Things to Do in Kazakhstan​ in 2026: Plan Your Perfect Trip

The scale of the country is part of its charm, Kazakhstan feels open, unhurried and full of places that are still waiting to become familiar. 

Something that makes this country specifically interesting is how naturally its landscapes and culture blend in. A trip here can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want it to be. Spend an afternoon wandering through a local market here, take in the mountain views around Almaty, visit canyons carved over millions of years, or simply take a long drive through landscapes that seem to stretch forever. There is a single way to experience Kazakhstan and that is exactly what makes it interesting. 

If Kazakhstan is on your travel list, these things to do in Kazakhstan can help you experience more than just its famous sights, they give you a sense of the landscapes, stories and everyday character that make the country so amazing.

Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan at a Glance

Experience	Where to Experience It	Duration	Best Season
Explore Almaty’s Cultural and Local Side	Almaty	Half to 1 day	Apr–Oct
See the Dramatic Landscapes of Charyn Canyon	Almaty Region	Half to 1 day	Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Discover the Singing Dune of Altyn Emel	Almaty Region	1–2 days	Apr–Oct
Admire Astana’s Futuristic Architecture	Astana	Half to 1 day	May–Sep
Travel across the Kazakh Steppe by Train	Almaty- Astana Route	Overnight	Year-round
Explore the Silk Road history in Turkistan	Turkistan	1 day	Mar–May, Sep–Oct
Gaze at the otherworldly landscapes of Mangystau	Mangystau Region	2–4 days	Apr–Oct
Explore Baikonur	Kyzylorda Region	1–2 days	Year-round*
Try Traditional Kazakh Food	Almaty / Astana	2–4 hours	Year-round
Explore the Kolsai Lakes	Almaty Region	1–2 days	Mar–May, Sep–Oct

1. Explore Almaty’s Cultural and Local side 

Almaty is where you can begin exploring this country, because the city lets you experience its modern, everyday side without losing sight of the country’s natural beauty. The contrasting landscapes of Almaty are its biggest charms, it feels like a lively city that is never too far from the wilderness. 

You can begin exploring with Panfilov Park, which is one of the best known green spaces where Zenkov cathedral stands out. Then you can visit the Green Bazaar, to explore stalls selling dried fruits, nuts, spices, cheeses and other local produce. It is also a good place to get a feel for the flavours and pace of daily life in Almaty. 

For the best views of Almaty, head to Kok- Tobe Hill, which sits above the city. Spend some time there, before returning to the city for cosy cafes, restaurants and evening atmosphere. 

• Why its is famous: Kazakhstan’s largest city, known for its cultural places, lively markets and mountains
• Duration: Half - 1 Day 
• Best Season: April - October 

2. See the Dramatic Landscapes of Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is among the most impressive things to see in Kazakhstan, especially if you like being at places that almost look unreal. Shaped by the Charyn river over millions of years,  the canyon stretches across a vast area of eastern Kazakhstan, with layers of red, orange and brown rock forming dramatic cliffs and unusual towers.

The most famous section is the Valley of Castles, which resembles ancient fortresses. Walking through the canyons here is among the most memorable activities in Kazakhstan. The trail winds between towering walls and rocky formations before reaching the Charyn River where scenery is much greener and quieter. The canyon changes colors throughout the day, making it even more interesting. 

• Why it is famous: For its dramatic cliffs and spectacular rock formations
• Duration: Half - 1 Day 
• Best Season: April - June, September - October 

3. Discover the Singing Dune of Altyn Emel 

The singing Dune is among the more unusual things to see in Kazakhstan. It is set within the Altyn - Emel National Park, and is an enormous sand dune known for a strange phenomenon: when dry sand moves down slopes, it produces a deep humming and rumbling sound. 
This sound is not guaranteed every time, but when the conditions are right, it is an amazing experience. The dune stands in a vast landscape of desert, mountains and open steppe making the journey almost as interesting as the place itself. Altyn - Emel is also home to varied wildlife and other natural landmarks, so you can spend more time exploring the part, than just a quick stop. 

• Why it’s famous: Known for the unusual musical sound naturally produces 
• Duration: 1-2 Days 
• Best Season: April - October 

4. Admire Astana’s Futuristic Architecture

Astana has a completely different side of Kazakhstan from the mountains and canyons around Almaty. The capital is known for its bold skyline. The capital is known for its bold skyline, modern public buildings and futuristic designs with the Bayterej Tower standing as one of its most recognisable landmarks. The city’s architecture reflects Kazakhstan’s rapid transformation in recent decades, making simply strolling around the central districts one of the more interesting activities in Kazakhstan. 

To see some of the most distinctive buildings of Astana, the area around Nurzhol Boulevard is a good place. The wide boulevards and open public spaces also give the capital a spacious feel that is quite different from older Central Asian cities. 

For any traveller interested in things to see in Kazakhstan beyond the natural landscapes, Astana is perfect. 

• Why it is famous: known for its futuristic skylines, bold architecture and landmarks such as Bayterek Tower and Khan Shtyr. 
• Duration: Half - 1 day 
• Best Season: May – September 

5. Travel Across the Kazakh Steppe by Train 

A train journey across Kazakhstan is an experience in itself, especially in a country where the landscape just appears to stretch endlessly. The route between Almaty and Astana gives you a chance to see a side of the country that can easily be missed when travelling only between major attractions. 

Outside the windows, cities gradually give way to open grasslands, distant hills and enormous stretches of steppe. The journey also shares a glimpse into everyday travel in Kazakhstan. If you are building a longer Kazakhstan itinerary, this can be a memorable way to connect two of the country’s major cities while experiencing the sheer scale of the landscape. 

Among the many activities to do in Kazakhstan, this one is less about reaching any landmarks and more about watching the country unfold. 

• Why it is famous: Offers a scenic way to experience Kazakhstan’s vast steppe and the scale of the country. 
• Duration: Overnight 
• Best Season: Year- round 

6. Explore the Silk Road History in Turkistan 

Turkistan shares a glimpse into a much older side of Kazakhstan. Once an important stop along the Silk Road, the city has been connected with scholars, traders and travellers moving between Central Asia and other parts of the region. 

The most significant landmark here is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a grand Timurid- era monument built in the late 14th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
Nearby, the historic part of Turkistan includes religious and archaeological sites that help explain the city`s importance in Kazakh history. Turkistan is also one place that adds variety to a trip that might otherwise focus heavily on Kazakhstan’s mountains and modern cities. Take time to walk around the historic complex, learn about Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and experience the atmosphere of a city whose story reaches back centuries. 

• Why it`s famous: Known for its silk road heritage and the UNESCO listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi.
• Duration: 1 day 
• Best Season: March - May and September - October 

7. Gaze at the Otherworldly Landscapes of Mangystau 

Magystau feels almost like another planet. In the far west of Kazakhstan, the landscape is dominated by vast desert plains, pale limestone cliffs, deep canyons and strange rock formations shaped by wind and erosion over millions of years. The famous Bozzyhyra Valley is the region’s visual highlight with towering chalk cliffs and dramatic rock formations rising from an otherwise stark landscape. 

The Valley of Balls, where scattered spherical rocks sit across the desert floor, is another unusual sight and one of the more fascinating things to see in Kazakhstan. Mangyastau is also home to underground mosques carved into the rock. 

If you want less conventional activities in Kazakhstan, Mangystau has some of the country’s most striking scenery. 

• Why it is famous: Known for Bozzhyra Valley, unusual rock formations, desert landscapes and underground mosques 
• Duration: 2-4 days 
• Best season: April - October 

8. Explore Baikonur 

Baikonur has a very different experience from Kazakhstan’s mountains, deserts and historic cities. The Baikonur Cosmodrome is one of the world’s famous space launch facilities and has been closely associated with big milestones in space exploration: the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite, in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s first human spaceflight. 

The wider Baikonur area gives visitors a chance to learn about the history of the space programme and see locations connected with rocket launches. Depending on the access and arrangements, tours can include places like the cosmodrome museum and launch related facilities. A launch itself is an especially rare experience, as viewing opportunities depend on the official launch schedule and permissions. 

• Why it`s famous: Home to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world`s first operational spaceport and the launch site of several historic space missions. 
• Duration: 1-2 days 
• Best Season: Year Round 

9. Try Traditional Kazak Food 

Food is one of the easiest ways to get a closer feel for Kazakhstan`s culture and traditional Kazakh cuisine reflects the country’s nomadic heritage. Meat, dairy products and hearty preparations feature prominently, shaped by a history in which food needed to be practical, filling and suited to life on the steppe. 

One dish that is worth a try is beshbarmak, traditionally made with boiled meat and flat noodles and served as a communal meal. Baursak, little pieces of dough that are fried until golden are commonly served along with tea or meals. 

You can also look for Kazy, which is a traditional sausage made from horse meat and kurt. Savouring these dishes is among the more enjoyable activities to do in Kazakhstan, especially when you like to know a place through its food. 

• Why it is famous: Traditional Kazakh cuisine reflects the country’s nomadic heritage
• Duration: 2-4 hours 
• Best Season: Year round 

10. Explore the Kolsai Lakes 

The Kolsai Lakes are among the most beautiful things to see in Kazakhstan, with three alpine lakes set among the northern Tian Shan mountains. Their clear waters reflect the surrounding pine covered slopes and the scenery changes as you move higher into the valley. 

The first lake is the easiest to reach, while the other two take more time and effort, making the area a good choice if you want to spend longer in nature. 

The lakes are situated in the Kolsai Lakes National Park, which is around 300 km from Almaty. The journey takes you away from the city’s busy streets and into quieter mountain landscapes where walking beside the water becomes the main attraction. 

The area is specifically beautiful during the warmer months, when the mountain trails are much more accessible and the slopes are greener. 

For anyone looking for activities in Kazakhstan that combine beautiful scenery with time outdoors, Kolsai is an easy addition to a longer Kazakhstan itinerary. 

• Why is it famous: Known for its clear alpine lakes, mountain scenery and pine covered slopes. 
• Duration: 1-2 days 
• Best Season: June – September 

Best Adventure Activities in Kazakhstan 

Kazakhstan’s varied terrain makes it a strong destination for outdoor adventures, from snowy mountain slopes to fast flowing rivers and wide open valleys. Here are some of the best adventure activities in Kazakhstan to add to your trip:

Adventure Activity	Where to Try it	Best Season
Skiing and Snowboarding	Shymbulak, near Almaty	Dec- March
Mountain Trekking	Tian Shan Mountains	Jun- Sep
Horseback riding	Almaty Region, Burabay	May- Sep
White Water Rafting	Ili, Chilik and other mountain rivers	May- Sep
Paragliding	Almaty Region	May–Oct
Mountain biking	Almaty and surrounding mountains	May–Oct
4×4 Desert & Off-Road Tours	Mangystay Region	Apr - Oct
Ice Skating	Medeu, Almaty	Nov - Mar

How Much Do Activities in Kazakhstan Cost?

The cost of activities in Kazakhstan can vary quite a bit depending on the destination, season, transport and whether you choose a guided experience. City sightseeing is generally inexpensive, while trips to remote areas such as Mangystau or Altyn - Emel can cost more because of transportation and guide requirements. 

Activity / Experience	Approx  Cost per person
Almaty city sightseeing	₹500–₹2,000
Charyn Canyon day trip	₹3,000–₹7,000
Altyn-Emel tour	₹5,000–₹12,000
Astana sightseeing	₹500–₹2,000
Almaty–Astana train	₹2,500–₹8,000
Turkistan sightseeing	₹500–₹2,000
Mangystau guided tour	₹15,000–₹35,000+
Baikonur tour	₹20,000–₹50,000+
Kolsai Lakes day trip	₹4,000–₹10,000
Skiing at Shymbulak	₹3,000–₹8,000+

These are broad planning estimates rather than any fixed ticket prices. Costs can change according to the operator, season, transport, group size and inclusions. If you are working out your overall Kazakhstan trip cost, it is useful to budget separately for every bit. 

Travel Tips for First Time Visitors 

Visiting Kazakhstan for the first time is a little much easier with planning, particularly because distances between destinations can be considerable. Keep these practical points in mind:

• You must plan your trip after considering the distance, Kazakhstan is vast so avoid trying to cover Almaty, Astana, Mangystau and Turkistan in a short trip. 
• You must keep some extra travel time, journey to places such as Mangystau, Altyn - Emel and Kolsai can take several hours. 
• Choose the season carefully, summer is good for mountain and outdoor trips, while winter is better suited to skiing and snow experiences.
• Carry some local currency with you. 
• You can learn a few basic words, Kazakh and Russian are widely used. 
• Mountain and desert areas can have a very distinct temperature, so you should carry layers and comfortable shoes if your plan includes outdoor sightseeing. 
• You should leave some room in your itinerary for local experiences, markets, traditional food and everyday neighborhoods can add another dimension to the famous things to see in Kazakhstan. 

Conclusion 

Kazakhstan is among the fresh and beautiful destinations. One trip can take you from the lively streets of Almaty to the vast Kazakh steppe, the red - rock walls of Charyn Canyon, the old streets of Turkistan and the surreal landscapes of Mangystau. The experiences are varied enough that you get to create your journey around nature, culture, history, food or adventure. 

Planning your trips around the best time to visit Kazakhstan can make a big difference, especially if you want to include outdoor experiences. Once you have finalised which places to visit in Kazakhstan and activities here fit your travel you can choose suitable hotels in Kazakhstan to build your route around them. 

Apart from this, Kazakhstan tour packages can make it easier to combine multiple destinations without having to arrange every part of the trip by yourself. 

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Kazakhstan?

Some of the best things to do in Kazakhstan are exploring Almaty, watching Charyn Canyon, listening to the Singing Dune at Altyn Emel, admiring Astana’s modern architecture and exploring Turkistan.

What should I not miss in Kazakhstan?

You should not miss the country’s dramatic natural landscapes, especially Charyn Canyon, Altyn - Emel and the Kolsai Lakes. It is also worth experiencing at least one side of Kazakhstan beyond nature, such as Almaty’s local culture, Astana’s architecture or traditional Kazakh food. 

What are some famous Kazakhstan things to experience?

Some of Kazakhstan`s famous things worth experiencing include its vast steppes, Tian Shan mountains, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, traditional Kazakh cuisines and heritage. 

What to avoid in Kazakhstan?

You must avoid trying to cover many regions within a short trip. Kazakhstan is vast and travelling between destinations can take considerable time. When planning activities to do in Kazakhstan, check weather conditions, road access and local arrangements.