Kazakhstan tourism: Is Kazakhstan worth visiting? What is there to see and what are the things to do in Kazakhstan? Here are the 26 best places to visit in Kazakhstan: from the most beautiful landscapes and natural wonders to the best cities and most remarkable historical sites.
Although Kazakhstan is one of the 10 largest countries in the world, it’s still a destination that many travelers haven’t put on their bucket list.
After spending nearly 6 months on and off in the country, I can tell you that Kazakhstan is definitely worth visiting!
There are many hidden treasures in the country that will leave you in awe, whether it’s because of their beauty or their weirdness. And the best thing of all, tourism in Kazakhstan isn’t so big yet so you won’t have to share these beautiful places with many other travelers!
If you’re an intrepid traveler and like to explore cool, beautiful and unusual sites that people haven’t heard about before, then you should add this huge Central Asian country to your bucket list!
So what are the places to visit in Kazakhstan? Where should you go and what are the things to do in Kazakhstan?
With the help of 4 of my favorite friend-bloggers – who’ve also spent quite some time in the country – I made a list with all the points of interest and the must-see places in Kazakhstan.
Here are the best cities to go to, the most beautiful landscapes to see, the best national parks to hike in, and the most remarkable cultural and historical sites worth visiting.
Tip: See my Kazakhstan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides about Kazakhstan!
From surreal desert landscapes to high mountain lakes and life in a yurt camp, this 10-day Best of Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan journey takes you straight into the heart of Central Asia!
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11 beautiful places near Almaty (Southeast Kazakhstan)
The Almaty region is the most visited region of the country. It is very often the first city where travelers arrive and the majority of them don’t go beyond this part of the country – which is, to be honest, a shame as there are some incredible places in other parts of the country. You’ll find out when you continue reading this article.
The natural diversity of the Almaty region is amazing – from arid deserts and scenic canyons to lush valleys, snowcapped mountains, beautiful glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
Here’s an overview of the most beautiful and coolest places to visit near Almaty and in the Southeast of Kazakhstan. You’ll need about 10 to 15 days if you want to visit them all.
For every place, I added info on how to get there by public transport. However, some of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan are off the beaten path and having your own car will make a difference.
→ Compare prices and find the best rental car options in Kazakhstan here.
1. Almaty
Almaty is the former capital of Kazakhstan and the largest city of the country. It’s the gateway of many travelers who start their journey in the country or travel to the neighboring country Kyrgyzstan.
Almaty is a surprisingly modern city. It’s the scientific, cultural, historical, industrial and financial center of the country and by the looks of the number of banks, shopping malls and modern designs of the buildings, you can tell that there’s money invested in this city!
I often visited Almaty whenever I had to renew my visa for Kyrgyzstan, and I always enjoyed spending a couple of days here.
Fun fact: The name Almaty means comes from the Kazakh name ‘Alma-Ata’, which means ‘father of apples’. It is believed that the Almaty region is the birthplace of the first apple on earth.
According to a legend, the Garden of Eden was located somewhere in the city and the place where Adam picked the forbidden fruit.
Whether or not this Kazakhstan city was the Garden of Eden, Almaty surely has a spectacular beauty, being surrounded by the beautifully snow-capped Tian Shan mountains where you can find the last wild apple forests in the world.
How to get to Almaty:
Almaty is the Rome of Kazakhstan as all the roads in the country lead to this city. You can get there by train, minibus or by plane.
You can also travel from Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) to Almaty by minibus.
Read all the practical information about traveling to and around Almaty in The Ultimate Travel Guide to Kazakhstan
Where to stay in Almaty:
There are many lodging options in Almaty that can be used as a great base to visit nearby places, varying from budget hostels to high-end hotels.
👉 Here are some of the best places to stay in Almaty:
- Alladin Capsule Hotel → Great for solo travelers and backpackers
- D’Rami → Comfortable mid-range stay right in the heart of the city
- Apart Hotel Colibri → A beautifully designed hotel in a quiet area, within walking distance of the city center
Things to do in and around Almaty:
- Visit the Ascension/ Zenkov Cathedral
- Go people-watching at the Green Bazaar
- Enjoy a stroll through Panfilov Park
- Take a cable car to Kok Tobe
- Go on one of the many beautiful day trips and hikes around Almaty
- Top Tip: Go on a guided city walking tour to visit all the highlights in Almaty
2. Ile-Alatau National Park
The Ile-Alatau National Park is a beautiful national park located in the Trans-Ile Alatau mountains south of Almaty. The park was created in 1966 and is home to approximately 300 species of wildlife, including the snow leopard.
There are lots of hiking trails in the National Park that will bring you through woodlands and alpine meadows towards beautiful waterfalls, glaciers, and lakes.
The park is the perfect place to do some beautiful one-day hikes and treks if you want to get out of the city for a while.
The world’s largest outdoor ice-skating rank Medeu and Central Asia’s top skiing resort Chymbulak are located on the edge of the Ile-Alatau National Park in the Malaya Almatinka Valley.
Both are open from November to March and are very popular places for local winter sports lovers.
How to get to the Ile-Alatau National Park from Almaty:
If you want to go skiing or ice-skating in Medeo and Shymbulak or you’d like to do a couple of hikes in the National Park, you have to take bus #12 from the center of Almaty to Medeu. I usually take the bus at Dostyk Plaza. You can also go on a guided day hiking trip to the National Park.
If you’re planning a multiple-day hike, you’re allowed to camp in the National Park. Bring warm clothes, proper trekking, and camping gear and don’t leave any traces (take your trash with you!!)
3. Big Almaty Lake
Another beautiful spot in the Ile-Alatau National Park is Big Almaty Lake.
Big Almaty Lake is easily the most famous and recognizable lake in Kazakhstan. Situated extremely close to Almaty, it can strangely feel like worlds away from city life when you arrive in the mountains to the lake.
Known for its ever-changing blue and teal hues, the lake is located very close to the border of Kyrgyzstan- a border that you used to be able to cross on foot but is now off-limits to trekkers. Big Almaty Lake supplies drinking water to the residents of Almaty and you are prohibited from swimming in its vivid waters.
There are several hiking opportunities in the area, including Big Almaty Peak, a pyramid-shaped mountain that protrudes from behind the lake and is visible within the city, as well.
The Big Almaty Lake is a can’t-miss for those visiting Almaty and want to see some of the city’s best nature.
How to get to Big Almaty Lake from Almaty:
Getting to the lake is fairly easy. You can either rent a car for the day, take a taxi, or book a tour to get there. You can’t reach the lake by car anymore – unless you go by tour – so you need to walk the last 5km to get there.
Bring your passport, some water and snacks, and proper hiking boots when going to Big Almaty Lake.
4. Issyk Lake
Photo by Megan Starr
Nestled in the mountains, the picturesque Issyk Lake is also part of the Ile-Alatau National Park and is fed by the Issyk River. The lake is often confused with Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.
The lake was created by an ancient natural landslide damming the valley and then was covered up by another natural landslide destroying it in 1963.
Eventually, man stepped in and created the lake again. The mountain views, pristine nature, and Soviet relics in the area make this lake a can’t miss in Kazakhstan.
Read: Lake Issyk: A Turquoise Slice of History and Pleasure Near Almaty
How to get to Issyk Lake from Almaty:
Issyk Lake can be reached by taking a bus from Almaty to Esik and catching a taxi from there into the mountains or by private vehicle.
If you have an off-roading vehicle, you can drive around the lake to the river on the backside of it and there are some cozy picnic spots and views.
It takes about 2 hours to reach the lake. You can either rent a car or book a day tour to Issyk Lake.
5. Turgen Gorge
The Turgen Gorge is also part of the Ile Alatau National Park. This beautiful gorge is a real paradise for hikers and is home to dense forests, alpine meadows, lakes, hot springs, and seven waterfalls.
You can go on some stunning hikes or visit the gorge on a mountain bike or on horseback. Here’s a great hiking guide to the Turgen Gorge.
How to get to Turgen Gorge from Almaty:
The Turgen Gorge is located 80km east of Almaty. You can get there by renting a car, or by taking a bus from Almaty to Esik and catching a taxi to the village of Turgen.
The entrance to the Gorge is near the village. Here’s a great detailed guide on how to get there.
You can also go on a guided day tour to Turgen Gorge.
6. Kolsai Lakes
The Kolsai Lakes are a system of three lakes, nestled among the hills of the Northern Tien Shan Mountains, approximately 300km east of Almaty.
They are also called “The Pearl of the Northern Tien Shan” and after visiting the lakes, I totally get why! They are definitely some of the most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan!
The 3 lakes are so clear that, when the sun is out, the surrounding forests, hills, and snowy mountain peaks are mirrored in the water.
The two lower lakes, Kolsai 1 and Kolsai 2 are surrounded by spruce trees, alpine meadows, and mountain pastures. Kolsai 1 is at an altitude of 1000m while the second lake lies at an altitude of 2500m.
Grassy slopes replace the spruce forests on the hills surrounding the third lake, which is at an altitude of 2700m. The three lakes are connected by a hiking trail.
How to get to the Kolsai Lakes:
It’s a 6-hour drive from Almaty to the Kolsai Lakes National Park.
For a detailed description and map on how to get there by public transportation or by rental car, read the Complete Travel Guide to the Kolsai Lakes.
The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour. You can do it as a day trip, but with a 4 to 5-hour drive from Almaty, it makes for a long day. Staying overnight on a 2-day tour is a much better experience.
👉 The Kolsai Lakes are also part of my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan Tour
Where to stay near the Kolsai Lakes:
You can camp in the Kolsai Lakes National Park or stay at one of the following places in the nearby village of Saty:
- Aruna Guesthouse → stay with a local family
- Kolsay Nest Aframe → spend the night in a nice A-frame cabin
- Perizat → overnight stay at a cottage
From surreal desert landscapes to high mountain lakes and life in a yurt camp, this 10-day Best of Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan journey takes you straight into the heart of Central Asia!
7. Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is at an altitude of 2000m and geologically very young. This 400m long lake was formed in 1911 after an earthquake triggered an enormous limestone landslide, which formed a natural dam in the gorge that was covered by spruce trees. Water started flooding the basin and submerging the forest.
The dried-out trunks of the trees rise above the surface of the water, looking like the masts of sunken ships.
The lake is almost 30 m deep and if you look underwater, which is very easy because the water is very clear, you can still see the needles on the submerged trunks. Due to the cold temperatures, the trees were naturally frozen and well preserved in the water.
You could go diving in this lake to see its unique beauty, but brace yourself for the cold! The temperature of the lake is a maximum of 6ºC in summer!
How to get to Lake Kaindy:
Lake Kaindy is only 36 kilometers away from the Kolsai Lakes National Park so you can visit both if you have your own transport.
For a detailed map and description of how to get there by public transport or by rental car, read my Travel Guide to Lake Kaindy.
The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour. You can do it as a day trip, but with a 4 to 5-hour drive from Almaty, it makes for a long day. Staying overnight on a 2-day tour, combined with the Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon (see below) is a much better experience.
👉 Lake Kaindy is also part of my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan Tour
Where to stay near Lake Kaindy:
There’s a designated camping spot near Lake Kaindy or stay at one of the following places in the nearby village of Saty:
- Aruna Guesthouse → stay with a local family
- Kolsay Nest Aframe → spend the night in a nice A-frame cabin
- Perizat → overnight stay at a cottage
8. Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is part of the Charyn National Park and stretches 154km along the Charyn River, one of the deepest rivers of the Northern Tien Shan mountains.
For more than 12 million years, wind, water and sand sculpted Charyn’s red sandstone to form the wonderful shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown.
Some of the cliffs resemble fantastical figures, the reason why some parts of the canyon are also called the Valley of Castles, the Devil’s Gorge and the Ghosts Gorge.
The Charyn Canyon consists of 5 different canyons: the Valley of Castles, the Temirlik Canyon, the Yellow Canyon, the Red Canyon and the Bestamak Canyon.
The Valley of Castles is the most famous part of the Charyn Canyon that you can visit in one day but if you can spare an extra couple of days, you can hike around or explore them all with a 4×4 vehicle.
How to get to Charyn Canyon:
It’s a 4-hour trip from Almaty to Charyn Canyon.
For a detailed description and map on how to get there by public transportation or by rental car, read my Travel Guide to Charyn Canyon.
The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour. You can do it as a day trip, but with a 4-hour drive from Almaty, it makes for a long day. Staying overnight on a 2-day tour, combined with the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy (see above) is a much better experience.
👉 Charyn Canyon is also part of my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan Tour
The easiest way to get there is by going on a 2-day tour to Charyn Canyon, combined with a visit to the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy.
Where to stay in Charyn Canyon:
You’re allowed to camp in the canyon but be careful not to pitch your tent on a cliff!
9. Altyn-Emel National Park
The Altyn-Emel National Park is a huge place with unusual landscapes like the white, red and orange Aktau hills and archaeological attractions such as the Terekty Petroglyphs and the 31 Scythian tombs.
The most famous part of the National Park are the Singing Dunes, huge sand dunes that make the low vibrating sound of an engine when the wind moves the sand.
You can visit the Altyn-Emel National Park in one day but you can also take 2 days to explore the area.
How to get to Altyn-Emel National Park:
The Altyn-Emel National Park is a 4-hour drive from Almaty. Best way to get there is by renting a car.
Another option is to go on a guided tour, solely to Altyn-Emel or combined with a visit to Charyn Canyon and the Lakes (see above).
Where to stay in Altyn-Emel National Park:
There are a few guesthouses in the nearby village of Kalinino:
- Caravanserai Campsite → stay in a yurt or caravan
- Comfort Altyn-Emel → comfortable room in a guesthouse
- Kausar → spend the night in a yurt
10. The sacred sanctuary of Tamgaly-Tas
Tamgaly-Tas was an open-air sanctuary where religious rituals were held. People used to come here to recharge themselves with energy and health and it was also a sacred place where Buddhists came to pray and meditate.
Tamgaly-Tas means ‘written rocks’ and is named after the series of rocks and boulders that are carved and painted with incredibly beautiful images of Buddha, bodhisattvas and Tibetan scriptures.
The Buddhas of Tamgaly-Tas can’t be mistaken with the petroglyphs of Tamgaly, a historical site with ancient carvings from the Bronze Age. The Tamgaly Petroglyphs can be found 150km west of Almaty while Tamgaly-Tas is located 170km to the northwest of Almaty.
How to get to Tamgaly-tas:
It’s a 4-hour drive to get from Almaty to Tamgaly-Tas. However, you can’t get there by public transport.
You can only reach the place by renting a car, or by going on a day tour.
11. Nomad’s Land
Nomad’s Land is an area in the middle of the Kazakh steppe that sits along the Ili River. From photos and at first glance, people may not realize what the place is as it looks like a historical find in the middle of the barren landscape, but it is actually a film set that was left abandoned from the Kazakh/French movie “Nomad”.
The epic movie is from 2005 and its plot is centered around 18th-century Kazakhstan. The movie was apparently a little lackluster, but the area that it was set in is anything but! The film set never gained much recognition and still is relatively unknown, but Instagram photo opportunities have brought it a bit of attention in recent years.
It isn’t easy to reach, on the other hand. You will need private transportation (or an organized tour) and an off-roading vehicle to get out to it. Once you arrive, there is a small tent selling plov and other local delights and someone who charges for entrance to the film set. The fee is minuscule and worth paying.
You are able to peruse the set and take photos, but the real gem is the scenery. The Ili River is quiet, clean, and clear and completely breathtaking.
I loved the drive out there and the scenery once there far more than the film set, but both are worth a visit. Pack a nice picnic, put on some sunscreen, and take a trip to Nomad’s Land!
How to get to Nomad’s Land
It’s a 4-hour drive to get from Almaty to Nomad’s Land but you can’t get there by public transport.
You can only reach the place with your own (off-road vehicle), by renting a car and/or driver, or by going on a day tour combined with Tamgaly-Tas (see above).
🌍 Plan Your Trip to Kazakhstan & Central Asia
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6 cool and remarkable places to visit around Shymkent (South Kazakhstan)
The southern part of Kazakhstan is very different from the other regions in the country. It’s the most Kazakh part of Kazakhstan so this is the region where you can experience the Kazakh culture at its best.
One of the largest trade routes of the Great Silk Road used to pass through this area so it’s also a region of Kazakhstan where you can visit the marvelous constructions that were built during the years of the silk trade.
There’s also a big influence from the Uzbek culture as South Kazakhstan shares a border with Uzbekistan. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan is only 120 km away from Shymkent so many travelers briefly stop in Shymkent before continuing their overland travels to Uzbekistan.
I’d say it’s worth it to take at least 4 days to explore Shymkent and the beautiful mausoleums and unique sites in the Turkestan Region.
1. Shymkent
Shymkent was the city where I took a little break from the road after a 2-week road trip through the Kazakh steppes. Shymkent is the gateway to the heartland of Kazakhstan’s spirituality: Turkestan.
Although Turkestan’s Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is the main draw for most people, Shymkent offers a surprisingly pleasant stopover for people willing to linger.
To see, walk through the main bazaar. Once word gets out that foreigners are afoot, jolly ladies will pull you into their stall to ask you a million and one questions.
Beware, these ladies can be cheeky (in a good way): one woman inquired as to the availability of my grandfather!
I recommend you take some time to just wander around the bazaar and other areas of Shymkent or book a walking tour around the city and visit its highlights.
How to get to Shymkent:
You can reach Shymkent by train from Almaty or by plane from Astana.
The bus is the cheapest way of getting around but I’d say that the train is the most comfortable way to travel in Kazakhstan. You can check the train schedules and book train tickets here.
Where to stay in Shymkent:
There are many lodging options in Shymkent that can be used as a great base to visit nearby places, varying from budget hostels to high-end hotels.
👉 Here are some of the best places to stay in Shymkent:
- Sweet Home Art Boutique → Great for solo travelers and backpackers
- Cosmopolitan Hotel → Comfortable mid-range stay right in the heart of the city
- Ramada by Wyndham Shymkent → If you’re craving some affordable luxury
2. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
The Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia. It is named after the river that runs through it – the Aksu and the Zhabagly mountain range.
The park offers gorgeous golden fields, steep gorges, crystalline blue waters, and some interesting rock formations.
“Aksu” means “white water” in Kazakh, so named for the blue glacial water fueling the river. The river is icy cold most of the year, but brave souls can find places to swim if they so choose.
The park is quite large, and it’s possible to visit for several days. If you want to attempt this, though, it’s best to do so with a guide; there are no well-marked trails.
How to get to the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve from Shymkent:
You can get from Shymkent to the park by taking a mashrutka (minibus). They leave once a day in the morning (around 9 am) from the Aina Bazaar in Shymkent to the village of Zhabagly.
It’s a 2-hour ride and you’ll arrive near the entrance of the park. However, you can’t enter the park on your own.
You have to book a ranger at Zhabagly, which costs around $20 per day, including transportation.
3. The Aisha Bibi Mausoleum
The Aisha Bibi is a beautiful 11th or 12th-century mausoleum in the village of Aisha Bibi. It is the only monument in Central Asia that is fully covered with carved terracotta tilework and is admired for its unique construction and decorative art.
Aisha Bibi is the subject of a popular legend in Kazakhstan. An ancient ruler constructed the monument for a young woman named Aisha with whom he fell in love. She was killed by a snake while attempting to go against her parents’ wishes to be with him. It’s basically a ‘Romeo & Juliette’ story.
This mausoleum became the local monument for faith and eternal love and is seen as a sacred talisman. Many young couples come here on their wedding day to attract good luck and eternal love in their lives. If you visit the mausoleum, you’ll see many wedding couples being photographed here.
How to get to Aisha Bibi from Shymkent or Taraz:
Aisha Bibi is located at 8km from Taraz, on the main road to Shymkent. You can take the minibus from Taraz to Shymkent and tell the driver that you want to stop in Aisha Bibi or you could take a taxi or rent a car.
If you’re coming from Shymkent, take the minibus to Taraz and get off in Aisha Bibi.
4. Arystan Bab Mausoleum
Legends tell that the mystic Arystan Bab was the mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and by tradition, a pilgrimage to Yasawi’s mausoleum in Turkestan should be preceded by a visit to the mausoleum of Arystan Bab.
It’s an impressive building, originating from the 14th-century. It’s framed by two domed minarets and the carpet-draped tomb of Arystan Bab is in a small room to the left of the entrance. The room is constantly filled with praying believers and pilgrims.
The mausoleum is surrounded by hundreds of tombs of devout Muslims who wished to be close to Arystan Bab. It’s important that when you visit the site, you stay quiet and respectful and you should dress modestly (no shorts or tops).
How to get to Arystan Bab:
The Mausoleum is close to the village of Kogam but you can only get there by car.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you could take a taxi from Shymkent or Turkestan or try to hitchhike.
Where to stay in Arystan Bab:
There’s a hotel across the road from the mausoleum. The Arystan Bab Hotel offers very cheap accommodation if you don’t mind sleeping on the floor in one of the yurts. There are also basic bedrooms.
5. Turkistan
Turkistan was one of the most important commercial centers of the Silk Road. The city was founded over 15 centuries ago and is now the historical center of Kazakhstan’s culture.
Turkistan is now known for the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a Turkic Sufi saint who was the first man to introduce the Islam religion in Central Asia.
His mausoleum attracts yearly thousands of pilgrims. It was designed by Amir Timur, who also has other spectacular architectural creations in Uzbekistan.
How to get to Turkistan from Shymkent:
Turkistan is about 3.5 hours by train from Shymkent. You can also go on a guided day tour from Shymkent.
Where to stay in Turkistan:
👉 Here are some of the best places to stay in Turkistan:
- Guest House 77 → Great for solo travelers and backpackers
- Yasawi Inn Boutique→ Comfortable boutique stay for mid-range budget
- Karavanseray Turkistan Harbour Hotel → If you want the full experience in the heart of Turkistan
6. The Lost City of Sauran
My good friend and world traveler João Leitão recommended me to visit Sauran, also known as Sawran or Sawran, an ancient city about 45 km north from Turkistan city along the road to Kyzylorda.
The original walls surrounding the old town are still in excellent conditions, almost intact, and in some places, it is even possible to climb to the top and enjoy the view.
The first historical reference of Sauran dates from the tenth century, but the ruins we see today were established between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries.
It gained fame to be one of the most magnificent castles of Kazakhstan, having escaped the Mongol destruction and having even served as capital to the Horde of the White Mongol.
Later, Sauran became a fortress of Timur. It was from Sauram that the building materials of the famous Yasavi Mausoleum came. It was abandoned gradually, and consequently entirely desertified by the year 1515.
How to get to Sauran:
You can get to Sauran from Turkestan by taxi. It’s about 3000 tenge to get there and back.
If you leave from Kyzylorda, you can take a minibus and ask the driver to drop you off at the site. You can also return to Kyzylorda by bus or hitch a ride towards Turkestan.
Another option is to take a multi-day guided tour and visit Sauran together with Turkestan and other great Silk Road places in Kazakhstan.
9 Other remarkable, weird and unusual places to visit in Kazakhstan
Like I’ve mentioned in the introduction, Kazakhstan is a huge place with many scenic places and it would take weeks, if not months, to visit all the points of interest that are scattered around the country.
The two regions that are mentioned above – South Kazakhstan and Southeast Kazakhstan – are the most popular regions for travelers as the top places in these areas aren’t too far away from each other so you can visit them in a couple of weeks.
However, if you have more time or if you’re on a road trip with your own vehicle, it’s also worth visiting the more off-the-beaten-path regions like North, East and West Kazakhstan.
Here’s an overview of some other remarkable and unusual places that you can find in these regions of Kazakhstan.
1. Nur-Sultan (previously known as Astana)
Nur-Sultan, previously known as Astana, is the futuristic capital city of Kazakhstan. The city was granted capital city status in 1997 as it was moved north from Almaty. As of March 2019, the name of the capital changed from Astana to Nur-Sultan in honor of the ex-president.
Located in the middle of the vast and barren Kazakh steppe, the city is now home to over one million residents and is the second coldest capital city in the world!
The planned city was designed and built by several world-class architects and can be a little confusing to tourists who are not enamored by modern architecture, however.
On the other hand, new businesses, museums, and entertainment centers are opening constantly and the development in Nur-Sultan is remarkable.
The city even held the EXPO in 2017 and has garnered a lot of attention since.
When in Nur-Sultan, don’t miss visiting the Baiterek, the city’s symbol, where you can ride to the top and get a glimpse over the city. Also be sure to take a trip to Khan Shatyr, a transparent tented entertainment center and mall that opened in 2016.
There are a lot of things to do in Nur-Sultan and the city is ever-changing- so definitely add it to your Kazakhstan itinerary!
I would also highly recommend going on a guided city tour in Nur-Sultan!
How to get to Nur-Sultan:
As Nur-Sultan is Kazakhstan’s capital, you can get there by every means of transportation. The easiest and fastest ways to get there are by airplane or by train.
Where to stay in Nur-Sultan:
There are many accommodation options in Nur-Sultan, from budget hostels to high-end hotels.
👉 Here are some of the best places to stay in Nur-Sultan:
- Hostel Nomad 4×4 → Great for solo travelers and backpackers
- Belon Land→ Beautiful hotel, ideal for mid-range budget travelers
- Ramada by Wyndham Astana → If you want luxury at an affordable price
2. Karaganda
Karaganda is a city in central Kazakhstan that has around 450,000 people residing in it.
The city may not be on the radar of most travelers, but that doesn’t mean that it should be ignored if you are really interested in learning more about Kazakhstan’s history and its role in several 20th-century events.
Karaganda is industrial and known for its regional coal mining. In order to maintain this prosperous coal mining industry, Soviet gulags were established in Karaganda.
One of the most renowned gulags was in Karaganda and it shaped the city’s history and today’s modern society.
The city is brimming with ethnic Germans as a result. While many left as Germany allowed them to repatriate decades later, the city is still known for its German history and the gulags the Germans were placed in under Stalin.
This history aside, the city is presently a fascinating place and there is an abundance of Soviet architecture to keep travelers occupied and enthralled for days.
Read more: Karaganda, a fascinating city in Kazakhstan
How to get to Karaganda:
You can reach Karaganda by marshrutka, car, plane, or train.
You can also go on a 2-day guided tour from Nur-Sultan.
Where to stay in Karaganda:
Recommended hotels in Karaganda:
3. Kostanay
Kostanay is a city located in the far north of Kazakhstan and is as remote as it is cold (during the winter, of course).
I went there in 2013 on a very long overnight train from Astana and had a blast despite not really knowing too much about the city of just over 200,000 people.
Located close to the Russian border, Kostanay’s population does appear to be more ethnic Russians than Kazakhs. The city is sleepy and there is not much going on there despite the fairly sizeable population.
During the winter months, the city builds an entire entertainment area out of ice, including a large slide that kids and adults both enjoy playing on.
There are several newer buildings in the city and there is also a mosque and synagogue located across the street from each other which stand peacefully.
One of the most famous sites in the city is this one in the photo of a girl on her laptop on a bench.
It is common to see locals (or tourists like myself) taking selfies and pictures with it.
Kostanay is truly off-the-path Kazakhstan. You will be hard-pressed to find someone who has been there, let alone heard of it.
How to get there:
You can reach Kostanay by marshrutka, car, plane, or train.
Where to stay in Kostanay:
There are some nice hostels and hotels in Kostanay. Check them out here.
There are also some very unusual towns and places of interest in West & Central Kazakhstan:
4. The abandoned seaport of Aralsk
During our road trip through the endless featureless deserts of Kazakhstan, we came across Aralsk, a small and dusty town in the middle of nowhere.
Looking at its dry surroundings, it was hard to imagine that this sleepy town used to be a booming fisherman town. As far and wide we could look, we didn’t see anything that resembled a sea or even a small lake.
However, 60 years ago, Aralsk was located on the coast of 4th largest lake in the world – the Aral Sea.
Some ambitious Soviet planners wanted to turn Central Asia into the world’s largest producer of cotton. They diverted the two rivers that were feeding the Aral Sea in such a way that the water would irrigate the desert where cotton could be grown for future exports.
As a result, the Aral Sea started drying up and now there’s barely 10% left of it.
What was once a flourishing seaport was now a sad and abandoned place, a reminder of a plan that had gone wrong.
You can still visit this abandoned seaport, although it isn’t a place that will make you feel happy.
We also tried to visit the ship graveyard near Zhalanash, a small town 65km away from Aralsk but in the last two years, most of the ships have been almost completely dismantled for scrap metal.
The only place where you can still find a proper ship graveyard is in Moynaq, Uzbekistan.
How to get to the ship graveyard in Aralsk:
You can reach Aralsk by car or train. You can only get to the ship graveyard in Zhalanash if you travel with your own vehicle.
Where to stay:
There are about 4 hotels in Aralsk but you can’t book them online. I paid $13 for a private room.
5. Baikonur
Located in the steppe of Kazakhstan, right in the middle of nowhere, Baikonur is a very Soviet town, pretty ugly in my opinion, with one peculiarity: it is where the Russian Cosmodrome was built.
For those who don’t know, the Cosmodrome in Baikonur is like the Russian NASA. Here is where the famous dog Laika came from and also, where the first man to space was sent from.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, when Kazakhstan became an independent republic, as a part of a monetary agreement, Baikonur became under Russian administration.
That is why, today, in Baikonur, they use the Russian ruble, most cars have Russian license plates and most people living there are ethnically Russian.
However, visiting the Cosmodrome requires a special permit which is very expensive to obtain and, unfortunately, you can’t visit Baikonur town without this permit.
To be honest, there is not much to see in Baikonur Town, besides a couple of astronaut statues and a real, old rocket! But, if you like real off-beat stuff, the experience is really worth it!
How to get to Baikonur:
You can reach Baikonur by car or by train but you can only visit the town and the Cosmodrome on a guided tour with prices starting at $700.
6. Atyrau
Located in the most Western part of Kazakhstan and, practically, only visited by those travelers overlanding to or from Russia, Atyrau is a very strange town.
Atyrau was my first stop coming from Uzbekistan, after a 4-month trip through Central Asia, so when I saw all those modern buildings and fancy hotels, it was sort of a cultural shock to me…
The reason is that Atyrau is an oil-rich town, very wealthy, and home to some of the largest oil reserves in Kazakhstan, hence in the world.
From modern cafés to expensive Irish pubs filled with expats, this was not the idea I had of an off-the-beaten-track city in Kazakhstan.
But this was not all.
Atyrau is one of the main towns that the Ural River goes through, the third-longest river in Europe, after the Danube and the Volga.
However, the cool thing about the Ural River is that it is the official border between Europe and Asia, so in Atyrau, you can cross from Asia to Europe in a matter of seconds, over the many bridges that you will find across the city.
How to get to Atyrau:
You can reach Atyrau by plane, by car or by train.
Where to stay in Atyrau:
Check out the different hostels and hotels in Atyrau here.
7. Aktau
Aktau was the first city in Kazakhstan I stayed in after crossing the Caspian Sea from Azerbaijan by cargo ship.
I had a very similar experience as Joan had in Atyrau – it was a very strange city!
Aktau, located in the South West of Kazakhstan, was built in the 1960’s in the desert of Mangyshlak, a very harsh, dry and dusty place for an urban settlement.
It was built from scratch and somehow they managed to make it into a very modern city.
It’s impressive when you realize that it took many years to grow some vegetation in the city when it used to be a desolated and waterless desert. The only way that the people were able to plant a tree or plants was by drilling the earth and watering them every day for many years before the plants even took root and grew.
Aktau is also the only city in the world that lives entirely on seawater, which gets desalinated with the help of a nuclear reactor…
There are a few things to see here as Aktau has several cultural centers, a concert hall, and some interesting architectural ensembles. There are also some sandy beaches where you can relax, although they aren’t the cleanest.
How to get to Aktau:
You can reach Aktau by plane, by train, and by car. Most travelers end up here before or after crossing the Caspian Sea by boat.
Where to stay in Aktau:
Aktau has a small variety of hostels and hotels. Check them out here.
8. Mangystau
The Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan feels like stepping onto another planet. Vast desert landscapes stretch endlessly, shaped by wind and time into dramatic white cliffs, canyons, and rock formations that look almost unreal.
Places like Bozzhyra, with its towering limestone peaks rising from the steppe, are unlike anything else in Central Asia: raw, remote, and incredibly photogenic!
What makes these landscapes even more fascinating is their geological history. Millions of years ago, this entire region was covered by an ancient sea.
As the water gradually receded, it left behind layers of limestone and sediment that were slowly carved into today’s striking formations by erosion, wind, and extreme temperature changes.
The result is a landscape filled with sharp ridges, sculpted cliffs, and vast plateaus that shift in color throughout the day, from bright white under the midday sun to soft golden tones at sunrise and sunset.
But what makes Mangystau truly special isn’t just its landscapes, it’s the feeling of complete isolation. There are no crowds, no marked trails, and very little infrastructure. It’s the kind of place where you watch the sun rise over an empty horizon, drive for hours without seeing another soul, and feel completely immersed in the vastness of nature.
How to get to Mangystau:
Most trips start from Aktau. From there, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle and a local driver or guide, as roads are often unpaved and navigation can be challenging. The easiest and safest way to explore the region is by joining a multi-day guided tour, which typically includes transport, camping equipment, and visits to the main highlights.
8. The Underground Mosque of Beket-Ata
Beket-Ata was an important Sufi who chose to live in seclusion in the desert of West Kazakhstan. He built 4 underground mosques and a madrassa in the Mangystau region and the underground mosque Beket-Ata became his last refuge and burial place.
The Beket-Ata underground mosque is a spiritual, historical and architectural monument. Beket-Ata used to be a healer and his burial place became an important pilgrimage site for Kazakh Muslims. It is said that after visiting his grave and mosques, you’ll be cured of all your illnesses.
I didn’t visit the mosque as it was out of my way. It’s also not so easy to reach and you literally travel to the middle of nowhere. However, it does sound like a very unique place and you’ll also get to meet the Kazakh people and get a look into their daily lives on the steppes.
How to get there:
Caravanistan has a detailed description of how to get to the underground mosque by car.
I wish you an amazing time in Kazakhstan! I’m always happy to hear about your experiences and if you came across a special or beautiful place that you think should be added to this list, please let me know in the comments below or contact me!
Related Posts:
Mangystau Kazakhstan: Complete Travel Guide (2026) to Bozzhyra, Torysh, Sherkala & More
Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2026 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia
How to visit Turkistan Kazakhstan’s spiritual and historical center
The Complete Hiking Guide to Sayram Ugam National Park, one of the most beautiful Kazakhstan National Parks
19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City
The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2026
More KAZAKHSTAN TRAVEL Resources:
- The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
- The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
- Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
- Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
- The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
- Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
- Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
- Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
- Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
- Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
- Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
- A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty
A great guide with step by step details. Will e great help with Iplan to the Country. Thank you
Ashfaq from UK
Thank you Ashfaq!
Thank you for writing such a thorough article! This was very helpful! You have a new follower here! (:
Thank you Charity 🙂
Hi, thank you so much! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the article and photos!!
Great article – Thanks for the tips Cynthia!
Thank you Zandy!
Very much helpful as I’ve started exploring places to visit in Kazakhstan. However I was hoping to get some info about the North easter side of the country. Have you been to karkaraly national park?
Hi Sourav, no, I haven’t been to the Karkaraly National Park yet so unfortunately I can’t provide any info on that.
FOund this to be such an informative guide as I’m planning my solo trip on the silk road journey. Thank you for keeping it updated it’s so useful.
Hi Ghaz, thanks so much! 🙂
Visit us! in Korgalzhin this summer promises to be overloaded with birds
Once we’re allowed to travel again, we’ll return to Central Asia and Kazakhstan 🙂
It is so interesting for Kazakh people also. I am traveling in our country but you go everywhere. Congrats. Thank you for sharing to the world Kazakhstan. I am living in Almaty. If you will come again please call me +77760000585 Rauan
Thank you Rauan, it’s my pleasure 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for reading Jewel! 🙂
Beautiful pictures. Looks like heaven on earth…..
Thank you Jili! The landscapes of Kyrgyzstan are definitely heavenly!! We’re looking forward to returning there next week!
Great writing…Love from Brussels!
Thank you!! 🙂
Very nice list. And overall a nice journey.
But I miss the Altai Region in the North-East of Kazakhstan.
We have currently been around Ridder and did some hikes…. So beautiful and less touristic. And you do not need a border permit for West Altai.
Wish you a lot of fun on your journey. Maybe we’ll met in Kyrgyzstan, since I’ll be there from the 7th of September
Greetings David
Hi David, thanks for your recommendation! I haven’t been to the Altai Region myself but heard that it is indeed very beautiful!
And yes, maybe we’ll meet in Kyrgyzstan! Wishing you a beautiful trip!!
Simply GREAT ! I’m planning to reach my daughter who lives in Sydney AU, traveling overland as you are doing. I found you searching for a boat trip to cross Caspian Sea. I can’t wait to start my journey from Turin-Italy. maybe we will meet somewhere in Eastern Asia as I travel faster than you do because of my job. I will follow you from now on you Journal Of Nomads. Have a great journey, take care and enjoy it.
Thank you Andreas!! When are you starting your journey and how are you going to travel overland? By car? Already wishing you a great journey and who knows, our paths might cross!!
What a awesome post and article you shared.. This place looks really incredible and you shared awesome list to go in Kazakhstan. So stunning pictures. Thank you so much for sharing this post..
Hi, thank you so much! I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed the article and photos!!
If i have to select which one is best among 25 places, i would go for all of them. Seriously each place is having own beauty and i just lived the destination through your blog. If i get opportunity to travel overseas i am definitely going to visit Kazakhstan.
Hi! Thank you so much for your nice comment! I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling inspired to visit Kazakhstan!
These photos are just stunning! I’m not really familiar with the place, but looking at these photos makes me think about the middle east. I went to Egypt at couple of years ago, and the weather was unbearably hot. How’s the weather there? Having stayed in the UK all my life, has really given me so little perspective even if I do work at the escorts gallery at the Museum of London culture and art can only go so far, hopefully I’d be able to experience adventures like this soon.
Hi Rebecca, thank you!! Kazakhstan is very hot during the summer, especially in the steppes (+ 40 degrees Celcius) but it snows and gets really cold in winter.
it’s a destination worth visiting, and I’m sure you’d be mesmerized by the culture you find in Central Asia 🙂 I hope you can visit this beautiful part of the world as well!
So amazing! Love the story and the pictures are incredible.
Thank you Lucyann! Are you planning on visiting Kazakhstan soon?