Kazakhstan is a vast Central Asian nation that offers travellers a compelling blend of dramatic natural landscapes, ancient Silk Road history, and living nomadic traditions. This guide covers 12 of the best experiences the country has to offer, from exploring Almaty's thriving food and arts scene to hiking through the Tien Shan Mountains, cycling the open steppe, and discovering prehistoric petroglyphs. Visitors can also immerse themselves in authentic nomadic culture through yurt stays and eagle hunting demonstrations, or trace centuries of history through the Islamic architecture and bazaars of Turkistan and Shymkent. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or culinary discovery, Kazakhstan delivers an extraordinary range of experiences across its diverse regions. If you are planning a holiday here, read our Kazakhstan Travel Guide and discover our collection of Kazakhstan and Central Asia Holidays.
Sauran Ancient City Ruins in Turkistan, Photo Credit: Vera Larina
Activities & Experiences in Kyrgyzstan
Walk Ancient Silk Road Cities
Travel through the historic cities of Turkistan and Shymkent to discover Kazakhstan's role along the legendary Silk Road. Explore magnificent Islamic architecture, ancient archaeological sites and lively bazaars while learning about the merchants, pilgrims and scholars who once crossed Central Asia. Guided walking tours reveal centuries of history, complemented by visits to artisan workshops producing ceramics, textiles and traditional crafts that preserve the region's rich cultural heritage.
Explore Almaty – Kazakhstan's Cultural Capital
Kazakhstan's former capital is the country's creative and culinary heart, where leafy boulevards, Soviet architecture and contemporary art galleries sit beneath the dramatic Tien Shan Mountains. Browse vibrant food markets, admire museums showcasing Kazakhstan's rich history and fine arts, enjoy performances at elegant theatres and discover an exciting café culture alongside innovative restaurants reimagining traditional Kazakh cuisine. Almaty is the ideal place to begin any Kazakhstan itinerary, spending at least two or three days immersing yourself in the country's culture before venturing into its spectacular national parks.
Journey Through Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai Lakes
Combine the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon with the emerald waters of Kolsai Lakes and nearby Kaindy Lake for Kazakhstan's signature nature adventure. Hike through towering sandstone canyons, trek between pristine alpine lakes, kayak crystal-clear waters and ride horseback through mountain forests while staying in welcoming village guesthouses. Sampling homemade Kazakh meals and experiencing local hospitality transforms this into one of the country's most memorable cultural and outdoor experiences.
Yurt Camp, Photo Credit: Vera Larina
Discover the Nomadic Heritage of the Kazakh Steppe
Few experiences capture Kazakhstan better than spending time with local families embracing traditional nomadic customs. Stay in a beautifully decorated yurt, savour authentic dishes such as beshbarmak and freshly baked baursak, sample fermented mare's milk (kumis), watch demonstrations of eagle hunting or traditional horse games, and enjoy evenings filled with folk music around the fire. These immersive experiences provide a genuine insight into the traditions that continue to shape Kazakhstan's identity and can be incorporated into itineraries throughout the country.
Traditional food Plov, Photo Credit: Yusei
Experience Kazakhstan's Emerging Gourmet Scene
Kazakhstan's culinary landscape is a captivating tapestry woven from centuries-old nomadic traditions, enriched by the flavours of Central Asia, Russia, and beyond. Indulge in the slow-cooked perfection of beshbarmak and hearty plov, savour handmade laghman noodles, and discover regional specialities that tell stories of the steppes. Then venture into Almaty's vibrant contemporary dining scene, where visionary chefs reimagine heritage recipes using produce sourced from Kazakhstan's fertile valleys and markets. Wander through Assy Bazaar or the Green Market, join intimate farm-to-table experiences in the Ile-Alatau region, sample award-winning wines from Karaganda's emerging vineyards and craft beverages from local distilleries, and enrol in cooking classes where you'll learn to craft authentic Kazakh dishes alongside hospitable local hosts in their own kitchens.
Hike in the Tien Shan Mountains
From gentle alpine walks to challenging multi-day treks, the mountains surrounding Almaty offer some of Central Asia's finest hiking. Explore glacier-fed lakes, waterfalls, wildflower meadows and panoramic ridgelines while spotting golden eagles and other wildlife. Overnight stays in mountain lodges or family-run guesthouses provide opportunities to experience rural life and traditional hospitality while enjoying breathtaking scenery far from the crowds.
Cycle Kazakhstan's Wide-Open Landscapes
For cyclists seeking alpine challenges, the route to Big Almaty Lake offers a rewarding climb to an elevation of 2,511 metres, while the trails of Turgen Gorge wind through the pine forests of Ile-Alatau National Park. Multi-day bikepacking routes across the Assy Plateau—sitting at around 2,700 metres above sea level—pass ancient burial mounds and traditional nomad yurt camps, offering a rare glimpse into Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage. Further afield, the striking red clay formations of Charyn Canyon provide a dramatic backdrop for cyclists exploring its 80-kilometre stretch of sculpted terrain. These routes vary in difficulty and distance, catering to both experienced cyclists and adventurous beginners, with guided tours offering cultural stops at villages, archaeological sites and traditional yurt camps and logistical support along the way.
Discover Ancient Petroglyphs and Archaeological Sites
Step back thousands of years at prehistoric rock art sites and archaeological landscapes that reveal Kazakhstan's earliest civilisations. Guided walks among ancient petroglyphs, burial mounds and medieval settlements uncover stories of Bronze Age cultures, nomadic tribes and Silk Road traders, while visits to nearby villages often include traditional music, handicraft demonstrations and home-cooked meals.
Wildlife Watching on the Great Steppe
Kazakhstan's immense grasslands and wetlands offer remarkable opportunities to observe wildlife rarely seen elsewhere. Join expert guides to search for pink flamingos, soaring eagles, saiga antelope and countless migratory birds while learning about one of the world's last great steppe ecosystems. These journeys combine photography, gentle walking and cultural encounters with local communities who have lived alongside these landscapes for generations.
Dombra string instruments, Photo Credit Pikoso.kz
Attend Traditional Festivals and Cultural Performances
Time your visit to coincide with local celebrations to experience Kazakhstan's vibrant living culture. Traditional music concerts, horseback games, eagle hunting demonstrations, craft markets and seasonal festivals showcase the enduring spirit of the Kazakh people. Participating in these celebrations provides memorable opportunities to meet locals, taste festive cuisine and experience the warmth of Kazakhstan's legendary hospitality firsthand.
