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Top 10 attractions in Kazakhstan

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Shymbulak
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Shymbulak

6.2
4.6/5
9 reviews
Shymbulak is an alpine ski resort near Almaty, Kazakhstan, located in the upper reaches of the Medeu Valley in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, approx. 25 km from the city center. The base of the ski area is at an elevation of approx. 2,260 m, with the upper ski lift station located at Talgar Pass, rising to around 3,200 m. The ski runs have a vertical drop of 900 m, making it one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Central Asia. The ski season runs from November to the following spring, with an average snow depth of approx. 1.5 m. Winter temperatures are usually a few degrees below zero, and the snow quality is dry and firm. This was the venue for the alpine skiing events of the 2011 Asian Winter Games, which led to an overall upgrade. It features gentle slopes for beginners, steep slopes and a snowboard park for advanced skiers, and also offers night skiing. Non-skiers can also have fun: take the three-stage cable car up the mountain from Medeu at the foot of the mountain, and enjoy views of the canyon forests and the city skyline in the distance along the way. The mountain is cool in summer, making it suitable for hiking and mountain biking, with glaciers and alpine meadows nearby. The resort features a hotel as well as several restaurants and cafes.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Ascension Cathedral
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Ascension Cathedral

6
4.6/5
53 reviews
Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, stands in Panfilov Park in the center of Almaty. It is built entirely of Tien Shan spruce, stands 56m tall, and features a pale yellow facade accented with white and light green lines, topped with a set of golden onion domes. Most of the building is constructed using mortise and tenon joints, with almost no metal nails, which is quite rare for a structure of this size. The true uniqueness of the cathedral lies in its earthquake-resistant design: just a few years after its completion, a powerful earthquake in 1911 almost leveled the city of Verny, yet it remained almost completely intact. Engineer Zenkov incorporated a wooden frame structure known as an earthquake-resistant basket into the design, allowing the building to flex without breaking during tremors. During the Soviet era, the cathedral was converted into a museum and public office space, and a radio transmitter antenna was even installed on the bell tower, until it was returned to the church in 1995 and resumed services in 1997. Today, when you step inside the cathedral, you can see the iconostasis painted by artist Khludov and walls filled with icons.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Khorgas National Gate Scenic Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Horgos

Khorgas National Gate Scenic Area

6.1
4.1/5
401 reviews
Khorgas National Gate Scenic Area is the main attraction at the Khorgas border crossing. Located in China's western regions, the history of the Khorgas border crossing is long and storied. This border crossing connects with Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a large cargo capacity, pleasant natural environment and relatively complete service functionality. The border crossing at Khorgas has a customs clearance capacity of one million people and millions of tons of goods per year.China · Khorgas
Big Almaty Lake
No. 1 of Night Attractions in Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake

5.8
4.3/5
27 reviews
Big Almaty Lakeis at an altitude of approx. 2,511 m and is a natural alpine lake in the Tian Shan mountains of Kazakhstan created by seismic activity. The lake is fed primarily by glacial meltwater and is clear and cold, with its color shifting between light green and blue-green depending on the season and light. A dam at the northern end of the lake provides a wide vantage point. Standing on the dam, you can see several snow-capped peaks surrounding the lake basin: Soviet Peak at an altitude of approx. 4,317 m to the southeast, Ozyorny Peak to the south, and Tourist Peak to the southwest, all reflected in the lake water. Take a slow walk along the lakeside trail to capture the changing light and shadows on the water and mountains from different angles. Higher up above the lake sits the domed Tian Shan Astronomical Observatory. It is a drive of approx. 1 hour from the city, heading up along the winding mountain canyon and through stretches of spruce forest. For visitors with good stamina, the entire canyon can also be used as a hiking route. Mountain weather is changeable, and temperatures are significantly lower even in midsummer. Compared to midsummer, the frozen lake in winter offers a different kind of snowy landscape.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Charyn Canyon National Park
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Charyn Canyon National Park

5.7
4.8/5
4 reviews
Charyn Canyon National Park is located approx. 200 km east of Almaty, in a semi-desert area near the China-Kazakhstan border. The main body of the park consists of a canyon system carved by the Charyn River over tens of millions of years: stretching approx. 154 km, with depths reaching 200–300 m, the red sandstone has been shaped into rugged rock pillars and steep cliffs by long-term erosion from wind and water. The entire park is composed of several canyons with distinct styles. Valley of Castles is the signature of the canyon, with ochre-red cliffs over 100 m high and rock pillars resembling ancient castles and towers. You can descend from the observation deck along a zigzag path to the valley floor, then walk 2–3 km, passing through narrow rock corridors, all the way to the banks of the Charyn River; Valley of the Moon presents a different face, with grayish-white, rounded hills resembling the lunar surface; in addition, there is the Black Canyon, known for its black cliffs and panoramic river valley views, as well as the more secluded Temirlik Canyon. The canyon is home to over 1,500 species of plants, more than 10 of which are listed in the Kazakhstan Red Data Book, and the park also preserves a rare ash forest.Kazakhstan · Enbekshikazakh District
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

5.6
4.5/5
56 reviews
Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is located next to Republic Square in Almaty. The three-story building with a blue dome incorporates elements of traditional Kazakh yurts. The museum's history can be traced back to local collections from the 1830s, and it moved into this purpose-built building in 1985. As one of the larger museums in Central Asia, it houses over 300,000 artifacts, covering history from the Bronze Age to the post-independence period after 1991. The permanent exhibition halls are arranged chronologically: the Paleontology and Archaeology Hall displays animal skeletons, petrified wood fossils, as well as unearthed gold artifacts and models of ancient and medieval architecture; the History and Ethnography Hall recreates the nomadic life of the Kazakh people from the 15th to the early 20th century, featuring weapons, armor, traditional clothing, leather goods, jewelry, and carpets, with a fully assembled Kazakh yurt serving as an iconic exhibit; subsequent halls present the history of multi-ethnic settlement, the years of World War II, and the process of independence. The museum's centerpiece is the "Golden Man" (Issyk Golden Man)—a Scythian royal warrior unearthed from the Issyk burial mound on the outskirts of Almaty. His armor is adorned with thousands of hand-engraved gold flakes, and he wears a gilded pointed crown decorated with bird motifs. Today, it is considered one of the national symbols of Kazakhstan; the version on display is a meticulously crafted replica of the original.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Kolsai Lake
No. 2 of Night Attractions in Kazakhstan

Kolsai Lake

5.4
4.5/5
2 reviews
Kolsai Lake is located in the Kungei Alatau valley and consists of three alpine lakes connected in a staggered sequence from bottom to top, with altitudes of approx. 1,800 m, 2,250 m, and 2,700 m respectively. Known as the "Three Pearls of the Tian Shan," it is an alpine lake destination near Almaty. The three lakes were formed over a century ago when a strong earthquake triggered landslides that dammed the valley. The lake water comes from glacial melt and has a transparent blue-green color, while the slopes around the lakes are covered with Schrenk's spruce forests. The lower lake is accessible by road and is the starting point for most visitors. The water is clear, and you can often see schools of rainbow trout swimming. Following the valley trail upstream, you can reach the middle lake, which has a wide surface, and the upper lake, which is surrounded by spruce forests and alpine meadows. The hike from the lower lake to the middle lake takes approx. 3 to 4 hours. You can also travel by horse. Picnicking, camping, and cycling by the lake are common activities.Kazakhstan · Kegen
28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park
No. 7 of Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park

5.4
4.8/5
35 reviews
Panfilov Park 28 Warriors Memorial Park was built in the 1870s and was named after the Panfilov Warriors in 1942 to commemorate the heroes of the 316th Division and the 16th Regiment who died in the war against the Nazis in 1941. 28 soldiers from Almaty. When celebrating the 30th anniversary of the victory of the Great Patriotic War, the Glory Monument and the Eternal Fire Tower were built. During festivals and anniversaries, many people will lay flowers in front of the monument to commemorate the martyrs.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Kok Tobe
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Kazakhstan

Kok Tobe

5.4
4.5/5
32 reviews
Kok Tobe is a hill on the southeastern edge of Almaty, with an elevation of approx. 1,070 m, rising approx. 200 m above the city. Its name comes from the Kazakh language, meaning "green hill," which is why it is also often called "Green Hill." It is one of Almaty's city landmarks. The area at the summit has been developed into a leisure park. You can reach the top in a few minutes by cable car from the city center. On the way, you can overlook the streets and distant mountains, and the cable car ride itself is an experience. The attractions at the summit are quite concentrated: the 372 m tall Almaty TV Tower stands here, and the panoramic platform next to the tower is the perfect spot to overlook the city and the snow-capped peaks of the Trans-Ili Alatau. The park also features a Ferris wheel and a bronze statue of The Beatles—John Lennon sits on a bench holding a guitar, with Paul, George, and Ringo standing beside him. The apple-shaped wishing fountain echoes Almaty's name as the "City of Apples." Visiting in the evening is especially recommended; as the sunset sinks into the city skyline and the lights begin to twinkle, the night view from the panoramic platform captures the distant snow-capped mountains in the same frame. There are also souvenir shops and restaurants scattered on the mountain.Kazakhstan · Almaty
Ak Bulak
No. 2 of Ski Resorts in Kazakhstan

Ak Bulak

5.2
Ak Bulak is located at the northern foot of the Ili Alatau Mountains in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This ecological leisure area with an altitude of 1,700 meters is famous for its natural landscape with distinct seasons. In spring, wildflowers bloom in the alpine meadows, in summer, the spruce forest forms a natural oxygen bar, in autumn, the birch forest turns golden, and in winter, it turns into a ski resort covered in silver. The winter sports area is planned with graded ski trails, equipped with double chairlifts and magic carpet conveyors. During the non-snow season, some ski trails are converted into all-terrain vehicle experience routes, with off-road obstacles of varying difficulty. There is a nature education center in the resort, which exhibits specimens of plants and animals unique to the Tianshan Mountains. The accommodation area includes woodland cabins and viewing suites, and some rooms are equipped with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing the snow-capped mountains. This resort, which combines mountain sports and ecological education, provides a suburban leisure space for urban residents.Kazakhstan · Talgar District

Experiences you can't miss in Kazakhstan

Featured Day tours in Kazakhstan

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Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon
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4.5/5
· 80 reviews· 555 booked
Duration: 17 hrs
Free cancellation
From€41.02
1-day tour to Charyn Canyon + Kolsai Lake + Lake Kaindy from Almaty, Kazakhstan
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3.9/5
· 12 reviews· 102 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
English
116 travelers saved
From€76.78
Discovery more Big Almaty Lake Tour
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1.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€178.04
Almaty, Kazakhstan round-trip Kolsai Lake + Kaindy Lake + Charyn Canyon 1-day tour
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From€75.85
Discovery more Almaty Kolsai, Kaindy Lakes and Charyn Canyon Small-Group Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 21 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
From€100.89
Discovery more Experience the Nomadic Lifestyle at 'The Huns' Ethno-village and cooking
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Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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From€207.71
1-day tour of Charyn canyon, Kolsai Lake and Kaindy Lake in Almaty, Kazakhstan
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From€173.59

Featured Cultural experiences in Kazakhstan

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Almaty Medeu + Ascension Cathedral + Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan 1-day tour
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From€107.89
National Museum of Kazakhstan + Astana Ballet Theater + Astana Opera
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From€534.10
Bayterek Tower + Sultan Mosque + National Museum + Khan Shatyr + Ishim River Bank
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From€534.10
Almaty Audio Tour: Republic Square, the Central Museum and the Academy of Sciences
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Duration: 45 mins
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
20% off
Limited-time sale
From€5.19€6.49
Almaty Audio Tour: From the Opera to Panfilov Park and the Green Bazaar
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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20% off
Limited-time sale
From€6.39€7.99
Issyk Lake - shining pearl of Almaty surroundings + Golden Man museum
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5.0/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
Free cancellation
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From€214.88

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Free things to do in Kazakhstan

What travelers say about Kazakhstan

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Nuna KelanaMay 22, 2026
5.0
Love this place because the snow is much in winter time 🥰🥰🥰I visited shymbulak twice and always with snow. Even on April, snow still much and cold!!!

Shymbulak

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HAB46April 5, 2026
5.0
The Ascension Cathedral in Almaty is located at the center of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park. The colors on the exterior of this structure are magical, and the Russian modern architecture is reminiscent of the magnificent cathedrals in Russia.

Ascension Cathedral

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JackieXMQSeptember 21, 2026
5.0
Before heading to Sayram Lake, I made a detour to the Khorgos National Gate, which borders Kazakhstan and is the largest free trade port in inland China. I also took the opportunity to learn more about the Silk Road and the foreign trade situation in the Western Regions.

Khorgas National Gate Scenic Area

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zomitripOctober 16, 2024
5.0
As of October 2024, the road is closed partway, so you can use YandexGO to get there partway. From there, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours on foot for adults to Almaty Lyk. There are several trash cans along the way, and you can take a rest in a pension-like place (only this one place). Please be aware that the temperature and weather are prone to change, so don't forget to bring warm clothes and food. The scenery of Almaty Lyk is very beautiful and worth seeing. Perhaps because it is difficult to get there, there are few tourists now, so you can enjoy it quietly.

Big Almaty Lake

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Haque SahebSeptember 22, 2026
5.0
Charyn Canyon National Park is an incredible destination that feels like stepping into another world. The dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and breathtaking landscapes make every viewpoint unforgettable. Walking through the Valley of Castles is especially impressive, with towering cliffs creating a spectacular natural backdrop. The peaceful atmosphere and wide-open scenery are perfect for photography, hiking, and simply enjoying nature. The changing colors of the canyon throughout the day add even more beauty to the experience. It is a place where adventure and natural wonder come together beautifully. Would you love to explore this amazing canyon on your next journey?

Charyn Canyon National Park

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BeMa354April 2, 2026
5.0
The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is one of the important museums in Almaty. The museum has a large front yard with a garden and a uniquely shaped sky blue dome. Like many other museums in the city, the architectural features of this museum combine modernist Soviet and Kazakh elements, making it an interesting and significant site to visit, other than the fact that it has collections of relics and artifacts pertaining to the history of the state of Kazakhstan.

Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan

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‌夏侯惇看路易十六September 7, 2025
4.0
The tour group we signed up for went to Korsai Lake. Despite the name, the lake is actually divided into three parts. The bottom one is the longest, but narrower. The middle one is the largest. Looking at Google Maps, it looks like there are actually several parts, just separated. The top one is at the highest elevation and is also the smallest. The water is clear and cool, and there are many small fish that jump to the surface. I heard that fishing will be available soon. Since we arrived in the evening, we couldn't take a boat trip. The tour guide said that the lake would be closed soon to protect the environment and it might be a few years before it reopens. It was a lucky coincidence.

Kolsai Lake

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sculptorDecember 29, 2021
4.0
The 28 Panfilov Heroes Memorial Park is a city park in Kazakhstan, located in central Almaty. The eternal flame in memory of the fallen soldiers of World War II burns in front of a huge black monument to soldiers from all 15 Soviet republics. The Ascension Cathedral of Almaty is also located in Panfilov Park.

28 Panfilov Guardsmen Park

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EvenJuly 1, 2020
4.0
If you want to overlook the entire city of Almaty, then KokTobe Park is the place to go. The park is located on the top of KokTobe Mountain, 1,100 meters above sea level. Get in the cable car, accompanied by beautiful dombra music, as the altitude continues to rise, the whole city begins to slowly appear at your feet. The top of the mountain is not only a great place to overlook Almaty, but also a magnificent panoramic view of the foothills of Zailiysky Alatau, which is more beautiful than any other angle in the city.

Kok Tobe

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Kazakhstan?

Don't miss these attractions in Kazakhstan: Shymbulak, Ascension Cathedral, and Khorgas National Gate Scenic Area. If you like Day tours, try Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Almaty Medeu + Ascension Cathedral + Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan 1-day tour.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Treasures of Almaty lakes Kaindy and Kolsai,Charyn Canyon, 1-day tour to Charyn Canyon + Kolsai Lake + Lake Kaindy from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Discovery more Big Almaty Lake Tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Kazakhstan is around EUR 41.02 – EUR 207.71. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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