Issyk Lake, Alatau Mountains, Almaty Region, Kazakhstan

On the Travel Radar for 2025: Kazakhstan, the Great Steppe

On the Travel Radar for 2025: Kazakhstan, the Great Steppe was published in March 2025

Oft bypassed by numerous travelers traversing the many routes of the ancient Silk Road, the natural wonders of Kazakhstan don’t make the itineraries for many visitors to the larger Central Asia region.

At a size of 2,724,900 square kilometers, Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world by land area. Naturally, with a landmass of this proportion, there are a myriad of wonders to explore in the expansive landscape of Kazakhstan and its piece of the Great Steppe.

From the towering peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains to the surreal lunar-like landscapes of the Mangystau Plateau, Kazakhstan’s nature is nothing short of breathtaking. The Altai Mountains and Charyn Canyon will leave even the most seasoned adventurers speechless, while the otherworldly colors of Big Almaty Lake and the haunting beauty of Kaindy Lake complete with submerged forest—are like something out of a fairytale.

But if you’re looking for a city hop, leaning more on architecture and creature comforts where ancient Silk Road history and modern cities collide, Kazakhstan offers plenty to keep you busy from the bustling hub of Almaty to the futuristic new capital of Astana to the stunning Timurid-era architecture of Turkestan.

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Untouched and Wild Tian Shan Landscapes

Kolsai Lake, Kazakhstan, Kolsai Lake I, Pearl of the Tien Shan, Pearls of the Tien Shan, Kolsai

If you’re seeking adventure in one of the most underrated, mountain ranges on Earth, Kazakhstan’s Tian Shan Mountains are calling.

Known as the “Mountains of Heaven,” these rugged peaks offer a mix of snow-capped summits, alpine lakes, and lush valleys teeming with wildlife.

Trekkers and climbers alike will find utopia here, from trails that wind through serene forests to challenging routes that push you to the limits. Every turn reveals a new view of lakes like Big Almaty Lake, Kaindy Lake, Kolsai Lake, or Lake Issyk (not to be confused with Kyrgyzstan’s Issykul), shimmering below or the soaring heights of 6995 meter Khan Tengri, one of the tallest mountains in Central Asia.

Beyond their natural beauty, the Tian Shan are steeped in history and tradition. These mountains have witnessed centuries of Silk Road travelers passing through, and today, they still hold a strong cultural significance for the Kazakh people. Whether you’re exploring hidden valleys or staying in a traditional yurt with nomadic families, you’ll feel their connection to the land.

The Wilds of the Altai & Remote East Kazakhstan

Maral Deer, Pantotherapy. Panto, Altai Resort, Atlai Mountains, East Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan

In the northeastern corner of Kazakhstan, the Altai Mountains are teaming with natural beauty, cultural interests, and untamed wilderness.

Stretching across four countries, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, and China, the Altai has a reputation as a crossroads of history, culture, and biodiversity.

Towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests demarcate East Kazakhstan and its rugged allure. Among its highlights are the shimmering Lake Markakol, the towering peak of Belukha Mountain (the highest in the Altai), and Katon-Karagay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unspoiled landscapes and rare wildlife like the snow leopard and Siberian ibex.

The Altai Mountains are steeped in ancient history, culturally significant practices, and are dotted with archaeological sites. These include burial mounds, petroglyphs, and the practice of Maral pantotherapy.

Burabay: The Kazakh Switzerland Wrapped in Legend

Lake Borovoe, Burabay National Park, Kazakhstan, Northern Kazakhstan, Kazakh Siberia, Lake Burabay, Burabay, Borovoe, Borovoe National Park

Rolling off of the barren landscapes of the wild Kazakh Steppe and about 250 kilometers north of Astana, Burabay National Park is enveloped by verdant forested hills, deep blue lakes, and jagged rock formations-earning it the nickname “Kazakh Switzerland.”

You’ll find ancient legends tied to these unique landscapes in and around Burabay, such as the lore around Zhumbaktas Rock, Lake Burabay, and the forested stone throne of Ablai Khan.

A Fascinating Urban Fusion of Old and New

Khan Shatyr, KazMunayOil Building, Nurzhol Boulevard, Astana, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s cities are just as intriguing and varied as her landscapes.

Astana (formerly Nur-Sultan), the futuristic capital, looks like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, with its cutting-edge architecture and towering skyscrapers.

Almaty, the former capital, contrasts with its Soviet-era buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Aktau, a small seaside city on the Caspian Sea coast boasts a beautifully rugged coastline interspersed with sandy beaches and serves as a great jumping-off point for further exploration into the wilds of the Mangystau Region.

Turkestan and Shymkent are home to Kazakhstan’s most impressive Silk Road architecture with beautiful mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries.

Nomadic Traditions and Modern Culture

Kazakh yurt, National Museum of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan

Get a taste of Kazakhstan’s traditional side by staying in a Kazakh yurt in the wide-open steppe or high in the mountains, where nomadic life still thrives. Experience the Kazakh way of hospitality firsthand, and if you’re lucky, catch a Kok Par game (goat polo) or a Kusbegelik (eagle hunting) demonstration in action.

However, life in Kazakhstan’s larger cities sits in stark juxtaposition next to the lifestyle out on the steppe or up in the mountains with modern architecture and infrastructure, present-day fashions, and the bustle of city life.

To get a real feel for both Kazakhstan’s traditional side and its urban life, visiting both remote areas and its buzzing cities is a must.

The Unexplored West

Dragon's Crest, Bozzhyra, Mangystau, Kazakhstan

If you’re after something truly off the beaten path, the western outreaches of the Mangystau Region and the Caspian Sea Coast will have you feeling as if you’ve landed on another planet.

Mangystau Region features a number of otherworldly landscapes dotted with mysterious underground mosques and rock formations that shift colors in the light.

The most famous of Mangystau’s highlights is the iconic Bozzhyra, a chalky desert wonderland featuring spiky rock formations and sprawling plateaus that were once submerged below the ancient Tethys Sea.

Mangystau is also a region of great potential for religious tourism, being home to hundreds of fascinating stone-hewn underground mosques tunneled into mountains and cliffsides. The most well-known of these underground mosques and mausoleums are Shopon Ata, Beket Ata, and Shakpak Ata.

Silk Road Architecture of Turkestan & Shymkent

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan, Kazakhstan

Dotted along the sunbaked landscapes of southern Kazakhstan, the cities of Turkestan and Shymkent are home to some of the country’s best remnants of Silk Road architecture, timeless testaments to the region’s history as a crossroads of culture, trade, and conquest.

Here, domed mausoleums rise from the dusty plains, their turquoise tiles shimmering under the blaring Central Asian sun, while intricately carved wooden doors and geometric brickwork whisper stories of merchants, Sufi mystics, and nomadic empires.

In Turkestan, the grand Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture, dominates the skyline, its unfinished yet awe-inspiring structure still standing as a sacred pilgrimage site.

Meanwhile, Shymkent is a vibrant yet chaotic blend of old and new. Underneath the surface lies centuries-old caravanserais and fortress ruins.