Discover 9 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Kazakhstan. Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Bayterek Tower (Astana), Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments (Almaty) or Ascension Cathedral (Almaty).
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Kazakhstan.
Table of Contents
Bayterek Tower, Astana
Also known as: Бәйтерек
Monument in Astana, Kazakhstan. Baiterek is a monument and observation tower in Nur-Sultan, the capital city of Kazakhstan. A tourist attraction popular with foreign visitors and Kazakhstanis, it is emblematic of the city, which became capital of the country in 1997. The tower is located on Nurjol Boulevard, and is considered a symbol of post-independence Kazakhstan.[1]
Address: Левобережье, 1, 010017 Астана
Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, Almaty
Museum in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments is a musical instrument museum located in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Located in Panfilov Park, the wooden building was erected in 1908, simultaneously with Ascension Cathedral. During the period, the military leadership of the Turkestan governor-generalship once met here for ceremonies and state receptions.
The cathedral was built in the style of Old Russian architecture, designed by the famous architect A.P. Zenkov. The museum is one of the few that has survived since the times of Verny city.
After the establishment of the Soviet Union, the building was used as the House of Officials until 1980, when it was transformed into the musical instruments museum.
The museum was named after Great Kazakh musician of 19-20th centuries Ykylas, who promoted the purity of folk culture and preservation of various national instruments.
Today, there are more than 1000 items of instruments in collection of the museum, which are divided on 60 types of Kazakh national musical instruments. The collection also includes instruments, which were owned by famous singers-improvisers and composers. The most ancient exhibits are dated back to the 17th century.
From the outside the building is made of wood and resembles the traditional Russian building. Inside the decoration corresponds to classic Kazakh national patterns. In front of the building stands a sculpture of the narkobyz, a Kazakh bow instrument.
Occasional concerts are held in the museum.[2]
Address: ул. Зенкова, 24, Almaty
Ascension Cathedral, Almaty
Also known as: Вознесенск кафедралы шіркеуі
Baroque Russian Orthodox church. The Ascension Cathedral, also known as Zenkov Cathedral, is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located in Panfilov Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Completed in 1907, the cathedral is made out of wood but without nails. Its height is 56 meters tall, and is claimed to be the second tallest wooden building in the world.[3]
Address: Gogol st. 40B, 050065 Almaty
Big Almaty Lake, Almaty
Also known as: Үлкен Алматы көлі
Reservoir in Kazakhstan. Big Almaty Lake is natural alpine reservoir. It is located in the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, 15 km south from the center of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The lake is 2511 meters above sea level.[4]
The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana
Museum in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Museum of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a museum situated in Nur-Sultan. It was established by Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan on August 28, 2004. It is located on 11 Beibitshilik Street, in Nur-Sultan.[5]
Address: Abay 11, Astana
Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, Astana
Also known as: Бейбітшілік пен келісім сарайы
Cultural center in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, also translated as the Pyramid of Peace and Accord, is a 62-metre-high pyramid in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, that serves as a non-denominational national spiritual centre and an event venue. Designed by Foster and Partners, with a stained glass apex and windows by architectural artist Brian Clarke, the Palace was constructed to house the triennial Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, and completed in 2006.[6]
Address: пр. Тауельсыздык, 57, Astana
Shakhter Stadium, Karaganda
Also known as: Шахтёр
Stadium in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. Shakhtyor Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of FC Shakhter.[7]
Address: Kazahstanskaya St. 1, Karaganda
Karagandy Zoo, Karaganda
Also known as: Қарағанды хайуанаттар бағы
Zoo in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. The Karagandy Zoo is the state zoo of the city Karaganda in Kazakhstan. The Karagandy Zoo covers 107.5 acres, and is one of the largest and oldest zoological parks in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The zoo is best known as the home of the "talking" elephant Batyr until his death in 1993.[8]
Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima, Karaganda
Cathedral in Karaganda, Kazakhstan. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Fatima is a Catholic cathedral in neo-Gothic style. It is the seat of the Diocese of Karaganda, Kazakhstan. It was built between 2003 and 2012, and was consecrated by Cardinal Angelo Sodano on September 9, 2012.
It was in 2003 that Bishop Lenga, Apostolic Administrator of Karaganda, obtained permission from the authorities to acquire land for the construction of a new cathedral. The old cathedral of St. Joseph remained small. The work was financed by donations from abroad to honor victims of the persecutions of the communist regime that sent many priests and lay Catholics to the correctional complex "Karlag". Carried out under the neo-Gothic style, it was built according to Vladimir Sergeyev's plans. Bishop Schneider actively participated in the search for funding from Germany.[9]