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There are many overlooked treasures in Kazakhstan that will astound you, beautiful or strange. The greatest part is that tourism in Kazakhstan is still relatively new, so you won't have to share these lovely spots with a large number of other tourists!
For centuries, Kazakhstan was inextricably linked to the Silk Road, serving as a conduit for the interchange of products, people, and ideas between Europe and Asia. Today, it has transformed into an economic hub and, thanks to its oil reserves and precious minerals, it’s considered to be the wealthiest among all the Central Asian countries.
Go beyond the cities, however, and you’ll find scenic mountain ranges, vast steppes, and endless deserts. Here are some memorable experiences you can only have in Kazakhstan and that should make it to your bucket list:
The Medeo High Mountain Skating Rink is the world’s highest skating rink, located at an altitude of 1,691 metres above sea level. The rink is surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan mountains and offers a spectacular view of the Almaty city.
The rink has been the site of numerous world records in speed skating and is open all year round hosting various ice sports events, such as speed skating, ice hockey, and figure skating. You can also enjoy a relaxing skate on the smooth ice and feel the magic of the mountain air.
Zenkov Cathedral, also known as Ascension Cathedral, is a remarkable architectural landmark located in Panfilov Park in the heart of Almaty, Kazakhstan. This Cathedral is one of the most beautiful and unique buildings in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. The cathedral was built in 1904 by a Russian architect, Zenkov, who used mostly wooden materials and no nails.
The cathedral is constructed in a typical Russian Orthodox style, decorated with colourful domes, frescoes, and icons, and has a stunning interior with a wooden altar and a large organ. The cathedral is also a symbol of religious diversity and tolerance in Kazakhstan, as it serves as an Orthodox church, a museum, and a concert hall.
Charyn is a national park that features a stunning canyon that resembles the famous Grand Canyon in the USA. The canyon's origins date back 12 million years, with the erosion by the Charyn River sculpting this incredible landscape, creating a landscape of red sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and valleys.
The canyon is also home to various flora and fauna, such as juniper trees, wild roses, eagles, and wolves. The area is crisscrossed with paths offering up-close views of these unique geological formations, suitable for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes. You can hike, bike, or drive through the canyon and admire the natural beauty and diversity of Charyn.
Shymbulak Ski Resort is a popular winter destination in Kazakhstan, located in the Ile-Alatau National Park. Situated in the upper part of the Medeu Valley in the Zaiilisky Alatau mountain range, the resort is renowned for its stunning natural scenery.
The resort offers a variety of slopes for different levels of skiers and snowboarders, as well as a cable car that takes you to the highest point of the resort, at 3,200 meters above sea level. The resort also has a cosy village with restaurants, cafes, and hotels, where you can relax and enjoy the alpine atmosphere.
The Whistling Barkhan, also known as the Singing Dunes, is a remarkable natural phenomenon located in the Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan. This unique attraction is not only a visual spectacle but also an auditory wonder. The Whistling Barkhan is famous for the eerie, melodic sound it produces, similar to the tune of an organ or a distant aircraft.
This sound can be heard on days with dry weather, particularly on windy days or when the sand is disturbed. The phenomenon is believed to be caused by the movement of sand grains in certain conditions, creating vibrations that result in the distinctive humming or singing sound. The dune is about 150 meters high and 3 kilometres long and is composed of fine sand.
The sound can vary from a soft hum to a loud roar, depending on the wind speed and direction. The dune is also a beautiful sight to see, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the sand changes colour and reflects the light.
Khan Shatyr, also known as the "King's Tent," is a significant landmark located in the heart of Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), the capital city of Kazakhstan. The Khan Shatyr is a giant tent-like structure designed by famous British architect, Norman Foster, and covers an area of 140,000 square meters.
The tent is not only a marvel of engineering, but also a multifunctional complex that houses a shopping mall, a cinema, a spa, a water park, and a tropical garden. The tent features an indoor beach resort, Sky Beach Club, complete with sand, water slides, and a wave pool, offering a beach experience throughout the year. The tent also maintains a comfortable temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, regardless of the weather outside.
Lake Kaindy, located in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan near the city of Almaty, is a remarkable natural wonder known for its mystical and ethereal beauty. Lake Kaindy is a natural wonder that was created by a landslide triggered by an earthquake in 1911. The landslide blocked a gorge and formed a lake that submerged a spruce forest.
The lake is famous for its submerged forest. The trunks of spruce trees rise above the surface of the water, creating a surreal and hauntingly beautiful landscape. The lake is about 400 meters long and 30 meters deep and has a turquoise colour that contrasts with the green of the trees. One can walk around the lake and enjoy the scenery or even dive into the lake and experience the thrill of exploring the underwater forest.
