In the Republic of Kazakhstan, the traveler does not leave a feeling of unreality of what is happening … Here you can simultaneously go to the past and the future, feel the delight of touching untouched nature and contemplation of modern achievements in engineering, get acquainted with the customs of indigenous peoples and go fishing or hunting, evaluate the national cuisine or improve health at thermal resorts. Are you interested in what to see in Kazakhstan so that your trip is eventful and exciting? We offer our own excursion program, which takes into account the most diverse interests and preferences of tourists.
TOP-15 sights of Kazakhstan
Ile-Alatautsky National Park
The purpose of creating a protected area in the south-east of Kazakhstan is the preservation of unique natural landscapes, flora and fauna, and the development of tourism. In the Ile-Alauta National Park, you will find more than 1000 plant species, some of which are listed in the Red Book. The extensive list of representatives of the animal world has thousands of species. The park is home to over 170 bird species, including protected black storks, golden eagles, eagle owls and peregrine falcons. There are snow leopards and roe deer on the mountain trails.
A resort was created on the basis of Almaarasan thermal springs in the park.
Baiterek
The main attraction of Astana is the Baiterek monument, which served as a symbol of the transfer of the capital from Alma-Ata. The construction has a special meaning and demonstrates the beginning of a new stage in the life of the country, the next point in the history of the Kazakh people. The observation decks offer a panoramic view of the city.
The design of the monument is impressive:
- The height of the structure is 105 meters, the diameter of the ball crowning the structure is 22 meters.
- The underground level houses aquariums, cafes and an art gallery.
- The panoramic hall and observation platforms are located in the ball, where a high-speed elevator leads from the underground tier.
There is a park around the monument, where various exhibitions and holidays are regularly held.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
The author of the project of the mausoleum in the city of Turkestan was Tamerlane himself, who highly appreciated the work of the poet and preacher Khoja Akhmet Yasavi. 233 years after his death, Tamerlane ordered to build the existing one on the site of a small mausoleum, and work began at the end of the 14th century.
In addition to the mausoleum itself, on the territory of the Khazret-Sultan historical reserve, you will find the cell where Yasavi lived, the mausoleum of Tamerlane's great-granddaughter, an underground house for reflection and a medieval bathhouse.
The mausoleum is crowned with one of the largest brick domes in the region, which is 44 meters high and 22 meters in diameter. The door of the tomb is richly decorated with wood and ivory carvings. Special relics are a seven-metal water bowl and a 14th century bronze lamp donated by Timur.
Working hours: from 9.00 to 18.00.
To get there: by train from Astana (travel time approx. 17 hours) or by plane from Astana to Shykment and then - by bus to Turkestan.
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
The concert hall in this complex in the capital of Kazakhstan was opened by the famous Montserrat Caballe, and the whole pyramid of peace and harmony has since become one of the main attractions of Kazakhstan. The building serves as a center for religious studies and religious tolerance and it is called a symbol of the unity of different cultures and ethnic groups.
In addition to the opera hall, the complex houses conference rooms, exhibition galleries, a center for contemporary creativity and the Cheops-Atrium hall, where concerts are held.
The palace is open seven days a week. Guided tours in Russian. The ticket price is 1.5 euros.
Khan Shatyr
The largest tent in the world is the Khan Shatyr shopping and entertainment complex in the capital of Kazakhstan. What to see in a modern complex and what entertainment events to visit? For example, visit a beach resort where a tropical microclimate is maintained, and white sand is brought from the Maldives. Or swim in a pool with artificial waves that perfectly imitate real sea waves. In Khan Shatyr you will find dozens of restaurants and hundreds of shops, cinemas and gyms.
Central State Museum
One of the oldest and most reputable museums in Central Asia was founded in the 30s of the XIX century, and today its collection numbers more than 300 thousand items. The exposition includes collections of paleontological and archaeological artifacts found in the Central Asian region, materials on the history of the Kazakh people and other peoples inhabiting Central Asia, exhibits about the life of the modern republic.
The collection "Archaeological Gold of Kazakhstan" is of particular value.
The price of an adult ticket is just over 1 euro. Open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. Day off - Tue.
Kaindy
The lake in the Kazakh gorge Kungey Alatau is one of the most popular recreation places for active tourists. It is located in the Raiymbek district of the Almaty region and is popular with divers.
The spruce trees that grow directly from the lake make the landscape unique, with even more stunning views under the water. Not far from the coast you will find a picturesque birch grove.
The lake is located at an altitude of more than 1.5 km above sea level, the water in it rarely warms up above + 6 ° С, and therefore a diving suit is required for diving. Fans of fishing can fish for trout in the Kaindy River, which flows out of the lake.
To get there: by four-wheel drive car along the Kuldzhinsky tract (approx. 290 km from Almaty).
Kok-Tobe
The first monument to The Beatles in the SNN and a magnificent panoramic view of the Zailiyskiy Alatau with snow-covered peaks can be found in the Kok-Tobe entertainment park on the top of the mountain of the same name in Almaty. Its height is 1130 meters above sea level, and a cable car will help to get to the top.
The wagons leave from the park near the Palace of the Republic at the intersection of Dostyk avenue and Abai ave. While driving, passengers will see the famous area called compote by the locals. The name was given to the streets of the district - Yablochnaya and Vishnevaya, Aprikosovaya and Grushevaya.
Tamgaly
If you love antiquity and find yourself in Kazakhstan, you should look at the Tamgaly petroglyphs, protected as part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. The sanctuary with a large number of various rock paintings is located 170 km from Almaty in the Anrakay mountains.
In total, scientists have discovered about 2 thousand petroglyphs. The drawings depict warriors and gods, weddings and childbirth, hunting scenes and domestic life. Most of the relics found belong to the Bronze Age.
To get there: by car from Almaty 65 km along the Kapchagai highway, and then another 12 km along the A355 road.
Arystan-baba mausoleum
One of the places of pilgrimage for Muslims of Central Asia is located 150 km from the city of Shymkent. The first mausoleum of the mystic and preacher Arystanbab, the teacher and spiritual mentor of the poet Yasavi, was built in the 12th century in the vicinity of the Otrar settlement. It was destroyed during a seven-month siege by the troops of Dzhumchi, and 200 years after the first construction, the second version of the mausoleum was erected by Timur's order. Carved wooden columns have survived from that building, and the relic itself has been destroyed by time and the elements more than once and rebuilt anew.
The true ancient treasure of the mausoleum is the Koran, hand-made by the masters of medieval calligraphy.
Botanical Garden
The oldest botanical garden of the former capital of Kazakhstan is ideal for leisurely walks and meditation. It presents over 7 thousand plant species, both typical for this area and imported from other regions of the former USSR.
Due to insufficient funding, most of the Botanical Garden is in disrepair, but the well-groomed areas look quite dignified and picturesque. The Japanese corner is especially popular, where, in addition to the sakura blossoming in spring, you will find the classic Rock Garden.
Opening hours - from 10.00 to 19.00.
The ticket price is about 1 euro.
Aisha-Bibi
The exact date of the construction of this mausoleum is unknown, as there is no reliable information about the person buried in it. But the locals love to tell the legend about Aisha-Bibi's love for her fiancé. The girl was the daughter of a poet and educator, famous in the 11th century, and died from a snakebite before she could meet her lover. Legend has it that a mausoleum was erected at the place of her death.
The most romantic attraction of Kazakhstan is located in the village of the same name in the Zhambyl region, 18 km from the city of Taraz. The building dates back to the 12th century, and the design of the mausoleum contains more than 60 stone carvings.
To get there: from Astana to Taraz - by train (approx. 1300 km), then by taxi.
Mosque in Pavlodar
Mosque to them. Mashhura Zhusup in Paalodar is called the most beautiful structure in the city by the townspeople and tourists. It was built in the shape of an eight-pointed star in full accordance with the norms of Islamic architecture:
- The height of the minarets is 63 meters, the height of the dome is 45 meters together with the crescent.
- The men's prayer hall can simultaneously accommodate 1200 people.
- The crystal chandelier that adorns the vault of the mosque is made of crystal by Tashkent craftsmen. More than 400 light bulbs come on in it.
Tourists may be interested in the exposition of the Museum of Islamic Culture, located on the second floor of the mosque.
The entrances to the mosque are on Kutuzov, Krivenko and Kairbayev streets.
Singing dune
The 150-meter sand dune in the Altyn-Emel nature reserve is a well-known natural landmark of Kazakhstan. You can not only look at a huge mountain of sand in the middle of a rocky desert, but also listen to a real symphony. Depending on the weather, it is either a barely discernible squeak, or an intimidating rumble heard for many kilometers.
Atameken
If some sights of Kazakhstan were inaccessible due to lack of time, do not despair! Memorial complex "Atameken" will fully satisfy your desire to embrace the immensity. The main sights of the republic and natural landscapes in miniature are presented on the territory of the park.
