The Best Places to Visit in Kazakhstan, Things to Do And More

A landlocked treasure steeped in culture, filled with breathtaking landscapes and a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, each brick telling stories of a bustling trade route that once was – that’s Kazakhstan.

Affectionately named “The Land of the Great Steppe”, because of its vast open steppes and distinct multiethnic character, this enormous Central Asian country is an extraordinary gem of a destination, particularly for travellers who love exploring history and culture.

If you are looking to take a unique off-beat seasonal vacation this year, Kazakhstan is your place.

Here we dive deeper into the main attractions, things to do and places to visit in Kazakhstan.

How to Travel to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is directly accessible via flights from a few major cities in India including New Delhi and Mumbai. You can book cheap flights to Kazakhstan a few months ahead, to Nur-Sultan (Astana) and Almaty – two of the major cities in the country to get the best deals on interesting Kazakhstan tour packages and the best hotels in Kazakhstan.

Within the country, you can look for local flights, buses, trains or private taxis to go sightseeing independently or travel from one place to another.

Weather: The Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

Places to visit in Kazakhstan — A picturesque mountain plateau in the Almaty region in southeast Kazakhstan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/MaxZolotukhin

Kazakhstan has four distinct seasons throughout the year, with spring and fall being the most beautiful. Summer and winter bring extreme temperatures ranging from 40°C during June to August, to -20°C in winter during December to February. The most intense weather is typically experienced around the central steppe and the capital city of Astana.

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the fleeting seasons between the intense heat and cold. April to May in spring, and September to October in fall usually bring the best weather for exploring and sightseeing with sporadic rainfall.

Interesting Kazakhstan tour packages will let you explore the best of Kazakhstan: places to visit, things to do, unmissable experiences, and more.

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Places to Visit in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan boasts a myriad of tourist attractions and places to visit, including modern bustling cities and stunning natural landscapes. The place is also home to historical sites brimming with rich stories of previous settlements and trade. Located in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan offers a unique tapestry of scenic beauty and aesthetic architecture that appeals to all types of travellers. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the culture, or to connect with nature, the magical land has it all.

Here are some of the most notable places to visit in Kazakhstan.

Almaty

Almaty, the biggest city in Kazakhstan, once its capital, is a must-visit. Boasting breathtaking mountain backdrops, vibrant culture, and modern city vibes, the place is a great favourite among travellers looking for a hotspot to soak up the country’s essence.

You will find numerous attractions within Almaty: the Central State Museum which displays some of the country’s rich history, the Zhenkov Cathedral known to have been built without nails, and the Panfilov Park, are a few. If you love adventure sports such as skiing, Almaty is also a gateway to fun activities.

Nur-Sultan

Nur-Sultan, the current capital of Kazakhstan, is another cosmopolitan city with gorgeous architecture exuding futuristic charm. Also featuring a host of historic monuments, Nur-Sultan is perfect for shopping and sightseeing. With the Bayterek Tower – an iconic landmark of the country, and the Khan Shatyr – a colossal shopping and entertainment centre gracing the skyline of the city, the place looks and feels like a unique blend of two worlds. Nur-Sultan is also famous for the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation – a unique pyramid structure that is often a hub of cultural events and celebrations.

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Taraz

Taraz is the epitome of historical richness. Being one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan, the place is home to an array of monuments, structures, ruins, and similar historic sites. Some of the main attractions of Taraz include the Mausoleum of Aisha Bibi, the Taraz Regional Museum which holds some of Taraz’s best-kept secrets, and the nearby Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve – the place to explore rich wildlife and serene landscapes. These must-see locations make Taraz one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan.

Shymkent

Shymkent is another one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. Boasting several historic sites, buildings, and bustling markets, the place is known to exude a vibrant and happening ambience. Some of the main attractions in Shymkent include the Aina Bazaar – a colourful market to shop for indigenous Kazakhstan souvenirs and handicrafts, the Central Mosque, and the Regional Museum.

Things to do in Kazakhstan

Among the things to do in Kazakhstan are a mix of sightseeing, adventure sports, and explorations. Travellers often explore independently as the place boasts immense depth when it comes to history and culture; popular Kazakhstan tour packages carry ample opportunities to absorb the same, but hikers would love a lone trip through the steppes and landscapes.

Here are some unique things to do in Kazakhstan:

The country is most known for being a part of the famous Silk Route – an active trade route that for centuries was frequented by merchants carrying a range of things including silk, across the continent between Europe and the Far East. The Silk Route is said to have been used for over 2000 years and is hence a treasure trove of historic elements. Explore the trails in peace or follow up with longer voyages spanning Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan as well.
Explore the deserted and expansive terrains and steppes to soak up nature at its finest.
Go horse riding at the Katon Karagai National Park in Kazakhstan – the largest in the country.
Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome – a science research centre and launch pad and learn about the country’s magnificent contributions to space and science.

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Wrapping Up

When it comes to Kazakhstan, places to visit and things to do are endless. From exploring the country’s history and culture to experiencing the futuristic elements and connecting with nature, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a nomadic traveller looking to spend a few days embracing the Silk Route, or a family on vacation looking to relax and go sightseeing, Kazakhstan is the right place.

Look for interesting Kazakhstan tour packages online and prepare for a holiday of a lifetime.

FAQs

What are some of the main attractions and places to visit in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is an enormous landlocked country in Central Asia filled with historic and cultural wonders. The country is famous for some of the most stunning landscapes in the world as well.

Here are some of the prominent attractions and places to visit in Kazakhstan. Most of these are covered by popular Kazakhstan tour packages.

The legendary Silk Route
Almaty – the largest city in Kazakhstan
Nur-Sultan – capital city
Taraz
Shymkent
Baikonur Cosmodrome
Katon Karagai National Park
Karaganda
Big Almaty Lake
Kok-Tobe Hill
Bayterek Tower
Khan Shatyr

When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the spring and fall seasons. Between April and May, and September and October, the country experiences the most pleasant weather perfect for sightseeing, exploring, and the like. Sporadic rainfall is expected in a few places in spring, however, the weather remains ideal for tourism in general.

How can I travel to Kazakhstan from India?

You can travel to Kazakhstan from India via direct flights to Almaty or Nur-Sultan available from major cities like Mumbai and New Delhi. Look for all-inclusive Kazakhstan tour packages and cheap flights to Almaty a few months ahead of your vacation to bag the best deals on everything including some of the best hotels in Kazakhstan.

Do I need a visa to visit Kazakhstan, and where can I get it?

Yes, you need a Kazakhstan visa to visit Kazakhstan provided by the Kazakh embassy or Indian consulate. Select travel partners provide visa services at best prices. You can apply through one of the reputed agencies providing online visa services for 180+ countries for hassle-free travelling.

What is Kazakhstan most famous for?

Kazakhstan is most famous for the Silk Route and scenic valleys.
Established thousands of years ago, the Silk Route was once a bustling trade channel for goods including silk, economics, politics, culture, and a host of other things, between Europe and the Far East. History states that the route was used for over 2000 years.

In addition to that, Kazakhstan is home to spectacular scenic landscapes, mountains, hills, lakes, and boundless valleys filled with lush greenery – a sight to behold particularly during the spring, fall, and winter months.

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Exploring Kazakhstan: A Journey from the Silk Road to Its Breathtaking Scenic Valleys

How to Travel to Kazakhstan

Weather: The Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

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