Almaty and Surroundings

• Ascension Cathedral: A wooden church built almost without nails, which survived a major earthquake, known for its vibrant colors. (1 hour)
• Kok-Tobe Hill: Take a cable car to the top for panoramic views of Almaty and distant snow-capped mountains; best visited at sunset. (1.5 hours)
• Big Almaty Lake: A high-altitude lake with jewel-green water, a popular natural attraction on the city’s outskirts. (Half day)
• Medeo and Shymbulak: High-altitude ice-skating and skiing venues; take the cable car for scenic views in summer. (Half day)
• Green Bazaar: A bustling market offering a glimpse of local life, where you can buy dried fruits, honey, and horse meat products. (1 hour)

Natural Wonders

• Charyn Canyon: Known as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, featuring dramatic red rock formations resembling castles. (Half day to one day)
• Kaindy Lake: A landslide-formed lake with submerged pine trees rising above the water surface, beautiful in all seasons. (Half day)
• Kolsai Lakes: A group of three high-altitude lakes connected by streams, ideal for hiking and picnicking. (Half day)
• Altyn-Emel National Park: Famous for its singing sand dunes and colorful rock formations. (One day)

Astana (now Nur-Sultan, officially Astana again as of 2022)

• Baiterek Tower: A white tower topped with a golden sphere, the capital’s iconic landmark, offering observation deck views. (1 hour)
• Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center: A massive transparent tent structure housing a shopping mall and an indoor beach. (1.5 hours)
• Hazrat Sultan Mosque: One of Central Asia’s largest mosques, notable for its grand dome. (1 hour)
• Palace of Peace and Reconciliation: A pyramid-shaped building housing an opera house and conference halls. (1 hour)

Other Regions

• Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum in Turkestan: An Islamic architectural masterpiece along the Silk Road, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Baikonur Cosmodrome: The launch site of the first human-made satellite and Yuri Gagarin’s spaceflight; special permission required for visits.
• Mangystau: Known for its desert landscapes and underground mosques, appealing to adventure and photography enthusiasts.