Kazakhstan is one of the last great travel frontiers — and it’s finally having its moment. The world’s largest landlocked country offers Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses, Soviet nuclear test sites, Ritz-Carlton views of the Tian Shan mountains, and alpine lakes that rival anything in the Alps — at a fraction of the cost. The hard part isn’t finding things to do. It’s knowing where to start.
This guide cuts through the noise. Whether you’re planning an adventure-heavy expedition or a high-end cultural escape, here are the ten experiences that genuinely deliver — ranked not by brochures, but by ground-level reality. Here are the best things to do in Kazakhstan, the country that made it into our “Best Places to Travel in 2026” list!
Table of Contents
1. Hike to Big Almaty Lake
Why it’s unmissable: On a clear day, Big Almaty Lake is one of the most photogenic alpine lakes anywhere on Earth. The turquoise water sits at 2,500m in the Tian Shan mountains, ringed by snow-capped peaks, just 30 minutes from the centre of Almaty. That proximity is almost absurd.
What to know before you go: The road is now closed to private vehicles, so you’ll walk the pipeline route — around 18km return, 4.5 to 5 hours. It filters out the casual crowd, but plan your energy accordingly. The lake itself is Almaty’s water supply, so you can’t walk around the full perimeter. Rangers enforce this.
Best time to visit: June through October. Avoid weekends if possible — the trail gets busy. A clear morning offers the best light and the best chance of keeping those mountains to yourself.
Practical info: National park fee is minimal (around £0.30/person). No booking required. Bring cash for the eco-post entry. If you don’t have a car and plan to get a taxi, ensure the taxi is waiting for you as signal can be spotty in places. Nomadical Tracks arranges both private and group tours to Kazakhstan, reach out to us over email or Whatsapp for more information. Our Cultural Paths Collection offers experiential journeys through Kazakhstan and many other destinations around the world.
2. Ski Shymbulak — Almaty’s Mountain on the Doorstep
Why it’s unmissable: Shymbulak is the one of the few ski resorts in the world where you can ski all morning and be eating in a world-class city restaurant by evening. Twenty kilometres of groomed runs, 900m of vertical, and a day pass for around £28–36. For context, that’s roughly 20% of what you’d pay in the Swiss Alps.
What to know before you go: The terrain won’t blow away experienced Alpine skiers after two days — it’s not Verbier. But the combination of value, scenery, and the Almaty nightlife waiting below makes it a genuinely compelling winter destination. Snow reliability is good but not guaranteed; snowmaking is installed as a backup. This is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan in the winter.
For serious skiers: Ak-Bulak (around 70km from Almaty) has legitimate off-piste terrain — steep descents, pine forest, open snowfields. The facilities are bare-bones Soviet, but the freeride is real. Day trip only.
Practical info: Lifts, equipment rental, and night skiing are all bookable via app. Apple Pay works. Ski season runs late November through April. For a stress-free and done-for-you skiing trip to Kazakhstan, reach out to the Nomadical Tracks team! More skiing and winter trips available, check out our Alpine Lines Collection.
3. Explore the Charyn Canyon
Why it’s unmissable: Often called Kazakhstan’s answer to the Grand Canyon, Charyn is a 150km-long canyon system of red and orange rock formations that genuinely earns the comparison. The Valley of Castles section — a 2km loop through towering clay spires — is the headline act. This is voted one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan.
What to know before you go: It’s a 3 to 3.5 hour drive from Almaty on fully paved roads, making it one of the most accessible major natural attractions in the country. Most visitors combine it with Kolsai Lakes or Chundzha Hot Springs on a multi-day circuit.
Practical info: Entry fee is nominal. No 4×4 required. Hire a car in Almaty (Vladex Car Rental is a reliable English-friendly option) ,join a guided day tour or we reach out to Nomadical Tracks to include this in your journey. Best visited April–June and September–October to avoid extreme heat.
4. Visit the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (The Polygon)
Why it’s unmissable: This is one of the most significant and sobering places on Earth. Between 1949 and 1989, the Soviet Union detonated 456 nuclear devices here — including the first Soviet hydrogen bomb. The result includes a 400-metre-wide nuclear crater lake (Atomic Lake), ICBM silos, and a landscape still bearing the physical and human legacy of the Cold War arms race.
What to know before you go: This is not a casual day trip. Government permits are required, access is arranged through specialist tour operators, and certain areas (including the original Ground Zero site) are now permanently closed. Radiation levels at key viewpoints are safe for short visits, but guide-organised protective gear and strict protocols are mandatory.
Visit sooner rather than later: Access restrictions have been tightening. The accessible areas are diminishing as sites deteriorate and permit rules evolve. It remains the only former nuclear test site open to tourism anywhere in the world.
Tour Information: Nomadical Tracks partners with regulated in country experts in Kazakhstan and can arrange seamless visits to Semipalatinsk. For more info, check out our Dark Trails Collection. There are many other dark trails in Kazakhstan from the ALZHIR — The Memorial for Stalin’s Forgotten Women to the Aral Sea and rocket launch site of Baikonur Cosmodrome.
5. Taste Kazakhstan’s Wine at Arba Wine
Why it’s unmissable: Kazakhstan isn’t the first country that comes to mind for wine. It should be. Arba Wine’s Assa Valley Rieslings have scored 89–92/100 from international critics, earned IWC Bronze, and been praised by Decanter. A six-wine tasting in their Almaty cave-style shop costs around £8.65. Bottles retail at $14–30.
What to know before you go: The winery itself is 60km from Almaty in the Assa Valley, around 1,000m elevation on an abandoned Soviet vineyard revived in 2006. Vineyard tours and tastings with lunch are available by advance booking. The Almaty tasting shop (walk-in, English-speaking staff) is the easiest entry point.
The honest verdict: The Rieslings are the standout — genuinely competitive with mid-tier Alsace. The reds are solid but still developing. Visit for the story as much as the wine — it’s a genuine Central Asian wine renaissance and you can taste it at the source. You can also visit lots of great steak and wine bars in Almarty too. Nomadical Tracks offers many types of bespoke food and drink tours in our Tasting Routes Collection. For info on Tasting Routes through Kazakhstan, contact us! Exploring the wines and restaurants is one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan.
Practical info: Cards accepted. English available. Booking for vineyard tours recommended at least a week ahead. Can be booked via the Arba Wine Instagram of with Nomadical Tracks as part of an wider itinerary.
6. Drive (or Tour) Mangystau — Kazakhstan’s Other Planet
Why it’s unmissable: Mangystau is the most visually otherworldly landscape in Central Asia. The Boszhira Valley’s 200-metre chalk formations, the Torysh stone sphere valley, the salt flat at Tuzbair, and the medieval underground mosque at Beket-Ata collectively form a landscape that looks designed for a science fiction film.
What to know before you go: This is not easy travel. Fly to Aktau (2.5 hours from Almaty), then budget 3–5 days navigating 100+ km of unmapped desert track per day to reach the key sites. Around 95% of visitors use guided 4×4 tours — and for good reason. Fuel is scarce in the interior. Summer temperatures hit 40°C. April–May and September–October are the practical windows.
Guided tours: 3+ day trips can be arranged through Nomadical Tracks or included as part of a wider itinerary. Group trips or private trips available. Self-drive is feasible for experienced overlanders with Guru Maps, a GPS, jerry cans, and desert camping experience. Check out the Nomadical Tracks Untamed Lands Collection for more remote journeys.
The payoff: There is nowhere else on Earth quite like Mangystau. That’s not marketing. It’s just true.
7. Drink Craft Beer in Almaty
Why it’s unmissable: Almaty’s craft beer scene is a genuine surprise — a dozen serious producers, a handful of excellent taprooms, and prices around £1.90–3.46 per pint. The scene emerged around 2014 and has quietly developed into one of Central Asia’s best. Check out our blog on the craft beer scene in Kazakhstan on our website, its not only one of the best things to do in Kazakhstan, its the best thing to do in lots of countries around the world.
Where to go:
- Baza Brewery Bar — the production hub, watch beer being made, 30+ house beers, unpretentious industrial atmosphere
- Barbolsyn — Raccoon Brewing Co’s experimental tap, milkshake IPAs, sours, NEIPAs; the most adventurous pours in the city
- Hopers Bar — 25 taps plus 100+ bottled, the widest selection in Kazakhstan; skews slightly toward imports but a lot from Russia which are hard to get anywhere else. This was our favourite place we tested.
- Line Brew — not strictly craft but a legendary institution with house-brewed lager, dark wheat, and what many call the best steaks in Central Asia
Practical info: Cards accepted at all four. English varies. Budget £15–25 for a full evening out including food. If you enjoy trips centered around great beer, check out our Beer Expeditions Collection!
8. Golf at Zhailjau — A Championship Course With a Tian Shan Backdrop
Why it’s unmissable: Zhailjau Golf Resort is a little-known gem for serious golfers. Designed by Arnold Palmer’s design company, it has hosted the Kazakhstan Open on the European Challenge Tour, sits less than 10 minutes from downtown Almaty, and offers Tian Shan mountain views that no flat European parkland course can match.
What to know before you go: Green fees run £105–115 for 18 holes — roughly a third of what you’d pay at Wentworth, and less than half of most quality Dubai courses. The on-site hotel has Fendi Casa interiors, a hammam, and pools. Course conditions are consistently rated highly by Challenge Tour visitors; bunkers are more gravel than sand, which is worth knowing.
For comparison: Nurtau Golf Club — Kazakhstan’s original course, also a Kazakhstan Open host — is considered more technically demanding and is a strong alternative, with green fees as low as £47 on weekdays.
Booking: Nomadical Tracks creates the worlds most experiential Golf Journeys and trips that uncover the best things to do in Kazakhstan.. For more information on Kazakhstan Golf Journeys, contact us via email or Whatsapp. View our Golf Journeys Collection for more destinations.
9. Enjoy Rustic Hot Springs & Thermal Wellness Escapes.
Why it’s unmissable: Kazakhstan’s thermal culture is defined by its dramatic contrasts. There is nothing quite like the “fire and ice” experience of soaking in the Alma-Arasan radon springs while snow dusts the surrounding Tien Shan spruces. Beyond the scenery, the waters are legendary for their medicinal properties—specifically targeting skin conditions, joint pain, and respiratory health—making it a destination where “wellness” feels like a genuine healing ritual rather than just a luxury.
What to know before you go:
Cultural Etiquette: In traditional bathhouses like Almaty’s Arasan, men and women have separate sections, and nude bathing can be the norm. If you’re heading to the Chundzha resorts, swimwear is required for the communal pools. Othe places like Gorelnik thermal springs &
The “Contrast” Ritual: Locals swear by the “cold plunge.” Whether it’s jumping into a freezing mountain river after a 40°C soak or hitting the ice pool in a sauna, the shock to the system is considered vital for the full health benefit.
Health Precautions: Since many springs (like Alma-Arasan and Rakhmanov) contain radon, soak times are usually recommended to be limited to 15–20 minutes per session.
Practical info: Timing: While open year-round, autumn and winter (October to March) are the peak seasons for the most atmospheric experience. Natural springs are often free or low-cost (around $10), while high-end resorts in Chundzha or luxury saunas in Astana can range from 30,000 to 80,000 KZT per night.
Nomadical Tracks creates tailored wellness journeys that bridge the gap between ancient nomadic traditions and modern restorative science. Check out our other journeys in our Thermal Escapes Collection to find your perfect soak.
10. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty
Why it’s unmissable: The Ritz-Carlton Almaty occupies floors 21 to 30 of the Esentai Tower. Check-in happens on the 30th floor, with panoramic views of the Alatau mountains from every angle. Heated bathroom floors, freestanding baths, Diptyque amenities, and the SEVEN Bar on the 28th floor with Le Petit Chef 3D projection dining.
The price: Around £170–375/night. Compare that to the Ritz London at £600–1,500+, or the Ritz Dubai at £250–500+. The service approaches but doesn’t always consistently match the global Ritz standard — but the mountain views are world-class and the value is exceptional.
For Marriott Bonvoy members: Category 4 redemption (25,000 points/night) makes this one of the best luxury point redemptions in the programme.
Practical info: 10-minute Yandex Go ride to the city centre. The SEVEN Bar is worth visiting even as a non-guest. Almaty is a city we love and part of our Urban Chapters Collection. For more info, contact us.
Kazakhstan – The Off-Track Playground in Central Asia
From the rugged peaks of the Tien Shan to the futuristic skyline of Astana, Kazakhstan is a playground built for those who find “all-inclusive” too quiet. Here is an in-depth look at the diverse activities awaiting you in the Great Steppe. Here are some of the best things to do in Kazakhstan that you may not have thought of.
The Ultimate Activity List
- Trail Running & Ultra: Home to the Tengri Ultra, a legendary race through the Tamgaly-Tas canyons. The terrain ranges from vertical alpine climbs in the Zailiyskiy Alatau to flat, fast steppe endurance runs.
- Cycling / Gravel: The Assy Plateau is the ultimate gravel destination—expect 2,500m+ elevations, wild horses, and zero traffic. For road enthusiasts, Almaty offers steep mountain climbs like the road to Medeu and Shymbulak.
- Hiking & Trekking: From the “Singing Dunes” of Altyn-Emel to the glacier-fed Kolsay Lakes, the trekking here is wild and remote. You can hike for days in the Altai Mountains without seeing another soul.
- Padel: The global craze has hit Kazakhstan’s major cities hard. Luxury clubs like KZ Padel in Almaty offer panoramic, indoor, and outdoor courts for a high-energy social fix.
- Surfing: Even as a landlocked country, you can head to Aktau on the Caspian Sea for an unconventional “cold water” session in the Caspian Sea. While not the North Shore, it offers a raw, unique beach-break experience for the dedicated surf-explorer.
- Climbing & Mountaineering: Technical climbers target the 7,010m Khan Tengri, while sport climbers find paradise in the Butakovka Gorge or the ancient rock faces of Tamgaly-Tas.
- Kayaking & Rafting: The Ili River offers scenic, multi-day paddling through ancient petroglyphs, while the glacier-fed Chilik River provides high-adrenaline whitewater for professionals.
- Disc Golf: A growing niche with pop-up courses in the mountain meadows. It’s the perfect way to spend a rest day between more intense mountain sessions.
- Hyrox & Functional Fitness: Almaty’s fitness scene is world-class. Join a local “box” for a high-intensity workout or a functional fitness simulation to keep your engine running.
- Paintball & Go-Karting: For pure adrenaline, hit the forest-based paintball arenas or the technical Kyalami Karting tracks for a competitive edge.
Whether you’re hunting for a high-altitude Padel match in the heart of Almaty, grinding through gravel on the endless horizon of the Assy Plateau, or thawing out your muscles in a hidden mountain spring, Kazakhstan is the frontier that modern adventure forgot. This isn’t just a destination; it’s a high-octane canvas where the grit of an ultra-marathon meets the soul-deep recovery of ancient mineral waters. From the Caspian surf to the vertical kilometers of the Tien Shan, the “Off-Track Playground” is open and waiting for those who find the beaten path too crowded. Explore our Niche Circuits Collection to find the specific thrill that calls to you and some of the other best things to do in Kazakhstan.
Ready to redefine your limits? Join one of our legendary Group Trips to conquer the steppe with a new tribe, or let us craft a Private Journey tailored strictly to your pulse. The wild is calling.
Practical Essentials Before You Go
Getting there: Air Astana operates direct and one-stop routes from major European hubs. Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is often the best-value connection from the UK (10–13 hours total).
Visa: UK citizens get 30 days visa-free. No pre-registration needed — just a valid passport.
Money: Download Yandex Go before you land. Bring clean, undamaged USD or GBP for exchange (better rates than airports). International Visa/Mastercard works at hotels, restaurants, and supermarkets. Carry cash for markets, taxis, and rural areas.
Language: Russian gets you further than English outside of hotels and urban professionals. Download Google Translate with Russian and Kazakh offline packs.
Best season: May–June and September–October for nature and driving. December–March for skiing.
Kazakhstan rewards the curious traveller more than almost anywhere else in Asia. The landscapes are extraordinary, the value proposition is almost embarrassing, and the infrastructure — while imperfect — has improved dramatically. The main barrier is knowing where to go. Now you do.
To learn more about the best things to do in Kazakhstan, reach out to us.