6 Heritage Travel Destinations in Kazakhstan

By Saniya Baxi | 05, May, 2023
6 Heritage Travel Destinations in Kazakhstan

One’s heritage is the foundation of their life and it is reflected in every aspect of it. From local markets to ancient architecture, you can always find a connection between the country’s past and present. 

A place deeply connected with its rich heritage is Kazakhstan. As the ninth-largest nation on this planet, Kazakhstan is so vast that it spans two time zones and five distinct temperature zones. The country's geographical variety contributes to the best vacation destinations.

Kazakhstan serves as the world's biggest landlocked nation. Popular travel destinations in Kazakhstan include spectacular gorges, continuous deserts, dry plains, huge glaciers, and historic buildings, that would truly satiate your wanderlust. 

As you plan your schedule, you can include a few of these tourist landmarks in Kazakhstan which are historically prominent and provide a variety of activities.

PledgeYourLunch 2023

 

1. Nur-Sultan (Astana)nur sultan/astana

Image Credit: Ken and Nyetta, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The notion that Nur-Sultan is among the only sites on the planet where old and new architectural features exist peacefully in harmony draws hordes of visitors. Nur-Sultan is known for its finely designed government structures. These are neo-classical structures tucked among modern high-rise office buildings and towers.

The city is now the country's capital. It is a well-designed town that experienced modernization after being designated as the gov't's seat. It has become a top destination among Kazakhstan tourist spots being the country's second-largest metropolis.

Historically, the city was referred to as Akmola. Between 1998 to 2019, the city was known as Astana. In 2019, it got renamed Nur-Sultan to honor Kazakhstan's past president. 

 

2. Oskemenmosque oskemen

Image Credit: Iskanderov Damir, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oskemen is a tiny town with several metallurgical and mining enterprises on its outskirts. As a result of the city's marriage of distinct cultures Russian and ethnic Kazakh—it is among the most recognized Kazakhstan tourist destinations.

Oskemen boasts a number of attractions that will undoubtedly make your Kazakhstan visit unforgettable. Beginning at Zhastar Park, you may have the pleasure of skiing through the Altaiskiye Alpy slopes!

Or, you can enjoy a walk anywhere along the pavements of the Slavskog riverbank for a calm day. You may also tour the city's mosques and mausoleums. Oskemen's most significant structures are the Muhammadi City Mosque as well as the Eastern-Khazaghstan Art Museum.

Note that summertime in Oskemen is mild and delightful, with the sun fostering a welcoming mood. The winters, on the other hand, are bitterly cold, with snowfall virtually all year.

 

3. Semey

Semey is a Russian border town. The Irtysh river runs near the city, providing stunning scenery to the area. It is alleged that between the eighteenth century, Semey prospered as a result of exchanges among Asian nomadic populations and Russians along the Irtysh river.

Even after its tiny size, the city draws visitors from around the world due to its relationship with Russian as well as Asian culture. 

Semey's history is brimming with references to Dostoevsky, a great poet whose entire existence became a pivotal moment in Semey's society. This is why touring the museum dedicated to his legacy is essential. If you enjoy history and art, the Fine Arts Museum seems to be the destination to go to.

 

4. Almatyalmaty cable car

Image Credit: Kalabaha1969, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Almaty, a vibrant metropolitan city in the center of Kazakhstan, used to be the country's cultural and trade capital until 1997. The Central State Museum, which houses numerous famous exhibits from Kazakh heritage, is a major feature of the city.

You might stumble across beautiful Neo-Russian bridges and domes while wandering around the city's lovely streets.

Also, the city's traditionally well-designed architecture, with broad avenues, perfectly constructed residential districts, and a plethora of picturesque lakes and wooded parks, are what stands out. 

Moreover, taking a stroll along the tiny lanes and seeing ancient structures concealed in plain sight will fill your heart with awe. Almaty is recognized not just for its stunning scenery, but also for the diversity of activities available. 

Almaty's major attractions are the Kok-Tobe Hill as well as the Altyn-Emel White Mountains.

 

5. Baikonur

Baikonur has had a long record with the Ussr. However, the city's beginnings are profoundly ingrained in the mining business, as the original location was utilized for excavating out endless mines.

Baikonur, situated on the northern shore of the Syr Darya, is solely devoted to Cosmodrome, a Russian-leased space station. The town is most recognized for its space centers, which are run by Russians. 

It is simply not permissible to travel to Baikonur without seeing the space cosmodrome. After receiving permission, you can hire a tour guide to uncover buried wonders, such as the original launch sites, Soviet weapons, sensor arrays, and so on.

One can even enter Cosmonaut Grove. It's a solitary road lined with trees established by the Cosmonauts before their takeoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Despite the fact that temperatures climb beyond average from May to July, Baikonur has a cool arid environment. To a large degree, the winters can get pretty hard and frigid!

 

6. Aktobe

aktobe coat of arms

Image Credit: Carole a, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Aktobe's grandeur stems from its past, which includes tales of various Asian emperors. This Kazakh city produced two significant characters in Kazakh heritage: Abulkhair Khan and Eset Batyr. The town is the peak of natural grandeur owing to the grassland regions and several rivers.

Several cafés and eateries are available to fulfill your ravenous appetite throughout your visit. Aktobe has nearly average temperatures with minimal to virtually no snowfall. Nevertheless, the area surely gets a good proportion of rainfall in the summertime.

 

Final Words

If you plan to spend this vacation exploring the world of art and history, Kazakhstan is the perfect destination for you. From beautiful architecture to peaceful evenings in the lap of nature, Kazakhstan has it all.

Just like any other well-established country with a long history, Kazakhstan’s heritage is deeply rooted in its everyday life. A visit to this beautiful country can serve as a glimpse into the long heritage enriched in its core.

Leave a comment