Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a land of superlatives. It is the world's largest landlocked country, the ninth-largest country overall and a place where the very scale of the landscape redefines one's sense of space. From the modern skyscrapers of its futuristic capital to the pristine wilderness of its national parks, from the Caspian Sea shoreline to the Altai Mountains, Kazakhstan offers a remarkable diversity of experiences united by a sense of boundless possibility. The country's former capital Almaty, remains its cultural and commercial heart. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Zailiysky Alatau mountains, this city of tree-lined streets, chic cafes and vibrant nightlife offers the perfect blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. The Medeo skating rink, high in the mountains above the city is a world-class facility surrounded by stunning scenery. The nearby Shymbulak ski resort provides winter sports from November to April, while summer brings hiking and mountain biking opportunities in the Ile-Alatau National Park. Just a few hours from Almaty lie some of Kazakhstan's most spectacular natural wonders. Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon for its dramatic red-rock formations, stretches for 154 kilometres along the Charyn River. The Valley of Castles section, with its whimsically eroded rock shapes, is particularly breathtaking. Kolsai Lakes, a series of three alpine lakes nestled in the Tian Shan mountains, offer pristine beauty and excellent trekking, while the submerged forest of Lake Kaindy, created by an earthquake-triggered landslide, presents one of the most surreal landscapes in Central Asia – tall spruce trees rising from turquoise water. The capital Astana, presents a startling contrast to Almaty's natural setting. Purpose-built as the new capital in the late 1990s, it showcases some of the most ambitious and eccentric architecture in the former Soviet Union. The Bayterek Tower, symbolising a mythical tree of life, offers panoramic views of a cityscape that includes the pyramid-shaped Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, the golden-hued Nur-Astana Mosque and a futuristic skyline that seems to belong to science fiction. Whether you admire it as visionary or find it surreal, Astana is undeniably unforgettable. For those drawn to more remote experiences, Kazakhstan's vastness offers countless possibilities. The Altai Mountains in the east, a UNESCO World Heritage site, protect one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Central Asia, with golden eagles, snow leopards and Siberian ibex among their inhabitants. The Mangystau region on the Caspian Sea presents a lunar landscape of otherworldly rock formations, underground mosques carved into cliffs, and the expanding resort zone of Aktau. The Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world's oldest and largest space launch facility, offers unique tours for space enthusiasts—a chance to witness history in the making as rockets carry astronauts and satellites toward the stars. Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage remains an important part of its identity. The country celebrates this legacy through festivals, horse games and the revival of traditions like eagle hunting. In remote areas, particularly during summer, you can still encounter families living in traditional felt yurts, herding their livestock across vast pastures as their ancestors have done for millennia. The national dish, beshbarmak ("five fingers"—so called because it is traditionally eaten with the hand), reflects this heritage – boiled meat served over noodles with a rich broth, embodying the hospitality and simplicity of nomadic life. Kazakhstan is also the most economically developed of the Central Asian states, with infrastructure that matches its ambitions. High-speed trains connect major cities, modern highways facilitate road travel and the hospitality sector offers everything from luxury international hotels to rustic guesthouses. The government has prioritised sustainable tourism development, with new ecotourism standards and investments in national park infrastructure ensuring that growth benefits both visitors and the environment. For travellers willing to embrace its scale, Kazakhstan offers an unparalleled sense of discovery. This is a country where you can ski in the morning and explore a modern metropolis in the afternoon, where ancient petroglyphs coexist with space-age architecture, and where the sheer immensity of the landscape inspires a profound appreciation for the diversity and beauty of our world.