For most of the world, Kazakhstan remains a blank space on the mental map. It is a vast country somewhere in Central Asia, vaguely associated with the Silk Road or a Borat joke. That perception is changing fast, and the numbers back it up.

In the first nine months of 2025, Kazakhstan welcomed 15.7 million foreign visitors for tourism purposes. Tourist facilities, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses, generated 268 billion tenge (approximately US$536.8 million) in revenue, up 44 billion tenge year-on-year. Tourism investment increased by 38% in 2025. It reached approximately $2 billion. This growth was due to steady growth in both inbound and domestic travel. 

You may wonder, what is drawing these visitors? 

The answer lies in a combined influence of nature, culture, and history. Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, blends modern cities with wild terrain. Almaty, the former capital, is framed by snow-capped mountains and bustling markets. Travellers can venture to Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon, or explore the shimmering lakes of Kolsai and Kaindy. 

In Astana, futuristic architecture contrasts with Kazakh heritage. Across the steppes, remnants of Silk Road history reveal the country’s cultural depth. Plus, eagle hunting and nomadic customs connect visitors with centuries-old traditions. No wonder some visitors have summed up the country as “a mix of Persian warmth, Soviet town-planning and the posh mountain feel of Colorado.”

This two-part Kazakhstan travel guide covers everything you need to plan a well-informed trip to the country. We will discuss the basics of geography. We will also talk about the visa policy. Additionally, we’ll cover the best seasons to visit. Finally, we’ll explore the things to do in Kazakhstan.

Why Visit Kazakhstan

To understand why Kazakhstan deserves your attention, start with the geography. Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area and the largest landlocked country. It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, and Kyrgyzstan to the southeast. It also borders Uzbekistan to the south and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Additionally, it has a coastline along the Caspian Sea. 

With an area of about 2,724,900 square kilometres, it is twice the size of the other four Central Asian states combined. This might surprise you, but Kazakhstan is also 60% larger than Alaska. That sheer scale translates into enormous landscape diversity. For tourists, it presents diverse attractions like snow-capped peaks, dreamy meadows, steep canyons, gorgeous lakes, and beautiful urban centres.

More than three-quarters of the country, including the entire west and most of the south, is either semi-desert or desert. The highest point is Khan Tengri. It is on the Kyrgyz and Chinese border in the Tian Shan range, with an elevation of 6,995 metres above sea level. The lowest point is the Karagiye depression. It is at 132 metres below sea level in the Mangystau province east of the Caspian Sea.

Culturally, the country is equally layered. Kazakhstan declared full independence in December 1991. Today, Kazakhs make up roughly 70 per cent of Kazakhstan’s population, with the remainder comprising people from neighbouring nations. The official languages are Russian and Kazakh, and the largest religious group is Muslim. 

Nomadic customs remain central to Kazakh identity. Traditional crafts, including colourful embroidered clothing, wool and felt carpets with intricate designs, jewellery, and yurts, are a prime subject of interest. Early Kazakh literature took the form of oral poems and epics delivered by bards, often accompanied by the dombra. 

Beyond culture and landscape, Kazakhstan’s accessibility is improving rapidly. 30-day visa-free travel is already available for over 50 countries, including the US and UK. In 2026, Kazakhstan announced 15 new international flight routes. These include services to Tokyo, Rome, Vienna, Riyadh, Shanghai, and Amman. This is part of a strategy to strengthen its position as a key international travel hub. 

Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate, and the timing of your visit matters more here than in most destinations. Located primarily in a temperate arid continental climate zone, Kazakhstan has four distinct seasons. Most regions experience cold winters, hot summers, and cool spring and autumn periods.

The climate in the southern region is extremely dry. It receives an average annual precipitation of about 100 mm. The northern region, on the other hand, receives around 300–500 mm. The eastern region receives the most, at around 1,000–2,000 mm annually. 

Summer and winter are extreme in Kazakhstan, with the most intense heat and cold found in the central steppe and around the capital, Astana. From June to August, temperatures can soar over 40°C, plunging to -20°C from December to February. 

Given these extremes, most travel experts agree on the same recommendation. The best time to visit Kazakhstan is broadly April–May and September–October each year. Here is what each season offers:

Spring (April – May) In spring, the country moves from the icy grip of winter to more comfortable temperatures that generally fall between 10°C and 25°C. Wild tulips blossom on the mountains, while the steppes are covered with new growth. Tourist attractions are less crowded, and rates for flights and accommodation are still reasonable before the summer rush. Besides, spring is also the season of Nauryz. This spring festival is celebrated around the third week of March across Kazakhstan and all of Central Asia. This festival welcomes the change of season with traditional food, national games, dancing, and singing performances. 

Summer (June – August) July and August are the peak of summer in Kazakhstan, making it the ideal time to escape to the mountains and trek through spectacular landscapes. This is the busiest time of year, so expect to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation. In the steppe and desert-adjacent areas, summer heat can be intense. Charyn Canyon, a prime destination, is too hot to enjoy comfortably during this period. 

Autumn (September – October) Around September, the summer heat begins to fade, and temperatures become mild, averaging 8–22°C in Almaty. Glacial melt is high during this season, making it a popular time to enjoy water sports such as kayaking and rafting on mountain rivers. It is also a good time to visit Almaty and Astana without the summer crowds. 

Winter (November – March) During winter, temperatures plummet, and the country is blanketed in snow for an extended period, with polar and Siberian winds keeping conditions cold until April. That said, this season has its own appeal: Shymbulak ski resort near Almaty offers well-regarded skiing and snowboarding conditions, and those with more experience can head to the Talgar Pass at 3,163 metres above sea level. 

In short, April–May and September–October offer the best conditions. These months have a reliable balance of mild temperatures and accessible natural sites. Visitor numbers are also manageable during these periods.

Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan rewards the traveller who looks beyond the obvious. The country’s five most-visited zones include the Almaty mountain cluster. They also include the Burabay resort area, Mangystau, the ancient city of Turkistan, and the Katon-Karagay Altai region. Together, these accounted for the majority of the country’s tourist traffic in 2024, with the Almaty mountain cluster alone attracting over 550,000 visitors in a single quarter. What follows is a guide to the major sites within each zone, including several that most first-time visitors never reach.

1. Almaty 

Almaty (which means “father of apples,) is the largest city of Kazakhstan and is also a cultural hub. Coming back to apples, the wild apples found in the forests around the region are considered the birthplace of the modern domestic fruit. The skyline of Almaty offers splendid views of the snow-clad Tien Shan mountains.

The charming city is a blend of Soviet-era architecture and modern cafés. You can take a cable car to the top of the Kok Tobe hill, which offers great views of the city. The city has plenty of parks, and Panfilov Park is one of the best. There are quite a few museums, and the Russian Orthodox Church of Zenkov Cathedral, which is worth visiting.

For a more sensory experience, head to the bustling Green Bazaar and try some traditional Kazakh food. Between late March and April, you will find hundreds of tulips blooming in Almaty. Some of the most diverse tulip species in the world are grown here.

You can spend 3 days exploring the city, including a day trip to the Big Almaty Lake. Located at an altitude of 2511 metres midst the Ili Alatau mountains, the lake is a popular destination. Another place worth visiting is the Huns Ethno Village that showcases the nomadic lifestyle of ancient Kazakhs. It is all about Kazakh Yurts, archery shows, and horse riding. You can connect with local operators who arrange half-day tours to the village.

Pro Tip: The most amazing part of Almaty’s public transport is how accessible the mountains are. You can take regular public transport. Escape the city entirely. Reach natural sites that feel truly unique to the region. Yandex Taxi (the local equivalent of Uber) is also widely available for longer transfers at reasonable fares.

2. Astana 

Astana became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997 and is often called Nur-Sultan, based on Nursultan Nazarbayev, the leader who created it. The city has a unique vibe, and to explore it fully, you will need to spend at least 3 days.

Start your travels with a walk through the two-kilometre-long Nurzhol Boulevard running through the centre of the city. You will come across the Baiterek Monument, one of the most symbolic destinations in Astana. Even if you are not interested in shopping, the stunning Khan Shatyr marquee complex is a must-visit spot. It even has an indoor beach resort and a mini golf course. 

Astana boasts some of Central Asia’s largest mosques, and the Nur Astana Mosque is a grand structure. The Hazret Sultan Mosque is the largest, but architecturally, I would regard it as less pretty than Nur Astana. 

Usually, the cultural calendar of the city remains packed with opera, concerts, and festivals. There are a few museums that you can visit to explore the cultural aspects of the region. Nature lovers can hire a taxi to visit the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve. Multiple lakes in this reserve are habitats for migrating birds, and you can observe flamingos from June to September. A day trip to Lake Borovoe can be another option for getting close to some breathtaking landscapes.

Note that Astana is one of the coldest capital cities in the world. So, carry enough warm clothes, especially if you are travelling between September and March. However, in summer, the temperatures can rise as high as 40 degrees Celsius.

3. Charyn Canyon (Valley of Castles)

The impressive Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan is a part of the Charyn National Park close to the Kazakh-Chinese border. Though much smaller than the Grand Canyon in the US, the views of the sculpted red-rock walls rising from a winding river valley are impressive.

This less crowded destination is around a 3-4-hour drive from Almaty and can be visited as a day trip. You can also go for an overnight camping experience and go for hikes along the trails in the area. The 2-kilometre easy hike through the Valley of Castles is a beautiful walk. That is a great way to experience the beautiful golden hours, especially for photographers.

If you opt for a Charyn Canyon day trip from Almaty, we suggest that you take two to three days to explore the canyon properly. Spend a night in a guesthouse at Saty village. Combine Charyn with Kolsai and Kaindy lakes into a two-to three-day itinerary. This will allow you to visit the three beautiful destinations at a relaxed pace. 

The best months to visit are April, May, June, September, and October. Beyond that, the nights get extremely cold. Also, avoid the weekends to escape the crowds. It gets seriously hot during summer, making the canyon uncomfortable to walk through in July and August. Bring more water than you think you need, as shade is limited throughout.

4. Lake Kaindy 

Lake Kaindy was naturally formed in 1911 due to an earthquake at an altitude of around 1,667 meters. You can drive from Almaty to Saty and then visit the lake. The road to the lake is super bumpy and requires a 4×4 vehicle. However, the Kazakh scenery on the way is fascinating, and so is the surroundings of the lake.

The remains of some spruce tree trunks rising from the waters of the lake create an eerily beautiful view. Thanks to the nearby limestone deposits, the waters of the lake are dazzlingly blue in colour. As a destination, it is not so crowded, and a perfect spot for nature lovers.

The 45-minute hike around the lake is worth doing because of the excellent views. At the end of the trail, there is a viewing platform. It is the perfect spot for enjoying the reflection on the mirror-like surface of the lake.

5. Kolsai Lakes

The Kolsai lakes are a string of 3 glacial lakes inside the Tien Shan mountain range, and are often referred to as the “Pearls of Tian Shan.” These lakes are counted among the top destinations in Kazakhstan. The road to the first lake is entirely paved, and it ends there. The other two lakes are visited by a hike or on horseback. 

The 8-kilometre-long hike takes a few hours, and the not-so-fit ones will find it challenging. But the trail is not technical and can be completed in a whole day. The 1st lake tends to get crowded on weekends. In comparison, you will find the other two lakes more peaceful.

The first Kolsai Lake is the easiest to reach and can get crowded on weekends. Hike to the second and third lakes instead. You’ll have them practically to yourself. Bring your own food and water for the hike, as there are no shops along the trail.

The spruce tree forests and the alpine meadows around the lakes create the perfect mountain scenery.  It is also possible to experience boating over the calm waters. Note that Lake 2 is inaccessible in winter due to heavy snow. The best time to visit is in spring and summer. That said, the third lake is too close to the Kyrgyzstan border, and access is restricted. One way to visit the lakes is on a day trip from the village of Saty, which has guesthouses. Another option is to stay at yurt camps near the lakes.

6. Altyn-Emel National Park — The Singing Dunes

Altyn-Emel is a large national park about four hours from Almaty that most visitors on a standard itinerary skip entirely. I you ask me, that’s a significant oversight. The park contains unusual landscapes, including the white, red, and orange Aktau hills, making it a photographer’s paradise. It has archaeological attractions such as the Terekty Petroglyphs and 31 Scythian burial tombs. 

Its most famous feature is the Singing Dunes. These are enormous dunes that produce a low, vibrating sound resembling an engine when the wind moves the sand. While the dunes are the most famous, two other routes in the park will appeal to nature lovers. The one to the Aktau and Katatu mountains offers excellent views. The third route takes you to the gorgeous Lake Kapchagai and is the best for observing wildlife like Persian gazelles and Przewalski horses.

The park can be visited in one day, but two days allow for a more thorough exploration. There are five guesthouses within the park, and camping at designated spots is permitted for free. Keep in mind that independent transport is essential as there is no reliable public access. Most travel companies include only the singing dunes in their tour. If you want to visit the other routes with a private car and driver, be prepared for higher prices.

7. Mangystau — The “Mars on Earth” Region

This is the destination that most separates serious Kazakhstan travellers from those who stick to the Almaty region. Mangystau is a desert region in southwestern Kazakhstan spanning 165,000 square kilometres. In other words, it is huge!. 

The landscapes are often compared to Mars, with white hues prevailing over red. The region is home to stunning canyons, limestone cliffs, and sacred underground mosques carved directly into rock faces. The centrepiece is Bozzhyra Valley. Millions of years ago, the Tethys Ocean covered this area. As the waters receded, they left behind limestone, chalk formations, and fossils. The preserved remains found here include mollusks, algae imprints, and ancient shark teeth. 

The name “Bozzhyra” translates from Kazakh as “pale land.” The most famous landmarks are two towering rock spires known as the “Fangs.”  Bozzhyra is often compared to Arizona’s Monument Valley, but it is easier to reach and more affordable. Last but not least, it is far less crowded.

The region also holds the enigmatic Torysh Valley. Thousands of stone spheres, ranging from one to three metres in diameter, lie scattered across a vast rolling plain. No scientific consensus has been reached on how they formed, and similar formations exist only in a few locations worldwide. 

Then there are the underground mosques. In Mangystau’s arid climate, where natural shade was rare, early builders carved mosques directly into layers of limestone. Some are expanded from existing caves, with added vault supports and dim, tranquil prayer spaces. The Shakpak-Ata mosque, considered the most ancient architectural monument in western Kazakhstan, dates back to the 9th–10th centuries. 

Pro Tip: To thoroughly explore Mangystau’s main attractions, plan for at least one week, covering over 1,000 kilometres in total. If time is limited, three to four days cover the highlights. Most of the journey between sites requires an off-road vehicle. A one-day off-road tour from Aktau starts from approximately 80,000 tenge (around US$180 per vehicle). Daily flights connect Aktau with Almaty and Astana via Air Astana, Fly Arystan, and Scat Airlines.

When visiting the underground mosques, dress respectfully. Keep shoulders and knees covered, and a headscarf for women is advisable. Remove your shoes before entering, and maintain a quiet, reverent demeanour. Bringing tea or chocolates as gifts for nomadic hosts is a small gesture that locals genuinely appreciate. 

8. Burabay (Borovoe) National Park 

Burabay, often called Borovoe, is a northern resort region. It features pine woods and clear lakes, such as Borovoye and Shchuchye. There are curious rock formations rising from the water and hills. It’s a popular domestic getaway for Astana residents and is nicknamed “Kazakhstan’s Switzerland” for its relatively green, hilly scenery. 

The town is along the shores of the beautiful Lake Burabay, and there are routes that are perfect for both easy and intense hikes. At the centre of the lake stand the mythical ‘Zhumbaktas’ or the ‘mysterious stone’. Veteran hikers can head towards Kokshetau Mountain. Landscape photographers will find Borovoe Lake to be the perfect destination.

The casual traveler will find walking paths and beaches on the lakes. They can also enjoy boat rentals. Viewpoints like Okzhetpes and Zheke-Batur offer lovely panoramas. It’s family-friendly and can be visited year-round. Summer is great for boating and forest walks, winter for snowy vistas and quiet retreats. If you like a serene and scenic destination close to the capital with comfortable visitor options, Burabay is an easy recommendation. 

9. Turkestan — spiritual history and the stunning Yasawi Mausoleum

Turkestan (also spelled Turkistan) is a pilgrimage and heritage site located on the Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan border. The prime attraction is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a 12th-century Sufi mystic. This is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. Built under Timur (Tamerlane) in the 14th–15th centuries, the mausoleum is massive. It is ornate and historically important to Turkic and Islamic cultures in the region. 

The blue-tiled domes, monumental proportions, and detailed tilework make the complex a visual and spiritual highlight. Turkestan is a must for history lovers. It attracts those interested in Silk Road-era heritage. It’s different in tone from the nature-first destinations. The experience is more contemplative, culturally rich, and framed around centuries of regional tradition. 

Spanning 1235 acres, the Azret Sultan Reserve-Museum is another destination that is a must-visit for history buffs. The history of Turkestan goes back to the 4th century, and its location along the Silk Route made it an important trading post. You can visit the Ruins of Otrar, which was a Silk Route city at one time.

Most travelers visit Turkestan on a day trip from Shymkent, and a few hours is enough to cover all the prime destinations. However, there are hotels for those who intend to spend a night.

10. Katon-Karagay National Park

Katon-Karagay is the largest national park in Kazakhstan, located in the Southern Altai Mountains. It is also a small district in the far east of the country, near the point where the borders of Kazakhstan, Russia, China, and Mongolia converge. The park covers over 640,000 hectares and is home to approximately 30 species of animals and birds listed in the Red Book of endangered species. It was included in UNESCO’s list of protected biosphere reserves in 2014. 

Scientists have recorded 363 species of vertebrates in the park. In January 2021, a camera trap in the park captured footage of a rare snow leopard in the Altai mountains. Apart from the biodiversity, the dramatic scenery of the Park is the prime attraction that draws tourists.

Snow leopard caught on camera in Kazakhstan

Key natural attractions include Rakhmanovsky Lake, which is a high-altitude glacial lake with views toward Belukha Mountain and the Kok-Kol waterfall. Another attraction is the Old Austrian Road. This is a 60-kilometre mountain track built between 1915 and 1917 by Austro-Hungarian World War I prisoners using only hand tools under extreme conditions. 

There are 10 tourist routes and four hiking trails in the Park, and a thorough visit requires multiple days. The mountain weather can be unpredictable. So be prepared for sudden cold spells.

It takes approximately five hours by off-road vehicle from the city of Ust-Kamenogorsk (Oskemen) to the Katon-Karagay village. The journey itself rewards patience as the route crosses the Bukhtarminskoye reservoir and offers eye-catching views. 

11. Tamgaly Petroglyphs

While the list mentions 10, we didn’t want to avoid the Tamgaly Petroglyphs, a site that is definitely worth visiting in Kazakhstan. Set in the Tanbaly Gorge within the arid Chu-Ili mountains, the Tamgaly archaeological landscape contains a remarkable concentration of approximately 5,000 petroglyphs. These are distributed among 48 complexes, along with associated settlements and burial grounds. The carvings date from the second half of the second millennium BC through to the beginning of the 20th century. 

The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Among the most distinctive carvings are sun-headed deities, hunting scenes, and depictions of women in childbirth. It is located 170 kilometres from Almaty and is best reached by car or taxi, with the drive taking approximately two to three hours. You can combine this with a trip to Lake Balkhash.

Pro Tip: Photography of the petroglyphs depends heavily on the angle and direction of sunlight. Conditions without direct sun or when light hits at a particular angle often produce better detail in the carvings than midday light. There is a well-marked walking loop, and most key groupings are easy to find without a guide. Bring food, water, a hat, and sun protection; the site is open, dry, and exposed. 

Note that Tamgaly and Tamgaly-Tas are two distinct sites often confused with each other; Tamgaly (the UNESCO site) is in the Chu-Ili mountains, while Tamgaly-Tas is on the Ili River and features Buddhist carvings from a different historical period entirely.

That brings us to the end of this section about the popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations in Kazakhstan. However, there is a lot more to learn about this wonderful country before you plan your trip. We will continue in the next blog.

By Suvajit Banerjee

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