Top 15 Attractions in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's tourist attractions 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 attractions in Kazakhstan. Start your journey with our top 15 attractions in Kazakhstan and discover all that this fascinating country has to offer.
Baiterek Monument
Baiterek in Astana is a striking modern attraction in Kazakhstan. The tower stands at an impressive height of 97 metres, with a viewing platform 86 metres above the ground, offering stunning panoramic views of the capital. Baiterek's design is deeply rooted in local folklore, inspired by the legends of the Tree of Life and the golden egg laid by Samruk, the mythical bird of happiness. Opened in 2002, the monument has become one of Kazakhstan's most iconic symbols.
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 attraction 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.
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 destination 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 tourist attractions 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 attraction 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 things to see 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.
Lake Balkhash
Lake Balkhash is the largest body of water in the country and one of its most unique attractions. It is also the second largest salt lake in the world, with a shoreline stretching over 2,300 kilometres. Estimated to be around 35,000 years old, the lake's most remarkable feature is its dual composition: the water on the western side is fresh, while the eastern side is salty, separated by a narrow isthmus.
One of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan, Lake Balkhash attracts over 350,000 visitors annually. The modern, world-class Balkhash Sanatorium is located on its shores, and the area offers a variety of tourism opportunities, including beach holidays, health and wellness activities, and even extreme adventure.
Nur-Alem
Attractions in Kazakhstan are not limited to natural wonders, but also include modern architectural marvels. One such standout is Astana's Nur-Alem, a stunning 100-metre-high spherical building. Designed by the same company behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the structure is famous for its ultra-modern appearance and multi-functionality.
Originally built as a pavilion for EXPO 2017, Nur-Alem now serves as an eight-storey 'Future Energy Museum' and a large-scale power station, with solar panels and wind turbines integrated into its walls and ceiling. At night, the giant glass sphere hosts mesmerising light shows, living up to its name, which translates as 'Shining World'.
Mangystau
Mangystau, a region in the south-west of the country, is a unique and highly popular attraction in Kazakhstan. Famous for its otherworldly desert landscapes, the area is home to a number of natural and man-made wonders. Among its most famous sites are the Bozzhyra Tract, the Torysh Valley of Stone Balls, the Shakpak-ata Rock Mosque and the Karaman-ata Underground Mosque.
Despite its remote location and difficult access, Mangystau attracts up to 300,000 tourists a year. Visitors are drawn to its extraterrestrial landscape and fascinating architectural landmarks, making it a must for the adventurous traveller.
Singing Dune
The Singing Dune (or Barkhan) in Altyn Emel National Park is one of the largest dunes in the world and a fascinating natural wonder among the many things to see in Kazakhstan. Surprisingly, this immense barkhan is not located in the middle of a desert but in an area surrounded by rocky mountains, about 180 kilometers from Almaty. Formed approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago, it is believed to have originated from sand blown from the bottom of the Ili River.
What makes the Singing Dune truly unique is its ability to emit sounds similar to a low humming or buzzing. Scientists attribute this phenomenon to the friction and vibration of sand grains, while local folklore tells of a sleeping shaitan trapped beneath the dune.
Ascension Cathedral
The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Almaty. Constructed entirely of wood, it stands at an impressive height of 54 meters, making it the tallest wooden Orthodox church in the world. The cathedral was built in the early 20th century under the guidance of architect A. Zenkov. Thanks to its exceptional design, the structure has been remarkably well preserved, even surviving a major earthquake in 1910.
During the Soviet era, the cathedral served as a museum for several decades. The collection it housed is now displayed in the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adding to its historical significance.
Aisha Bibi Mausoleum
Aisha Bibi is a historic mausoleum near the town of Taraz, believed to have been built in the 12th century. Its origins are linked to the tragic legend of Princess Aisha, who is said to have died of a snake bite while travelling to meet her beloved. A beautiful and unique mausoleum was built on the site of her death to honour her memory.
The structure has a distinctive cubic shape, topped by an original conical dome. Its façade is decorated with terracotta tiles, with more than 50 intricate patterns and ornaments.
Over time, the mausoleum suffered considerable damage, with only one original wall remaining. However, extensive restoration work carried out between 2001 and 2004 has allowed countless tourists to appreciate this architectural gem and its poignant history.
Arystan Bab Mausoleum
The Arystan Bab Mausoleum is one of the most important religious attractions in Kazakhstan, and it is visited by many pilgrims every year. It is located near Otrar, about 60 kilometres south of the city of Turkestan.
According to legend, Arystan Bab was a contemporary and companion of the Prophet. He was entrusted with a persimmon seed to pass on to Khoja Ahmed Yassawi. To fulfil this sacred mission, Arystan Bab is said to have lived for more than 400 years and became Yassawi's teacher in the 12th century.
Over the centuries, the mausoleum of Arystan Bab was destroyed and rebuilt several times. The current structure was built in 1971, funded by the faithful, and remains a significant site of spiritual and historical importance.
More Places to Visit
In addition to the main attractions of Kazakhstan, the country is home to many other fascinating tourist sites, including museums, historical and religious buildings, as well as stunning natural landmarks.
The Hazrat Sultan Mosque is a magnificent modern structure and one of Kazakhstan's main attractions. The largest mosque in Central Asia, it was completed in 2012 and is renowned for its opulent white and gold decoration and impressive scale. Covering an area of 11 hectares, the mosque can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time, making it a must-see for visitors.
Borovoe is a symbol of nature tourism in Kazakhstan. Covering an area of approximately 1,000 hectares, it features numerous lakes, sanatoriums and holiday homes. This stunning natural attraction in Kazakhstan is well-known for its picturesque landscapes and the therapeutic properties of its waters and mountain air.
The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Almaty is one of the most important historical museums in the country. It houses an extensive collection of over 300,000 artefacts, some of which are displayed in seven exhibition halls. For much of the 20th century, the museum was housed in the Ascension Cathedral. The current building was constructed and opened in 1985, providing a modern space to display the nation's rich history.
Located about 170 kilometres from Almaty, the ancient petroglyphs of Tanbaly are a remarkable natural and historical site in Kazakhstan. The intricate rock carvings were discovered by archaeologists in the mid-20th century. These petroglyphs offer an invaluable insight into the history, culture and spiritual beliefs of the region's ancient inhabitants.
In 2004, Tanbaly was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, cementing its status as one of Kazakhstan's most important cultural and historical attractions.