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Falling in Love with Kazakhstan: A Personal Guide to My Favorite Places
Almaty
Big Almaty Lake (BAO)
High-altitude turquoise lake located in a gorge at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters, surrounded by majestic Tian Shan peaks. Take a taxi to the checkpoint Ayusay and then walk about 12 km along the pipe or along the road. You can rent an electric bike.
High-altitude turquoise lake located in a gorge at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters, surrounded by majestic Tian Shan peaks. Take a taxi to the checkpoint Ayusay and then walk about 12 km along the pipe or along the road. You can rent an electric bike.
If you like hiking, Almaty is the best city for 1-day tours at elevations of 2,500–3,500 meters above sea level. My favorite tours are Bukreev Peak, Furmanov Peak, and Manshuk Mametova Lake.
Arba Wine Winery
A top-tier wine tourism spot featuring its own vineyard right at the foot of the mountains, home to rare old-growth vines. They offer premium wine tastings on-site, vineyard walks, harvest participation, and fun seasonal festivals.
A top-tier wine tourism spot featuring its own vineyard right at the foot of the mountains, home to rare old-growth vines. They offer premium wine tastings on-site, vineyard walks, harvest participation, and fun seasonal festivals.
Chundja Hot Springs
A thermal resort center featuring pools filled with underground mineral waters of varying temperatures and compositions. It is an immensely popular year-round destination for relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying outdoor hot pools.
Kolsai Lakes (1, 2, 3)
A series of three stunning alpine lakes tucked away in the thick evergreen forests of the Northern Tian Shan. The lower lake is easily reached for boat trips, a picturesque riverside trail guides you to the second, while the third—the most remote and elevated—provides total seclusion with the wilderness.
Three Kolsai Lakes: In Search of Edelweiss
A series of three stunning alpine lakes tucked away in the thick evergreen forests of the Northern Tian Shan. The lower lake is easily reached for boat trips, a picturesque riverside trail guides you to the second, while the third—the most remote and elevated—provides total seclusion with the wilderness.
Three Kolsai Lakes: In Search of Edelweiss
Lake Koyandy
A scenic alpine lake with an atmospheric "sunken forest", where the trunks of Tian Shan spruces emerge from the water. Close to the lake, we encountered a wild boar right on the road.
Kolsai, Koyandy, and Charyn: The Definitive Route of 2026
A scenic alpine lake with an atmospheric "sunken forest", where the trunks of Tian Shan spruces emerge from the water. Close to the lake, we encountered a wild boar right on the road.
Kolsai, Koyandy, and Charyn: The Definitive Route of 2026
Charyn Canyon
An ancient natural monument often compared to the Grand Canyon thanks to its impressive red cliffs and layered sedimentary rocks. Young children love walking through the Valley of Castles, imagining the rock formations as fairytale characters.
Kolsai, Koyandy, and Charyn: The Definitive Route of 2026
An ancient natural monument often compared to the Grand Canyon thanks to its impressive red cliffs and layered sedimentary rocks. Young children love walking through the Valley of Castles, imagining the rock formations as fairytale characters.
Kolsai, Koyandy, and Charyn: The Definitive Route of 2026
Assy Plateau & Bartogay Reservoir
The high-altitude alpine pastures of Assy are famous for their astronomical observatory, endless grazing lands, and epic road-trip views. The drive up takes you past the Bartogay Reservoir, known for its dramatic water releases at the dam and raw, desert-like landscape.
Closer to the Stars: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Assy Plateau
The high-altitude alpine pastures of Assy are famous for their astronomical observatory, endless grazing lands, and epic road-trip views. The drive up takes you past the Bartogay Reservoir, known for its dramatic water releases at the dam and raw, desert-like landscape.
Closer to the Stars: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Assy Plateau
Tanbaly Tas
A unique open-air archaeological site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Location. Etched into its dark slate rocks are thousands of ancient Bronze Age petroglyphs, including the famous depiction of the "Sun-headed deity."
Tanbaly Museum-Reserve: How to Get There and What to See
A unique open-air archaeological site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Location. Etched into its dark slate rocks are thousands of ancient Bronze Age petroglyphs, including the famous depiction of the "Sun-headed deity."
Tanbaly Museum-Reserve: How to Get There and What to See
SUP Boarding (Kapchagay, Ili River, Ala-Archa Reservoir (Kyrgyzstan)
The calm, dammed waters of Kapchagay Reservoir are perfect for a relaxed, meditative paddle and catching killer sunsets from your board. River runs along the Ili River let you blend water sports with sightseeing around the "Nomad’s Fortress" movie set. The highlight of stand-up paddleboarding at the Ala-Archa Reservoir is the unique chance to paddle right through a flooded alley of poplar trees.
From Almaty by SUP: Three Locations Worth Trying
The calm, dammed waters of Kapchagay Reservoir are perfect for a relaxed, meditative paddle and catching killer sunsets from your board. River runs along the Ili River let you blend water sports with sightseeing around the "Nomad’s Fortress" movie set. The highlight of stand-up paddleboarding at the Ala-Archa Reservoir is the unique chance to paddle right through a flooded alley of poplar trees.
From Almaty by SUP: Three Locations Worth Trying
Western Kazakhstan. Mangystau
Aktau
Aktau is Kazakhstan's main seaport on the Caspian Sea, where graceful pink flamingos can be spotted near the city waterfront in March - April
Тысячи фламинго прилетели в Мангистау
Aktau is Kazakhstan's main seaport on the Caspian Sea, where graceful pink flamingos can be spotted near the city waterfront in March - April
Тысячи фламинго прилетели в Мангистау
Boszhyra Tract
The ultimate icon of Mangystau, famous for its alien-like, stark white chalk castles and towering rock spires. The sheer scale of the canyon and the contrast between blinding white sand and jagged cliffs make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
The ultimate icon of Mangystau, famous for its alien-like, stark white chalk castles and towering rock spires. The sheer scale of the canyon and the contrast between blinding white sand and jagged cliffs make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet.
Ybtykty (Lace) Canyon
A mind-blowing natural formation carved out of porous shell rock, with walls that look like intricate lace or frozen sea foam. Winding through its narrow corridors lets you get up close to all the crazy patterns sculpted by the wind and water.
A mind-blowing natural formation carved out of porous shell rock, with walls that look like intricate lace or frozen sea foam. Winding through its narrow corridors lets you get up close to all the crazy patterns sculpted by the wind and water.
Torysh Ball Valley
A mysterious valley scattered with thousands of spherical, bullet-shaped, and split stone concretions. How these giant "stone cannonballs" actually formed is still a hot topic among geologists.
A mysterious valley scattered with thousands of spherical, bullet-shaped, and split stone concretions. How these giant "stone cannonballs" actually formed is still a hot topic among geologists.
Mount Sherkala ("Tiramisu Mountain")
A striking, solitary mountain that looks like a giant yurt from one angle and a sleeping lion from another. Because of its warm, multi-layered rock strata, locals and travelers often nickname it the "Tiramisu Mountain."
A striking, solitary mountain that looks like a giant yurt from one angle and a sleeping lion from another. Because of its warm, multi-layered rock strata, locals and travelers often nickname it the "Tiramisu Mountain."
Kyzylorda & Baikonur Cosmodrome
The world’s first and largest active spaceport, where the first human was launched into space. Guided tours let you check out launchpads and assembly facilities, and even witness a live rocket launch. The city itself is leased by Russia, so as a Kazakhstani citizen, I can’t simply drive in without an official invitation from a resident or an authorized Russian travel agency.
The world’s first and largest active spaceport, where the first human was launched into space. Guided tours let you check out launchpads and assembly facilities, and even witness a live rocket launch. The city itself is leased by Russia, so as a Kazakhstani citizen, I can’t simply drive in without an official invitation from a resident or an authorized Russian travel agency.
Southern Kazakhstan
Turkestan
Kazakhstan’s ancient spiritual heartland, currently undergoing a massive modern transformation. The city’s centerpiece is the majestic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The modern hub revolves around the Karavan Hotel, offering all kinds of updated amenities.
Туркестан. Как древний город стал городом молодых?
Kazakhstan’s ancient spiritual heartland, currently undergoing a massive modern transformation. The city’s centerpiece is the majestic Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. The modern hub revolves around the Karavan Hotel, offering all kinds of updated amenities.
Туркестан. Как древний город стал городом молодых?
Ukasha-Ata Well (or Ukasha-ata Sacred Well)
A sacred pilgrimage site featuring a narrow well tied to the legend of a companion of the Prophet. It is believed that drawing water with a bucket is possible only for those favored by higher powers.
YouTube Южный Казахстан. Священные места.
A sacred pilgrimage site featuring a narrow well tied to the legend of a companion of the Prophet. It is believed that drawing water with a bucket is possible only for those favored by higher powers.
YouTube Южный Казахстан. Священные места.
Ancient Settlement of Otyrar
Once a thriving Silk Road metropolis with a legendary library and its own mint, famously tied to the philosopher Al-Farabi. Today, walking among the restored citadel walls gives you a real sense of the region's rich, ancient history.
Once a thriving Silk Road metropolis with a legendary library and its own mint, famously tied to the philosopher Al-Farabi. Today, walking among the restored citadel walls gives you a real sense of the region's rich, ancient history.
"Adam and Eve" Rock (Kazygurt)
A mysterious natural fissure splitting two massive rocks on the sacred Mount Kazygurt. According to local legend, only those with a pure heart and a clean soul can squeeze through the narrow gap.
YouTube Южный Казахстан. Священные места.
A mysterious natural fissure splitting two massive rocks on the sacred Mount Kazygurt. According to local legend, only those with a pure heart and a clean soul can squeeze through the narrow gap.
YouTube Южный Казахстан. Священные места.
Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve
Central Asia’s oldest reserve, protecting the rich wildlife of the Western Tian Shan—including rare Greig's tulips and the elusive snow leopard. There’s even a family of bears living right near the reserve entrance! With the deep Aksu River canyon and sweeping alpine meadows, it's an eco-tourist's dream.
YouTube Аксу-Жабаглы. Как попасть в самый охраняемый заповедник Казахстана?
Insta
Central Asia’s oldest reserve, protecting the rich wildlife of the Western Tian Shan—including rare Greig's tulips and the elusive snow leopard. There’s even a family of bears living right near the reserve entrance! With the deep Aksu River canyon and sweeping alpine meadows, it's an eco-tourist's dream.
YouTube Аксу-Жабаглы. Как попасть в самый охраняемый заповедник Казахстана?
Insta
Central Kazakhstan
Karaganda & Karkaraly National Park
A mountain-forest oasis packed with granite peaks, dense pine woods, and hidden mountain lakes (like the famous Shaitankol or Pool Lake). The area is ideal for hiking, hunting down ancient archaeological sites, and spotting local wildlife.
A mountain-forest oasis packed with granite peaks, dense pine woods, and hidden mountain lakes (like the famous Shaitankol or Pool Lake). The area is ideal for hiking, hunting down ancient archaeological sites, and spotting local wildlife.
Lake Balkhash
A unique, massive lake split by a narrow strait into two distinct halves: one freshwater, one saltwater. Its sandy beaches and rich fish stock make it a favorite for wild camping and laid-back beach trips.
Mytan or Zavidovo.kz Resorts are ideal if you’re looking for trophy fishing in the Ili Delta
A unique, massive lake split by a narrow strait into two distinct halves: one freshwater, one saltwater. Its sandy beaches and rich fish stock make it a favorite for wild camping and laid-back beach trips.
Mytan or Zavidovo.kz Resorts are ideal if you’re looking for trophy fishing in the Ili Delta
Borovoe, Zerenda, and Imantau Resort Areas
Green oases in the Northern Kazakh steppe featuring ancient pine forests, granite cliffs, and crystal-clear lakes. They’re fantastic for outdoor lovers, offering awesome paved bike trails and plenty of spots for SUP boarding on calm forest waters.
Green oases in the Northern Kazakh steppe featuring ancient pine forests, granite cliffs, and crystal-clear lakes. They’re fantastic for outdoor lovers, offering awesome paved bike trails and plenty of spots for SUP boarding on calm forest waters.
Eastern Kazakhstan. Altay
Katon-Karagay
A stunning national park filled with alpine meadows, antler-bath (maral deer antler baths) wellness retreats, and cedar taiga sitting right at the foot of the sacred Mount Belukha. The ultimate place to immerse yourself in untouched nature, go horseback riding, or enjoy raw eco-tourism.
Old Austrian Road
A legendary high-altitude mountain track built by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war during WWI. It’s a challenging but insanely scenic off-road route crossing river fords, old wooden bridges, and winding switchbacks overlooking Katon-Karagay.
A legendary high-altitude mountain track built by Austro-Hungarian prisoners of war during WWI. It’s a challenging but insanely scenic off-road route crossing river fords, old wooden bridges, and winding switchbacks overlooking Katon-Karagay.
Lake Markakol
The crown jewel of the Altai mountains, boasting crystal-clear waters that shift colors depending on the weather, and home to the rare endemic uskuch fish. Tucked away among larch-covered hills, it’s one of the most remote and peaceful corners of the country.
The crown jewel of the Altai mountains, boasting crystal-clear waters that shift colors depending on the weather, and home to the rare endemic uskuch fish. Tucked away among larch-covered hills, it’s one of the most remote and peaceful corners of the country.
Rakhmanov Springs (Rakhmanovskiye Klyuchi)
A high-altitude balneological resort nestled in a deep basin between lakes, near the intersection of three national borders. Open-air thermal radon springs flow directly from the cliffs at the foot of the majestic Mount Belukha.
A high-altitude balneological resort nestled in a deep basin between lakes, near the intersection of three national borders. Open-air thermal radon springs flow directly from the cliffs at the foot of the majestic Mount Belukha.
Bukhtarma Reservoir
One of the largest man-made reservoirs on Earth, often called the "Bukhtarma Sea" because of its immense size. Its jagged shoreline, sandy coves, and cozy holiday bases make it a favorite summer playground in East Kazakhstan.
One of the largest man-made reservoirs on Earth, often called the "Bukhtarma Sea" because of its immense size. Its jagged shoreline, sandy coves, and cozy holiday bases make it a favorite summer playground in East Kazakhstan.
