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A Comprehensive Destination Guide
for an experiential journey through Kazakhstan.

Where ancient Silk Road caravans once paused, where steppe horizons stretch beyond sight, and where tradition and modernity fuse in extraordinary ways—Kazakhstan is a land of grand landscapes and deeper stories.

Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth-largest country, is an undiscovered jewel for travelers seeking both authenticity and awe. From the snow-dusted peaks of the Tian Shan mountains to the windswept steppe where eagle hunters still soar, this is a country where nomadic heritage breathes alongside futuristic cities like Astana (now Nur-Sultan). The country’s vastness ensures no two journeys are the same, whether it’s learning horseback traditions passed down for millennia, wandering through Silk Road citadels, or savoring flavors shaped by Turkic, Persian, Russian, and Mongol influences.

For travelers ready to embrace depth, this comprehensive guide unveils the best ways to explore Kazakhstan through four prisms: authentic and local immersion, heritage and culture, cuisine rooted in the land, and remarkable boutique stays. Whether you’re dreaming of tours to Kazakhstan, considering travel to Kazakhstan for the first time, or curating unforgettable experiences in Kazakhstan, this guide is your essential companion.

Authentic, Unique,
and Local Experiences
for a memorable
journey across Kazakhstan.

Away LogoExperiences in Kazakhstan

Horseback Riding with Kazakh Nomads in Almaty Region

Kazakhstan’s identity is tied to horses—the very word “Kazakh” is believed to mean “free rider.” In the foothills of the Alatau mountains, join nomadic families who still herd on horseback. Learn how to saddle traditional tack, ride across open plains, and share kumis (fermented mare’s milk) in yurts. The experience blends adventure with cultural continuity, making it one of the most defining encounters of travel to Kazakhstan.

Eagle Hunting in Nura or Karaganda Region

The ancient art of falconry thrives here, particularly with golden eagles. Spend a day with a family of berkutchi (eagle hunters), watching how these majestic birds are trained to hunt foxes and hares. The intimacy between human and eagle, cultivated over generations, offers travelers not just a demonstration but a cultural immersion rarely seen elsewhere.

Yurt Stay on the Steppe

For the most authentic taste of nomadic life, stay in a traditional felt yurt set in the boundless steppe. By day, help with chores—milking horses, preparing flatbreads, or herding livestock. By night, sit around the hearth listening to dombra (two-string lute) music under skies that seem painted with stars. This is Kazakhstan at its most timeless.

Silk Road Bazaar Exploration in Shymkent

Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan’s liveliest cities, still channels the energy of its Silk Road past. Wander bazaars brimming with spices, dried fruits, and handmade carpets. Stallholders welcome conversations about heritage and trade, turning a shopping stroll into an interactive living history lesson.

Trek to Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes

These alpine jewels near Almaty provide both natural beauty and cultural stories. Kaindy Lake, famous for its submerged forest rising eerily from turquoise waters, is a favorite with local guides who weave legends around its creation. A trek here, often shared with Kazakh families picnicking on weekends, blends nature with cultural connection.

Cultural Immersion
in Kazakhstan

The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan

This 14th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important Islamic monuments in Central Asia. Commissioned by Timur (Tamerlane), the unfinished complex is still vast and striking. Its turquoise-tiled dome, intricate mosaics, and prayer halls speak of a time when Turkestan was a major spiritual center. Pilgrims from across the region still come here, imbuing the site with living devotion.

Petroglyphs of Tamgaly

Located northwest of Almaty, Tamgaly’s petroglyphs date back more than 3,000 years. Over 5,000 rock carvings depict sun-headed deities, hunting scenes, and animals. Walking among them with a guide, you enter a gallery of Bronze Age spirituality and artistry, recognized as another UNESCO site.

Astana (Nur-Sultan): Modern Cultural Capital

Kazakhstan’s capital is a showcase of ambition and modernity. Landmarks like the Baiterek Tower, the futuristic Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, and the National Museum represent a nation bridging past and future. The city’s opera house and cultural institutions bring Kazakhstan’s rich traditions into contemporary form.

Almaty’s Zenkov Cathedral

One of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, Zenkov Cathedral, was built without nails in 1907. Painted in bright hues, it survived a major earthquake that destroyed much of Almaty, standing today as both a religious landmark and a symbol of resilience.

Otrar Ruins

Once a thriving Silk Road city and the birthplace of the philosopher Al-Farabi, Otrar was destroyed by Genghis Khan’s armies. Excavations reveal city walls, bathhouses, and mosques. Walking through its dusty ruins, travelers imagine the vibrancy of a metropolis that connected worlds.

The Great Steppe’s Burial Mounds

Across Kazakhstan, kurgans (burial mounds) dot the plains. These archaeological sites, some dating back to Scythian times, offer glimpses into the lives of ancient nomads whose traditions shaped Central Asia.

Local Dining and Regional Cuisine
of Kazakhstan

Beshbarmak: The National Dish

Literally meaning “five fingers,” beshbarmak is boiled meat (often lamb or horse) served over pasta sheets, eaten communally with hands. It’s both a ritual and a meal, traditionally prepared for guests and celebrations.

Kumis (Fermented Mare’s Milk)

Once an everyday staple for nomads, kumis remains an essential Kazakh beverage. Tart and slightly alcoholic, it’s an acquired taste, but one that symbolizes the essence of life on the steppe.

Shubat: Camel’s Milk

In southern Kazakhstan, camel’s milk is a cherished alternative. It’s creamy, slightly sour, and believed to have medicinal qualities. Sampling it with local families offers insight into desert traditions.

Plov (Pilaf)

Though originally Uzbek, plov is popular across Kazakhstan. Rice cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and spices is a communal dish often served at gatherings. Each region adds its own twist—raisins in Shymkent, chickpeas in Turkestan.

Baursaks: Sweet Fried Bread

These golden, pillowy pieces of fried dough are served at nearly every occasion. Dipped in honey or eaten plain, they embody Kazakh comfort food.

Shashlik & Kazy

Shashlik (skewered grilled meat) dominates outdoor feasts, while kazy (horsemeat sausage) is a traditional delicacy. Both showcase the central role of meat in Kazakh dining.

Bazaar Dining

Bazaars in Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana are treasure troves of dried fruits, nuts, and spices. Sit at makeshift food stalls for lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup) or samsa (meat-filled pastries baked in clay ovens).

Unique Award-Winning
Boutique Hotels

Rixos Khadisha Shymkent

A five-star property in the heart of Shymkent, combining opulent interiors with local touches. Its spa and dining options make it a perfect base for Silk Road explorations.

Ritz-Carlton, Almaty

Perched at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains, the Ritz-Carlton offers sweeping city and mountain views. Its design reflects both Kazakh heritage and modern elegance.

The St. Regis, Astana

A landmark hotel on the banks of the Ishim River, blending Kazakh artistry with global luxury. Personalized butler service and art-filled interiors set the tone for an indulgent stay.

Rahat Palace Hotel, Almaty

One of the first luxury hotels in the city, Rahat Palace combines Soviet grandeur with modern amenities, making it both nostalgic and contemporary.

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