Kazakhstan is considered to be the ninth largest country in the world, yet many people will not give it a second thought when they are planning their vacations. However, this beautiful country in Central Asia should be on every travelerÕs list of future destinations, because there is so much to see and do without sacrificing anything when it comes to luxurious accommodations and delicious cuisine.
Here are the top 5 attractions and museums in Kazakhstan:
1. The Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan
This museum was established during the 1930s and it moved to its current location in 1985. There are seven massive exhibition halls inside the museum and there are more than three hundred thousand artifacts within those halls. Visitors will see collections that include paleontology, weapons, jewelry, a full-size yurt completely furnished, rare documents, items made of gold, and works of art.
2. Zenkov Cathedral
The Zenkov Cathedral has been around for a century and the bright exterior makes it easy to spot when people visit Panfilov Park in Almaty. People often marvel at how this cathedral was constructed, because there were no nails used in the process, yet it still stands to this day. The inside of the cathedral is just as marvelous with its unique furnishings and works of art.
3. Bayaterek Tower
The capital city of Astana holds a phenomenal building called the Bayaterek Tower. This tower is shaped like a tree and looks like it is holding an egg. It is ninety-seven meters tall and visitors are encouraged to venture up to the observation deck to see panoramic views of the city below.
4. Charyn Canyon
For those who have never been to the Grand Canyon in the United States, this will look like the largest hole in the ground that they will ever see. The depth and size of this canyon is slightly less than the Grand Canyon, making it the second largest canyon in the world. Visitors can see the beauty of the canyon from different vantage points, as some will be more comfortable looking at it from a distance while others will want to get up close during a tour. Tours are available via bus or car and everyone can also choose to participate in one of the hiking tours that venture along the trails of the canyon.
5. Bayanaul National Park
There are plenty of national parks within Kazakhstan, but Bayanaul is the most popular amongst locals and visitors alike. Plus, this was the first park to be considered a national park due to its four freshwater lakes and lots of natural beauty. Spending time on the water is not the only thing that everyone can do while in this park. Rock climbing, mountain biking, and wandering from one village to another are all wonderful options too.
There are so many options when people visit Kazakhstan, but these five items must be on everyoneÕs itinerary, so that they can see the true beauty of this often-ignored country.
