Beautiful Places In Kazakhstan

Situated just outside the bustling city of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. This glacial lake, located at an altitude of 2,511 meters, is known for its striking turquoise color and serene surroundings. The lake is nestled within the Ile-Alatau National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush valleys. It's an ideal spot for a day trip, where you can enjoy a leisurely hike around the lake or have a picnic.

Located in the Almaty Region, Charyn Canyon is often compared to the Grand Canyon for its stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes. Stretching over 154 kilometers, this natural wonder is carved by the Charyn River, creating a series of colorful rock formations and deep gorges. The most famous part of the canyon, known as the Valley of Castles, features towering cliffs that resemble ancient fortresses.

Best Time: May - September

Lake Kaindy is a surreal and magical destination known for its submerged forest. The lake was formed after an earthquake in 1911, which caused a landslide that blocked the gorge and filled it with water. The turquoise waters of Lake Kaindy are home to the ghostly remains of submerged trees, their bare trunks standing tall above the water's surface. The surrounding lush forest and towering peaks make Lake Kaindy a must-visit for those seeking a unique experience in nature.

Often referred to as the "Kazakhstani Switzerland," Burabay National Park is a true gem in the Akmola Region. The park is known for its picturesque landscapes, featuring a combination of pine-covered mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and unique rock formations. One of the most famous landmarks in the park is the iconic Zhumbaktas Rock, which rises dramatically from the waters of Lake Burabay.

The Kolsai Lakes, often referred to as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan," are a series of three stunning alpine lakes located in the Almaty Region. Surrounded by dense coniferous forests and snow-capped mountains, these pristine lakes offer a picturesque setting for hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The crystal-clear waters of the lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a mesmerizing mirror-like effect.

Best Time: May - September

For winter sports enthusiasts, Shymbulak Ski Resort is a must-visit destination. Located in the Ile-Alatau National Park near Almaty, this resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities with well-groomed slopes and modern facilities. The resort is situated at an altitude of 2,260 meters, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Altyn-Emel National Park, located in the Almaty Region, is a diverse and expansive park that covers over 4,600 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including the famous Singing Dunes, which produce a mysterious humming sound when the wind blows. Another highlight is the Aktau Mountains, known for their vibrant colors and unique rock formations. The park is also a haven for wildlife, including endangered species like the goitered gazelle and the rare snow leopard.

Best Time: May - September

The Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, located in the heart of Almaty, is a beautiful and historic park dedicated to the memory of the Panfilov soldiers who fought during World War II. The park is surrounded by oaks, elms, aspens, maples, poplars, pines and firs. The Ascension Cathedral, a stunning Russian Orthodox church built entirely of wood, is another highlight of the park.

Turgen Gorge, located in the Almaty Region, is a stunning natural wonder known for its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and ancient trees. The gorge is part of the Ile-Alatau National Park and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. One of the main attractions is the Bear Waterfall, which drops from a height of 30 meters and is surrounded by dense forest.

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, located in South Kazakhstan, is the country's oldest nature reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The reserve is renowned for its rich biodiversity, featuring over 1,000 plant species and a wide variety of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. The landscape is equally diverse, ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush valleys and pristine rivers. The reserve offers numerous hiking trails, allowing you to explore its natural beauty up close.

Best Time: May - September

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, now known as Nur-Sultan, is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modern architecture with traditional Kazakh culture. The city's skyline is dominated by futuristic buildings and iconic landmarks, such as the Bayterek Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city. Another must-visit is the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, a pyramid-shaped structure that serves as a center for cultural and religious events.

Best Time: April - October

Kok Tobe, a hilltop recreational area in Almaty, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. It can be reached by a scenic cable car ride. Kok Tobe is also a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic pathways, take in the stunning views, and capture some memorable photos. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day out with family and friends.

Ile-Alatau National Park, located just south of Almaty, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. The park is characterized by its majestic mountain peaks, dense forests, and crystal-clear rivers. One of the most popular destinations within the park is the Medeu ice skating rink, which is the highest altitude ice rink in the world. The park also offers a network of hiking trails that take you through picturesque valleys, past roaring waterfalls, and up to stunning viewpoints.

Best Time: June - September

Lake Balkhash, one of the largest lakes in Central Asia, is a unique natural wonder known for its unusual feature of having both freshwater and saltwater sections. The lake stretches over 600 kilometers and is divided by a narrow strait, with the western part being freshwater and the eastern part saline. The shores of Lake Balkhash offer picturesque spots for fishing, boating, and relaxing. The surrounding landscapes, with their sandy beaches and desert scenery, create a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Tamgaly-Tas, located along the Ili River in the Almaty Region, is an open-air museum of ancient rock carvings and petroglyphs. The site features over 5,000 rock carvings that date back to the Bronze Age, depicting a wide range of subjects, including animals, hunting scenes, and religious symbols. One of the most notable features of Tamgaly-Tas is the large Buddhist inscriptions and images of deities carved into the rocks.

The Mangystau Plateau, located in the Mangystau Region, is an otherworldly landscape that offers a unique glimpse into Kazakhstan's natural beauty. The plateau is characterized by its vast expanse of chalk cliffs, deep canyons, and unusual rock formations. The plateau is also home to the mysterious "Valley of Balls," where perfectly round stone spheres dot the landscape.

Baikonur Cosmodrome, located in the city of Baikonur, is the world's first and largest space launch facility. Established in 1955, the cosmodrome has played a pivotal role in space exploration history, being the launch site for the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin in 1961. Today, it remains an active spaceport, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the history of space exploration, tour the facilities, and even witness a rocket launch if you're lucky.