Places to Visit in Kazakhstan

After Turkestan and Nur-Sultan, Taraz is the third fastest growing country in Kazakh. It is located on the banks of the Talas river, in close vicinity to the Kyrgyzstan border. Taraz is one of the oldest cities with its history dating back to the medieval period. It is believed that Taraz actively took part in trades with Asian countries via the silk routes. During the excavations in and around the city, innumerable artifacts were found including chest ornaments, bronze statues, caves, and others. All these discoveries proved that Taraz spurred to life before the 1st century BC.

Tara being an ancient city has a lot to offer. Along the silk road, you can visit the Aisha-Biwi mausoleum. The Karahan mausoleum is the house of different ceramic artifacts gathered from excavations. If you want to discover the royal culture of Taraz, the Akyrtas Palace Complex will be an ideal place to start from.

After a tiring day, having some leisure time in Zhengis Park sounds immaculate. For satisfying your hunger and delving into Taraz's unusual culture, the Asti Bar will be a nice place. For those who love shopping, the Shakhristan market should be there in your itinerary. Taraz is seated at a 628-meter height from sea level which is why it experiences a cool climate during summer and chilly weather coupled with rainfall in the winter.

The city was historically named as Akmola. From 1998 to 2019, it was called Astana. In 2019, it was named Nur-Sultan to honour the former president of Kazakhstan. The city is currently the capital of the nation. It is a well-planned city that underwent modernization on being anointed as the seat of the government. The second-largest city in the land, it is a popular choice among places to visit in Kazakhstan.

What attracts tourists enmasse to the gates of Nur-Sultan, is the fact that it is one of the last places in the world where old and modern architectural styles coexist in harmony. Many have described it as a Eurasian Berlin, a medley of cultures and myriad communities that define the cityscape as vividly as a painting. The city of Nur-Sultan is renowned for its beautifully constructed government buildings such as the Governor’s house, the Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, and the Supreme Court. They are of neo-classical architecture, nestled alongside modern high-rise office complexes and skyscrapers.

You will never run out of places to visit in this city. Be it the iconic Baiterek Tower, the Hazret Sultan Mosque, the Independence Square, or the Nurzhol Boulevard, discovering the entire city for yourself requires a lifetime. Booking a show at the Astana Ballet Theatre, or the State Theatre is one of the most popular tourist choices.

Astana bears the title of the second coldest city in Kazakhstan. It snows feverishly in January and February. The left bank is the colder side of the city, while the right bank is much warmer, due to buildings packed close to one another. Make sure to carry warm clothes if you're visiting in the frigid months of winter. The months of April-May are perfect for tourism, as the weather is amazingly comfortable.

One of the most Historic cities of Kazakhstan, Turkistan is currently the administrative center in its region. What really attracts visitors and speaks volumes about the rich heritage of the city is its vast variety of architectural wonders. These include, primarily, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hailed as the Spiritual Capital of the Turkic world, it is also the site of the famed tomb of Timur.

Turkestan is located near the Syr Darya river, 160 kilometers North-West of Shymkent. It lies on the Trans-Aral Railway amidst Kyzylorda and Tashkent to the North and the South respectively. You can reach Turkestan on a 20-hour long train journey from Almaty. The nearest airport is two hours away from Shymkent. Walking along the streets of Turkistan will set you far back in time, leafing through the scrolls of history. It is almost as if the city is a mosaic of stone, unchanged through the advancing years. The city also boasts a bathhouse from the medieval eras, accompanied by 4 mausoleums for the khans of Kazakhstan, and Timur’s granddaughter.

Apart from participating in the Holy Pilgrimage every year, there are a number of activities that you can take part in. The Shymkent Plaza, the Park Abaya, and Central Park are popular destinations for curious tourists who want to get a feel of the local cultures and communities. There are several renowned museums that will assist you to relive the days of the past. Overall, one of the most historically relevant cities in Kazakhstan.

The climate is cool and semi-arid, with the summers being hot and clear, while the winters are freezing cold. The general skies are windy, with temperatures between 16 degrees to 94 degrees in Fahrenheit. The ideal tourism timings are from mid-May to late-June or late-July to late-September.

Located near the Uzbekistan border, Shymkent is a city that was historically a Trade Centre between nomads and settlers. Being highly populated, Shymkent is one of the three Kazakh cities that are equal in significance to separate regions. If you are on the lookout for places to visit in Kazakhstan, Shymkent should be one of the prerequisites in your itinerary. A stroll along the meandering pathways of Shymkent will help you to relive the days in which the city was attacked again and again by several military warlords, including even the legendary Genghis Khan. The Koshkar Ata mosque is one of the most poignant remnants of that era.

Shymkent is one of the most historically significant regions in Kazakhstan. A full Cultural and historical tool off Kazakhstan would be incomplete without strolling through the roads of this enigmatic city. The Old Town of Shymkent remains as an open-air museum that showcases the city planning architecture and infrastructure of the mediaeval eras

However, Shymkent has many other options apart from just historical tools you can also visit Central Park, the Ordabasy Square, or the Cathedral Garden. The well-designed avenues speak volumes about the artistic architectural styles of the era. FC Ordabasy is one of the premier football teams of the region. It is based in the local stadium at Shymkent. Rain and snow are characteristic features of the winter seasons, while the summers are hot and dry. The months between June and August are ideal for tourism.

Unlike other cities of Kazakh, Aktau doesn't have a direct relationship with the pioneering history of the country. But, as the city is a part of Mangestau, one can witness the glory of the smaller trading routes around the Caspian area. Aktau is a Soviet-founded city, the word having an eternal literary meaning- WHITE MOUNTAIN. The name comes from the chalky white appearance of the Aktau ranges, peering above the Almaty region in the country. Despite being divided into16 political districts, Aktau celebrates a unified culture which is its main source of beauty.

Aktau has seen its fair share of history, which is why the city has several memorials you must take a look at before your departure. The WWII memorial is said to be the seat of an eternal flame that glows constantly. Right down the lane across the MiG fighter plane memorial, you will have the seafront, filled with cliffs and roaring sea wave noises. You can also visit Mikrorayons to watch the statue of the melancholic Ukrainian poet, Shevchenko.

Since Aktau is a part of the Caspian area, you can go on a yacht along the shoreline. For adventurous tourists, the 0.6 biking trail will be a wonderful choice. The main city has a puppet theater for families and children. Aktau has drastic weather, with the summer being hot and arid whereas the winters are cold but long.

Kokshetau is a multiethnic city, located in the Akmola region. The Kokshetau uplands border the northern boundary while to the south, we have Lake Kopa and Ishim Steppe. In the Kazakh language, Kokshetau means the Blueish Mountain, thanks to the clear view of the blue sky across the uplands. Due to the surrounding natural beauty, this city is one of the best Kazakhstan tourist places that should be included in your itinerary.

The beauty of the city is attributable to the multiple cultures found here, starting from ethnic Kazakh to Russian and German. Here, you will find both urban and rural settlements, which further escalates the magnificence of Kokshetau. Kokshetau is the home to some really charming and external structures, the first of which is the Culture Palace Istoki. For enjoying the regional music and dance, you can visit the Sakhmet Kusainov center. The Oceanarium will take you on a journey across marine life, with several flora and fauna species available throughout the building.

Shopping is one of the most famous activities that both the locals and tourists indulge in. The Central Shopping Mall is the biggest shopping market in the entire Kokshetau. Other than this, you can also enjoy the various ethnic dishes in Kokshetau, both Continental and regional. Kokshetau shares similar weather to that of the surrounding uplands. The summers are comfortable but humid due to cloudy skies. On the other hand, the winters are dry and frigid.

Initially, a fort was constructed on the lands, in 1720 after which several small settlements started to grow surrounding the fort. Soon, it was named the Oskemen city in the Kazakh language. Close to the borders of the city is the confluence of the Ulna and the Irtysh rivers.

Oskemen is a small town, the outskirts of which is filled with different mining and metallurgical companies. Here, one can find the fusion of two different cultures- ethnic Russian and ethnic Kazakh which is why the city is considered to be one of the most visited Kazakhstan tourist places. Oskemen has several points of attraction that will definitely make your Kazakhstan tour memorable. Starting with Zhastar Park, you can have fun while skiing through the slopes of the Altaiskiye Alpy. Another amazing natural attraction is the Kiin Kerish Canyon. Both the Zhambyl Shabayev Park and Skeletal Recreation Park are the both visited recreational centers in Oskemen.

If you want to spend a relaxing day, take a stroll along the sidewalks of the Slavskog embankment. You can even visit the churches and mausoleum present in the city. The Muhammadi city Mosque and the Eastern-Khazaghstan art museum are the two notable constructions of Oskemen. Oskemen enjoy cool and pleasant summers, with the sun here creating an amiable atmosphere. The winters, however, are frigid cold, with snowfall occurring throughout the season almost.

Semey is a border city on the Russian side. The Irtysh river flows in close vicinity to the city, thereby lending natural beauty to the town. It is believed that during the 18th century, Semey flourished through the trades between the Asian nomadic communities and the Russians through the Irtysh river.

Semey is considered to be a bridge city between Siberia and central Asia, thanks to the Turkestan-Siberia railway. Despite being small in size, the city attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world, thanks to its association with the Russian and Central Asian culture. Semey's history talks a lot about Dostoevsky, a famous poet whose entire lifetime became a notable turning point in Semey culture. That's why visiting the museum built in his memory is a must. If you love art and history, the Fine Arts Museum will be the ideal place as it showcases all the important arts from the 16th century onwards.

For understanding the anti-nuclear movement of Semey, you can visit the Polygon and the surrounding areas. If you are up for a day full of adventure, a visit to Polkovnik Island is a must. The town of Semey experiences a humid climate. Summers are extremely hot, with humidity levels spiking every day. Contrary to this, winters are cold, often accompanied with snowfall.

Located on the Ilek river, Aktobe got its name from the high elevation where the first settlement was established. In Kazakh language, Aktobe means white hill, which symbolized the snow-covered lands the city experienced at the beginning of the 19th century. Aktobe's beauty comes from it's history where tales of many Asian empires have been noted. Two prominent figures from the Kazakh history- Abulkhair Khan and Eset Batyr were from this Kazakh city. Due to the steppe lands and the numerous rivers flowing around, the city is the epitome of natural magnificence.

Aktobe has witnessed a fair share of battles and downfall of empires of troops. So, having a museum based on a female sniper who killed ninety-one German soldiers is expected. The Aliya Museum will give you a detailed insight into her life and how she conquered the fight against Germany single-handedly. Another major attraction that makes Aktobe one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan is the Aktobe Regional Museum. It is a scientific haven, delineating every detail about nature, starting with the meteor craters to the local hornless rhino remains.

For experiencing the culture of the city, you can visit The Boulevard of Unity and Accord or the Nur Gasyr Regional mosque. Several cafes and restaurants are there to satisfy your roaring stomach during your trip.Aktobe experiences an almost average temperature, with little to almost no snowfall. However, the land certainly receives a fair share of rainfall during late summers.

In 1970, the Soviet built the Koryaksky Fort which later came to be known as the town of Pavlodar, in 1861 precisely. The presence of vast salt lakes accounted for the city's rise in popularity as numerous salt production units and agricultural companies were established. Later on, by the end of the 19th century, Pavlodar welcomed urbanization, and soon it became one of the fastest growing cities in the entire country of Kazakhstan.

Located near the Irtysh river, Pavlodar is a multiethnic city, having populations of Kazakhs, Germans, Russians, Tatars and even the Moldovans. The human settlements are widespread in this area, with green trees and vegetation covers adorning the roads and sidewalks. The most notable attraction of the city is the Mashkhur Jusup mosque, having yellow or gold painted walls and blue painted ones and pillar heads. The Cathedral of the Annunciation is one of the most crowded regional structures in Pavlodar. Other areas of attractions in this city are Regional History Museum, Chekhov Regional Drama Theater, Ice arena, and Gaziz.

You can take part in several sports arranged throughout the year in this city. Pavlodar is full of shopping malls and markets like the Koktem, Barys Mall, Vesna, and Shyolkovy Put. Pavlodar is known for its winter season as the temperature drops further below the freezing point. Skiing, ice races, and several other sports are practiced during the long winter months.

A bustling metropolis at the heart of Kazakhstan, Almaty was the cultural and trading capital of the land till 1997. The Central State Museum is a prominent landmark in the cityscape, with several hundreds of famed artefacts from Kazakh history. The Zenkov Cathedral in Panfilov Park is an orthodox church established by the Russians in the Tsarist Era. Walking along the picturesque roads of the city, the enigmatic traveller can come across graceful arches and spires, Neo-Russian in style. The city is a maze of architectural feats from prominent artisans like Paul Gourdet, Andrei Pavlovich Zenkov and many more. It is akin to walking through the pages of history, watching a grand civilization manifest into opulent architectural wonders at the peak of its success.

What attracts travellers and tourists is that the city retains its historically well-planned structures, with wide avenues, meticulously planned residential areas, and a profusion of scenic lakes and forested parks. The joy of walking along the winding roads, and discovering historical monuments hidden in plain view, is almost comparable to childlike wonder. Almaty is known not only for its beautiful sights but also for a variety of adventures that you can embark upon. Sitting on the shores and skipping stones on the Big Almaty Lake might serve as blissful relaxation, while the particularly adventurous souls can pay a visit to the Medeu Ski Resort and Skating Rink. The Kok-Tobe Hill and the White Mountains of Altyn-Emel are star attractions in Almaty. 

Almaty bears slight snowfall in the months of October to April. However, the snow is thin, and melts easily, causing almost no problems for the city-dwellers. The best time for tourism is June to September when the temperature remains a standard 20-30 degrees Celsius.

Being the fourth populous city in Kazakh, Karagandy is one of the main tourist attractions. In 2014, this historical city completed eighty years. Its history is mainly related to WWII, and that's what makes the city so precious and incredibly beautiful. Despite the city still having several ruins from the world war, its beauty and magnificence are unparalleled. The lanes are guarded by greyish buildings and in most places, the sidewalks have formed several cracks indicating the torment this city went through. Despite all these, the city has its own charm, all thanks to the deep-seated historical roots.

As Karagandy has a never-ending connection with the Soviets, you will find building walls painted with murals, depicting their cultures. The Gagarin monument is another attraction in the city that draws flocks of tourists every day. It was built as a memoir to cherish a space mission. If you want to delve deeper into the city's history, you must visit the Regional Museum. Evidence and facts from the nomadic time to the Soviet repression are present in the museum.

Karagandy's nightlife is heightened by Elvis- the best place to rock and roll with music and drinks. Taking a stroll around the lake in Central Park is the best way to relax your mind. Karagandy has a soothing weather pattern, with a windy and comfortable summer season and snow-covered winters.

Baikonur might have a long history associated with the Soviets. But the roots of the city are deeply embedded in the mining industry as the original place was used for digging up innumerable mines. Located on the northern riverbank of Syr Darya, Baikonur is now the home to Cosmodrome- a Russian leased spaceport. The city is mainly known for the space centers which are managed by the Russians. On the other side, human settlements have been established, and yet, almost thirty percent of the soil is barren.

Coming to Baikonur and not visiting the space cosmodrome is definitely not acceptable. After getting approval, you can take a guide to discover the hidden mysteries including the initial launch pads, the Soviet missiles, the control towers, and so on.

You can even take a stroll along Cosmonaut Grove. It's a single avenue, bordered by trees that were planted by the Cosmonauts prior to their departure from Baikonur Cosmodrome. Baikonur experiences a cold desert climate even though the mercury levels rise above normal during the months of May to July. The winters are harsh and cold to a great extent.