Kazakhstan Holidays

World-class trekking is right outside the city in Ile-Alatau National Park. For clear, snow-free paths up to Big Almaty Lake, go in July or August. Just note that the main road is closed to private cars, so you’ll need an eco-bus or have to hike from the lower checkpoint.

Horses are central to Kazakh life, so skip the rigid, single-file tourist rides. Riding past Kolsai Lakes genuinely feels like stepping into another era as you trot through open valleys and pass traditional yurt camps.

Shymbulak Ski Resort, nestled above Almaty, is one of the best-known winter sports destinations in Kazakhstan. Wide mountain slopes, modern cable cars and long ski runs attract visitors between December and March, while the surrounding Tian Shan scenery adds to the whole experience dramatically.

Charyn Canyon is often compared to a smaller version of the Grand Canyon, though it feels far quieter and more remote. Walking trails pass through red rock formations, steep cliffs and the famous valley of Castles, particularly popular during cooler springs and autumn months.

Medeu, sitting just outside Almaty., is one of the world’s higher outdoor skating rinks, Medeu Ice Rink is undergoing a major renovation programme, with works expected to continue up to 2027. During winters, locals and visitors come here for skating sessions surrounded by snowy mountain views, especially during weekends and evening hours when the atmosphere feels lively.

Remote parts of Mangystau in western Kazakhstan attract travellers looking for stunning desert scenery and off-road expeditions. Huge rock formations, underground mosques and vast empty landscapes make the region feel almost otherworldly, especially during multi-day 4x4 journeys far from the cities.

The city of Turkistan grew around this enormous mausoleum, built for the respected sufi teacher Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. Ordered by Timur during the 14th century, the structure still feels striking because of its giant blue-green dome, echoing halls and detailed tiles that catch the sunlight differently throughout the day.

Tanbaly is less like a traditional attraction and more like stepping into an open-air record of ancient life. Across dark canyon rocks, thousands of carvings show hunters, animals and ritual scenes left behind by Bronze Age communities. The silence around the site makes the atmosphere feel even more powerful.

Akyrtas remains one of Kazakhstan’s biggest historical mysteries. Huge red stone blocks rise unexpectedly from the dry landscape, though nobody fully agrees what the complex was originally built for. Some researchers believe it was meant to become a palace along the Silk Road before construction suddenly stopped centuries ago.

Near Kazakhstan's eastern border, the Zharkent Mosque stands apart immediately because it barely resembles a typical mosque from the outside. Chinese-style roofs, hand-painted wooden interiors and bright colours give the building a completely different character, while local builders famously constructed much of it without using nails.

Aisha-Bibi is closely tied to one of Kazakhstan's best-known love legends, which is partly why it still feels so personal, despite its age. The mausoleum itself is covered in finely carved terracotta details, and many visitors are surprised by how delicate and well-preserved the patterns still appear today.

From Sep 30 - Oct 2, Kazakhstan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference is celebrating its 30th anniversary at Atakent International Exhibition Centre. Featuring 5 massive exhibition pavilions, marking the presence of 300 companies from 16 countries such as India, Germany, Russia, Italy, and China.

The 20th Central Asian International Agriculture Exhibition - AgroWorld Qazaqstan is scheduled from October 28 - 30. This exclusive B2B event provides a unique platform to explore the recent advancements happening in the agricultural sector, connect with industry leaders and share practical insights.

The 38th International fashion exhibition, Central Asia Fashion is set to take place from July 27-29 2026. Widely recognised as one of the largest, and most influential fashion events in Central Asia. The expo provides a B2B platform for international brands to showcase their latest collections to regional buyers and industry professionals.

Kazakhstan’s Nauryz celebrations are a massive 10-day block party starting March 14th. It kicks off with traditional greetings and ends with a day of spiritual reflection. Honestly, the energy in the central squares is unmatched, you've got everything from charity drives and live dombra music to tree-planting and wild horse races. It’s pretty incredible to see the whole country come together like this.

Kazakhstan marks its Constitution Day every August 30th, celebrating the historic 1995 referendum. In Astana, the holiday balances official ceremonies with lively public celebrations. Capital streets fill with outdoor concerts, cultural festivals, and local food stalls, all leading up to the signature evening fireworks.

Republic Day is celebrated on 25th October and marks Kazakhstan’s declaration of sovereignty in 1990. Cities usually host concerts, fireworks, cultural events and evening celebrations, particularly in Astana and Almaty, where public squares stay busy well into the night.

Held every year on 16th December, Independence day marks Kazakhstan’s separation from the Soviet Union in 1991. The vibe is more patriotic than festive, with military ceremonies, concerts, winter fairs, and large public events taking place across the country, especially in Astana.

Yurts are still used during festivals, countryside gatherings and seasonal events across Kazakhstan. Inside, woven carpets, low tables, and decorative textiles reflect centuries of nomadic life shaped by migration, livestock and harsh steppe winters.

Meals in Kazakhstan are treated seriously and guests are rarely allowed to leave hungry. Large shared tables known as dastarkhan often include tea, breads, meats and homemade dishes served slowly across long conversations.

In western Kazakhstan, especially, some families still practise traditional eagle hunting passed down through generations. Golden eagles are trained to hunt foxes and small animals during winter, with demonstrations occasionally held during cultural festivals.

Horses remain central to Kazakh identity. Kokpar, a fast-moving horseback game played across Central Asia, is still widely watched during festivals and public celebrations, particularly outside the larger cities where traditions feel more deeply rooted.

Legal gambling in Kazakhstan is restricted to two resort zones. Near Astana, the Borovoe region, known as the "Switzerland of Kazakhstan," offers upscale venues like Cash Ville Casino. Near Almaty, Konaev (formerly Kapchagai) provides a retro, Vegas-style atmosphere on the reservoir.

Kazakhstan’s shopping scene perfectly captures the country’s rapid shift from ancient silk road hub to modern metropolis. On one hand, you have Esentai Mall - a sleek multi-storey temple of luxury fashion that wouldn’t look out of place in London or Dubai. There is Green Bazar as well, with the scent of fresh herbs and smoked meats.

Large Kokpar matches still draw serious crowds during public holidays and regional festivals. The sport, played on horseback at high speed across open fields, feels part competition and part spectacle, particularly in rural regions where traditions remain strongest.

Opera still holds a strong audience in Kazakhstan, particularly in Almaty and Astana. Performances inside the Abay Opera House regularly include Tchaikovsky’s ballet, Kazakh folk production and large orchestral concerts attended by both locals and visitors.