Top 10 Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country, located in the central part of the Asian continent. Until a few years ago, the country was often overlooked in terms of tourism and wasn’t as popular as its neighbouring countries. But recently, this hidden gem has emerged as a tourism hotspot, enthralling visitors from all over the world. There are several factors that contribute to this newfound popularity of Kazakhstan, such as its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and eclectic culinary scene. Apart from this, the diverse landscape of this country also offers a plethora of outdoor activities, making it equally appealing to adventure lovers.

In short, this is a country of contrasts that has something for everyone and never leaves you disappointed, regardless of your preferences. Whether you’re planning a solo adventurous trip or want a fun-filled vacation with your family/friends, Kazakhstan ticks all the right boxes.

What are the Top Things to Do in Kazakhstan?

With so much to offer, Kazakhstan will definitely leave you overwhelmed with choices when it comes to places to visit or activities to do. To ensure a memorable holiday experience, it is best to have an idea about Kazakhstan tourist attractions, as this will help you decide what to include in your itinerary based on your preferences.

For your convenience, here is a list of some of the best things to do in Kazakhstan that you shouldn’t miss on your trip: -

• Explore the Vibrant City of Almaty
• Wander Through the Kazakh Steppe
• Witness the Nomadic Culture
• Relish the Kazakh Cuisine
• Discover the Charyn Canyon
• Admire the Beauty of the Altai Mountains
• Book an Off-roading Tour in Mangystau
• Try Fly Fishing
• Visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
• Enjoy a Performance at Astana Opera

Explore the Vibrant City of Almaty

Known to be the largest city in Kazakhstan, Almaty is one of the most important places to visit on your trip, as it is also considered the country’s cultural and economic hub. If you want to get a glimpse of the rich Kazakh culture, planning a guided tour to Almaty is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan. You can visit a number of museums, theatres, etc., that this city is home to. Or, you can simply walk through the bustling Green Bazar, which is a large marketplace. Here, you can find several stalls selling a variety of things, ranging from authentic Kazakh spices to other food items and antique décor pieces. Other major highlights of Almaty include the Zenkov Cathedral, the Central Mosque, Panfilov Park, etc.

Wander Through the Kazakh Steppe

The Kazakh Steppe, also known as the Great Steppe, is an expansive stretch of open grassland that covers the northern part of the country. If you’re someone who admires nature in its most raw form, this is one of the best things to see in Kazakhstan. Here, you’ll get to see stunning natural landscapes along with diverse wildlife. To explore this region, you can either book a guided tour or choose to hire a car and drive on your own.

Witness the Nomadic Culture

This country is known for its rich nomadic heritage, and despite having a rapid pace of development, the government is working to preserve those traditions. If you’re looking for some offbeat and fun things to do in Kazakhstan, experiencing this nomadic culture should be on your list. This involves a number of activities like eagle hunting, yurt making, horseback archery, etc. All these things are a representation of the country’s deep connection to the land and livestock. There are yurt camps at various places across the country where you can book an overnight stay and indulge in other traditional activities.

Relish the Kazakh Cuisine

Another thing that Kazakhstan is famous for is its rich, flavourful cuisine. Here, you can find a variety of dishes such as beshbarmak, kazy, kumis, etc. All of these culinary delights are known for their special preparations and unique taste. If you want to take a break from sightseeing and are wondering what else to do in Kazakhstan, spend a day exploring the local cuisine. No matter what part of the country you’re in, you’ll always find a number of restaurants serving delicious food and a variety of drinks from the Kazakh cuisine.

Discover the Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kazakhstan. Often compared to the majestic Grand Canyon of the United States, this geological marvel enthrals a large number of visitors throughout the year. Located at an approximate distance of 200 kilometres from Almaty, this picturesque canyon was created over millions of years by wind and water. You can visit any part of the canyon and will find yourself surrounded by towering red cliffs and interesting rock formations. However, the most visited area is the Valley of Castles, where you can also indulge in activities like hiking. Or, you can head to the Charyn River and enjoy rafting. Apart from this, staying overnight in a camp near this river is definitely one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan at night.

Admire the Beauty of the Altai Mountains

Located in the eastern part of the country, the Altai Mountains is a place that is equally popular among nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Primarily known for its rich flora and fauna along with breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, this region paints the perfect picture of natural diversity. From dense forests to snow-capped mountain peaks and scenic valleys, you can find almost everything here. With activities like hiking, horseback riding, etc., the Altai Mountains undoubtedly offer the most amazing outdoor experience.

Book an Off-roading Tour in Mangystau

Mangystau, often referred to as the ‘Martian landscape of Kazakhstan,’ is another addition to the list of the best things to see in Kazakhstan. Primarily known for its unique rock formations, towering white cliffs, and desert landscapes, this place offers an exciting experience. Due to its rugged terrain, Mangystau has gained huge popularity among adventure lovers. If you’re also a thrill seeker and want to try something new, you can book an off-roading tour in Mangystau.

Try Fly Fishing

Although Kazakhstan has no direct access to the ocean, the country is home to a number of pristine lakes and rivers. These water bodies are rich in fish species such as trout, grayling, and sturgeon, turning them into a hotspot for activities like fly fishing. With crystal clear waters, the Ili River, Tekes River, and Kolsai Lakes are considered ideal for this activity. If you’re also a fishing enthusiast, you can visit any of these fishing spots and spend a fun-filled day. You can also take help from any of the local guides who know the area well and can give a few useful insights.

Visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Located in Astana, the Kazakh capital, visiting this awe-inspiring museum is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan for history enthusiasts. In 2014, this was built as the largest museum in Central Asia featuring several themed halls. This museum boasts a rich collection of items that tell the story of Kazakhstan’s transformation over all these years. Other than this, you can also see a variety of Kazakhstani crafts in the display here. If you want to know more about the country and its eventful past, this museum should be on your travel itinerary.

Enjoy a Performance at Astana Opera

Astana Opera is another popular attraction in the capital city that is visited by tourists and locals alike. This is one of the world’s largest opera houses and hosts a variety of performances like classical operas and modern ballets. If you’re an art lover, you should definitely enjoy a live performance here. Apart from being known for its excellent acoustics, this opera house is also famous for its stunning architecture. With a distinctive exterior design, this structure is considered a landmark of Astana.

With this comprehensive guide on places to see and things to do in Kazakhstan, you can easily plan a trip to this fascinating country. To make sure that you don’t miss any major tourist attractions, you can choose Veena World as your travel partner. Here, we offer a range of all-inclusive Kazakhstan holiday packages that you can choose from. These packages are designed by a team of travel experts and come with well-crafted itineraries to ensure a fun-filled holiday experience for you.