30 Best Tourist spots & Things to Do in Kazakhstan | Apr 2025
Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
Welcome to Kazakhstan! You will visit the unique Charyn Canyon, and the pearls of the Tian-Shan mountains - Kolsai and Kaindy lakes.
4.89 (280 reviews)
From $62.10
$69.00 Save $6.90
Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon VIP car
Our advantages • The company has its own fleet of vehicles, where USB and TYPE-C chargers are installed on each vehicle and on each seat.
4.49 (80 reviews)
From $49.00
Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons 2-day tour
Within 2 days you will visit the most famous places of Almaty region - Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyons.
4.87 (120 reviews)
From $140.00
Private Kolsai & Kaindy Lake, Charyn, Black and Moon Canyon Tour
This special tour will cover the four most frequently visited places: Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Monn, and Black. If you haven't visited these places, you are not qualified to say that you have traveled to Almaty as a tourist.
5.00 (13 reviews)
From $120.00
Astana: Burabay Oasis Private Tour+ Lunch+ Pickup+ Bonus Activity
Discover the natural beauty and cultural richness of Burabay National Park as we take you to the heart of this remarkable landscape.
5.00 (40 reviews)
From $209.16
$249.00 Save $39.84
Kolsai Kaindy Lakes with Charyn Canyons day tour
This tour is the best way to visit the most popular natural sites of Almaty region in 1 day if you do not have time to go on a full 2-day tour.
4.80 (161 reviews)
From $69.00
Assy Plateau
Have you ever been to a real pastures of nomads? Its always the greenery place far from civilization. You will be on the top of the mountains with the spectacular panorama view.
5.00 (4 reviews)
From $195.00
Astana City Tour: Private Full Day with Lunch and Comfort Pickup
Discover the best Astana has to offer with Astana Horizons! Join us for a private, full-day city tour through Kazakhstan’s vibrant capital with a local guide—perfect for both solo travelers and groups, dedicated to giving you the most authentic experience available! You will be taken to the city’s iconic landmarks like Central Asia’s largest mosque and the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, plus much more.
5.00 (60 reviews)
From $149.00
Singing dunes & Aktau mountains group tour to Altyn Emel
This is the only desert park in Kazakhstan, where you can see many different landscapes: sands, tugai forests, floodplains, conditions, mountains.
4.95 (20 reviews)
From $266.00
$280.00 Save $14.00
Medeu and Shymbulak + Big Almaty Lake and Falcon show (Private day-tour)
Update: Higher stations of Shymbulak are closed till November 1, 2022. Almaty has such natural diversity as mountain ranges, coniferous forests, rough rivers, picturesque deserts, ancient canyons and many other natural wonders.
5.00 (5 reviews)
From $202.00
Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle at 'The Huns' Ethno-village
We'll take you to an Ethno village "Hunns" which is located in a mountainous region with pristine scenery. The main customs, ceremonies, and enjoyable activities of our culture will be demonstrated to you by locals dressed in traditional dresses , in which you are welcome to participate.
4.82 (11 reviews)
From $119.99
One Day Private Kolsay and Kaindy Lake, Charyn and Black canyon
Visit Charyn Canyon, Black Canyon, Kolsay and Kaindy Lake in One Day. Enjoy beauties of Almaty Region. Tour includes , traditional food lunch.
4.69 (29 reviews)
From $179.99
Charyn canyon and Kolsai lake One day tour
If you want to see the diversity of the landscape in a desert canyon, hike along a beautiful mountain lake, or take boat and relax; enjoy local cuisine in a hospitable guest house,then this tour is for you! Charyn Canyon is a 12-million-year-old natural monument, consisting of complex sedimentary rocks.
4.94 (35 reviews)
From $210.00
Altyn Emel National Park, Private tour, 2 days from Almaty
A two-day tour to the National Park Altyn Emel is a great opportunity to visit the unique natural monuments of Kazakhstan.
5.00 (4 reviews)
From $692.76
Private Tour in Big Almaty Lake
Read before booking!!! Best place to see around Almaty 100 % guarantee!We will see a beautiful Almaty lake, located on 2500 meters above the sea, learn its history and the mountains surrounding it.
4.48 (27 reviews)
From $80.00
Trip to Kazakh family of Eagle hunters in Astana (6 hours)
Join our Kazakh family of Eagle hunters and prepare for an exciting day of cultural and culinary adventures in Astana. From the first minutes of your arrival to the village you will be met by mischievous children in Kazakh traditional clothes which they usually wear during National holidays, celebration of birthday parties and in front of highly respected guests! During the visit, you have a unique opportunity to watch Berkut show (Golden eagles).
4.63 (8 reviews)
From $290.00
Kolsai, Kaindy lakes and Charyn canyons 2 days small group tour
Welcome to Kazakhstan! Within 2 days tour you will visit the unique Charyn Canyon, and the pearls of the Tian-Shan mountains - Kolsai and Kaindy lakes.
4.71 (24 reviews)
From $135.00
$150.00 Save $15.00
3 DAYS trip to the Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaindi Lakes
This two-day tour is unique in that, literally in two days, you visit unique and opposite in nature objects. The first object is the Charyn Canyon, whose age is about 12 million years.
5.00 (1 reviews)
From $557.00
Medeu and Shymbulak ski resort private excursion
Almaty is lucky to be one of the few cities in the world to have such unique and diverse surroundings as mountain ranges, sky peaks, coniferous forests, rough rivers, picturesque deserts, ancient canyons and many other natural wonders.
4.86 (29 reviews)
From $142.00
1 Day Private Tour to Charyn Canyon, Kolsay and Kaiyndy
Embark on a private adventure to Kazakhstan's stunning Charyn Canyon, Kaiyndy, and Kolsay Lakes. Enjoy a fully personalized experience with expert local guidance, flexible itineraries, and exclusive access to breathtaking natural wonders.
5.00 (2 reviews)
From $189.00
Astana: Burabay Oasis National Park: Private All Inclusive Tour
Burabay National Park is calling! Tired of fast-paced city routine? This expedition - is the perfect solution for your mental, emotional and physical reterat! Tour to Burabay is a combination of unmatched wellness and cultural experiences.
4.50 (8 reviews)
From $249.00
Charyn canyon
We are a team of professional guides and experienced drivers offering the most popular tour in the Almaty region. Our comfortable and spacious vehicles provide excellent views.
4.96 (28 reviews)
From $178.00
1 Day Tour: Castle of nomads & Buddha petroglyphs
Tamgaly-Tas is the site of Dzungar Lamaism, common in South-East Kazakhstan in the second half of the XVII-XVIII centuries.
5.00 (1 reviews)
From $205.00
Astana City Tour: Authentic Private Full Day with Lunch + Pickup
Astana City Tour is calling for you!! Buckle up and discover Astana with our local guide that will provide you the up-most authentic experience of travelling in Kazakhstan and the best of all Astana tours there are to be offered! Our team will make sure that you do not miss any of the important sightseeings of Astana and will ensure that you learn all about the history of Kazakhstan starting from the days of Kazakh Khanate up to modern day Kazakhstan! The sightseeing tour's stops are listed below.
4.88 (16 reviews)
From $149.00
Private Transfer from Nursultan Nazarbayev (NQZ) Airport to Astana
IMPORTANT! When booking this private arrival transfer from NQZ International Airport to your hotel, you will need to advise your flight details and your hotel details.
5.00 (3 reviews)
From $40.00
Full Day Guided Almaty City Tour + cable car
Sit back and relax as you are driven to seven must-see sites in Almaty Learn about Almaty's storied history and culture from a local guide Marvel at the surrounding mountains from a unique vantage point.
From $45.00
Big Almaty Lake and Legandary Almaty Apple Garden
Enjoy the incredibly beautiful scenery of the big Almaty lake. After visit the Almaty apple garden with a beautiful landscape of the Almaty mountains and try the real and legendary Aport apple First, we will visit Big Almaty Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive from Almaty City.
4.50 (2 reviews)
From $59.00
Kolsay Lake and Charyn Grand Canyon
Your adventure begins at the Charyn Grand Canyon, a geological masterpiece that will leave you speechless. As you traverse the canyon's winding trails, you'll witness the breathtaking interplay of light and shadow on the towering rock formations.
From $49.00
Walking Food Tour in Almaty
Hi there, I'm Naz, your local Almaty foodie guide, the founder of "NonAlmatian" project, where we explore Almaty through the eyes of foreigners.
5.00 (2 reviews)
From $80.00
Mt Fuji Private Tour with English Speaking Driver
See and do exactly what you want on this private, customizable day tour to Mt. Fuji. This Japanese icon offers a range of natural, cultural, and adventure activities.
4.00 (1 reviews)
From $420.00
What activities can I do in Kazakhstan ?
1. Explore Almaty: Visit the vibrant city of Almaty, the cultural and economic hub of Kazakhstan. Explore the Central State Museum, stroll through the beautiful Panfilov Park, and enjoy the stunning views from Kok Tobe Hill. 2. Visit the Charyn Canyon: Located in the eastern part of Kazakhstan, the Charyn Canyon is often referred to as the ""Grand Canyon's little brother."" Marvel at the dramatic rock formations and hike along the scenic trails. 3. Discover the Silk Road: Kazakhstan was an important stop on the ancient Silk Road trade route. Visit the cities of Turkestan and Shymkent to explore historical sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Otrar archaeological site. 4. Experience the Kazakh culture: Immerse yourself in the rich Kazakh culture by attending traditional performances, visiting yurt camps, and trying local dishes such as beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta) and kumis (fermented mare's milk). 5. Explore the Altyn-Emel National Park: Located in the Ili River Valley, Altyn-Emel National Park is home to diverse landscapes, including the singing sand dunes and the famous ""stone mushrooms."" Take a jeep tour or go hiking to fully appreciate the park's natural beauty. 6. Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome: Take a trip to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world's first and largest operational space launch facility. Witness a rocket launch or explore the museum to learn about the history of space exploration. 7. Relax at Lake Balkhash: Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Lake Balkhash, one of the largest lakes in Central Asia. Swim, fish, or simply relax on the sandy beaches while enjoying the beautiful views. 8. Ski in Shymbulak: If you visit during the winter months, head to the Shymbulak Ski Resort near Almaty. Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities in the picturesque Tien Shan mountains. 9. Visit the Kazakh Steppe: Explore the vast Kazakh Steppe, a unique and diverse ecosystem that covers a significant portion of the country. Take a guided tour or go on a horseback riding adventure to fully appreciate the beauty of the steppe. 10. Attend the Nauryz Festival: If you visit in March, don't miss the Nauryz Festival, a traditional Kazakh celebration of the spring equinox. Experience cultural performances, traditional games, and taste delicious Kazakh food during this vibrant festival.
When is the best time to travel to Kazakhstan ?
The best time to travel to Kazakhstan is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are from April to June and September to October respectively. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). In spring, the landscapes are lush and green, and you can witness the blooming of wildflowers across the country. This is also a great time to visit the cities and experience the local culture and traditions. Autumn is another beautiful season in Kazakhstan, with the landscapes turning golden and the weather becoming cooler. It is a great time to explore the countryside, go hiking in the mountains, or visit the famous Charyn Canyon. However, it is important to note that Kazakhstan is a vast country with diverse climates, so the weather can vary depending on the region. In the northern parts, such as Astana and Pavlodar, the winters are extremely cold, while the southern regions, like Almaty and Shymkent, have a more moderate climate. Therefore, it is advisable to check the weather conditions and plan your trip accordingly.
Travel culture you should know when traveling to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is a country with a rich and diverse culture that is influenced by its nomadic past, as well as the various ethnic groups that call the country home. Here are some key aspects of Kazakhstan's travel culture: 1. Nomadic Heritage: Kazakhstan has a strong nomadic heritage, which is still evident in its traditional lifestyle and customs. Many Kazakh people still practice traditional nomadic activities such as horse riding, hunting, and yurt dwelling. Travelers can experience this nomadic culture by staying in a yurt camp, participating in horseback riding tours, or visiting traditional Kazakh villages. 2. Hospitality: Kazakh people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming nature. Travelers to Kazakhstan often receive a warm reception and are invited to share meals and traditions with local families. It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's home and to bring a small gift as a token of appreciation. 3. Traditional Cuisine: Kazakh cuisine is a reflection of its nomadic heritage and the country's geographical location. Traditional dishes often include meat, dairy products, and grains. Popular dishes include Beshbarmak (boiled meat with pasta), Kazy (horse meat sausage), and Kumis (fermented mare's milk). Travelers can enjoy these traditional dishes at local restaurants or during homestay experiences. 4. Festivals and Celebrations: Kazakhstan celebrates a number of festivals and events throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into the country's cultural traditions. The most significant festival is Nauryz, which marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with music, dance, and traditional games. Other notable festivals include Kurban Ait (Eid al-Adha), Independence Day, and Astana Day. 5. Arts and Crafts: Kazakhstan has a rich tradition of arts and crafts, including intricate embroidery, felt-making, and wood carving. Travelers can explore local markets and handicraft centers to purchase traditional Kazakh souvenirs such as rugs, pottery, and jewelry. It is also possible to participate in workshops and learn these traditional crafts firsthand. 6. Music and Dance: Music and dance play an important role in Kazakh culture. Traditional music is characterized by the use of stringed instruments such as the dombra and kobyz, while traditional dances often involve graceful movements and vibrant costumes. Travelers can enjoy performances of traditional music and dance at cultural centers and during festivals. Overall, Kazakhstan's travel culture offers a unique blend of nomadic traditions, warm hospitality, and vibrant celebrations. Travelers can immerse themselves in the country's rich heritage by participating in traditional activities, trying local cuisine, and engaging with the local community.
Shopping list or souvenirs to buy when traveling to Kazakhstan
1. Traditional Kazakh clothing: Look for a traditional Kazakh robe called a ""chapan"" or a colorful embroidered dress called a ""kamzol."" These make for unique and authentic souvenirs. 2. Kazakh carpets and rugs: Kazakhstan is known for its beautiful handwoven carpets and rugs. Look for intricate designs and vibrant colors that represent the Kazakh culture. 3. Kazakh jewelry: Traditional Kazakh jewelry is often made with silver and features intricate designs inspired by nature and animals. Look for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings adorned with colorful gemstones. 4. Kazakh musical instruments: Traditional Kazakh musical instruments, such as the dombra (a two-stringed lute) or the kobyz (a bowed instrument), make for unique souvenirs for music enthusiasts. 5. Kazakh handicrafts: Look for handmade pottery, wooden carvings, and felt products such as slippers, hats, and wall hangings. These items showcase the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan. 6. Kazakh food products: Consider buying traditional Kazakh food products such as honey, dried fruits, nuts, and spices. These items are not only delicious but also represent the local flavors of Kazakhstan. 7. Kazakh traditional instruments: If you're interested in music, consider purchasing traditional Kazakh instruments such as the kobyz, dombra, or shankobyz. These instruments are unique to the Kazakh culture and can be a great addition to any music collection. 8. Kazakh art: Look for paintings, sculptures, and other forms of artwork that showcase the talent and creativity of Kazakh artists. These pieces can be a beautiful addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for art lovers. 9. Kazakh traditional hats: The traditional Kazakh hat, known as a ""kalpak,"" is a distinctive headwear made of fur or felt. It is a symbol of Kazakh identity and can be a unique souvenir to take back home. 10. Kazakh tea sets: Kazakhstan has a rich tea-drinking culture, and you can find beautiful tea sets made of porcelain or ceramic. These sets often feature traditional Kazakh patterns and can be a great addition to your kitchen or a thoughtful gift for tea enthusiasts.
Kazakhstan travel review
Kazakhstan: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Central Asia Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a country that often goes unnoticed on the traveler's radar. However, those who venture to this hidden gem are rewarded with a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the vibrant cityscapes of Nur-Sultan and Almaty to the vast steppes and majestic mountains, Kazakhstan offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. One cannot fully explore Kazakhstan without starting in its modern capital, Nur-Sultan. Formerly known as Astana, this city is a testament to the country's rapid development and ambition. The skyline is dominated by futuristic skyscrapers, such as the iconic Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, which houses an indoor beach and shopping mall. The city's architecture is a blend of modernism and traditional Kazakh influences, creating a captivating visual feast. For a taste of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage, a visit to Almaty is a must. This vibrant city is nestled at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan Mountains, offering a stunning backdrop for exploration. The Central State Museum showcases the country's history, from ancient artifacts to contemporary art exhibitions. The bustling Green Bazaar is a sensory delight, with its vibrant colors, exotic spices, and local delicacies. And for those seeking a moment of tranquility, the Kok Tobe Hill provides panoramic views of the city and a peaceful escape from the urban hustle. Beyond the cities, Kazakhstan's natural beauty unfolds in its vast landscapes. The Kazakh steppes stretch as far as the eye can see, offering a sense of endless freedom and tranquility. Here, nomadic traditions still thrive, and visitors can experience the nomadic way of life by staying in traditional yurts and participating in horseback riding expeditions. The Altyn-Emel National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with its diverse flora and fauna, including the critically endangered Przewalski's horse. For those seeking more adventure, the country's mountainous regions are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the ""Grand Canyon of Kazakhstan,"" is a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe with its dramatic rock formations and vibrant colors. The Kolsai Lakes, with their crystal-clear waters and surrounding pine forests, offer a serene escape for hiking and camping. And for the ultimate mountaineering challenge, the Tian Shan Mountains boast peaks over 7,000 meters, including Khan Tengri and Peak Pobeda. Kazakhstan's cultural diversity is also a highlight of any visit. The country is home to over 130 different ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions and customs. The Kazakh people, known for their warm hospitality, welcome visitors with open arms, inviting them to experience their rich heritage firsthand. Traditional Kazakh cuisine, with its hearty meat dishes and flavorful spices, is a culinary delight that should not be missed. In recent years, Kazakhstan has made significant efforts to promote tourism and improve infrastructure, making it easier for travelers to explore this hidden gem. The country's visa-free regime for many nationalities and the development of new tourist routes have opened up opportunities for discovery and adventure. Kazakhstan may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip, but it is a country that deserves to be explored. From its modern cities to its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Kazakhstan offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. So, pack your bags, and embark on a journey to this hidden gem of Central Asia.