Welcome to Kazakhstan!
Being the ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is wide to an extent that it encompasses 5 climate zones and has 2 time zones. Having said that, it is the geographical diversity of the country that accounts for ultimate travel experiences. As you plan on making an extensive itinerary, you must jot down all the popular places to visit in Kazakhstan that are significant historically and offer a multitude of activities. Some of the major division in Kazakhstan are Almaty, Astana, Central Kazakhstan, Eastern Kazakhstan, Northern Kazakhstan, Southern Kazakhstan, and Western Kazakhstan. Head to these popular Kazakhstan points of interest and experience Central Asia like never before!
Astana
The wonderful capital city of Kazakhstan stands as the living example of the modernized nation and presents popular Kazakhstan tourist attractions. With plenty of corporate business centers and multi-storey buildings around, the architecture of this city will mesmerize you for sure, making it a brilliant location for Kazakhstan sightseeing. Catch the magnificent panoramic view of the Astana city from the top of the 105-meter tall Bayterek Tower or visit Duman Recreational Complex which is the ultimate pit-stop for all the art lovers, there is a lot to do in Astana.
Aktau
The almost 40-year-old city overlooking the great Caspian Sea is a fascinating beauty and among the most serene visiting places in Kazakhstan. It is here in Aktau that one can spot some of the rare Kazakhstan tourist attractions and more of ancient architectural ensembles. Cultural centers, concert hall, cinemas, and libraries from ancient times are spread all over the city and must be explored for a local feel of the place.
Almaty
Set in the foothills of Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty is known for its gorgeous setting and picture-postcard outdoor. One of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan, the snow-capped mountains guard the city and make for the best backdrop ever! Moving on to the city attractions, the Central State Museum here holds special importance because of the rich cultural heritage it houses. Until 1997, the city was the capital of Kazakhstan but still remains a hot favorite with top Kazakhstan tourist places.
Taraz
If you are into ancient sites, mysterious places, and admire ruins, head to Taraz, which happens to be among the famous Kazakhstan tourist spots. The place holds plenty of secrets from the past century and is indeed one of the popular Kazakhstan tourist attractions worth your time. Visit Babaji-Khatun Mausoleum for its distinct sixteen-ribbed conical dome or plan an excursion to Talas River in the south near the border with Kyrgyzstan. Taraz is a historical city and one of the popular places to visit in Kazakhstan for every tourist.
Lake Balkhash
Located 600 miles to the east of the Aral Sea, the lake is a major source of hydroelectric projects in the country and a notable Kazakhstan places to visit. The lake is high and rocky towards the northern banks and one can spot plenty of ancient rock-cut traces there. Lake Balkhash once was a prominent place of breeding for marine life that included as many as 20 species of fish.
Baikonur
Administered by the Russian Federation, Baikonur is the world's oldest and largest space launch facility. Baikonur Cosmodrome was once a secret missile testing site that happened to be a strategically important place for Russians. The desolate desert steppe of Kazakhstan was once the launchpad for the Vostok 1 spacecraft in which Yuri Gagarin first set for the moon. If you are a history and space technology buff this place has plenty of attractions that would excite you.
Turgen Gorge
A part of the famous Ile Alatau National Park, Turgen Gorge is a real beauty for trekkers. It has dense forests, lakes, alpine meadows and seven waterfalls. You can explore the beauty of this place by opting for a hike or ride on a mountain bike or horseback. This paradise is not far from Almaty and can be accessed through buses or taxis.
Lake Kaindy
Situated at an altitude of 2000 m, Lake Kaindy is a 400 m long lake. Due to an earthquake in 1911, an enormous landslide led to the formation of this lake. The natural calamity caused the occurrence of a natural dam in the gorge amidst spruce trees. The forest submerged as water started to flood in the basin. The temperature of the lake goes up to 6 degrees celsius maximum in summer. This lake is one of the best tourist places in Kazakhstan and should be included in every explorers bucket list.
Exchange Rate
1 USD = 460 KZT
1 EUR = 495 KZT
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1 AED = 125 KZT
1 RUB = 5 KZT
1 JPY = 3 KZT
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1 CNY = 65 KZT
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