UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Book Attractions in Advance
Skip the lines at Kazakhstan's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, mausoleums, and experiences across Kazakhstan.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Explore this 14th-century Islamic architectural masterpiece in Turkestan, blending Timurid and Kazakh styles.
A spiritual hub with intricate tilework, perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Tamgaly Petroglyphs
Discover over 4,000 ancient rock carvings depicting Bronze Age life in the Chu-Ili Mountains.
A remote site offering insights into prehistoric rituals and nomadic culture.
Saryarka Steppe and Lakes
Wander vast grasslands and wetlands around lakes like Tengiz, home to rare bird species.
Ideal for eco-tourism with opportunities to see saiga antelopes and diverse flora.
Silk Road: Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor
Trace ancient trade routes through Kazakh sites like Otrar, a key medieval city.
Ruins reveal Silk Road commerce and cultural exchanges along caravan paths.
Sauran Ancient City
Visit the remnants of this Silk Road fortress near Turkestan, showcasing medieval fortifications.
Less visited, providing a serene exploration of Kazakhstan's historical depth.
Western Tien-Shan
Explore transboundary mountain landscapes with unique biodiversity and geological features.
Perfect for nature lovers interested in alpine meadows and endemic species.
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
Altai Mountains
Hike rugged peaks and valleys in eastern Kazakhstan, ideal for mountaineering and trekking.
Remote trails with stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife encounters like snow leopards.
Charyn Canyon
Marvel at red rock formations resembling the Grand Canyon, with hiking paths and viewpoints.
Adventure spot for rafting on the Charyn River and camping under starry skies.
Kolsai Lakes
Visit turquoise alpine lakes in the Tian Shan, surrounded by forests and glaciers.
Perfect for horseback riding, fishing, and serene picnics in a pristine setting.
Lake Kaindy
Explore this sunken forest lake with drowned spruce trees rising from crystal waters.
A unique natural phenomenon for kayaking and photography in a dramatic landscape.
Vast Kazakh Steppes
Traverse endless grasslands for eagle hunting demonstrations and nomadic yurt stays.
Authentic cultural immersion with horseback tours and stargazing in open expanses.
Caspian Sea Coast
Relax on sandy beaches in Mangystau with opportunities for sailing and birdwatching.
Coastal adventures including visits to dramatic chalk cliffs and underground mosques.
Kazakhstan by Region
🏔️ Almaty & Southern Kazakhstan
- Best For: Mountain adventures, Silk Road history, and vibrant urban life with sites like Charyn Canyon.
- Key Destinations: Almaty, Turkestan, Shymkent, and Taraz for mausoleums and natural parks.
- Activities: Hiking in Tian Shan, visiting ancient ruins, skiing at Shymbulak, and local bazaar explorations.
- Best Time: Summer for outdoor activities (June-August) and spring for blooms (April-May), with 15-30°C weather.
- Getting There: Well-connected by train from Astana, with frequent services and private transfers available via GetTransfer.
🏙️ Astana & Northern Kazakhstan
- Best For: Modern architecture, steppes, and cultural museums as the political and futuristic capital.
- Key Destinations: Astana for Bayterek Tower, nearby Burabay National Park for lakes and forests.
- Activities: Architectural tours, boat rides on Ishim River, steppe drives, and traditional music performances.
- Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June-Aug) for festivals and mild weather around 20-30°C.
- Getting There: Astana Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.
🌄 Eastern Kazakhstan (Altai)
- Best For: Rugged wilderness and adventure sports, featuring the Altai Mountains and remote lakes.
- Key Destinations: Ust-Kamenogorsk, Rakhmanov Springs, and Katon-Karagay for hot springs and peaks.
- Activities: Mountaineering, rafting on Irtysh River, yurt camping, and wildlife safaris.
- Best Time: Late spring to early autumn (May-Sept) for hiking, with 10-25°C and clear skies.
- Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote mountain roads and trails.
🏜️ Western Kazakhstan (Caspian)
- Best For: Desert landscapes and coastal vibes with unique geological formations in Mangystau.
- Key Destinations: Aktau, Ustyurt Plateau, and Boszhira Valley for canyons and sea views.
- Activities: 4x4 desert tours, beach relaxation, visiting underground mosques, and fossil hunting.
- Best Time: Spring and autumn (April-May, Sept-Oct) to avoid heat, with 15-25°C mild conditions.
- Getting There: Direct trains from Almaty or Astana, with ferries across the Caspian for regional access.
Sample Kazakhstan Itineraries
🚀 7-Day Kazakhstan Highlights
Arrive in Astana, explore Bayterek Tower, visit Khan Shatyr for modern contrasts, sample beshbarmak, and tour futuristic landmarks.
Fly to Almaty for Zenkov Cathedral visits and market explorations, then day trip to Big Almaty Lake for mountain views.
Train to Turkestan for Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum, with a side trip to Otrar ruins and local Silk Road history.
Final day in Almaty for cable car rides up Kok-Tobe, last-minute shopping, and departure with time for traditional tea houses.
🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer
Astana city tour covering Hazrat Sultan Mosque, National Museum, and Ishim River walks with local food markets.
Almaty for historic sites including Green Bazaar and Medeo Gorge, then cable car to Shymbulak for skiing or hiking.
Drive to Charyn Canyon for hiking and rafting, followed by Kolsai Lakes for boat rides and alpine scenery.
Full exploration of Turkestan with mausoleum tours, ancient city visits, and stays in traditional guesthouses.
Steppe experience near Almaty with eagle hunting demo, horseback riding, and return to Almaty for departure.
🏙️ 14-Day Complete Kazakhstan
Comprehensive Astana exploration including architectural tours, museums, steppe outskirts, and cultural performances.
Almaty for urban vibes and markets, Charyn Canyon for adventures, Kolsai Lakes for nature immersion.
Turkestan for UNESCO sites, Shymkent bazaars, Taraz historical tours, and Otrar excavations.
Fly to Ust-Kamenogorsk for Altai hikes, Rakhmanov hot springs, and Katon-Karagay national park wildlife.
Brief Caspian coast visit if time allows, then back to Almaty for final shopping and traditional experiences before departure.
Top Activities & Experiences
Horseback Riding in Steppes
Gallop across endless grasslands near Almaty for authentic nomadic adventures.
Guided tours with yurt stays offering multi-day treks and cultural insights.
Eagle Hunting Demonstrations
Witness traditional Kazakh falconry with golden eagles in the steppes.
Hands-on sessions learning ancient hunting techniques from local berkutchi masters.
Skiing at Shymbulak
Hit the slopes in Almaty's Tian Shan resort with modern lifts and alpine views.
Winter sports hub offering lessons and après-ski in a Central Asian setting.
Lake Kaindy Kayaking
Paddle through the eerie beauty of submerged trees in this unique Tian Shan lake.
Guided eco-tours focusing on photography and gentle water exploration.
Silk Road Mausoleum Tours
Delve into Turkestan's Khoja Ahmed Yasawi with guided historical walks.
Combine architecture, spirituality, and local storytelling for deep cultural dives.
Mangystau Desert Safaris
4x4 tours through chalk valleys and underground mosques in western Kazakhstan.
Adventure-packed with stargazing camps and geological wonders.