Kazakhstan Tour, Sightseeing & Travel Information

The History & Culture?

Kazakhstan's story is shaped by the great Eurasian steppe - home for centuries to Turkic and Mongol nomads whose world revolved around horses, wide skies, and seasonal migration. As a vital artery of the Silk Road, it welcomed traders, scholars, and faiths from East and West. Today, the country blends this heritage with confident modernity: felt yurts and dombra melodies sit alongside futuristic architecture, world-class museums, and dynamic urban life. Visitors can sample hearty steppe cuisine, witness eagle hunting traditions, and experience the famed warmth and generosity of Kazakh hospitality.

Facts Good to Know

Capital

Astana

Official Language

Kazakh, Russian

Population

~19.6 million

Total Area

2,724,900 km²

Currency

Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

What it offers to Travellers?

From futuristic capitals and Silk Road sanctuaries to canyons, dunes, and sapphire mountain lakes - Kazakhstan promises grand landscapes, deep culture, and true steppe adventure.

Places to be Around

Almaty

Nestled beneath the snow-capped Tian Shan, Almaty is Kazakhstan's cultural heart. Wander leafy boulevards, visit the colorful Zenkov Cathedral and Green Bazaar, ride the cable car to Kok-Tobe for sweeping views, and head into the nearby mountains for Medeu and Shymbulak's year-round alpine fun.

Astana

The nation's striking capital pairs bold architecture with Kazakh symbolism. See Bayterek Tower, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and Khan Shatyr's vast tented complex - an eye-catching showcase of the country's modern, forward-looking spirit.

Charyn Canyon

Carved by the Charyn River over millions of years, this rust-red gorge - often called the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia” - glows at sunrise and sunset. Hike among fantastical rock towers in the Valley of Castles for unforgettable photo moments.

Lake Kaindy

A surreal alpine lake famed for its submerged forest - silvery trunks rising from sapphire water. Formed after a 1911 earthquake, Kaindy is a dream spot for hikers and photographers exploring the Kolsai Lakes region.

Baikonur Cosmodrome

The legendary spaceport where Yuri Gagarin began his journey into orbit. Tours (when available) reveal launch pads, museums, and the living history of humanity's early steps into space.

Things to Do

Ride Across the Steppe on Horseback

Live the nomad legacy on guided rides through open steppe and foothills. Horses are central to Kazakh culture - this is the most authentic way to feel the freedom of the land and sky.

Visit the Singing Dunes of Altyn-Emel

Climb the towering sand ridge that “sings” when the wind moves across it. Surrounded by mountains and desert, Altyn-Emel National Park offers a rare blend of geology, wildlife, and eerie natural music.

Explore Silk Road Heritage in Turkistan

Discover the UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and surrounding sacred sites. This spiritual center illuminates centuries of trade, faith, and culture along the Silk Road.

Taste Traditional Kazakh Cuisine

Sample beshbarmak, savory dumplings, aged cheeses like kurt, and the steppe's signature drink, kumis. Hearty flavors reflect nomadic ingenuity and generous hospitality.

Stargaze in the Tien Shan Mountains

High-altitude skies far from city lights reveal a glittering Milky Way. On clear nights, the steppe and peaks become a grand observatory for constellations and meteor showers.