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Tourist Attractions in Kazakhstan

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Kazakhstan

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan appears to the traveller as a harmonious intertwining of centuries-old Eastern traditions and Western modernity. Modern business centres of Astana and Almaty here are adjacent to the ancient cities of the Great Silk Road, and the famous Baikonur cosmodrome stands in the middle of a thousand-year-old steppe, through which centuries ago fierce Mongol hordes raced.

In Kazakhstan a traveller is offered to visit various excursion routes, to get acquainted with the culture and history of the country. In the southern part a large number of valuable architectural monuments have been preserved – mausoleums, mosques, ancient burial grounds, fortresses. Picturesque eco-routes are laid out in the northern and central regions of Kazakhstan. Here comfortable resorts Bayan-Aul, Kokshetau and Muyaldy are waiting for tourists, where you can have a great rest, improve your health and gain strength.
Numerous national parks, unusual and rare in beauty lakes, the slopes of the Altai Mountains, unique Sufi monuments and the modern pulse of the most developed country in the region – all this awaits the traveller who decided to go to Kazakhstan.

Top Cities to Visit in Kazakhstan

Top-25 Tourist Attractions in Kazakhstan

Baiterek

4.6/5
14018 reviews
A bizarre metal structure that decorated Astana in 1997. The monument was erected in honour of the transfer of the capital from the city of Almaty. Astana-Bayterek was conceived by President Nazarbayev, it symbolises the nomads’ ideas about the structure of the cosmos. The tower reaches a height of 97 metres, on the 86th metre there is a panoramic hall from where you can see the whole capital.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

4.8/5
10955 reviews
A 14th century architectural complex from the time of Emir Timur. It is a multifunctional structure that includes a meeting hall, the tomb of Ahmet Yasawi, meeting rooms, a mosque, an archive, kitchen facilities, and guest rooms. The great emir himself gave recommendations on the exterior and interior decoration during the construction.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Baikonur Cosmodrome

4.6/5
283 reviews
The first cosmodrome on the planet, from where human exploration of the distant and incomprehensible Universe began. The first artificial satellite of the Earth was launched from here, and Yuri Gagarin made his flight. Baikonur is one of the three cosmodromes on Earth from where spacecraft with cosmonauts are launched.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

0/5
A striking example of modern Kazakh architecture. This futuristic building in the form of a tent tilted sideways serves as a shopping and entertainment centre. Khan-Shatyr was opened in 2010. In the middle of the structure there is a spire connected to steel cables on which a special transparent canvas is stretched. The structure is included in 10 eco-buildings of the world.

The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

4.5/5
650 reviews
Located in Astana, it is considered one of the main sights of the capital. Books and documents written by Nazarbayev, his diplomas and awards, gifts from foreign heads of state with wishes are kept here. There are also separate halls dedicated to the president’s school years and a hall with collectible weapons. In total, the exposition contains about 40000 exhibits.
Open time
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Palace of Peace and Reconciliation

4.5/5
1748 reviews
The modern structure, erected in 2006, has the shape of a tetrahedral pyramid. It was built in accordance with the proportions of the golden section by architect N. Foster. Some people call the palace the Eighth Wonder of the World. Inside there are conference halls, exhibition galleries, an opera hall, and greenhouses.
Open time
Monday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Palace of Independence

4.5/5
103 reviews
Another modern landmark of Kazakhstan. The building is built in the shape of a trapezoid and decorated with a white figurative lattice, which according to the architects’ idea should symbolise the country’s independence. The palace is used as a venue for conferences, international meetings and forums.

Zheleznovo

0/5
Ethno-park in Astana, where the country’s sights are presented in miniature. There are both historical structures and new buildings. The map repeats mountain and steppe landscapes of Kazakhstan, contains copies of industrial facilities, bridges, roads. In total, more than 200 sights are presented.

Medeu

4.7/5
20187 reviews
High-altitude complex in Medeo tract near Almaty. There is the highest skating rink in the world (at an altitude of about 1700 metres above sea level). Hundreds of world records in speed skating have been set on this rink, for which the place has become known as the “factory of records”.
Open time
Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Almaty Zoo

4.5/5
16716 reviews
The oldest zoological park in Kazakhstan was founded in the 30s of the XX century. About 500 species of animals, birds and representatives of the aquatic world are located on the vast territory. 77 species are included in the Red Book of the CIS countries. There are also many exotic animals imported from Africa. The zoo is a popular holiday destination for locals with children.
Open time
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Nur Astana Mosque

0/5
The second largest mosque in Central Asia, built in 2005. It occupies an area of about 4,000 m². The gilded dome of the mosque reaches 40 metres in height, with four side minaret towers stretching 63 metres (according to the number of earthly years of Prophet Muhammad). Nur Astana is an iconic place for the residents of the capital and one of the most visited sights.

Hazrat Sultan Mosque

0/5
Astana’s magnificent cathedral mosque, opened in 2012. The name of the temple translates as “holiest sultan”. The mosque was named in honour of the revered 13th century Sufi sheikh Khoja Ahmed Yassawi, a Muslim saint, poet and philosopher. The mosque covers an area of about 11 hectares and can accommodate 10,000 worshippers at a time.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Beket Ata underground mosque

4.9/5
130 reviews
A place of pilgrimage for Muslims. The mosque was built in the XVIII-XIX centuries. Beket-ata, who is remembered as a builder of mosques and madrassas. Next to the temple there is the tomb of the follower of Khoja Ahmed Yassavi Shopan-ata, who is also very revered among Kazakh Muslims.

Arystanbab Mausoleum

4.8/5
3201 reviews
A historical monument of the XII-XIV centuries near the ruins of the ancient city of Otyrar. The mausoleum was built over the tomb of Arystan Baba, a legendary and respected religious mystic, a mighty batyr. According to legend, Arystan Baba was the spiritual mentor of Khoja Ahmed Yassawi. According to legend, he also taught Prophet Muhammad himself how to cultivate gardens.
Open time
Monday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Zenkov's Cathedral

4.8/5
5338 reviews
Historical monument of Christian architecture of the early 20th century. The building was constructed of wood using an ancient technology with virtually no nails. The cathedral is one of the 8 tallest wooden buildings in the world. Since 1995, by the decision of the authorities, services have been resumed in the temple after a break of almost 70 years.
Open time
Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve

4.7/5
537 reviews
The first nature reserve of Kazakhstan, established in 1926. It was established to preserve the natural ecosystems of the Zhabagly and Aksu rivers. About 300 species of birds, 50 species of mammals and more than 3000 representatives of flora can be found on the territory of the reserve. In addition to picturesque mountain rivers, there are 27 small lakes in the natural park.

Altyn Emel National Park

4.7/5
1610 reviews
An area located in the valley of the Ili River, where amazing desert, mountain and rubble landscapes meet. Tourists can enjoy a magnificent view of the “lunar” landscapes of the Aktau Mountains, which are coloured in all shades of yellow and orange. Altyn-Emel is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO natural heritage list.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Singing dune

4.8/5
105 reviews
A natural phenomenon of the Altyn-Emel reserve. It is a huge sand hill that “sings”. The sounds created by blowing sand by the wind were attributed by local residents to desert shaitans, creating many legends about the barkhan. Singing of the barchan is a rather rare natural phenomenon.
Open time
Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Tamgaly-Tas

4.7/5
604 reviews
A monument of ancient fine arts, which reveals the original culture of the tribes that once inhabited the Kazakh steppes. The petroglyphs are located in the Tamgaly tract, they count more than 4000 drawings of the Bronze Age, the Turkic era, and the period of early nomads. The drawings depict people, animals, scenes from everyday life and hunting.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Discovery-Borovoe

4.9/5
7122 reviews
A resort area called “Kazakh Switzerland”. A unique green area in the middle of the desert with clean lakes and century-old groves on the slopes of picturesque mountains. It is the best place for leisurely rest, contemplation and walks. Here visitors are offered to take courses of organism recovery with the help of koumiss.
Open time
Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM

Үлкен Алматы көлі

4.7/5
575 reviews
A beautiful turquoise-coloured lake not far from Almaty, where water flows down from the glaciers of the Tien Shan. The lake is more than 40 metres deep and about 1.5 km long. Unlike other lakes of this type (for example, Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia), the water body has a rather unusual shade from turquoise to light green during the year.

Lake Issyk

4.7/5
547 reviews
A water body located at an altitude of over 1700 metres in the Issyk Gorge. In 1963, the lake was devastated by mudflows in a few hours. At the same time 100 people died. Now the lake has been restored, but in more modest sizes. Huge boulders on the shores are a reminder of the tragedy of 50 years ago.

Lake Balkhash

4.6/5
1576 reviews
A large drainless water body with diverse fauna and flora. The lake is a popular beach holiday destination for locals and visitors from Russia, despite its poorly developed infrastructure. The territory of the reservoir is bordered by the picturesque Bektau-ata mountain range, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the Northern Pribalkhash region.

Aral Sea

4.1/5
1377 reviews
A large salt lake that has been shrinking for 50 years. Back in the 60s of the XX century it was one of the 5 largest lakes in the world. But due to active water withdrawal for agriculture, irreversible processes began and the shores began to turn into a lifeless desert. Now the Aral Sea has lost dozens of kilometres of its former coastline.

Charyn Canyon National Park

4.8/5
4035 reviews
A natural monument more than 12 million years old, very similar to the famous and publicised Grand Canyon in the USA. It stretches for almost 100 kilometres. The most accessible and visited part of the canyon is the “Valley of Castles”, where there is a motorway and a trail for tourists. The Charyn Canyon is a breathtaking sight of “alien” amazing shapes into which the rocks have formed.
Open time
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours