Central Asia · 26 Places · Best June-September
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, offers a captivating blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and stunning natural landscapes from the Altai Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Experience nomadic traditions in Central Asia's economic powerhouse, where futuristic capital Astana meets historic Almaty at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains.
Kazakhstan, the world's largest landlocked country, offers a captivating blend of ancient Silk Road heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and stunning natural landscapes from the Altai Mountains to the Caspian Sea. Experience nomadic traditions in Central Asia's economic powerhouse, where futuristic capital Astana meets historic Almaty at the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Astana's iconic 97-meter monument symbolizing a Kazakh legend of a golden egg laid by a mythical bird in a poplar tree. The observation deck at 97 meters offers panoramic views of the capital's futuristic skyline. Visitors can place their hand in a golden handprint of President Nazarbayev while making a wish.
A dramatic 154-kilometer canyon along the Charyn River, often called Kazakhstan's Grand Canyon. The Valley of Castles features stunning red sandstone formations sculpted over 12 million years. The canyon reaches depths of 300 meters and offers spectacular hiking opportunities through otherworldly rock formations.
A stunning Russian Orthodox cathedral built entirely of wood without using a single nail. Completed in 1907, it stands 56 meters tall and is one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The colorful five-domed structure survived a major earthquake in 1911 and showcases intricate wooden architecture painted in vibrant colors.
A stunning turquoise mountain lake situated at 2,511 meters above sea level in the Tian Shan mountains. The glacial lake changes color throughout the year from pale green to bright turquoise depending on the season and weather. Surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, it serves as a water reservoir for Almaty.
Kazakhstan's premier ski resort located in the Tian Shan mountains at altitudes between 2,200-3,200 meters. Features 20 kilometers of ski runs, modern gondola lifts, and excellent powder snow conditions from November to April. Summer visitors can enjoy mountain hiking and scenic cable car rides with spectacular views.
The world's largest tent structure designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. This translucent tent reaches 150 meters in height and houses a shopping mall, entertainment venues, restaurants, and even an indoor beach resort with sand imported from the Maldives. The unique climate control system maintains comfortable temperatures year-round despite Astana's extreme climate.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Almaty's most prestigious hotel offering unparalleled luxury with panoramic mountain views. Features elegant rooms with marble bathrooms, a rooftop infinity pool, world-class spa, and fine dining restaurants. The hotel's location on Al-Farabi Avenue provides easy access to business districts and shopping.
Check rates on Booking.comA charming boutique hotel combining modern comfort with traditional Kazakh hospitality. Located in a quiet area yet close to city center, offering comfortable rooms, friendly service, and excellent value for money.
Check rates on Booking.comPopular backpacker hostel offering clean dormitories and private rooms in a social atmosphere. Features communal kitchen, lounge area, and helpful staff who organize tours and provide local tips. Great for meeting fellow travelers.
Check rates on Booking.comA five-star luxury resort in the heart of Almaty featuring Turkish hospitality and all-inclusive options. The hotel boasts spacious rooms, an extensive spa complex, indoor pool, and multiple dining venues serving international and local cuisine. Ultra All-Inclusive concept available.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Award-winning restaurant serving contemporary interpretations of traditional Kazakh cuisine with artistic presentation. Features seasonal ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and an intimate dining atmosphere. Considered one of Almaty's best fine dining experiences.
Highly-rated Central Asian restaurant featuring Uzbek, Kazakh, and regional specialties. Beautiful traditional interior with Central Asian decor. Famous for plov, manti, and lagman. Great portions and authentic flavors.
Local chain specializing in baursak (fried dough) and traditional Kazakh fast food. Offers modern takes on classic dishes in a casual setting. Very popular with locals and highly recommended.
The outdoor food stalls at Green Bazaar offer the most authentic street food experience. Try fresh samsa, dried fruits, nuts, traditional sweets, and fresh produce. Haggling welcome.
Almaty's premier specialty coffee roaster and cafe. Features single-origin beans, expert baristas, and various brewing methods. Cozy atmosphere perfect for remote work. Multiple locations.
Authentic upscale Kazakh restaurant featuring traditional recipes passed down through generations. The elegant interior showcases nomadic-inspired design, and dishes are prepared using time-honored techniques with premium local ingredients.
Transportation options in Kazakhstan include local buses, taxis, and rental cars. Check local conditions before planning your travel.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10-15 (hostel dormitory) | $30-50 (budget hotel or private room) | $150-300 (4-5 star hotels) |
| Food (per day) | $8-12 (street food, cheap cafes, markets) | $20-30 (mix of local restaurants and casual dining) | $60-100 (fine dining, hotel restaurants) |
| Transportation | $3-5 (public buses, metro, marshrutka) | $8-12 (occasional taxis, public transport) | $20-40 (private taxis, car rental) |
| Activities | $4-8 (free attractions, occasional museum) | $10-20 (paid attractions, occasional tour) | $30-60+ (premium tours, ski passes, spa treatments) |
| Daily total | $25-40 | $60-100 | $200-400+ |
June-September (summer hiking and warm weather)
Carry your original passport at all times as police can request ID on the street; keep a digital copy as backup.
Avoid walking alone at night in major cities, especially in poorly lit areas or near bars and nightclubs.
Use only reputable taxi services such as Yandex Taxi or InDriver — never hail unmarked taxis to avoid scams.
Dress modestly when visiting mosques and religious sites; women should cover their hair and shoulders.
Be prepared for extreme winters (down to -30C) and hot summers (up to +40C) — pack appropriate clothing.
Register with your embassy or consulate if staying longer than two weeks; the US embassy is in Astana.
Photography restrictions apply around government buildings, military installations, and border areas — always ask permission first.
Be cautious of overcharging at bazaars and tourist sites; agree on prices beforehand and carry small denomination bills.
Drink only bottled or boiled water; tap water in Kazakhstan is generally not safe for tourists.
Mountain areas like Ile-Alatau require guide permits for some trails; altitude sickness is a risk above 3,000m — acclimatize slowly.
Emergency numbers: 102 (police), 103 (ambulance), 101 (fire); operators may not speak English so have a translation app ready.
Health: Check vaccination requirements (hepatitis A, typhoid recommended); travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised.
Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia's safest countries with low violent crime rates and stable political environment. Almaty and Astana are generally safe for tourists, though petty theft and taxi scams require the usual urban vigilance. Emergency services: police at 102, medical at 103.
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is June-September (summer hiking and warm weather). Kazakhstan has a continental climate with extreme temperature variations — Almaty experiences scorching summers above 35°C and bitter winters reaching -25°C, while Astana in the north is even colder w
No visa required for stays up to 30 days for tourism. Cannot exceed 90 days total within any 6-month period. Passport must be valid for duration of stay. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) (KZT). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Kazakhstan: Kazakh (official), Russian (widely spoken). In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Kazakhstan include Bayterek Tower, Charyn Canyon, Zenkov Cathedral (Ascension Cathedral), Big Almaty Lake, and Shymbulak Ski Resort. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
