A PERFECT ONE-WEEK KAZAKHSTAN ITINERARY GUIDE
When we first decided to go to Kazakhstan, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Despite being the 9th-largest country on the planet, Kazakhstan remains relatively untouched by tourism. But once we touched down and set our eyes on its stunning landscapes, we knew we had arrived somewhere special.
We spent our first five days in the country on the outskirts of Almaty, exploring canyons, rivers, and rolling sand dunes. Kazakhstan is known for its diverse landscape, all of which you can see within just a couple of hours' drive from the city.
After getting our fill of Mother Nature, we hopped on a plane to take us to Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. This bustling metropolis is starkly different from the rest of the country, with futuristic monuments and towering skyscrapers.
One week is a good amount of time to see the country’s top sights. Here is our itinerary for what to see and do during your memorable trip to Kazakhstan.
Where to Stay in Kazakhstan
Although it’s not as developed as other countries around the world, Kazakhstan still has plenty of different accommodation options for travellers. From hotels and resorts to guesthouses and yurts, you’ll have a wide selection of places to stay during your visit.
Bigger cities like Almaty and Nur-Sultan will have more mid-range and luxury hotel options. If you’re travelling to the national parks, you’ll likely need to stay in a guesthouse or budget-style hotel.
Waking up to this stunning lake view
What to See in Kazakhstan - Nature
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Altyn Emel National Park – Singing Dunes
Situated between two mountains and a river, the Singing Dunes is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. When the wind blows, it hits the dry sand and creates a low sounding hum. Unfortunately, it rained just before we arrived, so we weren’t able to hear this natural phenomenon! But regardless, it was still worth visiting to climb and race down the dunes!
Turtle Mountains
The otherworldly landscape of the Turtle Mountains needs to be seen to be believed. Unlike the surrounding landscape (which is flat and bare), the rolling cliffs and deep gorges feel like you're walking on Mars. Come here for a morning hike or for an Insta photo sesh!
Zharkent Mosque
This Islamic Mosque was built in 1895 but in the style of a Chinese Buddhist temple (the architect was from China). It's made almost entirely out of wood and features intricate carvings, towering entrance gates, and a sloped pagoda-style roof.
Moon Canyon
The lunar landscape of Moon Canyon is another fascinating sight marked by steep cliffs and rocky ravines. When seen from above, it looks like the surface of the moon (which is how the canyon got its name).
Kolsai Lakes National Park - Kaindy Lake
Kazakhstan isn't all bare terrain and desert – it's also home to lush pine forests and glistening blue lakes. Kaindy Lake is one of those places. But what makes this lake truly unique is that it’s filled with petrified spruces, making the entire area look like a sunken forest. There are a lot of amazing places in Kazakhstan, but this has to be one of the most beautiful!
Charyn Canyon
Considered to be the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia”, Charyn Canyon is a mix of sculpted cliffs and multi-layered rock formations. Flowing through the centre is the Charyn River, one of the deepest in the country. There are plenty of exhilarating activities to participate in, including hiking, kayaking, and white water rafting, although you can also come just to soak in the panoramic views.
What to See in Kazakhstan – Almaty
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Zenkov Cathedral
This massive, Russian-style building was leftover from when Kazakhstan was part of the Russian Federation in the 18th-century. It's the second tallest wooden building in the world! But step inside, and you'll be even more amazed at the gold alter and ornately decorated halls.
Green Market
As one of the biggest local markets in the country, Green Market is a must-see for foodies. You can find spices, meats, fresh produce, and dried fruits. You’ll likely find things here that you’ve never seen or heard of in your entire life! Secret tip: head to the café on the 2nd floor for delicious homebrewed coffee and tasty sweet treats!
Kok-Tobe Hill
For one of the best views in the city, head to the top of Kok-Tobe Hill. It’s just a 6-minute ride on the cable car, which also gives you a bird’s-eye-view over the nearby surroundings. At the top of the hill, you’ll find a small amusement park, the Almaty TV tower, and several viewing platforms.
What to See in Kazakhstan – Nur-Sultan
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Hazrat Sultan Mosque
With the space to accommodate up to 10,000 worshipers, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque is one of the most stunning architectural buildings in the capital. Its dome is the largest in all of Kazakhstan, and its interior is decorated in white and gold, with marble columns and a grand crystal chandelier.
Kazakhstan Pavilion and Science Museum
Built for the 2017 World Expo, the Kazakhstan Pavilion and Science Museum is located inside a massive, marble-shaped sphere, which is the largest sphere building in the world. It now contains the Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy, which you can visit to learn more about renewable energy and innovative technologies.
Baiterek Tower
The Baiterek Tower is arguably the most iconic symbol of Nur-Sultan. It stands 105-meters tall and features an egg-shaped sphere at the top (the entire tower represents a folktale about the tree of life and the nesting bird of happiness). Here, you'll find an observation deck that boasts 360-degree views over the city (it's the single best place to watch the sunset).
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, then make sure to add Kazakhstan to your travel bucket list. Whether you’re hiking through the lunar landscapes of canyons, visiting the ornate century-old mosques, or exploring the high-tech capital city, Kazakhstan is guaranteed to be a memorable place you won’t soon forget.
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