Things To Do
in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, situated in Central Asia, bordered by Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, with a significant portion of its territory also lying in Europe. It boasts a diverse landscape that includes steppes, mountains, and deserts, with sites of historical and natural significance such as the ancient city of Turkestan and the pristine Altai Mountains.
Kazakhstan has a rich cultural heritage, blending nomadic traditions with modern influences, and has been experiencing steady economic growth, largely due to its vast reserves of oil and other minerals.
- "Salemetsiz be?" - How are you?
- "Rakhmet" - Thank you
- "Keshiriniz" - Excuse me/Sorry
- "Iä" - Yes
- "Jok" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $60
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Medeo Skating Rink and enjoy the stunning mountain views. Follow it up with a visit to the nearby Shymbulak Ski Resort if you're adventurous.
Head to Panfilov Park to see the Zenkov Cathedral, one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Have lunch at a local café and immerse yourself in Almaty's vibrant atmosphere.
Stroll through the bustling Green Bazaar for a unique culinary experience. End your day with dinner at a traditional Kazakh restaurant.
Begin your day at the Bayterek Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Then, visit the Nur-Astana Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kazakhstan.
Explore the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, known for its pyramid structure. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café with a view of the Ishim River.
Visit the Ak Orda Presidential Palace for a photo opportunity. Wind down with dinner at a local restaurant that offers traditional Kazakh dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
- Strategic location as a bridge between Europe and Asia.
- Growing economy with significant foreign investment opportunities.
- Diverse cultural heritage with a mix of traditions.
- Promising education system with a focus on modernization.
- Political instability and limited political freedoms.
- Corruption remains a challenge in various sectors.
- Economic reliance on energy exports, making it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
- Environmental issues, particularly related to industrial pollution and land degradation.
- Underdeveloped infrastructure in rural areas.
Best Activities in Kazakhstan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Tien Shan Mountains through various levels of trails.
Experience the breathtaking scenery of Charyn Canyon while camping and enjoying the peaceful nature around.
Enjoy a tranquil fishing experience in one of the largest lakes in Kazakhstan, known for its abundant fish population.
Discover the stunning natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna of Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve while horseback riding.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kazakhstan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its unique rock formations and colorful gorges, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
A beautiful mountain lake located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, providing a picturesque setting for photography.
Offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and cityscape, especially stunning during sunset.
Famous for its submerged forest, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape.
Food in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish featuring boiled meat (commonly lamb or beef) served on a bed of flat noodles. It's often seasoned with onions and is a staple in Kazakh cuisine. Best enjoyed at local eateries in Almaty or Nur-Sultan.
Must-Try!
A fragrant rice dish cooked with carrots, onions, and meats such as lamb or beef, seasoned with cumin and other spices. The dish is widely available throughout Kazakhstan, including restaurants and food markets.
Marinated and skewered meat, commonly lamb, chicken, or beef, grilled to perfection. This popular street food can be found at many outdoor markets and local eateries across the country.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kazakhstan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the most famous food markets in Almaty, offering a vibrant array of spices, fresh produce, and local delicacies including fresh bread, dried fruits, and a variety of nuts.
Situated in the heart of Nur-Sultan, this bustling market is a food lover's paradise, featuring stalls selling traditional Kazakh snacks, street food, and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts.
This park in Almaty comes alive with food vendors offering traditional Kazakh street food such as samsa (baked pastries filled with meat and onions) and baursak (fried dough balls).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kazakhstan, it is important to show respect towards elders and individuals in positions of authority. This can be demonstrated through polite language, attentive listening, and deference to their opinions and decisions.
Kazakh people are known for their hospitality and generosity. It is customary to offer guests food, tea, or other refreshments as a sign of hospitality. Visitors are expected to show appreciation and respect for the host's generosity.
It is important to be aware of and respectful towards Kazakh cultural customs and traditions, such as removing shoes before entering someone's home, addressing people with their proper titles, and being mindful of religious practices and taboos.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kazakhstan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kazakhstan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a customary practice in Kazakhstan. In most cases, a service charge is already included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if exceptional service is provided, a small tip of 5-10% may be given as a token of appreciation.
Cash is widely used for daily transactions in Kazakhstan, especially in rural areas. However, credit and debit cards are accepted in larger cities and at major establishments. It's advisable to carry cash in the local currency, Tenge, for smaller purchases and in case of limited card acceptance.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kazakhstan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kazakhstan with pleasant weather, blooming landscapes, and nature awakening from winter
Ideal time for outdoor activities, with warm weather, long daylight hours, and festivals
Beautiful fall foliage, milder temperatures, and opportunities for hiking and cultural experiences
Great for winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, as well as experiencing traditional winter festivities
Kazakhstan at Night
Hiking in Kazakhstan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning natural formation known for its vibrant red rock formations and unique landscapes. It offers a variety of hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Famous for its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, Altyn Emel has many trails that lead through deserts, mountains, and along the Ili River.
A picturesque alpine lake located in the mountains near Almaty, offering various hiking routes with views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
A popular hiking destination providing trails that are suitable for various skill levels, with options for stunning panoramic views.
Known as the 'Pearls of the Northern Tien Shan', this stunning group of lakes offers various trails for hikers to explore the pristine landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient petroglyphs, this area offers both cultural interest and walking trails in scenic surroundings.
A remote park famous for its diverse ecosystems and rugged mountainous terrain, featuring numerous trails for adventure seekers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kazakhstan through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Kazakhstan by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in Kazakhstan, located in Almaty.
The primary international airport serving the capital city of Kazakhstan, Nur-Sultan.
An international airport that serves the city of Atyrau, a key region for oil and gas.
An international airport located in Karaganda, providing service to the central region of Kazakhstan.
An international airport serving the city of Aktobe in western Kazakhstan.
Also known as Ust-Kamenogorsk Airport, it serves the eastern city of Oskemen.
An international airport in the city of Pavlodar, important for the northern region.
Serves the city of Shymkent and the southern region of Kazakhstan.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Kazakhstan, making up about 20% of the population.
The second largest ethnic group, comprising around 20% of the population.
A significant ethnic minority in Kazakhstan, constituting about 3% of the population.
A smaller community, making up approximately 1-2% of the total population.
Another notable ethnic group, representing around 1-2% of the population.
Include Ukrainians, Belarusians, Koreans, and others, making up the remaining demographic.
The Soul of Kazakhstan
Discover the essence of Kazakhstan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Kazakhstan, with many local clubs and a national league.
Ice hockey is widely followed in Kazakhstan, with a strong presence in international tournaments.
Traditional Kazakh wrestling, known as 'Kyz Kuu', holds cultural significance and is a key sport in the country.
Basketball has been growing in popularity, with a national league and participation in international competitions.
Track and field events are popular, with Kazakh athletes often competing in regional and international championships.
Cycling has gained popularity, with Kazakhstan hosting various cycling events and having notable cyclists.
Ice skating, including figure skating and speed skating, is popular, especially during winter sports seasons.
Volleyball is a popular sport at both the grassroots level and in professional leagues in Kazakhstan.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Kazakh cuisine is meat-centric, modern restaurants and cafes in cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan offer an increasing number of vegetarian and vegan dishes, often incorporating local produce and flavors.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options in upscale restaurants and cafes, with gluten-free variations of traditional dishes and globally-inspired cuisine becoming more accessible.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kazakhstan with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kazakhstan.