Kazakhstan Travel Guide: Insights for an Unforgettable Getaway

The sole purpose of any travel guide is to make the traveler know everything about a place. So, that is what our Kazakhstan travel guide is here to do. Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, has so much to offer to travelers- be it attractions, nature-rich wonders, adventures, or mouthwatering food.

This travel guide can help travelers map out their vacation planning by jotting down the places they want to cover, things they want to do, and when they can have the best of everything. Our Kazakhstan tour guide is ideal for making more informed decisions regarding the vacation. It has every answer your mind must be pondering. So, do not stop skimming through the lines.

Top Places to Explore in Kazakhstan

As one of the biggest countries in the world, Kazakhstan boasts so many places you should not miss out on visiting. Blessed with spectacular canyons, city life, deep history, vast deserts, soaring glaciers, and iconic landmarks, Kazakhstan has no dearth of places to see and explore. Let’s get you to meet these wonderful places to visit only in this Kazakhstan Travel Guide:

• Almaty - A Cultural Gem of Kazakhstan

Almaty is the most gorgeous place in Kazakhstan, which makes you witness the best of nature with a modern touch. Settled in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, every landscape here is a postcard-perfect scenery you will ever see. As soon as you step out of your hotel room, you will be greeted by the magic of snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Our Kazakhstan travel guide can convince you to visit Almaty, as there is nothing one cannot love in this city. Everything here is strikingly beautiful, from picture-perfect backdrops to marvelous attractions, buzzing markets, and cultural heritage.

• Aktau - A Treasure Trove on the Caspian Sea

Aktau is the most serene and peaceful place to explore on a Kazakhstan tour. Sitting on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Aktau draws the attention of a large number of travelers to its unprecedented beauty. In this Kazakhstan tour guide, we tell you why you should not miss out on visiting Aktau. It has amazing architectural heritages, cultural centers, beautiful valleys, and Caspian Lake that are worth exploring.

The perfect way to indulge in this city’s prettiness is by walking along its streets and encountering beautiful houses, lovely cafes, and lush green lawns. One unique fact about this place is that it is only 40 years old. It is a modern, impressive, and busy city in Kazakhstan that always amazes tourists.

• Astana - A Symbol of Kazakhstan's Progress

Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is a modernized city that dazzles with skyscrapers, multi-story buildings, and corporate business centers. This Kazakhstan travel guide flaunts how Astana stands as a futuristic city where the other places showcase the best of heritage and history.

Astana is a dynamic metropolis of Kazakhstan that brings massive and impressive structural landmarks every year, which are more stunning than the previous ones. Therefore, Astana has many marvelous attractions to see. Such as the Bayterek Tower, National Museum of Kazakhstan, City Park, Khan Shatyr, Nur-Astana Mosque, and Palace of Peace & Reconciliation.

• Shymkent - A Lively Charm of Southern Kazakhstan

Shymkent is another must-visit place in our Kazakhstan travel guide. Shymkent draws the attention of tourists who love a quiet vacation, boasting a unique blend of peaceful atmosphere and ancient sites. Packed with cultural landmarks, historical places, and bustling markets, Shymkent leaves tourists awe-struck with its unique holiday experience.

This city offers a perfect fusion of serenity and exploration, making it an ideal stop for tourists traversing the beauty of Kazakhstan.

• Taraz - A Timeless City Steeped in Ancient History

If you are someone who is fascinated by medieval ruins, ancient sites, and mystic landmarks, Taraz is the place for you. Steeped in centuries-old history, Taraz is an ideal destination for history buffs. The must-see attractions in Taraz are Akyrtas, Aisha Bibi Village, Mausoleum Sha-Mansur, Taraz Regional Museum, and Shakhristan Market.

Top Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is an exquisite gem of Central Asia that offers several outdoor activities. These adventures are worth experiencing. Let’s catch them up one by one:

• Explore the Mountain of Singing Dunes in Altyn Emel National Park

One of the most unique experiences of our Kazakhstan tour guide is the singing sand mountains in Altyn Emel National Park. These dunes are 150 m high and 1.5 km long, making it a one-of-a-kind place to visit. The dunes here make a sound when the wind blows.

• Gaze at the Vibrant Street Arts

If you stop and admire street art, then Almaty has so many for you to see. From skyscrapers to towering domes and Soviet apartment blocks, every building here is adorned with eye-catching art. Every art on the walls is unique and always depicts something that represents the cultures and beings of Kazakhstan.

• Visit the Highest Point in Kazakhstan- Kok Tobe

Kok-Tobe is a scenic place in Almaty city, which is the highest point, standing at a height of 1100 m. It is a perfect place to visit for a peaceful break, where you can enjoy a quiet picnic, indulge in thrilling rides in an amusement park, and capture the picturesque views of surrounding snow-capped mountains. Kok-Tobe is a major tourist attraction on an Almaty tour.

• Take Delight in the Mouthwatering Cuisines of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s culinary heritage is so rich in taste that you will enjoy a blast of flavors each time you take a bite. Every dish here is prepared with unique ingredients and flavors that make your taste buds dance. From Beshbarmak to Manti, Kazy, Plov, Lagman, and Shashlik, each dish has a distinct flavor and taste that you will not stop licking your fingers after eating.

• Attend a Show in an Astana-Opera

Astana-Opera is one of the most stunning places you will visit in Kazakhstan. It is an exceptional opera house built with its neoclassical architects and grand design. This opera house hosts classical music concerts, opera performances, and ballet dances that showcase the cultural and traditional side of Kazakhstan.

Know More: Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Foods to Try in Kazakhstan

A Kazakhstan travel guide is incomplete without the mention of must-try Kazakh dishes. Every dish here offers different flavors, cultural influences, and textures that add more delish to the cuisine. Here is the list of dishes you should eat in Kazakhstan:

• Beshbarmak- It is the traditional dish of Kazakhstan that locals prepare on special occasions, and every restaurant sells it. Beshbarmak wins the hearts of tourists with its tastes and combined flavors and aromas.
• Kazi- Kazi is another popular dish of Kazakhstan that is made from horsemeat. This horse meat sausage is a delicious cuisine for tourists who love non-vegetarian food.
• Plov (Pilaf)- Plov is one of the most loved dishes in Kazakhstan. Made from rice, meat, and other vegetables, Plov is a hearty dish that is always on top of every traveler’s must-try list.
• Baursak- Baursak is the favorite dish of locals and tourists alike. You can find this dish on almost every street stall and restaurant's menu.
• Samsa- Samsa is a famous street snack in Kazakhstan that is popular among most youth. This golden-brown samsa is a pastry which is thin and crispy. It is filled with minced meat, onions, herbs, and spices that together exude a burst of flavor with each bite.
• Lagman- Lagman is a type of noodle with distinct Kazakhstan flavors. These hand-pulled noodles are made with meat, bell peppers, and vegetable broth. You can have this dish everywhere in Kazakhstan, even with different recipes, each offering exceptional taste.

Explore: Top Restaurants in Almaty & Kazakhstan

Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan experiences four different seasons, each offering unique experiences. So, the best time to visit depends on the type of adventures you wish to enjoy. That’s why our Kazakhstan tour guide is here to help you choose the perfect time for your visit.

Spring is the season of full bloom, where every landscape is filled with hues of nature that boast perfect backdrops for your Instagram-worthy photos. Also, spring is best to go on city tours and indulge in adventurous activities like hiking, camping, trekking, and mountain biking. Spring starts in April and ends in June.

Summer is the peak season in the country. It is that time of the year when the streets are crowded with tourists, and the sun is soaking all of your energy. Summer offers various fun-filled adventures for tourists to enjoy. There are multifarious attractions and scenic spots you can see. There is a summer-friendly city in Kazakhstan called Astana, which is cooler than the other cities in the country.

Autumn is called the golden season. It turns the surroundings into a yellow-colored neighborhood. It is also called the transition season when you can feel the beginning of winter. It is considered the best time to visit Kazakhstan because of less tourist footfall and affordable booking options. Moreover, you can enjoy more things during this time, like alpine lakes, city explorations, and traditional Kazakh cuisines.

Winter is a favorite season for snow lovers. If you love snow and want to witness it firsthand, come to Kazakhstan from December to March. During this time, every landscape is adorned with white snow, blessing you with countless snow adventures. From ice skating to skiing, you can enjoy many winter activities in Kazakhstan.
 
Visa Requirements for Indian Travelers in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan welcomes Indian tourists without requiring a visa. This means Indian travelers can enter Kazakhstan visa - free for up to 14 days. However, for longer stays, you need to apply for a visa. Besides, you must have a valid passport to enter Kazakhstan.

Explore: Shopping Places in Kazakhstan

Got Your Answers? It's Time to Fly to Kazakhstan with Dook!

Kazakhstan is the ultimate holiday destination for all kinds of people. It has everything you ever need in a fun-filled vacation. All you need to do to enjoy all of it is plan a Kazakhstan tour with Dook International. We offer a wide range of Kazakhstan tour packages that include a myriad of experiences and attractions. Moreover, our travel packages are budget-friendly and customizable.

We ensure that your trip remains the most memorable memory of your life. For this, we curate handcrafted Kazakhstan holiday packages, keeping every need of our travelers in mind. So, if this makes you plan your trip with us, check out our website and grab the best deal.

Explore more about the attractions of Kazakhstan through our blog posts below:

Big Almaty Lake

Lake Kaindy

Kolsai Lake