Perhaps one of Kazakhstan's most surreal landscapes, Lake Kaindy is famous for its submerged forest. Formed after an earthquake in 1911, the lake flooded a valley of spruce trees, leaving their ghostly trunks rising from the clear turquoise water. It's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, and in the winter, the frozen lake becomes an eerie, otherworldly spectacle.
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Kazakhstan things to see and do
Lake Kaindy
Mangystau & The Valley of Balls
The Mangystau region in western Kazakhstan feels like another planet. Its most famous site, Torysh, aka the "Valley of Balls", features thousands of unusual spherical rock formations scattered across the desert. Scientists debate whether these are ancient fossilised concretions or the result of mysterious geological forces. The region also boasts incredible canyons, chalk mountains, and underground mosques, making it an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Otrat
Otrar was once a thriving hub on the Silk Road, playing a key role in trade and cultural exchange before its decline in the 15th century. Located near the modern village of Talapty, visitors can explore its archaeological remains, including the remnants of fortifications, residential areas, and communal baths.
Ruins of Sauran
Once the largest city in Kazakhstan and a major stop along the Silk Road, Sauran was a fortified medieval city that flourished due to its strategic position. Situated northwest of Turkistan, its well-preserved city walls and layout provide insight into medieval urban planning, making it a fascinating historical site to explore.
The Aral Sea
Once one of the world's largest lakes, the Aral Sea has largely dried up due to Soviet-era water diversion projects, leaving behind an eerie desert of abandoned fishing boats. The site serves as a stark reminder of environmental mismanagement, and the nearby town of Aralsk houses a small museum documenting the lake's tragic history.
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Established in 1926, Aksu-Zhabagly is Central Asia's oldest nature reserve, covering vast landscapes of canyons, rivers, and meadows filled with wild tulips. It's one of the best places to see snow leopards, ibex, and golden eagles in their natural habitat. Hiking in the Aksu Canyon, one of the deepest in Central Asia, is an unforgettable experience.
Almaty
Kazakhstan's former capital and largest city, Almaty, is a lively hub set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Zailiysky Alatau mountains. The city is home to the Ascension Cathedral, an architectural gem made entirely of wood and without a single nail. The bustling Green Bazaar is a fantastic place to sample local delicacies like kurt (dried cheese) and shubat (fermented camel's milk). For breathtaking views, take a cable car up to Kok-Tobe Hill, where a towering TV tower stands above the city, or visit Medeu, the world's highest-altitude ice-skating rink.
Baikonur Cosmodrome
Kazakhstan is home to the world's first and largest operational space launch facility, the Baikonur Cosmodrome. This historic site, still leased to Russia, was where Yuri Gagarin took off in 1961 and became the first human in space. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the museum, space shuttle displays, and even witness a live rocket launch (if timed correctly).
Charyn Canyon
Often referred to as the "Grand Canyon's little brother", Charyn Canyon is a natural wonder located about 200 km (124 miles) east of Almaty. Towering red sandstone formations, sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, create a dramatic landscape. The Valley of Castles, a particularly famous section of the canyon, features rock formations resembling fortress towers. Hiking, camping, and rafting along the Charyn River are popular activities here.
Ile-Alatau National Park
Located just outside Almaty, Ile-Alatau National Park is an adventure playground filled with glaciers, alpine meadows, and snow-covered peaks. One of the highlights is Big Almaty Lake, a stunning turquoise reservoir surrounded by mountains. The park offers plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities, and visitors can spot lynx, wolves, and even snow leopards in the wild.
Kolsai Lakes
Known as the "Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan", the three Kolsai Lakes are breathtakingly beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by dense fir forests and towering mountains. The lakes are about 300 km (186 miles) from Almaty and are perfect for hiking, horseback riding, and camping. The area is rich in wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might spot ibex, golden eagles, or even bears.
Nur-Sultan (Astana)
The capital, Nur-Sultan, is a futuristic city known for its ultra-modern skyline and ambitious architecture. The Baiterek Tower, often called the "Tree of Life", offers panoramic views of the city, while the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, a giant transparent tent, houses a shopping mall, an indoor beach, and a mini-golf course. The National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan provides an excellent introduction to the country's history, and the Hazrat Sultan Mosque features impressive domes and intricate Islamic artistry.
Turkistan & The Mausoleum of Yasawi
Turkistan is Kazakhstan's spiritual and historical centre, home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a Turkic poet and Sufi spiritual leader. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in the 14th century by Timur (Tamerlane), and the mausoleum is one of the greatest examples of Timurid architecture, featuring intricate blue-tiled domes, vast archways, and stunning geometric patterns.
Winter Sports
Kazakhstan's diverse terrain and climate make it an emerging destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The country's premier ski resort, Shymbulak, is located near Almaty in the Zailiysky Alatau mountain range, offering well-developed slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Nearby, the Medeu High-Mountain Sports Complex, one of the world's highest ice rinks, sits at 1,691m (5,549 ft), attracting both professional athletes and casual skaters.
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