Kazakhstan: The World’s Most Underrated Travel Destination

By Derya Soysal, Journalist and Kazakhstan Tourism Ambassador

Astana: The Future in the Heart of the Steppe

Every visit to Kazakhstan should begin in Astana, the country’s remarkable capital.

Astana is the capital of independence, the main metropolis of Central Asia, a bridge between Europe and Asia, a bridge between modernity and tradition, and a bridge between Slavic, Mongol, Asian, Turkic, Muslim, Arab, Persian and nomadic cultures. In one country, you can feel as if you are in the steppe of Genghis Khan and, at the same time, in a modern European city.

Of course, Kazakhstan is located in both Europe and Asia. That is the reason why, on August 20, Kairat, the Kazakh team, will play against Anderlecht in the two-legged playoff round of the 2026–2027 UEFA Europa League.

Rising from the endless Eurasian steppe, the city has transformed itself into one of the most striking examples of modern urban planning in the world.

Visitors can admire iconic landmarks such as the Bayterek Tower, a symbol of Kazakhstan’s aspirations and independence, or explore the spectacular Nur Alem Sphere, the world’s largest spherical building. The grand boulevards, innovative architecture and vibrant cultural scene make Astana a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the future of cities. The Bayterek Tower is even more beautiful by night, and when you go to the top floor, you have a view of the whole city.

Khan-Shatyr

Another thing you have to see is the Khan-Shatyr Mall. It is listed in the Guinness World Records as the highest tensile structure of its kind, with a transparent roof maintaining a warm indoor climate year-round. Even in the mall, you can feel the spirit and independent spirit of the Kazakhs.

Finally, for Astana, I will share the view that I had from my hotel of the Nur Alem Pavilion. This pavilion has already been featured in an article in one of Belgium’s main newspapers, Le Soir.

The Nur Alem Pavilion, which means “Bright World” in Kazakh, is located in Astana, Kazakhstan, and is the largest complete spherical structure in the world. Designed as the iconic centerpiece of the EXPO-2017 International Exhibition, this architectural masterpiece is 80 meters in diameter and 100 meters high. I therefore strongly recommend spending a few days in Astana.

Country of Coexistence

In Astana, you have beautiful Russian churches, but also the largest mosque in Central Asia.

The Astana Grand Mosque in Astana, Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia. Completed in 2022, it covers a total area of 10 hectares and can hold up to 235,000 worshippers. Once again, one of Belgium’s largest media outlets, RTBF, published an article about this incredible mosque:

“Its dimensions are enough to make your head spin. 68,000 m² of floor space, equivalent to ten football fields. Four minarets, each 130 meters high (one of which will become an observation tower offering an unobstructed view of the city). A central dome that is the largest in the world for a mosque: 83 meters high and 62 meters in diameter. The maximum capacity of the site is 235,000 worshippers". The new Grand Mosque of Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, is the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest in the world.

Its entrance doors, made of iroko, a tropical African wood, are more than 12 meters high and decorated with Islamic symbols, but also with traditional Kazakh symbols, inherited from the nomadic tribes that once inhabited this gigantic country (the ninth largest in the world), located between Russia to the north and China to the east according to Schmitz (2023, July 9) for RTBF.

Yet beyond the futuristic skyline lies a warm hospitality that surprises many first-time visitors. Kazakhs are renowned for their generosity, and guests are often welcomed with traditional dishes and heartfelt conversations.

Almaty: Where Mountains Meet Urban Life

For nature lovers, Kazakhstan is also a leading destination. If Astana represents Kazakhstan’s future, Almaty embodies its soul.

Kolsay Lakes and Lake Kaindy: You have to see there at least one time in your life

Nestled against the majestic Tian Shan Mountains, Kazakhstan’s largest city offers a unique combination of cosmopolitan life and natural beauty. Tree-lined avenues, vibrant cafés and cultural institutions create an atmosphere reminiscent of some of Europe’s most attractive cities.

The most beautiful lakes that I have ever seen are in Kazakhstan.

For example, Big Almaty Lake is an essential excursion destination for admiring turquoise waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Words can say a lot, but I will let you enjoy the photos so that you can admire the beauty of Almaty.

Just a short drive from the city center, visitors can reach Medeu, the world’s highest-altitude skating rink, or Shymbulak, a mountain resort offering spectacular views of snow-capped peaks. For nature lovers, few urban destinations provide such immediate access to dramatic landscapes.

Thanks to these mountains, some of which exceed 5,000 meters in altitude and rise to more than 7,000 meters along the Kyrgyz border, the country has been able to develop ski resorts. The largest, Shymbulak, is also relying on its recent entry into the Guinness Book of Records for the world’s highest night-time ski slope, at an altitude of 3,200 meters, recognized in March this year, to become better known, particularly in Europe.

Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon

One of Kazakhstan’s most impressive natural wonders is Charyn Canyon.

Often compared to the Grand Canyon of the United States, this geological masterpiece stretches for more than 150 kilometers and showcases extraordinary rock formations sculpted over millions of years. As I told you, in Kazakhstan, you can find canyons that are even more impressive than those in America, lakes that rival those in Switzerland, the sea, nature, cities, the post-Soviet atmosphere, modernity, futuristic architecture and the nomadic spirit—all in one country.

One of my best trips was to Charyn Canyon. It is a canyon located 200 kilometers east of Almaty, Kazakhstan, near the border between China and Kazakhstan.

National Geographic, one of the world’s largest documentary and media brands, has also published an article specifically dedicated to this canyon. There are many fans of this canyon, but the nature, the colors, the shapes and its untouched character make it extremely exotic and leave visitors speechless in front of its beauty.

Walking through the famous Valley of Castles, visitors encounter towering sandstone formations glowing in shades of red, orange and gold. The scenery feels almost otherworldly, making Charyn Canyon one of Central Asia’s most photogenic destinations.

Turkistan: The Spiritual Heart of the Turkic World

For those interested in history and culture, Turkistan is an essential stop. The Timurid heritage that we love to see in Samarkand and Bukhara can also be found in a similar city in Kazakhstan: Turkistan.

The city is home to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant monuments in the Turkic and Islamic worlds. Commissioned by Timur in the 14th century, the complex remains an important pilgrimage site and a powerful symbol of Kazakhstan’s historical role as a crossroads of civilizations.

In fact, Amir Timur may have attached more importance to this building than to almost any other. Ahmed Yasawi, the philosopher, has an incomparable philosophical significance and is among the most important figures in the Turkic world.

Walking through Turkistan offers a journey through centuries of history, connecting visitors with the scholars, traders and travelers who once traversed the Silk Road. What I particularly love about the city of Turkistan is its Venetian atmosphere, especially around the Caravan Sarai.

Caravan Sarai in Turkistan

The Caravan Sarai, a kind of open-air modern mall with a Venetian and Silk Road atmosphere, is a must-see.

The Caravan Sarai in Turkistan is not a historical monument, but despite this, it manages to preserve a certain authentic character. Its immersive site recreates Silk Road-era artisan streets and trading quarters, featuring an amphitheater for equestrian shows, the region’s only “Flying Theater,” hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.

“A remarkable complex, built around a kind of canal. With the immaculate blue sky and the ochre colors it takes on at sunset, the spectacle is well worth seeing,” notes a French blogger on the blog Ah! Mon Tour.

In 2024, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) named Turkistan the tourist capital of the Turkic world, bolstering its global appeal. During the first half of the year, the region welcomed over 326,000 pilgrims and tourists, a 37.6% increase from the same period in 2023, according to Astana Times.

The Beauty of the Kazakh Steppe

Perhaps Kazakhstan’s greatest attraction is also its most difficult to describe: its immense sense of space.

The endless steppe is more than a landscape; it is an experience. Under vast skies, visitors gain an appreciation of the scale and freedom that have shaped Kazakh identity for centuries. Whether traveling by train, car or horseback, one begins to understand why nomadic culture remains such an important part of the national consciousness.

In an increasingly crowded world, Kazakhstan offers something rare: silence, openness and a genuine connection with nature.

The Caspian Sea: Aktau and the Landscapes of Western Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, you have almost everything: endless steppe, futuristic cities, mosques, churches, Timurid architecture, canyons, forests, lakes and mountains, but also something many people would never expect to find here: the sea.

On the western side of the country, the Caspian Sea offers an entirely different face of Kazakhstan. The coastal city of Aktau, located on the eastern shore of the Caspian, is Kazakhstan’s main seaside city and one of the country’s most surprising destinations. Here, the desert meets the sea, creating a landscape that feels completely different from the green mountains of Almaty or the endless steppe surrounding Astana. according to Kazakh Travel⁠.

When I first think about Kazakhstan, I think of the steppe, horses, mountains and nomadic culture. But Aktau reminds you that Kazakhstan is also a Caspian country. You can spend the morning walking along the coast, looking at the immense blue waters of the Caspian Sea, and later travel into a landscape of deserts, cliffs and spectacular rock formations. This contrast is one of the things that makes western Kazakhstan so fascinating.

Aktau itself has a very particular atmosphere. The city was built during the Soviet period and has developed into a modern coastal destination, with beaches, a seaside promenade, hotels, restaurants and recreational areas. Along the coastline, visitors can enjoy both developed beaches and quieter stretches of the Caspian shore.

But for me, the real magic begins when you leave Aktau and discover the wider Mangystau region.

Mangystau is one of those places where you can sometimes feel as if you have left Earth. The landscape is dominated by enormous desert plateaus, cliffs, valleys, limestone formations and vast open spaces. Some landscapes are so unusual that they look almost like another planet. The combination of the Caspian Sea and the surrounding desert makes this part of Kazakhstan particularly spectacular.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Mangystau is that its landscapes are not only beautiful but also deeply connected to the geological history of the region. In western Kazakhstan, you can discover traces of ancient seas, dramatic geological formations and enormous chalk and limestone landscapes. The feeling of standing in the middle of such immense spaces is difficult to describe in words.

For travelers looking for something different from the traditional European beach holiday, Aktau and Mangystau offer an extraordinary alternative. It is not simply about visiting a seaside resort. It is about experiencing the meeting point between sea and desert, modernity and ancient landscapes, and Kazakhstan’s contemporary cities and its vast natural heritage.

In Kazakhstan, you can wake up in a futuristic capital, travel through the steppe, discover ancient Turkic heritage, hike through spectacular canyons and, a few days later, stand on the shore of the Caspian Sea.

That is perhaps the greatest surprise of Kazakhstan: you never really know what you will discover next.

A Taste of Kazakhstan: Shymkent's Culinary Delights

No trip to Kazakhstan would be complete without discovering its cuisine. And if there is one city where food truly comes alive, it is Shymkent. Known for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere, the city is often considered Kazakhstan's gastronomic capital.

Here, visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as beshbarmak, the national dish, flavorful plov, freshly baked lepeshka bread, and delicious shashlik grilled over open flames. The bustling bazaars are filled with spices, dried fruits, nuts, and some of the sweetest melons and watermelons in Central Asia.

What makes Shymkent special is not only the food itself, but also the culture of sharing it. Meals are generous, lively, and often accompanied by long conversations. For many travelers, tasting the cuisine of southern Kazakhstan becomes one of the most memorable parts of their journey.

In Shymkent, food is more than a meal. It is an expression of hospitality, tradition, and the rich cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.

A Destination Before the Crowds Arrive

As global travelers seek new and authentic experiences, Kazakhstan stands poised to become one of the next great destinations.

Yet unlike many popular tourist hotspots, Kazakhstan remains refreshingly uncrowded. Travelers can explore spectacular landscapes, discover rich cultural heritage and engage with local communities without the pressures of mass tourism.

This is a country where ancient traditions coexist with ambitious modernity, where hospitality remains a way of life and where every journey feels like an exploration.

For those willing to venture beyond the familiar, Kazakhstan is not simply a destination. It is a revelation.

And perhaps that is precisely why now is the perfect time to visit.

Derya Soysal is a Belgian journalist, historian and Kazakhstan Tourism Ambassador. Through her writing and public engagement, she promotes cultural dialogue and tourism between Kazakhstan, Belgium and Europe.

Bibliography

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Astana Times — Turkistan: Kazakhstan’s Timeless Jewel on the Silk Road

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Why visit Turkistan in Kazakhstan? | EUReflect

Why we have to visit Astana?
Why Visit Almaty: One of the best destinations in the world - EU Reporter

Schmitz, B. (2023, 9 juillet). Découvrez l’une des plus grandes mosquées du monde qui peut accueillir jusqu’à 235 000 fidèles, dans une capitale qui fête ses 25 ans (photos). RTBF Actus. https://www.rtbf.be/article/decouvrez-l-une-des-plus-grandes-mosquees-du-monde-qui-peut-accueillir-jusqu-a-235-000-fideles-dans-une-capitale-qui-fete-ses-25-ans-photos-11224637

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Astana, Jewel of the Eurasian Steppe: Where Tradition Meets Modernity | EUReflect