The ninth largest country in the world and the richest in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is becoming a very popular holiday destination for Indian travellers. With Astana as its capital and Almaty, Baku Semey, Shymkent, Turkistan as its most popular cities, this ancient landscape is famed for vast steppes, strong cultural traditions, great food and a thriving space programme. If you are going to Kazakhstan for a week, do not pack your itinerary with too many cities.
As a first-timer, stick to Almaty and Astana. Also Read | Budget travel guide: How to visit Malaysia in less than ₹ 1.35 lakh Must see/do: Almaty: Go to Big Almaty Lake.
Visit the Central State Museum. See the Zenkov Cathedral, Panfilov Park, Almaty Central Mosque. Go to Medeu Skating Rink and Shymbulak Ski Resort, one of the highest-altitude outdoor skating rinks in the world.
Take the cable car to Kok-Tobe Hill for a panoramic view of Almaty. Shop at the Green Bazaar or Arbat, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. A post shared by Chalo DMC (@chalo.
dmc) Nightclubs in Almaty: China Gold, Barcode, Esperanza, Sova. Daytrips from Almaty: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes & Charyn Canyon; Ancient petroglyphs of Tangly; Discover nomadic life in ‘The Huns’. Astana: Gaze at the city’s modern architectural marvels (Baiterek Monument, The Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, Ak Orda Presidential Palace, and Khan Shatyr Shopping Mall, the world’s largest tent).
Visit Nur Alem Museum, and Astana.