He may have helped to put it on the map, but the real Kazakhstan couldn’t be more different from what Borat sold us! A world of multicultural, flourishing cities, dynamic landscapes, and natural history covering a million square miles, equal to the size of Western Europe.
If you’re contemplating a visit to Kazakhstan, as always, there are some important aspects to be considered before traveling:
- Think carefully about the season in which you want to visit, because although there are incredible things to do in Kazakhstan all year round, if you’re not a fan of the cold, up to -40ºc could make your trip somewhat unpleasant. Kazakhstani summers are warm with temperatures ranging between 20-30º, however, winters can be harsh and you’ll need to be prepared!
- Make sure you have a valid passport and Kazakhstan visa, if it applies to you, and get your currency (the Kazakhstani Tenge) sorted along with any additional travel paperwork you might need before departure. You don’t want to travel the distance to find out you can’t enter the country for lack of the correct Kazakhstan visa!
- Choose the right time to go depending on activities you might not want to miss including musical, sporting, cultural and traditional events, and festivities.
What to do in Kazakhstan
Mostly landlocked by neighboring countries China, Russia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, the only bordering body of water is the Caspian Sea. However, this does not signify a lack of things to do and see in Kazakhstan. Take a look at the following list of must-sees in Kazakhstan to plan your ultimate visit to the 9th largest country in the world.
1. Almaty and Astana Capital Cities
Kazakhstan is home to two large cities, both named as capital at one time or another. There is Almaty, the old capital, and the current, modern capital city of Astana. Both cities are worth a visit to see some of the splendid architecture that dominates both towns, ranging from rather more Soviet-era buildings spread around Almaty to the diverse, contemporary construction taking over Astana.
Take your time to explore both cities and visit the various parks, bazaars, mosques, museums and much more that are dotted around.
Don’t miss out on a chance to climb the Bayterek tower, a popular attraction in the form of a tree with a legendary golden egg atop, that gives breathtaking views of the current capital: Astana.
2. Kolsai Lakes
Take an excursion to see the exquisite Kolsai Lake National Park perked on the Tian Shan mountains. Within the Almaty region, these shimmering lakes offer a tranquil, nature-filled experience compared to the hustle and bustle of city life. There are four major lakes located at different altitudes, the most famous of which is the picturesque Lake Kaindy which was formed due to an earthquake in 1911.
3. Charyn Canyon
The colorful Charyn Canyon, also known as the Sharyn Canyon, runs alongside the Sharyn River and is a hugely popular area for adventure sports and fishing. The canyon is split into 5 areas, divided by their colors and different parts have been given various names based on the figures that can be seen in the rockfaces.
4. Bayanaul National Park
Founded in 1985, Bayanaul National Park is Kazakhstan’s first national park with the aim of protecting the region’s flora and fauna. A visit to Bayanaul allows travelers to swim in pristine lakes, cycle the rocky mountains and hike park trails.
For adventure travelers, an excursion to Bayanaul National Park is well worth the visit.
5. Winter Sports
For more active visitors who love the cooler weather and a little adrenaline rush, why not check out the different mountain ski resorts, the most popular being Shymbulak and Medeu. The latter is also home to an outdoor, high-altitude ice skating rink that has witnessed nearly 50 world records being set.
6. Baikonur Cosmodrome
The Baikonur Cosmodrome is the space launch facility constructed by the USSR initially as a test site for missiles but soon after modified to include a launch pad for space crafts. It now allows excited visitors to take a look around the museums and even, under special arrangement, witness a take-off from the only launch pad in the world that can still send astronauts to the International Space Station.
The Baikonur Cosmodrome’s main claim to fame is sending the very first man into space: Yuri Gagarin.
7. Music and Theater Scene
The cultural possibilities in Kazakhstan are endless but some of the most renowned activities are the musical and theatrical events that take place throughout the year.
Music-lovers and theater-goers alike will revel in the delights that Kazakhstan can offer at the State Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Astana.
8. Singing Dunes
Located in the Altyn Emel National Park, visitors will find a somewhat unusual natural phenomenon in the desert dunes, known as the Singing Dunes. The name comes from the organ-like sound that can be heard on windy days. There are various legends surrounding this curious occurrence including demons and supernatural forces.
The surrounding desert is a hub of rare plant and animal species, making the area of the Singing Dunes a must-see in Kazakhstan.
9. Turkistan
This Kazakhstani city is an archeological marvel with findings dating back to the 4th century. There are various historical sites and monuments from several epochs to transport visitors back in time so the history buff inside you can step into the past to get a real sensation of what it was like in times gone by.
Once part of the Silk Road, Turkistan is steeped in intriguing history and remains to this day a place of great religious importance.
10. Tamalgy
Lastly, but certainly not least, it’s highly recommended for visitors to take a trip to Tamalgy Canyon, where you can see petroglyphs decorating the walls of the gorge. These images range from the Bronze age all the way to recent centuries and cover a variety of topics. If you’ve ever wanted to see ancient rock paintings, Tamalgy is the place to go.
Why Visit Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country populated by several nationalities including Ukrainians, Russians, Germans, Uzbeks and the local population of Kazakhs. The country is covered by steppe, hills, snow-capped mountains and deserts, enjoys an abundance of wildlife, a rich history and a unique blend of cultures. So the question really is why not visit Kazakhstan?!
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