Places to Visit in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a large country, and its main attractions are spread across mountains, lakes, canyons and steppe. For a first trip, Almaty is the usual base, and our packages start there. The list below covers the places named among the country's top attractions, so you can decide what fits your dates.

How should you group Kazakhstan's places?

Think of the country in three parts. Almaty and its nearby mountains form the most practical base for a first trip. Lake and canyon areas sit further out and need more planning. Astana is a separate city visit, and the Mangystau region is a separate trip. Distances are large, so group places by area rather than trying to cover them all in one trip.

Almaty and the nearby mountains

Almaty is the main base for our packages. The city sits against mountain scenery, and it is one of the two main gateways to Kazakhstan. From the city, Medeu and Shymbulak offer alpine views and skiing, and Big Almaty Lake is one of the top attractions in the mountains. Our Almaty Winter Snow 4N covers these three places in four nights.

Medeu and Shymbulak

Medeu and Shymbulak are known for alpine views and skiing. Winter is the main ski season, so December to March suits visitors who want to ski. Visitors do not need to ski to enjoy the views. Check lift and road status on the day, and dress in warm layers.

Big Almaty Lake

Big Almaty Lake is one of the top attractions listed with Almaty's mountain scenery. Plan the visit around the weather, because mountain weather and road conditions can change at short notice.

Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake

Kolsai Lakes and Kaindy Lake are lake areas listed among Kazakhstan's top attractions. Roads outside the main corridors can vary, and autumn and winter weather can change quickly. Our Almaty Shymbulak and Kolsai Lakes 5N includes a Kolsai Lakes day visit, with timing confirmed before the day. Kaindy Lake can be added as an optional stop if conditions allow.

Charyn Canyon

Charyn Canyon is listed among Kazakhstan's top attractions and adds a dramatic landscape to a wider trip. It is a separate stop from the Almaty mountains, so it needs more planning. Ask your planner about the timing and transport before you add it to a trip.

Astana

Astana is known for modern architecture and is the second main international gateway. It suits a city visit, separate from the mountains. Our research does not include a verified Astana itinerary, so confirm the plan with your planner before you add it.

Mangystau region

The Mangystau region is known for dramatic steppe and desert landscapes. It is a separate trip across large distances, so it needs careful planning for transport and weather. Our research does not include detailed routes for the region, so treat it as a planning request rather than a standard package.

How was this guide compiled?

This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Check current road, lift and weather conditions before you travel.

Where to go next

Read the Kazakhstan travel guide for the basics, then see best time to visit Kazakhstan to choose dates. For ideas by activity, go to things to do in Kazakhstan. Check how to reach Kazakhstan and the visa guide for Indians before you book, or browse our Kazakhstan tour packages.