Top 7 Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
Top 7 Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's most beautiful places to visit range from the scenic mountain slopes and pristine lakes near Almaty to the ultra-modern architecture of Astana. The country also boasts otherworldly landscapes in Mangystau and Charyn Canyon, and ancient mausoleums and mosques in Turkestan and Taraz. To help you plan your adventure, we have compiled a list of the 15 most interesting and unique places to visit in Kazakhstan. Start your journey with our top 15 attractions in Kazakhstan and discover all that this fascinating country has to offer.
Ile-Alatau National Park
Ile-Alatau National Park is one of the largest parks in the country, covering an impressive area of nearly 200,000 hectares. According to the Kazakh Tourism Committee, Ile-Alatau is the most popular place to visit in Kazakhstan, drawing more than 600,000 visitors annually. Among its most notable destinations is Big Almaty Lake, a favourite spot for tourists and locals alike.
Kok-Tobe Hill
Kok-Tobe (literally 'Green Hill') in Almaty is one of the city's most popular entertainment destinations. Situated at an altitude of 1,130 metres above sea level, it is best known for the tall Almaty Television Tower. This iconic Almaty attraction opened in 1984 and has become one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. At 371 metres, the tower is almost the tallest structure in Kazakhstan, surpassed only by the 382-metre Abu Dhabi Plaza complex in Astana.
Visitors can reach Kok-Tobe by cable car, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan is one of the most important shrines in the country. Built in the 14th-15th centuries on the initiative of Amir Timur, it stands on the site of an earlier mausoleum dedicated to the poet, theologian and Sufi Khoja Ahmed Yassawi. This remarkable structure, considered the most famous historical attraction in Kazakhstan, is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 15th century.
The size and grandeur of the complex is comparable to that of the Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand. However, unlike the latter, the Yassawi Mausoleum has survived in much better condition, with many buildings and portals remaining in their original, unrestored state. A distinctive feature of the complex is its large brick dome, one of the largest in Central Asia.
Inside the mausoleum are numerous relics, including the taikazan, a massive water bowl with a capacity of 3,000 litres. This artefact, commissioned by Amir Timur, was exhibited in the Hermitage from 1935 to 1989 before being returned to its rightful place. As both a spiritual center and an architectural masterpiece, the Yassawi Mausoleum is undoubtedly one of the top places to visit in Kazakhstan.
Lake Kaindy
Lake Kaindy is one of Kazakhstan's natural wonders and a must-see among places to visit in Kazakhstan. The lake was formed in 1910 after a massive earthquake caused a mountain to collapse, blocking the riverbed. This event caused the icy waters of the Tien Shan to flood a coniferous forest, preserving the trees for over a century.
What makes Kaindy truly unique is the sight of spruce trunks jutting out of the water, resembling the masts of sunken ships. The lake is a popular destination for picnics and walks, and a favourite spot for divers, who take incredible pictures of the submerged forest beneath the surface.
Kolsay Lakes
About 120 kilometres from Almaty, near Lake Kaindy, lie the three Kolsay Lakes, a stunning trio of natural attractions in Kazakhstan. Surrounded by coniferous forests and majestic mountain slopes, these lakes are a popular place to visit for tourists and locals alike.
The main lake, known as the First Lake, is the most accessible and has a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Located at an altitude of over 1,800 metres, it is approximately one kilometre long and 400 metres wide. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating and catamaran sailing, making it an ideal place for relaxation and adventure.
Medeo
Located less than 15 kilometres from Almaty, Medeo is the world's largest high-altitude complex. Its centrepiece is an ice rink with a 10,000 square metre ice surface. As one of the most famous places to visit in Kazakhstan, Medeo welcomes visitors all year round.
The complex is also the starting point for the famous 4.5-kilometre ropeway to the mountain resort of Shymbulak. This scenic journey takes tourists and skiers to the Talgar Pass, which sits at an impressive altitude of over 3,200 metres, offering breathtaking views and access to world-class skiing.
Charyn Canyon
Located about 200 kilometres east of Almaty, the Charyn Canyon is a stunning thing to see in Kazakhstan and the largest canyon in Central Asia. With a length of 154 kilometres and a depth of 200-300 metres, this majestic natural wonder is estimated by scientists to be over 10 million years old.
Among the many places to visit in Kazakhstan, the Charyn Canyon stands out for its Valley of Castles, a remarkable feature where towering rock formations shaped by nature resemble grand castle towers. This awe-inspiring site is a must for anyone exploring the country's natural treasures.
Apply for Visa
Borders are just lines—your courage is limitless
Apply for Residency
Because home isn’t a place — it’s where your story grows.