Top 16 Scenic Places To Visit In Kazakhstan | How To Reach | Best Time To Visit

Kazakhstan is a fascinating country for tourism. Tourism in Kazakhstan is a great mix of natural beauty, rich culture and modern attractions. The country's vast landscapes include the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, while the Charyn Canyon and the tranquil lakes of the Almaty region are also major tourist attractions.

Nur-Sultan (Astana) and Almaty are famous for their impressive architecture, lively markets and diverse cuisine. Tourists can explore the Silk Road World Heritage Site in Turkestan, which is a great place for adventure sports, hiking and skiing.

Kazakhstan's unique blend of nomadic traditions and contemporary lifestyle transports tourists to a different world. Kazakhstan's current improved infrastructure and hospitality are conducive to the rapidly growing tourism industry in Kazakhstan.

Here are the top tourist places to visit in Kazakhstan and how to reach them:

1. Almaty : The largest city in Kazakhstan

Main Attractions :

Medeu Skating Rink

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Kok-Tobe Hill

Big Almaty Lake

Mountain Views

How to Reach : The Almaty has International Airport which is well connected to major cities worldwide. You can also reach Almaty from nearby countries through train or bus.

2. Astana (Nur Sultan) : The Capital City

Main Attractions :

Bayterek Tower

Khan Shatyr

The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

How to Reach : Astana has Nursultan Nazarbayev International airport. which is well connected to major Global cities and Domestic cities. High speed trains and Buses are available to Astana from Almaty and other cities in the country.

3. Charyn Canyon : Grand Canyon of Central Asia

Main Attractions :

Red Rock Formations

Hiking Trails

How to Reach : It is located 200 km from Almaty and you can reach by road through car to tour bus and private taxi from almaty and will take around 3 to 4 hour to reach.

4. Lake Kaindy

Main Attractions :

Lake View

How to Reach : It is about 300 km from Almaty and best route is through Kolsai Lakes National Park and and you can reach there by rented vehicles and guided tours.

5. Kolsai Lakes

Main Attractions :

Lake View

How to Reach : It is located approximately 300 km to south east of Almaty and easily accessible by road via Saty village.

6. Turkestan : A Historic City

Main Attractions :

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

How to Reach : Turkestan has International Airport and has direct flights from Almaty and Astana and from some major cities outside the country. It is also easily accessible by train or bus from major cities in the country.

7. Baikonur Cosmodrome

Main Attractions :

Space Museum

Rocket Launch Viewing

How to Reach : Kyzylorda is the nearest domestic airport which is located in Southern area of Kazakhstan and having flights and train from Almaty. From there you can reach to Baikonur by road which is 200 km away.

8. Burabay National Park : Switzerland of Kazakhstan

Main Attractions :

Park View

How to Reach : It is located about 250 km from north of Astana and easily accessible by road through car and bus and trains are also available from Astana which take about 3 to 4 hour to reach.

Best Time To Visit

April To June (Spring) : Over all best season to visit Kazakhstan is from April to June, because at this time temperature is pleasant across all over country and steppes turn green and scenic. This time is ideal for sightseeing in Almaty, Astana, Shymkent and Turkestan. This season is also great for outdoor activities in Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake and Altyn Emel National Park. During this time the temperature ring is between 15°C to 25°C.

September To October (Autumn) : During this time the temperature ranges in between 10°C to 20°C and skies are clear with mild temperature. This temperature is perfect for hiking in Tien Mountains and visiting National Park. The mountains became beautiful golden in colour in this season. Also this time is best for tourist for Trekking, Photography and cultural events.

Main Festivals

1. Navruz (Nauryz Meyrami)

Significance : This is the main and most important festival in Kazakhstan which mark the Persian new year and arrival of the spring. Festival is celebrated on 21st or 23rd of March and this symbolise the renewal harmony and new beginning. In this festival the traditional kazakh food like Nauryz Kozhe has been made. Folk music dance and traditional games are performed during the festival.

2. Independence Day

Significance : This is the kazakhstans Independence Day from Soviet Union in 1991 celebrated on 16 December. During this festival Parade, Fireworks and Concerts are arranged publicly and historical exhibition with cultural programs are performed.

3. Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan Ait)

Significance : This festival is celebrated at the end of Ramdan.This festival include communal prayers, family gatherings and giving gift to each other and charity to poors.

4. Eid al-Adha (Kurban Ait)

Significance : Festival is celebrated by the Muslim. They gather together and performs prayer, sacrifice their animals and distribute Charity and meat to poor.