Discover The Great Treasures Of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a great destination for those tourists who are looking for unique places, full of exotic landscapes and with a culture opposite to that known in the western world. Therefore, in this small article we want to show you some of the great treasures of Kazakhstan.

This Central Asian country is one of the eight largest countries in the world, with no less than almost three million km² of surface. In addition, it offers us a wide range of possibilities to enjoy an unforgettable trip.

1. Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan

To the north of the country is Astana, renamed since 2019 as Nursultán. It is one of the treasures of Kazakhstan thanks to its clearly futuristic design. The surrounding desert only emphasizes that feeling of almost being on another planet.

The city, of relatively recent construction, offers its visitors large avenues full of services of all kinds and an architecture that leaves no one indifferent. The famous Bayterek tower stands out, almost 100 meters high and crowned by a huge glass sphere.

We also recommend a visit to the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation or Nur Alem. The building was constructed for the 2017 Expo, making it the largest spherical building in the world. There are many tourists who come to photograph it.

2. Almaty, the former capital of the country

Almaty is another of Kazakhstan’s treasures. This city shows visitors the cultural richness of the country. There, in addition to enjoying the hospitality and kindness of the Kazakhs, we can see the remains of their Soviet legacy. In addition, Almaty is surrounded by the Heavenly Mountains or Tian Shan, with always snowy peaks.

Its streets are full of life. Wherever we go we will see how citizens live in constant movement, in fact, it will be difficult for us to see relatively quiet areas. For those who want to experience the culture of the Kazakh people up close, we recommend a stroll through its markets and its historic center.

In the same way, it is obligatory to pay a visit to the Cathedral of the Ascension, in the tsarist style and built with fir wood. The most curious thing about this construction is that not a single nail was used, an architectural challenge. Not far from there we can walk through the Plaza de la Victoria and take pictures with the large sculptures of warriors that pay homage to the fallen.

Finally, we must not miss the opportunity to climb, thanks to a cable car, to Kok Tobé, a small hill from where we can contemplate the landscape of the mountains and the city. Many tourists decide to wait for sunset, the star moment to enjoy the views.

3. Lake Kaindy, another of Kazakhstan’s treasures

But not all the treasures of Kazakhstan are to be found in its large cities. This country has one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet. We are talking about Lake Kaindy, a cemetery of fir trees submerged in turquoise waters.

Its formation is due to an earthquake that occurred in 1911. Due to the shaking, a small river of icy waters that crossed the fir forest was blocked. This, over time, ended up creating a lake with dozens of trees inside that preserve the trunks intact, but dyed white.

4. Kolsai Lakes National Park

A few kilometers from Lake Kaindy is the Kolsai Lakes National Park. These three glacial lakes, with a height difference of 3000 meters, are a challenge for trekking enthusiasts , but they offer as a reward impressive views of their turquoise blue waters. In addition, during the tour we will be able to cross green meadows and lush forests.

The entire route takes more than three days, but during the tour we will be able to enjoy the wildest nature of Kazakhstan, surrounded by wild horses and purple wildflowers.

5. Charyn Canyon

To end our tour of the treasures of Kazakhstan, we will make a stop at Charyn Canyon. Many compare it to the Grand Canyon, although of much less striking measures. In its 156 kilometers of route and 300 meters of depth we will be able to walk through a rugged landscape of great beauty.

The Charyn Canyon only has two kilometers of its route enabled for tourism. However, we will reach the bank of the river responsible for the orography of the landscape and where, if we want, we can take a bath as the culmination of our trip.