Kazakhstan has been quite the talk of the town lately owing to its stunning landscapes, affordable travel opportunities and a variety of experiences to indulge in. Situated in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, this landlocked country has the best of landscapes, including steppes, deserts, mountains, and lakes.
We recently published a blog on Almaty and covered everything from things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan to how to get cheap flights to Almaty. and we couldn’t just stop there so we had to delve deep into the country as a whole and give you the full picture and give you many reasons as to why you should visit it.
For your trip to Kazakhstan, read on to know about the places to visit, dishes to try out and experiences to indulge in. Book your travels with InterMiles and have a laid back, stress-free vacation.
Kazakhstan overall has continental climate but that doesn't mean it is deprived of extreme temperature variations. Summers in the south are extremely hot while winters in the northern regions are unbearably cold. Making Spring and Autumn the best times to visit the country as they experience mild weather which allows you the opportunity to explore the outdoors.
A Kazakhstan travel guide would be incomplete if we don't list all the natural wonders and cultural and historical sites that you must explore during your time in this beautiful country.
Often known as the Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan, this beautiful destination is one of the best places to visit here. What makes it special is its dramatic red rock formations that leave you in awe and the opportunities to let your inner adventure freak come out to play with hikes in the Valley of Castles. It has a minimal entry fee (727 tenge which is approximately INR 128) so it can definitely make it to your bucket list even if you are on a budget travel trip to Kazakhstan.
This National Park, spread out across 1800 sq miles, is situated between the Ili River and the Ak-Tau mountain, near Kapchagai lake. It is home to over 260 animal species of which 56 are considered to be rare and the flora of the park includes close to 1800 plant species.
Located just 300 km from this National Park are Singing dunes - An astonishing phenomenon wherein the wind blowing from the west disperses the sands, the sound made sound a lot like a pipe organ playing. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience and we urge you to add this to your Kazakhstan vacation packages without fail
Although both are categorised as lakes, they are widely different from each other and that's why we say it is imperative that you visit them both. Kolsai Lakes - a series of three alpine lakes - are located in the midst of the Tian Shan mountains. They serve as the perfect location to camp at after a day of tiresome hiking. They also offer great opportunities to fish so you can earn your meal before you devour it.
Kaindy Lake, on the other hand, is hidden away in the middle of a forest. It was the result of an earthquake and its crystal-clear water and mystical beauty will make you never want to go back. This lake is often one of the most-loved destinations out of all destinations that are part of Kazakhstan tours and rightly so.
Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is known for having a futuristic skyline and it delivers so well on that claim. It is also home to some of the must-see landmarks like the Bayterek Tower, the Hazret Sultan Mosque and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment centre. The city is also known for its elaborate dining scene and enjoy delicacies of the country served with utmost hospitality.
Other than being a UNESCO World Heritage site, this Mausoleum in Turkestan is a masterpiece when it comes to architecture. Although incomplete, It proudly displays the intricacies of Timurid architecture and is serving as an important pilgrimage site for many.
Last up on the list we have another UNESCO World Heritage site - Tanbaly Petroglyphs - A collection of over 5,000 petroglyphs or rock carvings. They date as long ago as the second millennium BC. They give us a glimpse into the social organisation and rituals of pastoral people.
Apart from Kazakhstan's rich culture and lip-smacking cuisine, there are also a lot of adventurous activities you can indulge in.
You are in for an experience of a lifetime at the world's first and largest space launch facility - Baikonur Cosmodrome. Operated by Russia, this facility is equipped to launch both crewed and uncrewed spacecraft. What makes it special is that it gives the visitors a chance to learn about space exploration and even witness a rocket launch if you are lucky.
Fans of the movie "Borat" unite! Have you ever wanted to visit the sets of your favourite comedy and experience the joy of being a part of that universe? We've got you covered. You can witness the locations the movie was shot at and even see the cultural elements featured in the movie up close and personal.
Enjoy hospitality in its best form at one of the Kazakh Yurt stays. Here, you can immerse yourself in the nomadic culture and participate in traditional activities. Of course, the local delicacies are an added advantage and add to the whole experience.
Ski at one of the best locations near Almaty - The Shymbulak Ski Resort. It is a popular destination among snow sports enthusiasts and provides great facilities and infrastructure to indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities safely.
Apart from the Valley of Castles, there are multiple other places such as the Tian Shan and the Altai mountains that are excellent trekking destinations. They all offer stunning panoramic views and a refreshing atmosphere to rejuvenate and recharge after a long climb.
