Places to visit in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is big and vast. Thanks to this, you will find a variety of landscapes throughout the country. Forests and fields in the north, endless steppe in the Center, mountains in the East and south, glaciers in the south, deserts in the West. Here is a list of the top 10 must see places in Kazakhstan in my personal opinion.

Communicating with people around the world, sometimes I was asked what to see in Kazakhstan. Now I try to put all my thoughts into one list. I must add that Kazakhstan is also a safe place. So, enjoy your trip!

1. Almaty city

When to go: all year round

My hometown, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan. Almaty has a unique architecture with old and new. Take a walk around the city center, through numerous green parks, and take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill, from where you can enjoy the best view of the entire city. Enjoy good food and drinks in the many cafes and restaurants. When you get tired of the city, head to the mountains! Part of the Tien Shan Mountains, called the Alatau Mountains, is just a 15-minute drive from the city. Try skiing at the Medeu Ice Rink in Evelatin at 1691 m above sea level. Higher in the mountains is the Shymbulak ski resort. In winter you can ski at an altitude of 2000-3200 m above sea level. If you don't ski, there are plenty of hiking trails into the mountains where you'll see some outstanding natural beauty. For example, Big Almaty Lake.

2. Canyon Ball

When to go: best time in spring, summer and autumn

Sharyn Canyon is located 200 km east of Almaty and can be reached in about 3-3,5 hours. This is a huge canyon with a total length of about 150 km. But most visitors come to a specific part of the canyon called the Valley of Castles, which is a 2 km walk away. During the summer there are cafés and lodges at the end of the 2 km walk. You can also camp there. Sharyn Canyon is sometimes called the Little Grand Canyon and is definitely worth a visit.

4. Mausoleum of Aisha-Bibi

When to go: all year round

The Aisha Bibi Mausoleum is located near the city of Taraz in Southern Kazakhstan. The mausoleum is small in size, but it is one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. Built in the 12th century, the Mausoleum is dedicated to a young woman, Aisha, who died while traveling to meet her fiancé, the powerful local ruler Karakhan. In the center of Taraz you will also find the mausoleum of Karakhan himself.

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