You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the sunset paint Kazakhstan’s endless steppe in gold. I spent three weeks exploring this massive country, sleeping in yurts under starlit skies and drinking kumis (fermented mare’s milk – yes, really!) with the warmest people you’ll ever meet.
Let me share the most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan that left me completely awestruck. From canyons that made my jaw drop to mountains that disappear into the clouds, these 12 spots showed me why this wild corner of Central Asia is magical. And trust me, once you see the turquoise lakes of the Tian Shan mountains, you’ll wonder why you didn’t come here sooner!
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👉 My Favorite Tour in Kazakhstan
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Kazakhstan
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Kazakh adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Almaty for just $370 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by eating at local ashanas (cafeteria-style restaurants) where a filling meal costs 1500-2500 tenge ($3-5). Visit the Green Bazaar in Almaty or local markets for fresh produce and traditional foods like kurt and baursak. Street vendors sell delicious samsa and shashlik.
- Transport: Use buses and the metro in Almaty – they’re incredibly affordable with a transport card. For intercity travel, trains are comfortable and reasonably priced. Using local transport saves thousands of tenge per trip.
Kazakhstan is quite affordable outside the modern areas of Almaty and Astana. But if you follow the strategies above, you can explore this vast Central Asian nation for much less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Kazakhstan:
1. Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
- 📍 Location: Turkistan Region, Southern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife lovers 🐾, nature hikers 🥾, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Aksu Canyon, spotting ibex and marmots, exploring the wildflower-covered Tulpar-Taldybulak plateau
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear trails and wildflower blooms 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Zhenja & Lyuda’s Boarding House – Charming guesthouse in Zhabagly village with garden views
Aksu-Zhabagly is the oldest nature reserve in Central Asia and one of the most biologically rich spots in Kazakhstan. The highlight here is Aksu Canyon, a dramatic limestone gorge that looks like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s perfect for scenic hikes and epic viewpoints.
This reserve is a dream for wildlife watchers. You’ll spot ibex, marmots, and golden eagles if you’re lucky. In spring, the Tulpar-Taldybulak plateau bursts into color with wild tulips and other alpine blooms.
The area has a peaceful, remote feel without being too hard to reach. Most travelers base themselves in Zhabagly village, where locals offer warm hospitality and home-cooked food. Whether you’re here for the trails or the biodiversity, this reserve gives you an authentic slice of wild Kazakhstan that feels far off the tourist trail.
2. Almaty Region
- 📍 Location: Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: City explorers 🏙️, mountain lovers 🏔️, culture seekers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling Green Bazaar, visiting Tamgaly petroglyphs, relaxing at Kapchagay Reservoir
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to October for warm weather and clear views 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Renion Park Hotel – Modern hotel near Almaty’s city center with mountain views and easy access to attractions
The Almaty Region offers an exciting mix of urban buzz and scenic escapes. At the center of it all is Almaty, a city surrounded by mountains and filled with leafy boulevards, cafes, museums, and lively bazaars. You’ll get a taste of Kazakhstan’s cultural side here, from opera performances to traditional street snacks.
Just outside the city, things get even better. Head to Kapchagay Reservoir for beach-style lakeside fun or explore the UNESCO-listed Tamgaly petroglyphs, where ancient carvings peek out from rocky cliffs. It’s a solid balance of nature and history without needing to travel far.
The region works well for first-time visitors who want variety without hassle. You can hop from mountaintop viewpoints to art galleries in the same day. With reliable transport and plenty of day trips nearby, this is an easy entry point to Kazakhstan that still feels full of discovery.
- Read this next: 11 Unique Things to Do in Almaty, Kazakhstan
3. Altyn-Emel National Park
- 📍 Location: Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Desert hikers 🏜️, geology nerds 🪨, quiet adventurers 🧢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hearing the Singing Dunes, seeing the colorful Aktau Mountains, hiking near Besshatyr burial mounds
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry trails and mild heat ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Caravansarai Guesthouse – Rustic guesthouse by the Basshi campsite with shared kitchen and sauna
Altyn-Emel National Park is rich with surreal landscapes, from rust-colored cliffs to eerie, sand-blasted plains. The highlight? Definitely the Singing Dunes, a massive dune that hums when the wind moves across it. It sounds like a low drum roll in the middle of nowhere and feels totally unreal.
Another standout is the Aktau Mountains, which look like a rainbow of layered rock. These formations are millions of years old and show off Earth’s deep geological timeline in a quiet, beautiful way. Nearby, ancient Scythian burial mounds at Besshatyr offer a fascinating look into Kazakhstan’s early civilizations.
The park is pretty remote, which makes the experience feel personal and wild. Staying in Basshi village puts you right at the edge of the park, close enough to explore but still comfortable enough to rest well between hikes and desert drives.
- Learn more about tourism in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan Tourism
4. Burabay National Park
- 📍 Location: Akmola Region, Northern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Lake lovers 🛶, forest explorers 🌲, chill weekenders 😌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Zhumbaktas Rock, boating on Lake Burabay, relaxing in pine-filled spa resorts
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to early September for lake activities and sunny skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rixos Borovoe – Upscale lakeside resort with forest views and a full spa
Burabay National Park is often called the Switzerland of Kazakhstan, thanks to its mix of pine forests, granite hills, and crystal-clear lakes. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want an easy escape into nature without traveling too far from major cities like Astana.
Lake Borovoe is the heart of the park, and you can rent a paddle boat, kayak, or simply relax by the shore. The climb up Bolektau Hill is steep but short and rewards you with panoramic views of the lakes and forest-covered peaks. One of the coolest landmarks is Zhumbaktas Rock, a mysterious boulder rising from the water.
Perfect for families or travelers looking to unwind, the area has a peaceful and relaxing vibe. You’ll also find traditional yurts, local food stands, and chances to meet Kazakh families who camp nearby. It’s a beautiful blend of nature, local culture, and quiet moments.
- Discover additional protected areas: Committee of Forestry and Wildlife Kazakhstan
5. Charyn Canyon
- 📍 Location: Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🏕️, photographers 📸, geology fans 🪨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking the Valley of Castles, camping under the stars, exploring Charyn River viewpoints
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to June or September to November for cooler hikes 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Charyn Canyon Camp – Simple glamping cabins near Kökpek village
Charyn Canyon is one of Kazakhstan’s most striking natural wonders, carved over millions of years into a maze of cliffs and pillars. Its most famous section, the Valley of Castles, feels like walking through a stone fortress sculpted by wind and time. The colors shift throughout the day, from bright rust-orange at noon to golden pink at sunset.
This is the kind of place where you bring hiking boots and a camera. The canyon trails are moderate and lead to epic views, while the Charyn River adds a refreshing contrast with its green banks and cool air.
If you’re up for it, staying overnight at Charyn Canyon Eco Park gives you a front-row seat to some of the clearest night skies in the region. Waking up to the sound of wind through rock spires and silence all around is a memory that sticks.
- For more reading: 13 Stunning Hidden Gems in Central Asia You Need to See
6. Ile-Alatau National Park
- 📍 Location: Near Almaty, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain lovers 🏔️, hikers 🥾, day-trippers from Almaty 🧢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Big Almaty Lake, picnicking in the valley, visiting the observatory
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for warm hikes and clear skies 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Qazaq Auyl Eco Hotel – Rustic eco‑hotel at park edge
Ile-Alatau National Park is one of the easiest places to escape into nature from Almaty. Just a short drive from the city, it’s packed with glacier-fed lakes, alpine forests, and wildlife like ibex and golden eagles. The air feels crisp, and the views are ridiculously good.
Big Almaty Lake is the star here, with its milky turquoise water surrounded by snowy peaks. The trail is well-marked and great for a half-day hike. Further up the road, you’ll find the Tien Shan Astronomical Observatory, a lesser-known spot with great views over the mountains and valley.
The park has plenty of different trail options, from easy forest walks to more challenging mountain treks. You can do a day trip or stay nearby for more time outdoors. It’s ideal for travelers who want nature close to the city without needing a full expedition.
7. Issyk Lake
- 📍 Location: Almaty Region, Eastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Nature photographers 📷, peaceful hikers 🌲, weekend explorers 🧺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking around the lake, picnicking in the forest, exploring Issyk Gorge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for best trail and road conditions 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Oi‑Qaragai Mountain Resort – Well-rated mountain resort set in pine forest near Esik
Issyk Lake sits between forested cliffs and alpine ridges, offering calm blue waters and a peaceful atmosphere just an hour from Almaty. It’s less crowded than other nearby lakes, making it a great option for travelers who prefer a quieter experience.
Easy walking paths loop around the lake, giving you access to shaded picnic spots and open viewpoints. You might spot hawks overhead or catch a glimpse of fish near the clear shore. It’s ideal for people who want a light hike without going too far off grid.
Plenty of visitors also explore Issyk Gorge, where the scenery shifts from dense trees to rugged cliffs. It’s a relaxed, no-pressure kind of destination that gives you a dose of Kazakhstan’s natural beauty without needing a full weekend itinerary or serious gear.
8. Kolsai lakes
- 📍 Location: Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Campers 🏕️, hikers 🥾, mountain scenery lovers 🏔️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking between Lower and Middle Kolsai, camping overnight, photographing sunrise over the lake
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September for clear trails and camping weather 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Guest House Arcabay-Karligash – Cozy guesthouse in Saty village
Kolsai Lakes is one of Kazakhstan’s most stunning natural areas, tucked into the forested slopes of the Tian Shan Mountains. The lower lake is easy to reach by car, with deep blue water framed by pine trees and peaks that stretch to the sky.
Most travelers start by hiking the trail from the first to the second lake, a moderate trek that winds through wooded hills and open meadows. You’ll pass yurts, wildflowers, and maybe even see horses grazing along the path. It’s also possible to camp near the lakes if you want to wake up to alpine silence.
Those looking for peace, fresh air, and unreal views will love it here. The trails feel wild but manageable, and the payoff at every bend is worth the effort. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
9. Lake Kaindy
- 📍 Location: Almaty Region, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Adventurous hikers 🥾, photographers 📷, offbeat explorers 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing sunken trees, hiking forest trails, taking a horse ride through the canyon
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for dry weather and trail access 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Kolsay Kazakh Village – Family-run guest house at the entrance of Saty
Lake Kaindy looks like it belongs in a fantasy novel. The water is a ghostly shade of green-blue, with dead tree trunks sticking up like spires from beneath the surface. It was created by a landslide after an earthquake in the early 1900s, and it’s been quietly surreal ever since.
To reach the lake, you’ll need to either hike or take a local guide by off-road vehicle. The route can get bumpy, but it’s worth the ride for that first glimpse of the sunken forest rising from the water. The surrounding pine forests and rocky trails make it a great place for hiking too.
Few places in Kazakhstan feel this remote and unusual. Every part of the trip adds to the experience, from the wild roads to the eerie reflections on the lake. It’s a favorite for nature lovers who want something completely different.
10. Mangystau region
- 📍 Location: Southwestern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Desert lovers 🏜️, geology geeks 🪨, off-grid explorers 🚙
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Bozzhyra Canyon, exploring underground mosques, hiking through chalk cliffs
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June for mild weather and dry trails ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Silk Road Aktau Hotel – Comfortable hotel in Aktau with modern amenities and desert tour connections
Mangystau Region feels like another planet. Its landscapes are wide, wild, and full of bizarre rock formations that shift in color throughout the day. Expect quiet deserts, deep canyons, and ancient shrines carved into stone.
Bozzhyra Canyon is a highlight, with white cliffs that rise like teeth from the earth. It’s remote, so most people hire a guide and a 4×4 to explore safely. You can also visit Beket-Ata and Shakpak-Ata, two historic underground mosques that feel spiritual and mysterious.
Desert lovers will find this region unforgettable. Make sure to bring sun protection, lots of water, and your camera. The silence, scale, and strangeness of Mangystau leave a lasting impression long after you’ve left.
11. Astana
- 📍 Location: Northern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture fans 🏛️, city explorers 🏙️, culture seekers 🎭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, visiting Baiterek Tower, exploring Expo 2017 sites
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for warmer city walks 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Radisson Hotel Astana – Stylish riverside hotel near city attractions with full amenities
Astana is Kazakhstan’s capital and a futuristic city full of sharp angles, bold colors, and creative buildings. It feels planned, polished, and unlike any other place in the country. The city blends glass skyscrapers with Soviet leftovers and ultra-modern monuments.
Baiterek Tower is Astana’s symbol, offering a panoramic view from its glass dome. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation is also worth visiting, both for its architecture and its rotating exhibitions. Museums, opera houses, and riverside parks fill out the rest of your itinerary.
Visitors often describe Astana as strange in the best way. It’s a place to observe what Kazakhstan aspires to be. Spend time walking along Nurzhol Boulevard or chilling by the Ishim River to get a sense of the rhythm here.
- You may also like: 12 Best Things to Do in Astana, Kazakhstan
12. Turgen Gorge
- 📍 Location: Near Almaty, Southeastern Kazakhstan
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, waterfall chasers 💧, day hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Bear Waterfall, exploring the alpine meadows, spotting wildlife on the trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for trail access and wildflowers 🌼
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Oi-Qaragai Mountain Resort – Family-friendly eco resort
Turgen Gorge is one of the best day trips you can take from Almaty. It’s packed with green slopes, fresh rivers, and forest trails that lead to some seriously photogenic waterfalls. The drive there only takes about 90 minutes.
Most visitors hike to Bear Waterfall first. It’s an easy-to-follow path that rewards you with misty air and lush scenery. If you’re feeling more active, continue deeper into the gorge where alpine meadows bloom during summer and marmots pop up near the paths.
Bringing snacks, water, and good shoes will make your visit way more enjoyable. It’s a low-effort, high-reward location that doesn’t require much planning but still leaves you feeling like you found something special.
