Kazakhstan is a country of drastic contrasts with spectacular skyscrapers that emerge out of the endlessly vast steppe fields and old cities of the Silk Road that are standing next to the contemporary cultural centres. The tourists usually visit it because of the rugged beauty of nature, yet they find themselves in cities that are full of history and modernity. And regardless of whether you are an adventure-seeker, an architectural marveler or a spiritual adventurer, the Top Cities to Visit in Kazakhstan will provide you with something that you will never forget as a traveler.

The picturesque mountains of Almaty, modernist architecture of Astana and the religious locations of Turkistan are only a few examples of the urban attractions of Kazakhstan and as eclectic as the nation itself. Visiting this huge country which is central to Asia may seem intimidating since no two countries present the same face of the other. This is why it is important to select the best Kazakhstan tour itinerary to have a better time during your trip. The opportunities are limitless, with a little planning, or having a reputable travel agent help you, you can gain access to places that are way beyond the travel books.

Here are the Top Cities to Visit in Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana & More

Almaty: Urban Energy, Mountains and Culture.

The largest city of Kazakhstan was the former capital of Almaty which is a popular tourist destination of most itineraries in Kazakhstan. Almaty is nestled between the mountains of the Tian Shan with the blending of cosmopolitan and easy access to the nature. Tourists will be able to ride a cable car to Kok Tobe atop city sights, walking around the historic Green Bazaar, or spend the afternoon at Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral.

Immediately after the city is Medeu, the renowned outdoor ice-skating rink that is surrounded by mountain slopes. A little higher is the Shymbulak Ski Resort which is popular among winter travelers and adventure-seeking people throughout the year. Due to such a harmonious combination of culture, food, history, and outdoor activities, Almaty is the ideal place to begin any traveler who wants to reserve your tours to Kazakhstan with the highest diversity.

Astana: The Capital of Futuristic Central Asia.

Astana (previously Nur-Sultan) is a youngest city capital in the world with a futuristic architecture and a daring city plan. It is a futuristic experience when walking around Astana. The skyline of the city boasts of foreign elements like the Bayterek Tower which represents a mythical tree of life and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center which is a huge tent-shaped structure designed by a British architect, Norman Foster.

The museums and cultural hubs in Astana, such as the National Museum of Kazakhstan and the Palace of peace and reconciliation, provide profound knowledge on the Kazakh culture and the modernization process that the country has experienced very fast. To viewers, the difference between the Right and the modern Left bank can be seen and that makes Astana a city of two personalities. With its shiny buildings, broad streets, and futuristic atmosphere, it is among the Top Cities to Visit in Kazakhstan as an architect and a person interested in the new urban environment.

Shymkent: Southern Charisma and the old Hellenic Ways.

Shymkent is a vibrant city and is one of the cities that have a rich history and are near the borders of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzistan. Shymkent is famous with its crowded bazaars, friendly hospitality, and spicy food which is the result of the rich Silk Road history of the country. Explore the ancient markets, taste the national cuisines such as beshbarmak or shashlik, and spend your time in the bustling life of the streets, which is a characteristic feature of this southern center.

The city is also a point of entry to such interesting locations like Sayram, which is one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia, and the Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve with its spectacular canyons and a variety of wildlife. The fact that Shymkent is at the intersection of cultures creates a thoughtless experience unlike ones that one would get in the north cities of Kazakhstan, which is why this location is a significant tourist attraction that should be considered as a part of the optimal Kazakhstan tour itinerary.

Turkistan: Spiritual Capital of Kazakhstan.

The Turkistan is among the most historical cities in the region. It was a grand hub of the Silk Road throughout centuries and is known mostly because of the great Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi, a UNESCO world heritage site. One of the most beautiful examples of the Timurid architecture is the mausoleum commissioned by Timur in the 14th century, and now a great pilgrimage place.

Turkistan has been experiencing a huge redevelopment in the recent years with the introduction of modern cultural centers, museums, and family-friendly places that go hand in hand with its historic core. This is one of the strongest blends of religious culture and modern amenities that can be found in Turkistan as one of the best cities to visit in Kazakhstan by a traveller who wants to grab a rich and meaningful cultural experience.

Aktau: Caspian Coast Escape

To the sea lovers, Aktau has got something, which is totally different than that of the inland cities of Kazakhstan. This is a port city located on the Caspian Sea with unique turquoise water, sea-side prominades and grand scenery of the Mangystau region. Aktau is a starting point of many visitors who come to see such natural attractions like the Boszhira Valley, underground mosques of Mangystau, and the alien rock structures dispersed all over the desert plateau.

Aktau is also characterized by its relaxed beach atmosphere, where a person can relax after the day spent in sightseeing of the cities of ancient times or mountain routes. It is a pleasant change to the other major destinations in the country.

Taraz: Strata of Silk Road History.

One of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan has been occupied over the last 2,000 years with archaeological evidences dating back to Taraz. Taraz was once a thriving hub of the Silk Road and it has continued to have old buildings and mausoleums that give a glimpse of its illustrious history. Some of the features are the Aisha-Bibi and Babaji Khatun mausoleums, which are of early Islamic architecture.

To the lovers of history, Taraz is a highly detailed storytelling about trade, culture and craftsmanship. It is an interesting addition to any balanced Kazakhstan itinerary because of its museums, old-town neighborhood, and restored heritage sites.

Baikonur: Space Port.

It is hardly possible to have a list of the top destinations in Kazakhstan without mentioning Baikonur, which harbours the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the first and largest space launch site globally. When one visits Baikonur, it is a rare opportunity to see the site of human spaceflight, where Yuri Gagarin was launched into orbit in 1961.

Although an entry is made after a pre-authorization, most travellers have described it as a memorable experience, particularly when they are paired with a real rocket launch. Guided tours, museums and monuments will help the visitors to enjoy the marvelous scientific background of this distant desert city.

Conclusion

The cities of Kazakhstan present us with a nation of the ancient civilization, nomadic culture, the Soviet influence, and modern innovation. You will be left to discover time and again whether you are exploring mountains in Almaty, the futuristic architecture of Astana or the history of the Silk Road in Turkistan and Taraz the Top Cities to Visit in Kazakhstan are a journey of discovery. Every destination adds a specific part to the bigger picture of this great and fascinating country.

When planning to go somewhere, you may want to take a companion who is an expert in traveling, so that you may have a fruitful experience. Firms such as Go Kite Tours can assist you to create the most suitable itinerary of trip in Kazakhstan to ensure that you view the best sites as well as experience the local experience. Go Kite Tours offers the best-planned tours, foolproof instructions, and cultural immersion experience that help you book your Kazakhstan tour with ease and comfort and explore the most impressive cities of the country.