built on a slope, lures adventure lovers with its many hiking trails and ski resorts, the most prominent one being–Shymbulak.

Visit the Big Almaty Lake for its blue-green waters set against a picturesque backdrop and spot wild animals at Ile-Alatau National Park. History buffs can head to the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan and the wooden Ascension Cathedral.

#MMTTravellerTip: Take a group tour to Nomad’s Land, an abandoned film set located near Almaty, for some gorgeous pictures.

Read More: Things to Do in Almaty in the Evening

2. Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, known as Astana until March 2019, is the futuristic capital city of Kazakhstan, situated on the banks of Ishim River. You can catch a glimpse of the entire city from the observation deck of Baiterek Tower and soak in the spiritual vibe at Nur-Astana Mosque.

While taking a tour of the city, stop by the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation to admire their modern architecture.

3. Karaganda

A two-hour train ride from Astana, Karaganda is known for its Soviet history. The city was mostly built using prison labour and is famous for its coal mine and labour camps. But hold on, that’s not all! The star attractions here include the Vvedensky Cathedral, the Regional Central Mosque, the Gulag Museum and the Monument of Mining Glory.

4. Pavlodar

Mostly known for its Mashkhur Jusup Mosque and Cathedral of the Annunciation, Pavlodar is one of the oldest cities in northern Kazakhstan.

You can explore around in the old-school trams and catch some picture-perfect views of the Irtysh River. Don’t forget to hop over to the Chekhov Theatre, the Muzey Voinskoy Slavy museum and the Naberezhnaya park to capture the true essence of the city.

5. Taraz

If you like exploring mysterious, historical places, Taraz is the perfect destination for you! The ancient city is home to enchanting ruins, leafy boulevards, and medieval era mausoleums.

Visit the beautiful Aysha Bibi Mausoleum to admire the intricate carvings on the terracotta tiles and head to the Talas River to fall in love with the postcard-like surroundings. Oh, and don’t forget to check out Akyrtas, Kazakhstan’s Stonehenge.

#DidYouKnow? The town has been renamed eight times. It was called Dzhambul in Soviet times.

6. Atyrau

Situated by the Ural River, the third-longest river in Europe, Atyrau is a breath of fresh air with its numerous modern cafes and Irish pubs.

Visit the exquisite blue-domed Imangali Mosque covered with white marble and later, go for a leisurely walk in the Retro Park. Learn more about the Kazakh culture at Atyrau Regional Museum, housing artefacts tracing back to the medieval times.

7. Shymkent

Shymkent is a fascinating, ancient city with bustling bazaars and a lively downtown. You can visit the Abay Park to ride the Ferris wheel and to pay respects to the brave soldiers who fought in World War II at the War Memorial, located in the heart of the park. Later, check out Aina Bazaar to buy gifts for your family and friends.

#MMTTravellerTip: The European-style club, Cinema Bar, is a must-visit for every party animal.

9. Baikonur

An off-beat destination, Baikonur is home to the world’s oldest and largest space launch facility. Baikonur Cosmodrome was once a secret missile testing site for the Russians and is now a busy spaceport for a number of commercial, military, and scientific missions launched annually.

You can sign up for a tour to witness the launch of a space mission from the Cosmodrome facilities and learn about the history of the Soviet and Russian space programs at the museum.

#MMTTravellerTip: Tourists require a special permit to visit the Cosmodrome.

10. Turkistan

One of the most important commercial centres of the Silk Road, Turkistan is known for its cultural asset, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi. The beautiful mausoleum marked the beginning of the Timurid architectural style and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The unfinished monument is also a prominent Muslim pilgrimage site.

Don’t forget to check out light blue geometric and floral ornaments on the walls and click tonnes of Insta-worthy pictures!

So, what are you waiting for? Call your travel buddies and plan a fun-filled trip to Kazakhstan!

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