Overview

Kazakhstan is an impressive country in central Asia. It is one of the largest land locked countries bordered by Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China, and the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan has a diverse terrain. Flatlands, steppes, taigas, rock-canyons, hills, deltas, mountains, and deserts can be seen in this vast country. Kazakhstan received independence from Soviet Republic on December 16, 1991. Kazakh and Russian are the major languages spoken in this country. Kazakhstan has continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters.

Activities & Attractions

Kazakhstan is a beautiful country that has much to offer tourists, whether they wish to spend time in the city or in the countryside. One of the greatest attractions in Kazakhstan is the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Built at the time of Timur from 1389 to 1405, it is located in the town of Yasi, now Turkestan. It is partly constructed and is one of the best-preserved constructions of the Timurid period. The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the A. Kasteev State Museum of Arts, and the State Museum of National Musical Instruments are some interesting museums that you can visit.

The Korgalzhyn National Park is the largest biogeographically preserved zone in Kazakhstan. It is located 130 kilometers southwest of Astana and stretches over an area of about 2,589 thousands hectares including steppe grasslands and water land. Aksu-Zhabagly, Korgalzhyn, Kulujun, Ustyurt National Biosphere Reserve and Naurzym are some of the nature reserves that you can visit in Kazahstan.

The Kolsai lakes are one of the valuable tourist treasures of the Northern Tien-Shan with three mountain lakes located in steep slopes of Kungei Alatau. Petroglyphs set around Tamgaly Gorge and Aksu-Jabagly Nature Reserve are some other attractions popularly visited by the tourists.

You can watch eagle hunting, which is a popular sport in southern Kazakhstan. You can go sking and snowboarding on the snow capped mountains of the northern regions of the country. Boating, hiking, rafting, mountain climbing, camping, pony trekking, and mountain biking are some of the other interesting activities you can pursue in Kazakhstan. There are numerous beaches on the shores of the Caspian Sea, where you can go rock climbing or sailing.

Lodging

There are plenty of small, luxurious resorts in almost all parts of the country. Hostels are also available if you want cheaper accommodation. Hotel Hyatt Regency Almaty, Hotel Kazakhstan, Grand Aiser Hotel are some of the popular hotels in Almaty. Hotel Grand Park Esil, Radisson SAS, Hotel Astana, Rixos President Hotel Astana are some of the hotels you can choose from in the capital city, Astana.

Transportation

Public transport like busses and trains are available for travelling around the country. You can also hire taxis. The major cities have airports. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also visit the places of interest by hiking or mountain biking.