Looking for places to visit in Kazakhstan or beautiful places for photo shoots? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to the world's ninth largest country.
From the ultra-modern capital of Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana) to high-altitude Almaty, the desert Aral Sea and the Caspian resort of Aktau, there's enough to keep avid adventurers busy for a while.
Not only is Kazakhstan a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for more exciting destinations along the old Silk Road and Central Asia. When arriving in Kazakhstan, check out what business lounges are available at Kazakhstan airports in the country.
The country is home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, where manned space flights began, a former Soviet nuclear test site in the Semipalatinsk region, and a Gulag complex in Karaganda.
CURRENT TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan's land borders reopened on April 11, 2022. This means that traveling through Central Asia and exploring the Silk Road is almost back to pre-pandemic levels (with the exception of PCR testing or proof of vaccination).
From April 11, you can cross the border from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia and vice versa.
However, if you plan to travel to/from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, be sure to check the latest updates on land borders.
- From Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan)
- From Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Tashkent (Uzbekistan)
The land border with China remains closed as China has not opened up to tourism and likely won't do so until 2023.
September 2021 Update: Kazakhstan has reintroduced a visa-free regime for citizens of most countries, which existed before the pandemic.
ABOUT TOURISM IN KAZAKHSTAN
Tourism in Kazakhstan is in its infancy by international standards, but with its extremely hospitable people, food to die for and a varied Silk Road landscape of steppes, deserts and mountains, this former Soviet republic can't remain a secret forever!
Kok Tobe cable car
The country's infrastructure is constantly being improved with new roads and high-speed trains, which significantly reduces travel time. They are also developing in Kazakhstan.
For example, driving from the Chinese border used to take over ten hours on terrible roads, but now takes just six hours on a brand new highway.
However, outside of cities, reaching attractions and scenic spots can be difficult. The best way to see the country is to rent a car. Although you can get around by shared taxis and minibuses, it is not easy if you do not speak Russian or Kazakh.
Places like Big Almaty Lake, Kolsai Lakes and Charyn Canyon are not connected to Almaty by regular public transport, so it will take a bit of work to get there (but it's worth it)!
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KAZAKHSTAN
AKTAU
Top attractions in Aktau
- Caspian Beaches
- Lighthouse
- Mangistau
Aktau beach on the Caspian Sea
You might be surprised to learn that Kazakhstan has its own seaside resort! Aktau is a small city on the shores of the Caspian Sea (actually a large inland salt water lake). Great place to cool off in the summer!
Since Aktau is very (VERY) far from anywhere, it's only worth visiting if you plan to explore the region, such as the Mangistau terrain, or you're traveling across the Caspian to or from Baku in Azerbaijan.
ALMATY
Top attractions in Almaty
- Zhenkovsky Cathedral
- Kok Tobe
- Silk Road
- Ice skating rink Medeu
Zhenkova Cathedral, Almaty
Almaty is the former capital of the mountainous regions and the beating heart of Kazakhstan. Green Almaty, a winter playground and Central Asia's premier ski resort, is certainly one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan!
The architecture of downtown Almaty is much more Russian than Central Asian, with brightly painted wooden houses, Soviet statues and Orthodox churches.
The center is home to many trendy bars, cafes and restaurants serving everything from traditional Kazakh dishes to French, Georgian and Japanese!
Almaty is the ideal starting point to venture into the wilderness of Ile-Alatau National Park for hiking, camping, skiing and more. The first mountain trails are just twenty minutes by bus from the city center!
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