Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, offers a captivating blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and stunning natural landscapes from the Altai Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Experience nomadic traditions in Central Asia's economic powerhouse, where futuristic capital Astana meets historic Almaty at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Kazakhstan.
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1
Bayterek Tower
Astana's iconic 97-meter monument symbolizing a Kazakh legend of a golden egg laid by a mythical bird in a poplar tree. The observation deck at 97 meters offers panoramic views of the capital's futuristic skyline. Visitors can place their hand in a golden handprint of President Nazarbayev while making a wish.
Tip: Visit at sunset for stunning golden hour photography · The golden handprint on the observation deck is believed to bring good luck · Buy tickets in advance during peak tourist season
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2
Charyn Canyon
A dramatic 154-kilometer canyon along the Charyn River, often called Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon. The Valley of Castles features stunning red sandstone formations sculpted over 12 million years. The canyon reaches depths of 300 meters and offers spectacular hiking opportunities through otherworldly rock formations.
Tip: Bring plenty of water and sun protection · Visit in spring or autumn to avoid extreme temperatures · Hire a guide for the best trails and viewpoints · The Valley of Castles trail is the most spectacular section
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3
Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral)
A stunning Russian Orthodox cathedral built entirely of wood without using a single nail. Completed in 1907, it stands 56 meters tall and is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The colorful five-domed structure survived a major earthquake in 1911 and showcases intricate wooden architecture painted in vibrant colors.
Tip: Dress modestly when entering the cathedral · Photography is allowed outside but be respectful inside during services · Combine with a walk through Panfilov Park · Visit early morning for the best light and fewer crowds
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4
Big Almaty Lake
A stunning turquoise mountain lake situated at 2,511 meters above sea level in the Tian Shan mountains. The glacial lake changes color throughout the year from pale green to bright turquoise depending on the season and weather. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, it serves as a water reservoir for Almaty.
Tip: Swimming is prohibited as it's a drinking water reservoir · Best visited between May and October · Bring warm clothing as temperatures are significantly cooler at altitude · Access road may be closed after heavy snow
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5
Shymbulak Ski Resort
Kazakhstan's premier ski resort located in the Tian Shan mountains at altitudes between 2,200-3,200 meters. Features 20 kilometers of ski runs, modern gondola lifts, and excellent powder snow conditions from November to April. Summer visitors can enjoy mountain hiking and scenic cable car rides with spectacular views.
Tip: Book ski equipment rental in advance during peak season · Take the gondola from Medeu for scenic mountain views · Restaurant prices are higher on the mountain, consider bringing snacks · Check avalanche reports before visiting in winter
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6
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
The world's largest tent structure designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. This translucent tent reaches 150 meters in height and houses a shopping mall, entertainment venues, restaurants, and even an indoor beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives. The unique climate control system maintains comfortable temperatures year-round despite Astana's extreme climate.
Tip: The indoor beach requires separate admission · Great place to escape extreme weather conditions · Rooftop observations provide views of the city · Evening visits offer beautiful illumination of the structure
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7
Kaindy Lake
An ethereal mountain lake famous for its submerged forest of spruce trees standing vertically in the crystal-clear turquoise water. Created by a limestone landslide triggered by an earthquake in 1911, the 400-meter-long lake sits at 2,000 meters elevation. The ghostly tree trunks create a surreal and photogenic landscape.
Tip: Four-wheel drive vehicle recommended for access · Water is extremely cold even in summer · Best photography in morning light · Combine with visit to Kolsai Lakes nearby · Bring insect repellent in summer months
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8
Green Bazaar (Zeleny Bazaar)
Almaty's most vibrant and historic market, operating since the 1870s. This bustling bazaar offers an authentic sensory experience with colorful displays of fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, traditional Kazakh foods, and local handicrafts. The market is organized by product category and ethnicity, providing insight into Kazakhstan's diverse food culture.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest produce · Bargaining is expected and part of the experience · Try free samples of dried fruits and nuts · Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas · Don't miss the Korean section for kimchi and banchan
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9
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation
A striking 62-meter pyramid designed by Norman Foster, built to host the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. The structure represents unity among different faiths and cultures, with no religious symbols inside. The building features a stunning opera house, conference halls, and an apex representing a dove of peace.
Tip: Guided tours available in English · Photography allowed in most areas · The apex stained glass designed by Brian Clarke is spectacular · Check for concert schedules at the opera house
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10
Kolsai Lakes
A system of three stunning alpine lakes in the northern Tian Shan mountains, known as the "Pearls of the Northern Tian Shan." The lakes are set at different elevations (1,818m, 2,252m, and 2,850m) and surrounded by pristine forests and meadows. Popular for trekking, horseback riding, and camping in spectacular mountain scenery.
Tip: First lake is easily accessible, second requires 6km hike, third requires serious trekking · Camping and guesthouses available near the first lake · Horseback riding tours available for hire · Bring all supplies as facilities are limited · Water is safe to drink from the lakes
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Bayterek Tower
Astana's iconic 97-meter observation tower symbolizing the Kazakh legend of the golden egg; panoramic views of the futuristic capital skyline
Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center
Norman Foster-designed futuristic tent structure in Astana housing shops, restaurants, and an indoor beach resort
Zenkov Cathedral
One of the world's tallest wooden cathedrals in Almaty's Panfilov Park, built in 1907 without nails in vivid multicolored Russian Orthodox style
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
Central Asia's largest mosque in Astana with capacity for 10,000 worshippers and stunning white marble and turquoise tile exterior
Museums
Central State Museum of Kazakhstan
Almaty's premier museum with the 'Golden Man' Scythian warrior armor and extensive nomadic culture collection
National Museum of Kazakhstan
Astana's vast modern museum covering Kazakh history from prehistoric times through independence with impressive dioramas
Museum of the First President
Documents Kazakhstan's path to independence in Nursultan Nazarbayev's former Almaty residence
Museum of Musical Instruments
Fascinating Almaty collection of traditional Kazakh instruments including the dombra, kobyz, and sybyzgy
Nature
Charyn Canyon
Dramatic 154km canyon with 300m red sandstone formations — Kazakhstan's answer to the Grand Canyon
Big Almaty Lake
Vivid turquoise glacial lake at 2,510m in Ile-Alatau National Park with stunning Tian Shan mountain backdrop
Kaindy Lake
Surreal earthquake-created lake with submerged spruce forest emerging as ghostly dead trunks from turquoise water
Kolsai Lakes
Three emerald glacial lakes connected by hiking trails through Tian Shan spruce forest at up to 2,850m altitude
Cultural
Green Bazaar (Zelyony Rynok)
Almaty's legendary covered market with dried fruits, spices, horse meat, and authentic market-day Kazakh culture
Kok-Tobe Hill
Hill above Almaty reached by cable car with panoramic city and mountain views, amusement park, and Beatles monument
Atameken Ethno-Memorial Complex
Open-air museum in Astana with scale models of Kazakhstan's most important monuments and regions
Medeu Ice Skating Rink
World's highest outdoor ice skating rink at 1,691m with the monumental 842-step Soviet mudflow dam above Almaty
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most museums open 10AM-6PM Tuesday-Sunday; major landmarks daily 10AM-9PM; markets open from 7-8AM
- Fees
- Average museum entry $3-5; major landmarks $2-5; national parks $3-5 per person
- Best Times
- Arrive at mountain sites before 10AM to avoid tour groups; visit bazaars at opening for freshest produce
- Booking
- Book Baikonur Cosmodrome tours 2-3 months ahead; major Almaty and Astana attractions need no advance booking
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Kazakhstan?
May-September for outdoor sites and mountain lakes; year-round for Almaty and Astana city attractions; skiing November-April at Shymbulak
Are guided tours available for Kazakhstan's attractions?
Available at all major sites; $15-40/person for city tours, $40-80 for day trips to Charyn Canyon and mountain lakes
Can I take photos at attractions in Kazakhstan?
Allowed at almost all attractions; ask permission at mosques and for portraits of people; prohibited near military sites and government buildings
How much time do I need for Kazakhstan's main attractions?
3-4 days in Almaty covers the main highlights; 2 days in Astana; budget 1-2 additional days each for Charyn Canyon and mountain lake trips