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32 Photos that will put Kazakhstan on your Bucketlist
Updated July 2025, 32 Photos that will put Kazakhstan on Your Bucketlist was originally written in August 2019
Kazakhstan, the 9th largest country in the world, and yet so few people know anything about it. Bordered by Russia to the north, Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan to the south, China to the east, the Caspian Sea to the west, and a small sliver of Turkmenistan Kazakhstan offers up beautiful mountainscapes, mirror-like lakes, canyons, steppe, lovely cities, and gorgeous architecture.
After my first visit to Kazakhstan in 2016 I knew I’d be back and after my most recent return in 2019 I know I’m nowhere near done with this massive country.
But if you don’t believe my written word, here are photos that will put Kazakhstan on your bucketlist.
Looking for ideas on what to do in Southeast Kazakhstan? Check out Fabio Nodari’s post, Top Things To Do In Southeast Kazakhstan
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Start planning your trip to Kazakhstan: The Kazakhstan Travel Guide
Charyn Canyon in the afternoon light.
The colorful Zenkov Cathedral in the heart of Panfilov Park.
Taking in the views at Big Almaty Lake.
Taking the Kök Tobe cable car down to Almaty as the sun set over the Zailiysky Alatau Range.
Start planning: The 14 Best Things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan
The unique Sunken Forest at Kaindy Lake.
Abay Ballet Theatre viewed from the Hotel Almaty.
A morning scene on Kolsai I Lake.
Walking inside the main entrance to the Academy of Sciences. I highly recommend visiting with Dennis from Walking Almaty who does a phenomenal tour of the Academy of Sciences and the Golden Corner.
A fiery sunset over Republic Square. Looking for more ways to spend your time in Almaty? Check out my best things to do in Almaty post.
A cemetery near Saty Village.
Kaindy Lake formed after a landslide that dammed off the gorge it’s in. A sprue forest still remains submerged in the lake. The portions of the trees underwater are well preserved by the cold water giving them an almost upside-down appearance.
Plan your trip to Kaindy & Kolsai: How to get to Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes
A dish piled high with beef at Men’s Cafe in Almaty.
Auezov Theatre Metro Station in Almaty.
Views over Big Almaty Lake.
The ferris wheel atop Kok Tobe. Kok Tobe s an 1100 meter mountain in Almaty that has a cable car running up it.
Hanging on the edge at Charyn Canyon.
At over 80 kilometers in length, Charyn Canyon morphs in appearance as you meander along its every nook.
Everything you need to know: How to get to Charyn Canyon
Jipek Joli Metro Station in Almaty features designs that are important to Kazakh culture. Pictured here is the lattice style woodwork you would see inside of a yurt.
More serene scenes on Kolsai I Lake.
Kolsai Lake I is easily reachable. Learn more on how to Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes here.
Going to Kyrgyzstan too? Check out the two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary
A plate of funchoza. Funchoza is a type of salad popular throughout Central Asia but traces back to the Uyghur people of Xinjiang.
After a few hours of hiking, this is the view you’ll arrive at Kolsai II Lake.
Start planning your visit to Kazakhstan and pick up a copy of Bradt’s Kazakhstan guidebook
With the hot sun beaming down from overhead Big Almaty Lake was a lighter almost white color that I was surprised to see when I arrived here.
Baikonur Metro Station in Almaty. Baikonur is actually a cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, a space launch facility, explaining the spacey-design of this metro station.
See the Almaty Metro in photos & guide
The early morning colors on Kolsai Lake I are hard to beat, with perfect reflections and beautiful hues ranging from the electric lime green of the algae to turquoise to deep sapphire.
The sun dropping on the Tien Shan Mountains.
Big Almaty Lake is an easy day trip from the city. A taxi including waiting time came out to 8,000 KZT, less than $30 USD.
Everything you need to know for a day trip to Big Almaty Lake
Reflections on Kaindy Lake.
Wanna combine Kazakstan & Kyrgyzstan? Cross The Karakara Border Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
A must when visiting Charyn Canyon is getting up for sunrise at Valley of Castles to watch the hues of orange and pink wash over the rock formations as the morning unfolds in front of your eyes.
Have Any Questions About Traveling Kazakhstan Beyond Kazakhstan Photos?
Ask your Kazakhstan questions in the comments below, or keep scrolling to see my other posts from Kazakhstan.
Posts from Kazakhstan
How To Get To Charyn Canyon Kazakhstan
Discover East Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary
Shymkent Travel Guide
Explore Almaty Metro
Turkestan: A Complete Travel Guide
Burabay National Park Kazakhstan
Central Asia Travel Tips
Aktau Kazakhstan
Unique Cheap Travel Summer
World Nomad Games
Vegetarian Central Asia
Issyk Lake Kazakhstan
Turkmenistan Kazakhstan Border Garabogaz Temirbaba
Bozzhyra Kazakhstan
Central Asia Visas Guide
How To Get To Lake Kaindy And Kolsai Lakes
Astana Kazakhstan
Mangystau Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan in Photos
Solo Female Travel in Central Asia
Central Asia Food & Drink
3 Days Almaty
Karkara Border Crossing Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan
Kazakhstan Travel Guide
Off the Beaten Path Asia
Things to do in Almaty
Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan Border Crossing
Beginners Guide To Central Asia Travel