Experiences in Kazakhstan

Cultural Tourism
Visit museums, enjoy performances at theatres and learn more about Kazakhstan’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Located in the center of Eurasia, Kazakhstan was at the crossroads of the world’s most ancient civilizations. The Silk Road passed through the steppes of Kazakhstan carrying commerce, culture and religion between the major western and eastern civilizations. In different historical periods, states developed on the territory of present-day Kazakhstan, leaving behind numerous historical monuments and cultural sights.

Kazakhstan has always been a part of a complex network of cultures. This fact makes it a great destination for cultural and educational tourism. Ancient cities with magnificent mausoleums, underground mosques, numerous museums, theaters and galleries – all this will help you discover the history and culture of Kazakhstan.

Children’s Tourism
Everything for children: themed tours and excursions, recreation centers, museums and many more

Nowadays, children’s tourism is a growing trend, because it provides an education that is impossible to get in a traditional school and broadens the horizons of the younger generation. Children become more empathetic and respectful towards nature and other cultures as well as their own.

At the moment, there are 26 organizations of children and youth tourism in Kazakhstan, with South Kazakhstan and West Kazakhstan regional associations being the biggest. It is impossible to overestimate the contribution of schoolchildren in the promotion and support of this industry: they create theme clubs and make trips to sacred places, thereby setting an example for younger children and attracting the attention of foreign guests. Also in Kazakhstan there are many camps, where children from different cities and even countries socialize, undergo wellness procedures, do sports, and explore each other’s culture. Language camps are also very popular, where young people exchange experiences and knowledge.

Ecological Tourism
Enjoy untouched nature in national parks and reserves with colorful landscapes and diverse wildlife

Kazakhstan is full of natural wonders that make it a great destination for ecologically conscious travelers. Here you can engage in eco-friendly activities: hiking in various picturesque areas, birdwatching, learning about wildlife, contemplating beautiful scenery.

In Kazakhstan there are thousands of kilometers of untouched areas to explore. Each region has its own destinations: national parks, reserves, numerous historical monuments, mountain areas, peaceful plains, and magnificent canyons. Kazakhstan is home for incredibly diverse wildlife. So, if you’re lucky, you may take a glimpse of rare animals.

In addition, there are a wide variety of activities, such as tours to protected areas, where travelers can get acquainted with the surrounding nature and also with traditions and everyday life of the locals.

Space Tourism
Connect with Space by exploring the world’s first and largest spaceport Baikonur or locations in Kazakhstan connected with different planets and galaxies.

Space has always intrigued and mesmerized people. From time immemorial it caused a lot of controversy, fantastic theories and contradictions. It is not a secret that Baikonur Cosmodrome was the first gateway to the stars – the first human to cross into outer space was launched from here.

Tours to Baikonur imply excursions to museum and launch facilities, viewing of rocket launches and installation of prelaunch equipment. However, one should not forget that Baikonur is an operating spaceport and restricted military domain, therefore one should take time and prepare all the necessary permits and undergo several checks.

The Republic of Kazakhstan, undoubtedly, has a potential to develop this exotic tourism sector. A tour to Baikonur is a great chance to see a rocket being launched, learn the history of space exploration and experience unforgettable emotions.

Extreme Tourism
Get a portion of adrenaline enjoying extreme activities in breathtakingly beautiful locations of Kazakhstan

Extreme tourism is a niche in the tourism industry involving travel to dangerous places or participating in physically risky activities. It has become increasingly popular among thrill-seekers, and is in great demand in Kazakhstan. There are many places where you can feel the rush of adrenaline. For instance, mountains, where fans of backcountry skiing, freeriding or heliskiing will be delighted with twisted ungroomed slopes. You can also climb snow-capped mountains and feel the thrill of reaching the summit. Khan-Tengri Peak, the highest peak in Kazakhstan reaching 7,010 m (22,999 ft), is the most popular among alpinists. One can also engage in rafting or paragliding.

Thus, Kazakhstan has a wide variety of exhilarating activities. Everyone, even the most experienced adrenaline junkies, will find locations to make their heart race.

Gastronomic Tourism
Discover new delicacies and enjoy the harmonious play of flavours in Kazakh restaurants.

Who doesn’t like to discover new cuisine, enjoying unusual flavours and tastes? The cuisine of any nation is unique, therefore, every cook tries to present it at its best, not in order to surprise guests with professional skills, but to introduce a country’s traditional food to foreigners in the best way possible. Therefore, it is not surprising that gastronomic tourism has gained such popularity.

In Kazakhstan, the demand for gastronomic tours is increasing exponentially, due to exotic national cuisine based on milk and meat. Kazakhstan is a multicultural country. Therefore, travelers can try traditional dishes of various nationalities, from European to Pan-Asian. Cafes and restaurants of Central Asian cuisine are the most popular, they are distinguished by unique national flavor, luxurious interiors, and large portions.

In addition, during a gastronomic tour you can even take part in a culinary master class, so that after returning home you can diversify your menu with a new delicacy. Most Kazakh dishes are easy to cook, so you can always surprise your guests with beshbarmak and kazy! Gastronomic tours to the country of nomads always bring a lot of positive impressions and useful experience to any traveler!

Religious Tourism
Sacred places of Kazakhstan are always open to everyone driven by good thoughts and willingness to learn more about the culture.

Religious tourism traditionally has two subtypes: pilgrimage tourism and cognitive tourism. The task of the first one is to participate in religious rites, while the latter one aims at viewing churches, mosques and other religious institutions and getting acquainted with the spiritual life of the region.

Thousands of monuments are located on the vast territory of Kazakhstan, many of them being sacred for the Muslims and followers of many other world religions. They play an important role in the religious life of believers. However, most of the religious monuments in Kazakhstan are Islamic. Therefore, pilgrims from all over the world come here to pray in mosques and mausoleums, to worship the spirits of the saints in their tombs. The main pilgrimage attraction is the famous Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. There are also beautiful Orthodox and Catholic churches with unique icons, murals, and relics of saints. Once there even was a Buddhist temple, the ruins of which were found in the Central Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan as a multi-ethnic and multi-confessional state, so you can familiarize yourself with many religions here. The doors of religious institutions are always open for every person who is driven by sincere curiosity and good thoughts.

Rural Tourism, Agri-Tourism
Meet locals and learn more about life in small villages or nomadic settlements in picturesque valleys of Kazakhstan.

Rural tourism or agritourism brings visitors to farms. This kind of tourism allows you to escape from the daily routine, get acquainted with the life in the countryside, and even acquire new skills that are so unusual for those living in a big city. Spending some time away from the “civilization” is beneficial for physical and mental health. It is a great chance to recharge, beat stress and get memories to last for a lifetime.

Guest houses in the countryside, especially near unique natural attractions, welcome tourists all year round with traditional Kazakh hospitality. They offer not only accommodation, but also various dishes of national cuisine. One can also visit various ethnic villages, and familiarize oneself with the life and customs of the Kazakh steppes.