Kazakhstan Most Popular Vacations 2026/2027

Uncover Kazakhstan's charm with our captivating tours of Kazakhstan's unique landscapes!

Tucked away in the heart of Central Asia, Kazakhstan offers a tantalizing array of travel experiences that captivate the curious traveller. Known for its vast steppes, rugged mountains, and modern metropolises, this nation is a blend of the ancient and the contemporary, ensuring it is a destination to remember. For anyone planning trips to Kazakhstan, here is a guide to the most popular places to visit and what...

Astana: The Capital of Contrasts

When considering where to visit in Kazakhstan, the capital city Astana (recently renamed Nur-Sultan) is a must-see. Rising from the vast Kazakh steppe, this city is a marvel of futuristic architecture and Central Asian culture. Take a stroll through the city to admire iconic structures like the Baiterek Tower, a modern symbol of Kazakhstan's post-independence dreams. For a taste of the city’s cultural tapestry, visit the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where ancient artifacts meet cutting-edge technology.

Almaty: Cultural Cradle of Kazakhstan

The former capital, Almaty, remains one of the best spots during your trips to Kazakhstan for cultural immersion and natural beauty. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Alatau Mountains, Almaty is a vibrant city offering everything from bustling bazaars to sophisticated cafés. Don't miss a ride on the Kok-Tobe cable car for sweeping views of the city and the hills beyond. These views capture the essence of Almaty’s allure—a harmonious blend of urban life and nature.

Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan's Grand Spectacle

Just a day's trip from Almaty lies the Charyn Canyon, often referred to as Kazakhstan's answer to the Grand Canyon. Despite its lesser-known status, this natural wonder is a true highlight for any adventurer searching the globe for hidden gems. Hiking through the intricate rock formations of the Valley of Castles offers a glimpse into the power of natural forces over millennia. It's not just a photo op; it’s an exploration of an ancient land sculpted by time.

The Silk Road Mystique in Turkestan

For a journey back in time, Turkestan is a significant stop on the ancient Silk Road, offering a peek into Kazakhstan’s storied past. Here stands the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece of the Timurid period. Walking through its sacred halls, travellers will feel the echoes of merchants and pilgrims who once traversed these routes, making it one of the most historic places to visit in Kazakhstan.

Natural Beauty in the Altai Mountains

No guide on where to visit in Kazakhstan would be complete without mentioning the Altai Mountains. This region, where Kazakhstan meets Russia, China, and Mongolia, is a paradise for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The area is famed for its pristine landscapes of snow-capped peaks, lush meadows, and secluded lakes. Here, the beauty of Kazakhstan’s rugged wilderness truly shines, offering solitude and splendor that remain etched in memory.

Baikonur Cosmodrome: Gateway to the Stars

For those with a fascination for the cosmos, a visit to the Baikonur Cosmodrome offers an unparalleled experience. Known as the world’s first and largest space launch facility, Baikonur is still active today and plays a crucial role in the global space exploration narrative. Guided tours provide insight into the history of space travel, making it a fascinating visit for both astronomy buffs and curious minds.

Exploring Kazakhstan presents a tapestry of vibrant cities, natural wonders, and historical secrets waiting to be uncovered. Every twist and turn of your journey through this captivating country offers an opportunity to connect deeper with its landscapes and culture. So, consider adding this Central Asian gem to your travel itinerary. The adventure that awaits is as vast and diverse as the steppes of Kazakhstan itself.

Share This Article

3 Trips Found

Show

per page

3 Trips Found

Orthodox wooden Ascension Cathedral built in 1907, Almaty

The Legendary Silk Road Railway

Tashkent • Almaty • Bukhara • Samarkand

Set off on a remarkable journey along the legendary Silk Road, exploring the rich cultures and historical treasures of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

15 days

From US$5,607/p.p.

Request a Quote

Ruins of ancient Khorezm fortress Ayaz Kala in Kyzylkum desert on sunrise

Best of Central Asia: Across the Stans

Almaty • Samarkand • Bukhara • Tashkent

Discover Central Asia's wonders on an adventure through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. Experience cultures, historic sites, and stunning landscapes.

16 days

From US$7,760/p.p.

Request a Quote

Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan Combo

Samarkand • Almaty

Explore the rich cultures of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on a Silk Road adventure, visiting Almaty, ancient Otrar, and stunning Samarkand with its sunset views.

9 days

From US$5,430/p.p.

Request a Quote

What do the experts say?

Cedric Wai

Destinations Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

Visitors to Kazakhstan should try Beshbarmak; the national dish made with noodles and meat enjoyed during celebrations.

Learn More About This Expert

Cedric Wai

Destinations Specialist

Learn More About This Expert

I will never forget Kazakhstan's beautiful canyons, turquoise lakes, and sweeping Landscapes, alongside its modern cities.

Learn More About This Expert

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way.

Exclusive Savings

Insider Benefits

Trending Stories

ExcellentBased on 5,144 Reviews

Verified

Katie was a dream to work with. We made many changes to the standard itinerary to customize our trip and she never missed a beat. Her responsiveness and humor made working together a joy and her most common response to our very packed activities was, “can I help with that?” Hotels, car rental all went smoothly and were very much to our liking. The super long flights were laid out to minimize travel time and maximize comfort. Katie and GoWay made this dream trip happen. Faye

Verified

Its all about the journey, isn't it? And our journey through Kenya, Africa was amazing and we have Bijal Kana of Goway Travel to thank for it. From the start when we first discussed a true Safari adventure, Bijal was being helpful. Her suggestions were helpful in where to go and how we could save a few dollars when possible. Never trying to be cheap but simply, cost conscious. This was the beginning of what will continue as a forever working relationship in travel. Bijal gained our confidence and trust. And that is a rare commodity these days. Then too there was the staff from Goway and Sense of Africa like Ruth, Wilson and Francis who allowed us to see the non tourist side of Nairobi and became fast friends. The wonderful selections made by Bijal as to where we would stay and all the Serena locations were marvelous. And at the last minute, when a bridge got washed out and we could not get to the last lodge camp, Bijal responded to our whatsapp call immediately and we were placed in the Sorova lodge. True not the same, but in the middle of a game area, who complains? It was great and we had so much fun. The tour selection took us through parks, reserves and conservancy locales. We saw the big 5 and much more. Lions fighting, Hyenas making a chase and ultimate dinner selection, A leopard resting on tree branches, A cheetah stalking and then at rest. Hyena pups and Honbeast babes being birthed. Hippopotamus in the water, Zebra grazing, Elephants crossing rivers en mass. You'd think we hit the National Geographic channel. Great job Bijal. Good deal Goway.customerBram L. Bottfeld

Verified

Goway Travel helped us set up a Venice to Athens cruise on Viking and it was fantastic! Our agent (Kimberly) was responsive to all our questions and helpful navigating all the options for excursions, etc. She also gave us a cruise credit we could use while on the ship to help pay for extras. Overall great experience would use Goway again.Stanley

Verified

For the past four years, we have travelled to Perth, Australia to visit family. As part of our travels to Perth, we have had stays in Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland. This year, as part of our trip, we are staying in Melbourne and Adelaide. Each year, we have contacted Joanne at Goway to arrange our trip. She has booked all our flights and accommodations. She has been a wonderful source of travel locations within Australia and New Zealand. Joanne has always been very helpful. She checks on the best flights, give us ideas on airplane seat selection and locates great places to stay. She also provides ideas about what we might want to see or do at each location. Every time we contact her she is willing to provide information and answers any questions we may have. She listens to our requests, explains reasons for her suggestions, and answers any concerns we have with patience and understanding. We are so fortunate to have such a helpful, friendly individual as our travel advisor!Bob and Sue

Verified

Paul at GoWay made this first GoWay trip a breeze from start to finish! He was very quick to respond and created an incredible itinerary that my clients absolutely loved. From the incredible hotel location to the private tours led by knowledgeable tour guides who show that they love their jobs, it couldn't have gone better. Can't wait to Yesenia Rodriguez

Verified

Once again, Goway Travel has provided us with an amazing travel experience, and the customized itinerary prepared by Joanne Palanuik was second to none. She was the main reason that Australia is a "trip of a lifetime" for us. Her attention to detail and recognizing what would make this a special trip for us is noteworthy and much appreciated.Wally

Verified

I would recommend GoWay for travel anytime. I had a private tour of India built for me, after I was invited to my friend's wedding. I travelled around northern India with my driver for 10 days. I had a new guide most every day, for the trip, as we went from location to location. Absolutely everything was amazing!! I honestly can't say there was a negative moment in any of it. I felt 100% safe travelling alone with GoWay's experts. My lodgings were excellent and someone was always available for support, if need be. This was one of the best experiences of my life!!! Thank you so much GoWay!!Trudy Buelow

Verified

Our trip was great and your partners in Egypt met and exceeded our expectations. Having the guides and drivers was a new experience for us but absolutely invaluable We would recommend Goway to anyone.joe levack

Verified

Thanks very much Alice Teramoto for organizing such a fantastic trip for us!!!! Everything went very smoothly, including our 15 flights and we loved all the experiences, activities and accommodations that you arranged for us. Everything was top notch!!!Shelley Murphy

Verified

We had an amazing trip to Southeast Asia. We would like to thank Goway for organizing a memorable vacation. The tour guides were very personable, kind, respectful and knowledgeable about their countries. It was nice to be able to ask them questions and hear about their daily lives. They went above and beyond to make our trip as enjoyable as possible. We were so glad our tours were private as the guides were very flexible in accommodating us as I often could not fully participate after spending time in a hospital with food poisoning. We enjoyed our time in Singapore. The driver who drove us from and to the airport gave us a compressive overview of daily life in Singapore. It was fascinating to hear how home ownership, retirement and driving was so different there. The accommodations were excellent, the staff were all very kind and helpful. We have to particularly commend the staff at the Siesta Classic Ma May in Hanoi. Ann at reception was so kind to my husband when I was in the hospital asking him regularly how I was doing and arranging late checkout without being asked. And Suzie our Hanoi tour guide for rearranging a tour time for my husband then dropping him off at the hospital. She also managed to take me to see the Ho Chi Minh property on our way to the airport as I had missed so much of Hanoi. I would also like to thank Aurel Vion, the Goway representative from Paris, who personally called me while I was in the hospital to enquire how I was doing, cancel our Halong cruise and arrange an extra night in the hotel for my husband. It was much appreciated. Hoang was super flexible with our tours in Hue and Hoi An as I was still very weak having just gotten out of hospital. We really enjoyed our visit to the private pottery museum and meet the owner and our ride on the Perfume River in a private boat and our voyage through the mountain pass to Danang. Andy, the tour guide who picked us up from the Boutique Hoi A Resort helped us avoid the long lineups in the Danang airport, again very appreciated. Tuan our tour guide in Saigon was also very accommodating. We really enjoyed our days with him relaxing on our private sampan to Cai Be and our trip to Can Tho to visit the floating markets. He also took us to the War Remnants Museum on the way back to Saigon as we had missed our tour of the Cu Chi tunnels because our flight in Danang was delayed 4 hours. And poor Phil in Bangkok, he tried his best with the culinary tour. Unfortunately after the food poisoning we were being very cautious in what we ate. We did appreciate his tour of Chinatown and the great meal of Pad Thai. He also provided us with excellent directions so we could take the subway, skytrain and ferry by ourselves. We will never forget how we were able to experience and appreciate cultures much different than ours. We have only good things to say about Goway and certainly always recommend the company to all we know. We have already had an acquaintance of ours book a trip with the company. And lastly we must thank Katherine Samsonkinai for arranging another excellent vacation. We will certainly continue to recommend her and will be calling her again to organize our next big trip. Linda Graham