Kazakhstan is a large country at the junction of Europe and Asia, which always welcomes its guests with cordiality, attracts with its rich nature and ancient monuments. Hundreds of cultures and nationalities have been harmoniously coexisting in this beautiful and colorful country for many centuries, giving its appearance a unique versatility. The sights of Kazakhstan include natural and man-made, historical and modern monuments, which are concentrated on these lands in abundance. One of the main riches of the country is the endless steppes, which store countless artifacts of antiquity. Everyone finds something to see in Kazakhstan, discovering something new and special here.
What to see in Kazakhstan first of all
In order for the future trip to be clearly coordinated and organized, it is recommended to plan its route in advance. To make the right choice of what to see in Kazakhstan in 1 day, week or other period, you should familiarize yourself with the best sights of the country and read the recommendations given in this article.
1. Astana-Baiterek Monument
Flower alleys in front of the Astana-Baiterek monument
The rating is opened by Astana-Baiterek – one of the main symbols of the country, embodying its prosperity and well-being. According to the architects, this landmark of Kazakhstan embodied the idea of a three-level Tree of Peace, symbolizing the antagonism of good and evil, and uniting the world of the dead, the world of the living and heaven. In the lower level of the building there is a cafe, an art gallery and a large aquarium with fish. The middle level of the monument is a tall tower with modern high-speed elevators. The upper level is decorated in the form of a huge glass ball, from the inside of which a wonderful panoramic view of the surroundings of Astana opens.
Kazakhstan | Hotels at competitive prices
Booking.com
2. Khan Shatyr
Khan Shatyr Shopping and Entertainment Center at night
Over the short years of its existence, Khan Shatyr shopping center has become a popular attraction, to which whole excursions are organized in Kazakhstan. The huge 150-meter “tent“ of the shopping center is already visible from afar, organically fitting into the architecture of the surrounding structures. Once inside, you can spend almost the whole day – so many interesting things are concentrated on Khan Shatyr squares. These are numerous shops, restaurants, Internet cafes, a green greenhouse, a huge parking lot and even a large water park with three pools and a real sandy “beach”.
Official website: https://www.khanshatyr.com
3. Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
The architectural complex of the XIV century of the time of Emir Timur
Among other attractions, guides in Kazakhstan recommend visiting this most important shrine in the vast steppes of Southern Kazakhstan. The mausoleum was built in honor of the famous poet Ahmed Yasawi in 1405 in the place where his modest grave was previously located. Over time, this architectural ensemble combined a variety of rooms – a tomb, a mosque, a library, a pantheon of Kazakh khans with 43 tombstones, a bathhouse and various auxiliary rooms.
Official website: https://www.wdl.org
4. Baikonur Cosmodrome
Proton launch vehicle at the Baikonur cosmodrome
For many decades, the Baikonur Cosmodrome has been and remains the world’s most important launch site for spacecraft. It was from here that the flight of the first man into space took place, the launch of the first artificial satellite, the famous manned ships and orbital stations, as well as other spacecraft that still plow the expanses of the Solar System. There is no doubt that visiting the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan is among the first places – this trip will leave the most extraordinary memories.
Official website: https://baikonur.russian.space
5. Museum of the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The main entrance to the Museum of the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
This museum stands out favorably against the background of other museums in the capital Astana, and above all by the fact that its halls once housed the residence of the first president of the country. Today in the museum you can see the originals of the most important archival documents, valuable book editions, awards and other exhibits related to the history of the country. Photo exhibitions are also regularly held here, as well as expositions dedicated to political science and scientific activities.
Official website: https://tour.presidentlibrary.kz
Be sure to watch this beautiful video about Kazakhstan!
6. The Palace of Independence in Astana
A place for conferences, international meetings and forums Alex J. Butler
Guests of Astana are sometimes surprised by a large number of buildings with unusual architectural design. Reviews indicate that the Palace of Independence also belongs to such buildings. In fact, this structure does not correspond at all to the classical idea of a castle. The trapezoidal structure made of glass and metal gratings, according to the architects, symbolizes Kazakhstan and the rapidly developing Astana. The palace has three floors, the first of which houses halls for important business events, the second – galleries with exhibitions of modern art, the third – the Historical Museum of Astana.
Official website: https://indepalace.kz
7. The Palace of Peace and Accord
Park and entrance to the Palace of Peace and Accord Ninaras
Returning to the question of what to see in Kazakhstan, once in its capital, we can recommend the Palace of Peace and Accord – another landmark of Kazakhstan from the category of unusual architectural structures. The building is made in a futuristic style in the form of a regular pyramid with a height of 62 meters, the edges of which symbolize the openness of the Kazakh people to all nations and faiths. Inside the building there is an Opera Hall and several presentation halls, various official meetings, presentations and wedding ceremonies are held.
Official website: https://astana-piramida.kz
8. Map of Kazakhstan “Atameken”
Ethno-memorial complex “Map of Kazakhstan Atameken” by Alex J. Butler
It is difficult to imagine, but you can get around the whole of Kazakhstan, see its interesting places and main attractions in just one hour – just find yourself in the unique historical and ethnographic complex “Map of Kazakhstan Atameken. The park, spread over an area of 1.7 hectares, represents the layout of the whole country: on an area the size of two football fields, endless fields and steppes of Kazakhstan, ancient temples and other important sights are spread out, all regions of the republic are marked and the location of the two main cities of the country – Almaty and Astana – is marked.
Official website: https://atamekenmap.kz
9. Almaty Zoo
Camels in the enclosure of the Almaty Zoo
There is also something to see in Kazakhstan for lovers of wildlife – the spacious Almaty Zoo has become a haven for 5,600 individuals of various animals, of which there are about 3.5 hundred species, including 28 species listed in the Red Book. This includes animals of the African continent, the tropics, and the Kazakh steppes, which are distributed in 6 different sections on the territory of the zoo. 4 sections are dedicated to animals, and 2 more to feathered inhabitants, exotic and local. There is also an aquarium with marine life, an exotarium with amphibians and insects.
Official website: https://almatyzoo.kz
10. Medeo Sports Complex
The ice rink of the alpine sports complex – “Medeo”
The sports complex of the same name is located in the Medeo mountain tract – the highest mountain sports complex in the world, designed for winter sports. This is a real paradise for active tourists – for example, a huge ice rink with an area of 10.5 thousand square meters has become the site of numerous world records, receiving the status of a “record factory” for this. A modern cable car with a length of 4.5 km allows you to climb from the Cimbulac base to the ski slope in 15 minutes, and the Medeo Stadium can accommodate up to 8,500 people at the same time.
Official website: https://medeu.com.kz
11. Nur-Astana Mosque
Nur Astana Mosque with a fountain in the foreground
Where to go from religious shrines in Kazakhstan? One of these attractions is the Nur Astana Mosque in Astana, a modern structure built in 2005, striking both with its external and internal splendor. The snow-white building is crowned with a huge gilded dome, and the four minarets of the mosque soar 62 meters high. The internal premises with an area of several thousand square meters can accommodate up to 5 thousand worshippers at the same time. There is a spacious courtyard with a large fountain bowl around the mosque.
12. Underground mosque of Beket Ata
The road to the underground mosque of Beket ata Ashina
One of the most revered Kazakh people was the famous hermit Beket Ata, who passed through many roads during his earthly journey and built four mosques. One of these mosques, cut down in the Oglandy tract right in the rock, has become one of the most important sights of Kazakhstan and a famous place of pilgrimage. Locals claim that after visiting the tomb of the saint, believers are given a cure for any ailments. The premises of the mosque include four rooms, which are arranged in such a way that perfect audibility is created during the recitation of prayers.
13. Hazret Sultan Mosque
View of the Hazret Sultan Mosque
The largest sanctuary in Kazakhstan is located in its capital and is called Hazret Sultan. This is a modern landmark of Kazakhstan, the countdown of the history of which begins not so long ago – in 2012. Both the exterior and interior decoration of the mosque attracts with its airiness, solemnity, magnificent paintings and voluminous decor. The internal prayer halls of the mosque are designed for 10 thousand worshippers, and the total area of the shrine is as much as 11 hectares. The building is especially beautiful at night, when each of its tiers is favorably emphasized by night lighting.
Official website: https://www.muslim.kz
14. Ascension Cathedral in Almaty
Facade of the Holy Ascension Cathedral in Almaty
Another religious landmark of Kazakhstan is the Ascension Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church. Its unique feature is that it was built of wood at the very beginning of the 20th century, and even a major earthquake did not shake the fortress of this structure. Today, this wooden structure knows its equals not only in Kazakhstan, but also all over the world. Ssobor still shines with its splendor and colorfulness, and daily services are held in its halls, symbolizing the indomitable power of faith.
Official website: https://cathedral.kz
15. Arystan Baba Mausoleum
Arystan Baba Mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims
There is something to visit in Kazakhstan and among the funeral structures – 150 kilometers from the city of Shymkent there is a mausoleum erected on the grave of the famous spiritual preacher Arystan Baba. The building consists of a tomb and a memorial hall connected by a wide corridor. In addition to the tombstone of the spiritual mentor, the tombstones of three of his followers are placed in the tomb. And the mosque houses a prayer hall and various auxiliary rooms.
16. Aksu-Zhabagli Reserve
Juniper on the slopes of the Aksu-Zhabagli mountains of the Tomiris Nature Reserve
In addition to cultural and historical attractions, there is something to see in Kazakhstan among the numerous natural monuments. The Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve is an incredibly beautiful place where all the splendor of the nature of the mountains opens up: these are the snow caps of the highest mountain peaks and breathtaking gorges. and rushing waterfalls, and alpine meadows. The lands of these territories are rich in fossils of plants and animals of the Jurassic period. The flora of the reserve today is diverse and includes more than 1,700 species of plants, and of the animals, the most populated is the bird fauna – there are about three hundred species here.
Official website: https://www.aksu-jabagly.kz
17. Altyn-Emel National Park
The landscape of the Altyn-Emel National Park
The largest nature protection zone in Kazakhstan, the Altyn-Emel National Park, is located in the desert and mountainous regions of the country. It is here that the Singing Dune, known to many, the unusual Katutau and Aktau mountains, as well as the Saka mounds, known to many, are located. This land beckons with amazing landscapes, the purest mountain air and numerous monuments of antiquity. Another attraction of the park is radon springs with warm healing waters.
Official website: https://www.altyn-emel.kz
18. The singing dune of the Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve
The singing dune is a natural phenomenon of the Altyn-Emel Nature Reserve
The Altyn-Emel National Park is so large that some of its objects are perceived as unique sights of Kazakhstan. This also applies to the singing dune, a sand dune about a hundred meters high and more than 3 kilometers long. The dune was formed by the constant Shilik wind, which walks in this area. He is called a singer for the reason that his quicksand emits a unique vibrating hum, somewhat reminiscent of the sound of an organ. The hum is the result of the grains of sand rubbing against each other.
Official website: https://altyn-emel.kz/ru
19. Petroglyphs of Tamgaly-Tas
Rock carvings found in the Tamgaly tract
Fans of mysticism and all kinds of mysteries of nature will find something to see in Kazakhstan – the territory of the republic is rich in anomalous zones. One of these places is the Tamgaly-Tas tract. This unusual place consists of steep cliffs, many of which are completely covered with mysterious inscriptions and drawings that attract not only tourists, but also scientists. Experts are still struggling with the mystery of who these masters were who left the rock messages to their descendants.
20. Borovoe Resort (Burabai)
The natural beauty of Borovoe resort (Burabai)
Akmola region is distinguished by the extraordinary beauty of the landscape and a comfortable climate. Therefore, it is here that the Borovoye resort is located, often called the “pearl of Kazakhstan”. It is a beautiful oasis with blue lakes framed by high mountains and ancient pine trees. The resort’s sanatoriums offer a range of wellness services – mud treatment, balneological procedures, treatment in salt mines, radon therapy, etc. In addition to sanatoriums, the best hotels in Kazakhstan are located in Borovoye, offering a high level of services at affordable prices.
Sights of Kazakhstan: what else to visit in Kazakhstan
The Republic of Kazakhstan is rich in sights, and even a seasoned traveler familiar with this region firsthand will always find something to see in Kazakhstan. Below is an overview, including descriptions of other equally interesting places in the country.
21. Big Almaty Lake
The Big Almaty Lake and the snowy peak of the Soviets
Not far from Almaty there is a real miracle of nature – a high-altitude lake framed by snow-capped mountain peaks, one of the most beautiful places in Kazakhstan at an altitude of 2.5 thousand meters. Everyone who has been to this unreal place of beauty returns here again and again. The main mystery of the lake is the changeable color of the water, from light greenish to deep turquoise. Another feature of the reservoir is the sharp seasonal changes in water, which can reach 20 meters.
22. Lake Balkhash
Lake Balkhash and the Bektau-ata mountain range at sunset
The largest lake in the Republic of Kazakhstan is Lake Balkhash, which stretches for 600 km in length. The numerous beaches of the lake are covered with sand and are ideal for holidays from May to September. The main unique feature of this lake is that its waters vary in composition: The water area of the lake is divided into parts by a narrow strait, the western part of the lake is filled with fresh water, and the eastern part is salty. The salty waters and mud of Balkhash have properties beneficial to the human body.
23. The Aral Sea
The cemetery of ships on the Aral Sea
Another attraction of Kazakhstan, the Aral Sea, is unique in that it is essentially a salt lake, and it is named the sea due to its impressive size. Alas, this lake is now known not only for its size – it was infamous for human activity, namely the systematic intake of water from the rivers that feed the lake. This led to the fact that in the 60s of the last century, the lake began to dry up rapidly. Today, the area and volume of water in the Aral Sea have decreased significantly, the area of the lifeless desert in its place is rapidly growing, and since 1989 the Aral Sea has split into two reservoirs – the Northern and Southern Aral Sea.
24. Charyn Canyon
Charyn Canyon is a beautiful natural monument
The nature of Kazakhstan is diverse, and this diversity is complemented by a picturesque 154-kilometer gorge – the Charyn Canyon, stretching along the valley of the Charyn River. It is this river that has been digging a gorge in the rock for several million years, creating a unique landscape in this area. Today, the canyon has a relief that surprises with its diversity – the bizarre shapes of rocks, steep slopes, cliffs, hills, arches and columns attract attention and resemble some kind of sculptures.
Official website: https://charyn.kz
25. Lake Issyk
The landscape of the high-altitude lake Issyk
In a mountain gorge east of Alma-Ata, Lake Issyk is located – a landmark of Kazakhstan, which, along with the Aral Sea, has its infamous fame. The population of Kazakhstan still remembers the tragedy of 1963, when a mudflow that descended from the mountains knocked down the natural dam of the lake, emptying it literally in a matter of hours. After a while, Issyk was restored, an artificial dam was installed, but the lake never reached its former size – today it is half the size.
Official website: https://kolesa.kz
Current trends in the field of tourism indicate that trips to the countries of the former Soviet Union are gaining popularity, and Kazakhstan is no exception. Excursions to Kazakhstan with a Russian-speaking guide will allow you to get acquainted with a sunny and hospitable country, appreciate the beauty and greatness of the Kazakh land. Read also about the best sights of Tajikistan and be inspired for your further journey through Asia!
English 
Russian 
German 
Polish