Things to Do in Kazakhstan Beyond Almaty: Top Places

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Most travelers land in Almaty, enjoy the cable car, cafés, and mountain views, and call it a trip. But the real magic of Central Asia’s largest country starts where the city ends. If you are searching for things to do Kazakhstan has to offer beyond its famous southern capital: get ready for red rock canyons, mirror-like alpine lakes, endless golden steppes, and futuristic skylines.

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world, and its Kazakhstan landscapes change dramatically every few hours of driving. In this guide, we cover the best places to visit, a sample itinerary, an estimated Kazakhstan trip cost from India, and answers to the most common questions.

10 Best Things to Do Kazakhstan Offered Beyond Almaty

Here is our handpicked list of the top experiences, from nature highlights to cultural gems.

1. Walk Through Charyn Canyon

Often compared to the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon is one of the most photographed landscapes in Kazakhstan. The star attraction is the Valley of Castles, where wind and water have carved red sandstone into towering formations. A walking trail leads down to the Charyn River, perfect for a picnic.

Distance from Almaty: About 200 km (3 to 4 hours by road)
Best time: April to June and September to October
Tip: Go early morning or near sunset for golden light and fewer visitors.

Explore More: Things to Do in Almaty: The Complete Guide to Kazakhstan’s Mountain City

2. Explore the Kolsai Lakes

Known as the “Pearls of the Tian Shan,” the Kolsai Lakes are three alpine lakes at different altitudes, surrounded by dense spruce forest. The first lake is easy to reach, while the second and third need a day of hiking or horse riding.

Best for: Hiking, camping, horse riding
Best time: June to September

3. Visit the Sunken Forest of Lake Kaindy.

Lake Kaindy was formed after an earthquake in 1911 triggered a landslide that dammed a gorge. Spruce trunks still rise from the icy blue-green water like ghostly masts. It is a favorite among photographers and one of the most unusual things to do in Kazakhstan.

Note: The road is rough, so book a 4×4 with a local driver.
Pair it with: Kolsai Lakes in a 2-day combo trip.

4. Take a Day Trip to Big Almaty Lake

This turquoise lake sits at about 2,500 meters in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains and changes color with the weather and season. It is easily included in any Almaty sightseeing plan and makes a great half-day trip.

5. Ride the Cable Car to Kok Tobe and Shymbulak

For classic Almaty travel, ride the cable car to Kok Tobe Hill for city views, or head to the Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak resort for mountain air. In winter it turns into a ski destination, and in summer it is a hiking base.

6. Listen to the Singing Dune in Altyn-Emel National Park.

The Singing Dune is a giant sand hill that hums when the wind blows or when sand slides down its slopes. The park also protects the colorful Aktau and Katutau mountains, wild herds, and ancient burial mounds.

7. Discover Tamgaly Tas Petroglyphs

A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Almaty, Tamgaly holds thousands of Bronze Age rock carvings. It is an easy way to add history and culture to your itinerary.

8. See Astana’s Futuristic Skyline

Fly to Astana, the capital, for a complete contrast to the mountains. Highlights include the Bayterek Tower, the Khan Shatyr entertainment center, the Hazrat Sultan Mosque, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.

9. Relax at Burabay National Park.

Often called the “Switzerland of Kazakhstan,” Burabay is a green oasis of pine forests, granite rocks, and calm lakes in the northern steppe. It is about a 3- to 4-hour drive from Astana and ideal for hiking, boating, and slow travel.

10. Experience the Wild West: Mangystau and Bozzhyra

For adventurous travelers, Mangystau offers some of the most surreal Kazakhstan landscapes: chalk-white cliffs, salt flats, and Mars-like rock formations at Bozzhyra and the Ustyurt Plateau. It needs extra planning, a domestic flight to Aktau and a 4×4 with a guide.

Explore More: Festivals in Kazakhstan: Nauryz, Music Festivals, and the Nation’s Biggest Celebrations

Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Guide

The ideal season depends on what you want to see.

April to June: Green valleys, blooming apple orchards, and pleasant weather for canyons.
July to August: Warm days, best for alpine lakes and high-altitude hikes.
September to October: Golden foliage, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures.
December to March: Skiing at Shymbulak and snow-covered mountains. Some lakes and roads may be inaccessible.

Sample 7-Day Kazakhstan Itinerary

Here is an easy plan for a first trip to Kazakhstan from India.

Day 1: Arrive in Almaty, city tour, and Panfilov Park.
Day 2: Kok Tobe, Medeu, and Shymbulak.
Day 3: Big Almaty Lake and Almaty markets (Green Bazaar).
Day 4: Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes (overnight stay near Kolsai).
Day 5: Lake Kaindy and return to Almaty.
Day 6: Altyn-Emel National Park or Tamgaly Tas.
Day 7: Shopping and departure.

Have more days? Add a flight to Astana and Burabay for a perfect mix of nature and modern cityscape.

Kazakhstan Trip Cost from India

Budget is one of the first questions Indian travelers ask. Here is a rough guide for a 6- to 7-day trip per person (prices vary by season and operator, so treat them as estimates).

Flights (Delhi to Almaty, round trip): Approximately ₹30,000 to ₹50,000
Hotels: ₹2,500 to ₹7,000 per night depending on category
Local transport and day tours: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 in total
Food: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per day
Entry fees and activities: ₹5,000 to ₹10,000

Estimated total: Around ₹70,000 to ₹1,30,000 per person for a comfortable mid-range trip, excluding shopping. Booking early, travelling in shoulder season, and sharing cabs can reduce the Kazakhstan trip cost from India significantly.

Explore More: Things to Do in Azerbaijan: 10 Incredible Experiences That Should Be on Every Traveler’s Bucket List

Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Practical Travel Tips for Almaty and Beyond

Hire a driver or join a tour for remote spots like Kaindy and Charyn, as public transport is limited.
Carry warm layers, even in summer, because mountain weather changes fast.
Use Yandex Go for city taxis and keep some local currency (Kazakhstani tenge) handy.
Try local food: Beshbarmak, manty, baursak, and Kazakh tea.
Download offline maps and a translation app, as English is not widely spoken outside big cities.
Book permits early if visiting border-zone areas such as parts of Charyn and Altyn-Emel.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan rewards travellers who look past the obvious. From the red cliffs of Charyn to the glassy waters of Kolsai and Kaindy, the endless steppe, and the glittering towers of Astana, the list of things to do Kazakhstan offers is far bigger than most people expect. Start your trip in Almaty, then let the country’s incredible Kazakhstan landscapes pull you further.

Ready to plan your adventure? Use the Explurger app for travel inspiration and start building your perfect Kazakhstan itinerary.

Things to Do in Kazakhstan Beyond Almaty: Canyons and Lakes