Kazakhstan Travel Guide: Is Kazakhstan Worth Visiting?

Is Kazakhstan worth visiting?

Recently, I travelled to Central Asia's largest country to experience its southern region.

The vast country has always intrigued me ever since I was a little girl. As I grew up in Holland – a speed skating nation – I knew that world records were constantly being broken over in Alma Ata until it changed its name to Almaty in 1993, due to the high altitude of the speed skating rink.

Now, many years later, I got to see that same rink from above while ascending in the Almaty cable car to Shymbulak, the mountainous alpine resort on the outskirts of the city. Nowadays, the Medeu rink looks a little dilapidated and has lost its importance, as indoor speed skating rinks worldwide have taken over. However, this was still an incredible 'pinch me' moment.

Although I've only visited Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, Koldai Lakes and Turkestan, I really think that you too should visit Southern Kazakhstan. And here are all the reasons why:

Flying to Kazakhstan from the UK

I had a great experience with Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s national carrier. The international flights were comfortable with delicious food, a friendly and helpful crew, and lovely selection of films to watch.

On the way to Almaty, I flew in what the airline calls 'sleep economy', which is essentially their premium economy. I was able to occupy the middle seats in a row of three and was provided with a bed roll containing a thin mattress, heavy blanket and pillow, allowing me to stretch out across the three seats.

As you edge closer to landing, you're welcomed by the unmistakable sight of Kazakhstan's snow-capped mountains, shrouded in a mist of clouds, before gliding over traditional Soviet-era buildings.

On the return flight from Almaty International Airport, I was upgraded to business class, which was also a great experience. It felt like my own pod, providing privacy and comfort all throughout the journey. Although I was sad to say goodbye, I remembered how amazed I was by the raft of authentic experiences.

Things to do in Almaty

After visiting Kazakhstan, I have a new addition on my list of favourite cities in the world – Almaty!

Almaty is the country's largest city with a stunning backdrop of the Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains, the northernmost ridge of the Tian Shan Mountain Range. It shares similarities with New York, including cosmopolitan vibes and traffic congestion, while also boasting a mix of Soviet-era architecture and futuristic architecture. Almaty has a European feel, with numerous cafés and restaurants offering outdoor seating, vibrant nightlife and the pedestrianised Arbat Street, adorned with Big Apple art installations.

So, what are some of the best things to do in Almaty?

Sightseeing in Almaty

From visiting the impressive and distinctive Zenkov Cathedral to seeing the sombre and beautifully adorned Panfilov Park, Almaty is a city well worth exploring. It also makes a great base for seeking out more rural and remote landscapes. Just south of the city is Ile-Alatau National Park. The rare forest ecosystems make for great hiking opportunities, where you may see the 37 plant and 30 animal species.

Nightlife in Almaty

Heading out in the evening rewards you with a bustling nightlife to immerse yourself in during your visit. From staying up dancing and singing at the karaoke bars to admiring beautiful works of art at some of the city's most prestigious galleries, there are plenty of nocturnal experiences to fall in love with overnight.

Shopping in Almaty

Almaty is a paradise for all your shopping needs, whether that be luxury goods or rare finds. I recommend seeking out the bazaars and browsing their wares. Kazakh delicacies such as Kymyz or Shubat are local favourites while there are unusual trinkets like jewellery boxes in the style of traditional Kyiz ui houses.

Eating in Almaty

Traditional Kazakh cuisine is based on meat and milk products, due to the nomadic lifestyle of its people. Some of the best places to eat in Almaty, for me, include Sagamo (pictured above), where I enjoyed excellent Georgian cuisine, Sandyk with its authentic Kazakh food and Del Papa, which serves up hearty Italian dishes.

During my visit, there were a few other places with incredible food which I couldn’t fit into my plans, such as the following:

• Abay (Kazakh cuisine)
• Afisha (Kazakh cuisine)
• Alasha (Uzbek cuisine)
• Grand Zina (Fusion cuisine)
• Kishlak (Uzbek cuisine)
• Navat (Central Asian cuisine)
• Ogonyok (Georgian cuisine)
• Qaimaq (Kazakh cuisine)
• Sandyq (Kazakh cuisine)
• Tarih (Fusion cuisine)

Skiing in Almaty

It's also possible to go skiing in Almaty! Although this wasn't something I had the chance of doing during my time there, you can stay at an Almaty ski resort like Shymbulak. Throughout its general ski season of mid-November to mid-April, the 20km of slopes provide plenty of room for you to practice your skills. Gazing out towards the mighty snow-capped mountains is an experience in Kazakhstan like no other.

Almaty Metro

When in the city, I had to see the underground, since it took 23 years to build the Almaty Metro. It was well worth a visit too, even if you’re only going one stop. There are only 11 stations, but each one is unique, with its own story, displaying in mosaic the cultural and historical heritage of the city. And unlike London or New York, this one is remarkably clean and feels more akin to an underground museum. Although it may not be on the top of your bucket list, you should definitely experience it at least once on your travels.

Charyn Canyon

Less than three hours from Almaty is Charyn Canyon – a miniature version of the USA'S Grand Canyon.

A Charyn Canyon tour down to the valley floor is steep, but relatively short, and you can take the stairs down to the bottom. From here, you walk along a 3km dry ravine path known as the 'Valley of the Castles', with its sedimentary red rock and oddly shaped sandstone rock formations, down to the Charyn River.

While there, I had plenty of time to take pictures and relax by the fast-flowing river. Hearing the rush of the water was deeply serene and peaceful. I could've spent hours there listening to its rapid flow in solitude.

On the way back, I hopped on an old Russian open truck that took me back to the stairs. Like the Grand Canyon, it can get very hot in summertime and cool during the winter. I recommend bringing sturdy footwear, filling up on plenty of water and using sun cream if you're deciding on going the distance.

The Lakes – Kolsai and Kaindy

After the stop at Charyn Canyon, I continued through open and empty grassland to the small village of Saty. It's the perfect place to have lunch or dinner with a local family, or to spend the night. Not only that, but Saty is ideally located between the sunken forest of Lake Kaindy and the emerald-green Kolsai Lakes.

To visit Lake Kaindy, you'll need to board an old Russian vehicle, which takes you along a bumpy road to an open area. From there, you either board another vehicle, walk or ride horseback. Whichever option you choose, you'll end up at the lake, where narrow spruce trunks rise from the water like ghostly stick figures.

The first of the Kolsai Lakes is easily accessed; you can already see the eerily coloured green water from the car park. The steep walk down to the first lake is on tarmac and offers plenty of amazing photo opportunities while the other two lakes can be reached on foot or by horseback. Although it's a long journey to get there, your reward is well worth the effort as you're surrounded by true natural beauty.

Additionally, if you'd like to complete the trifecta of Kazakhstan's beautiful lakes, head to Lake Kapchagai near Altyn-Emel National Park. Altyn-Emel National Park is also home to the 'singing sand dunes', which have been dubbed so due to the sonic vibration which emits when the wind blows in a certain direction.

Suggested Reading: Kazakhstan in Photos – featuring Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes

Things to do in Turkestan

During my trip, I also travelled to the Silk Road town of Turkestan, not to be confused with Turks or Turkmenistan. It's also a region, and the biggest town there is also confusingly called Turkestan.

So, what are the best things to do in Turkestan?

Day Trip to Turkestan

After flying to Shymkent, one of the country's major cities in the south of Kazakhstan, I stopped over for the night before taking a day trip to Turkestan. On the way, I saw camels in the fields and crossing the road. Then, travelling an hour away from town, I visited Otrar, an important hilltop settlement built over 2,000 years ago, which was once a prosperous stop along the Silk Road. In 1219AD, Genghis Khan's army destroyed the city in retaliation to the execution of his representative. Today, archaeologists are digging in the hope that they'll unearth more of the mysteries which are hidden by the sands in the land bosom.

Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum

While in Turkestan, you can't miss the Khoja Ahmed Yassawi Mausoleum. Dedicated to the man who brought Islam to Central Asia, it's since became an important pilgrim destination for Sufi Muslims. Today, it's recognised as one of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kazakhstan, with a stunning central dome, intricate exterior walls adorned with blue and turquoise tiles, and Arabic inscriptions. Unfortunately, most of the mausoleum was closed for renovation during my visit. However, if you want to see it for yourself, take your time in exploring the well-preserved interiors and equally impressive exteriors.

Karavanserai

Karavanserai is another impressive complex, aimed at attracting tourists and pilgrims with a shopping and restaurant area, man-made canals, a beautiful lake and nightly firework show synchronised to music. Additionally, there's a Flying Theatre and an 8D virtual experience in a large golden ‘egg-shaped’ dome (pictured above), where visitors can fly over Kazakhstan's landscapes, go on a Lake Kaindy diving adventure and even travel into space!

Best Food in Kazakhstan to Try

Kazakh food has been a real eye-opener for me. As a pescatarian, I was told that all the dishes are heavily meat-based and that I'd probably be served a lot of Russian-style food like Borscht (a sour-tasting soup made with cabbage, potato and beetroot giving it its distinct red colour). However, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of salads, all made using local produce such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and other vegetable dishes with aubergines. Not to mention all the different types of bread and dairy products.

Some of the best food in Kazakhstan are kumiss (fermented mare’s milk), kurt (salty curd balls) and beshbarmak (a national dish with large lumps of meat and pasta). In addition to these unique flavours, you'll also encounter plov, a traditional dish with rice, meat and vegetables, as well as various horse meat preparations like kebabs or sausages. Kazakhstan's traditional food is both hearty and healthy, delectable and delicious.

Despite being a horse lover, I tried the thinly sliced horse meat at the Green Bazaar in Almaty and found it to be quite delicious and healthy. Do be aware though that all dishes are served at the same time, so get ready to dig in and share the large plates when dining with a local family. Like any cosmopolitan city, you can also find some of the best places to eat in Almaty, including plenty of sushi restaurants, pizzerias and even some wine tasting!

Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is spring (April – May), when the weather warms up. However, snow can still be found at higher altitudes during this season. It’s the perfect time to see the steppes in bloom, when the open grasslands bloom with small white, red and orange tulips as well as wild red corn poppies.

Summer is also an amazing time to visit Kazakhstan. Designed for two people, our Kazakhstan on Foot tour provides a refreshing escape from the city heat and an opportunity to immerse yourself in the welcoming coolness and tranquillity of nature. Alternatively, our Culture & Nature of Kazakhstan Group Tour – which also has summer departures – invites you to experience the country's past and present in addition to its rugged natural beauty, from Charyn Canyon to Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes, alongside like-minded travellers.

Additionally, although it may not be the best time of year to visit Kazakhstan, autumn (September – October) is still pleasant after the hot summer months. It’s also when you can enjoy succulent, freshly harvested apples.

Discover why 'Nature is King' in Kazakhstan with Regent

Kazakhstan is one of the most beautiful countries to visit in Central Asia. To discover the wide range of off-the-beaten-path experiences, phenomenal landscapes and Kazakh culture for yourself, speak with our Regent Travel Specialists to plan your personalised adventure.