Kazakhstan is the largest country in Central Asia. In the north and west, Kazakhstan borders on Russia, in the east on China, in the south on Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
A country that stretches from the Caspian Sea to Altai and from the Southern Urals to the Kyzylkum desert, endless steppes, oriental hospitality, old traditions and delicious cuisine will make your trip in Kazakhstan truly unforgettable.
To make your trip unforgettable, the Travel Land agency has compiled a list of places definitely need to visit in Kazakhstan:
Almaty – Southern capital and largest city of Kazakhstan
Almaty, the cultural and commercial center of the country, has a lot to offer. During your trip in Kazakhstan you should definitely visit Medeo which is the world’s largest high-mountain sports complex. It is located 14 km from Almaty at an altitude of 1691 m in the tract of the same name on the northern slope of the Zailiysky Alatau ridge.
An interesting place to visit will be the Kok-Tobe TV Tower, located on the mountain of the same name southeast of the center of Almaty, the tallest building in the city and one of the largest TV towers in the world. The height of the tower is 372 m. You can climb to the top of Mount Kok-Tobe (1130 m) – by cable car directly from the center of Almaty. The length of the cable car is 1620 m, the travel time is 6 minutes. In the northern part of the Kok-Tobe mountain there is an observation deck, from where a beautiful view of Almaty and its sights opens.
It is impossible to come to an eastern country and not visit the local market. The Green Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in Almaty, will not leave you indifferent. It is located in the central part of the city, in the Medeusky district. The bazaar has been leading its history for more than a hundred years, the trading rows have existed since 1868. Being a landmark of the city, the Green Bazaar reflects the local flavor. Here you can find everything you want: food, clothing, furniture, building supplies and much more.
Kolsay lakes – Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan
If you go to Kazakhstan, Kolsay should be in the list of your visits. Kolsai lakes are beautiful at any time of the year. This place is a system of three lakes in the northern Tien Shan on the territory of the Kegen district of the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Many people call the lakes the “pearl of the Northern Tien Shan”.
The lakes are surrounded by coniferous forest from the Tien Shan spruce. The depth of the lakes reaches 50 m. The national park in which they are located is included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
Surreal Kaindy Lake
Lake Kaindy, formed in 1911 as a result of a strong earthquake, is located in the Tien Shan mountain system at an altitude of about 1667 meters above sea level.
This place is called the “sunken forest” for its surreal appearance: trunks of giant fir trees rise from the turquoise surface of the lake, as this place is famous for a large number of dead and bleached fir trees that stick out of the water. Translated from the Kazakh “kaiyndy” literally – “abounding in birches”.
Astana – the capital of Kazakhstan
Wherever you go, it’s hard not to stop in the capital. Astana is the capital of Kazakhstan since 1997 and located in the north of the country, on the banks of the Ishim River. It is the second most populous city in Kazakhstan after Almaty. Astana surprises its guests with modern architectural structures, including the Baiterek tower, which is a symbol of the transfer of the capital. This 97-meter monument was built in 2002. At the top level, there is an observation deck inside a huge ball, from where a beautiful view of the capital opens.
One of the main attractions of Astana is the residence of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Akorda. The construction of the residence began in September 2001, and the opening took place in 2004. The height of the building together with the spire is 80 meters. On the first floor there is the Central Grand Hall, the Press Conference Hall, the Ceremonial Hall, the Winter Garden. The second floor is reserved for office space. The third floor is dedicated to various international events.
Charyn Canyon or the little brother of the Grand Canyon in the United States
If you are planning to visit Kazakhstan, be sure to add the Charyn Canyon to your itinerary, a 154 km long canyon along the Charyn River in Kazakhstan. The canyon is located 195 km from the city of Almaty and is included in the territory of the Charyn National Park, formed on February 23, 2004.
The incredible landscape and landscape attract not only locals but also tourists from all over the world. The most spectacular part of the canyon is the Valley of Castles, which stretches for 2-3 km and has a width of 20 to 80 m. Sheer cliffs in this place look like columns, arches, towers of fairy-tale castles, some resemble people’s heads or other forms.
Altyn Emel National Park and its diversity and pristine landscapes
Altyn Emel National Park with its “singing” dune is one of the highlights you should visit during your vacation in Kazakhstan. The park, created in April 1996, surprises with its diversity and pristine landscapes, richness of fauna and flora. We visit the Aktau and Katutau Mountains, located in the southeast of the Altyn-Emel. The remains of ancient animals (crocodiles, turtles, giant rhinos, primitive predators) have been preserved here, the age of which is estimated at 25-30 million years.
Turkestan – a place for Muslim pilgrimage
An interesting place to visit will be the city of Turkestan in the south of Kazakhstan, not far from the Syr Darya River. Turkestan was founded about 1500 years ago at the intersection of caravan roads. One of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, which is also considered a place for Muslim pilgrimage.
Unique architectural monuments of Islamic culture have been preserved here: the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the Hilvet underground mosque and many others.
