Every year Kazakhstan attracts many travelers from all over the world with its fascinating history, rich culture and delicious cuisine. It keeps the secrets of many civilizations and the history of outstanding personalities who lived here before. To learn more about the country, let’s discover its regions.
North of Kazakhstan
The northern region separates Siberia and the Great Steppe, combining old cities that have preserved monuments from the Russian Empire era.
Here you find the capital of the country Astana, a modern city in the middle of the steppes. A completely new part of Astana with modern amazing architecture was built on the left bank of Ishim River. On the opposite bank, there is the old part with a calm atmosphere and the Soviet-era buildings that cherishes the memory of the past.
Today the city is dotted with many attractions. Astana is growing and expanding every day. You can visit such cultural architectural sites as the Baiterek Tower, Khan Shatyr, Khazret Sultan Mosque, Peace and Reconciliation Palace, Kazak Eli Monument and many others.
Not far from the capital you can visit The Burabay National Natural Park located in the Akmola region. The fauna of the national park is rich. There are about 305 species of animals. 13 species of them are protected and included in the Red Book. In the forests of Burabay, one can find deer, wild boars, roe deer, ermines, pine martens, wolves and lynxes. Beautiful nature, fresh air, curative waters, and wonderful landscapes attract many tourists here.
In the small northern city of Kazakhstan, Petropavlovsk, we can visit the Residence of Abylai Khan. It is one of the first stone buildings in the upper part of the city. The history of this residence is connected with legends about the life of Khan Abylai, one of the first who initiated the unification of Kazakh lands.
South of Kazakhstan
In the south of the country, the must-see destination is Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. The city is located close to the snowy peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Its population is almost 2 million people. The tourists are attracted by its cozy green streets and numerous parks.
In Almaty, everyone will find activities and places according to their tastes: delightful parks for walking, authentic Soviet architecture, trendy shopping centers with chic restaurants and modern ski resorts. A beautiful view of the city opens from Kok Tobe Mountain, a favorite place of Almaty residents. You can get there by funicular from the square of the Palace of the Republic.
Those who are interested in the history of the city are recommended to visit its wonderful museums or take a walk in the park named after 28 Panfilovites and visit the famous Zenkov Cathedral, built by the great soviet architect.
Another popular place in the south of Kazakhstan is Turkestan, one of the most ancient cities in Central Asia. The first settlements on the site of the modern city appeared in the era of the Great Silk Road at the crossroad of caravan routes. Here in the 12th century the great Sufi poet and philosopher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi lived and was buried.
Thanks to his influence, the city became an important spiritual and educational center for the people of the Kazakh steppes. In addition to the mausoleum of Khoja Akhmed Yasavi, the main attractions of Turkestan include the mausoleum of Arystanbab, the reserve museum Azret Sultan, the tombs of the Kazakh khans and the biy Kazybek.
