Best of Kazakhastan
Kazakhstan
This is the largest land lock country and 9th in the world located in the central Asia. Kazakhstan is one of the beautiful countries which is mix of Russian and Western influence with nice and hospitable people. Main religion of the country is Islam but other major religion (Christians and Buddhism) people also lives. Since there are abundant availability of natural resources like natural gas and oil in the country which contribute a lot in the local economy and therefore Kazakhstan is economically well developed. Compare to other central Asian countries, you can find better accommodation, restaurants, transportations, and infrastructure. The country has lot of things to offer for a tourist as country is huge. The biggest city of Kazakhstan is Almaty (former capital of the country). Another major big city is Nur Sultan which is also the capital of Kazakhstan (formerly known as Astana). If time allow you then apart from these big cities, you should travel to the village area, Tian Shan mountains, and Aktau which has many things to offer.
Where to visit –
Almaty
The city is very diverse and it has cosmopolitan feelings with lot of night clubs, good hotels, and many swanky restaurants with European standards. In some part of the city still you can see remnants of Soviet-style heroics large sculptures, structures, and public parks. Almaty still holds old Silk Route traditions and some of famous bazaars you can visit and among them Green Bazaar is the biggest and most stimulating. Good quality fruits, vegetables, meat, milk products are always available. If you want to experience local foods then you should prefer to visit some of small cafes in the market which offer authentic Kazakhs cuisines and drinks. Since Kazakhstan is an Islamic country but in the deep of market also you can find old fashioned bacon which will surprise you.
Some of famous monuments, parks and interesting places you can visit here. Technicoloured wooden Zenkov or Ascension Cathedral which is located in the heart of Paniflov park must visit place. Koktobe is also one of amazing place which is also the highest point of Almaty and famous for city view and sunset. You can use bus or cable car to reach here and that is very easily accessible. First President Park is also good place to visit. Mostly in the evening you can go there and you will feel like local because at the same time many locals visit this park with their family. If budget and time will allow then it’s worth to visit Kolsai National Park also where you can find dense pine forest, three beautiful crystal clear lakes where azure blue water reflects snow-capped mountain. Nearby lakes you can stay in Yurt which can be amazing and lifetime experience.
Nur Sultan
Formerly known as Astana between 1998 – 2019 and before that Akmola which used to be a small village. The city is striking, whacky, newly built and one of the most modern and a well-planned city in central Asia. Nur Sultan is and the capital of Kazakhstan since 1998. Walking in the city and seeing the developments around you can understand the blend of eastern traditional shapes harmonise with western architecture of 21st century. The city is located nearby Ishim River which flow through the city that adds extra beauty of this modern capital city.
The city is full of many beautiful and modern architecture and offers lot of attractive places, nice restaurants, and beautiful new architectures. Make sure you tick these places off your list as they are very famous: Baiterek Tower, Ak Orda Presidential Palace, Kazakh Eli monument, New National Museum, Hazret Sultan Mosque, Palace of Peace & Reconciliation, Nur Sultan Mosque, Nurzhol Boulevard, Central park and the Palace of Independence.
Many young locals hangout in the food courts of shopping mall but you can try to visit some different places like traditional fare Turan Avenue which is located north of Lover’s Park. There restaurant serves Beshbarmak (Pasta with horsemeat) with amazing taste. Hot Boursaky bread and Shashlik kebabs are also tasty dish and you must try. Artem bazaar, an old school market type building is a good place for snacks and souvenirs. Elixir Bath Complex which is a traditional bathhouse where you can get a massage as well as there you can explore the weird open-air Atameken Map, a 1.7 hectare museum with 200+ models and historical monuments which is a sort of a mini pseudo – Kazakhstan.
