National Geographic wrote about five wonders of Kazakhstan

Russian language edition of National Geographic compiled a list of five must-visit places of Kazakhstan. The article listed five wonders of Kazakhstan that are no less impressive than popular touristic destinations, but often left from the sight of tourists.

National Geographic referred high-mountain Lake Kainda, grand mausoleum of Hodja Ahmed Yassawi, mystical underground mosque of Beket-Ata, picturesque mountain place of Bektau-Ata, and the symbol of the country monument “Bayterek” to wonders of Kazakhstan.

Lake Kainda is unique as it has appeared after a strong earthquake causing landslide that had blocked the river and filled the valley with waters. Today centuries-long fir-trees are mounting over water surface and deeper look underneath open up fascinating images that will charm you with its beauty.

The mausoleum of a legendary Sufi philosopher and preacher Hodja Ahmed Yassawi is interesting with its dome, one of the most grandiose in Central Asia. This is an entire complex of historically significant monuments consisting of burial places of distinguished figures, mosques and other ritual constructions.

The underground mosque of Beket-Ata (17th century) is named after the foreteller, scientist and a healer who lived in the 18th century. This holy place attracts many pilgrims during the whole year, and its unique peculiarity is its location deep under the ground.

Bektau-Ata is a mountainous location to the north from the Balkhash Lake, a genuine oasis in the steppe contrasting sharply with the surrounding flora and landscape with small forests and lakes.

Finally, the “Bayterek” monument is a 105-m colossus symbolizing close connection of the state with national traditions. The height of the monument base is 97m and this digit is not accidental, as it was in 1997 when Astana became the new capital of Kazakhstan.