Kazakhstan is a vast and underrated country, but it has a little bit of everything we backpackers love: endless train journeys across the steppe, cities steeped in history, and beautiful nature surrounding them that enhances their charm. And best of all: few tourists.
In this post, I tell you about my two-week trip through Kazakhstan, traveling independently by train, marshrutkas, and shared taxis. I passed through Almaty, Turkestan, the Aral Sea, and part of the west of the country, combining cities, history, and incredible landscapes.
If you're looking to explore a country that has yet to reach mass tourism, or if you're planning your trip through Central Asia, this two-week itinerary can help you out, or at least provide a good dose of inspiration.
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Must see tourist areas to include in your itinerary in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is so vast that it's impossible to explore it all in one trip, but there are certain regions that combine the best of the country: unique landscapes, history, local life, and excellent connections for independent travel. These are the areas you shouldn't miss on your itinerary:
These are the main tourist areas that you can't miss:
🏙️ Almaty and surrounding areas – Culture, mountains, and backpacking base
The country's most vibrant city. Full of life, cafes, museums, and a travel-friendly energy. It's the ideal gateway for those arriving from Kyrgyzstan or on international flights.
It is also an ideal stop to visit certain natural sites in the surrounding area, such as:
- Shymbulak and Medeu (for skiing or walking)
- Charyn Canyon (Kazakhstan's mini Grand Canyon)
- Lake Kaindy (with submerged trees)
- Kolsai Lakes (ideal for trekking and camping)
🕌 Turkestan – Heritage and Spirituality
One of the oldest cities in Central Asia. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi is an architectural and religious treasure. Ideal for understanding the country's Islamic past and seeing a more traditional side of Kazakhstan.
🏜️ Región del Mar de Aral – Viaje al fin del mundo
For those seeking history and stunning landscapes. Aralsk was a port, a testament to one of the greatest ecological catastrophes of the 20th century, which is now in the middle of the desert. Seeing what was once a sea turned into a white desert with camels walking around is not easily forgotten.
🏗️ Astana (Nur-Sultan) – Futurism in the Steppe
The capital is striking for its strange, modern architecture, right in the middle of nowhere. Although I've heard mixed reviews about whether it's worth visiting (I didn't actually go), it can be quite impressive.
🏜 Aktau y el oeste kazajo – Paisajes de otro planeta
One of the most remote and least visited areas, unless you're planning to cross the Caspian Sea. White deserts, endless plateaus, and rock formations that look like they're from another planet.
⛰ Kazakh Altai – Pure nature without tourists
For those with more time and looking for trekking, alpine lakes, and rural life. Very little developed for tourism, but perfect for deep adventures.
Warning: Difficult to reach, better with a local guide or by car.
My favorite places in Kazakhstan
Of the places I visited in Kazakhstan, there were two that stood out from the rest: Almaty and its surroundings, and Turkestan.
🏙️ Almaty: a city with soul and mountains within reach
I loved Almaty from the first day. I arrived from the Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, and the contrast I encountered surprised me. It has that perfect balance between urban and natural, something few cities achieve. It's modern, with good cafes, parks, cultural life, museums, and a lot of activity, but at the same time, you're minutes from the mountains. That combination is irresistible to me. You can have breakfast in a café overlooking modern buildings, and in the afternoon you're hiking in the middle of a canyon or surrounded by turquoise lakes.
The surrounding area is also a spectacle: the great Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake with its submerged trees, and the Kolsai Lakes are a paradise for walking and breathing fresh air. Without a doubt, Almaty is one of my favorite cities in Central Asia and in the world... I would return without a second thought.
🕌 Turkestan: history, calm, and spirituality
Turkestan was a pleasant surprise. I knew the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum was important, but I didn't expect it to be so imposing or to convey so much peace. Although the city itself has been significantly renovated for tourism (which is noticeable), the atmosphere of the complex is hypnotic. It exudes a sense of calm, people visit with respect, the details of the Mausoleum, the sunset... it left me with a very good feeling.
Kazakhstan Itinerary Map
2-week Kazakhstan Itinerary Details
Kazakhstan is a vast country, so from the start I knew I'd have to choose carefully what to see in two weeks. My route combined nature, history, long train rides, and very different cities. It was a trip that took me from the mountains to the desert, passing through sites steeped in symbolism and culture.
Days 1–8: Almaty and its surroundings
I started my trip in Almaty, which was love at first sight. Modern, vibrant, and surrounded by nature. I took several days to explore the city at a leisurely pace and also take in some of the best hikes in the country: the Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes, and the magical Kaindy Lake with its submerged trees. These first few days were a perfect combination of city and mountain scenery.
Days 9–10: The Aral Sea and Aralsk
From Almaty I took a long train ride to Aralsk, a ghost town that was once a port and is now in the middle of the desert. There's a striking solitude, forgotten in time. It's a distinct experience, one that speaks to one of the greatest environmental catastrophes of the 20th century.
Days 11-12: Turkestan
Days 11-12: TurkestanFrom Aralsk I went south until I reached Turkestan, a city with a lot of historical significance. Although the center has been modernized for tourism, I found the Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum impressive, and the complex's peaceful, spiritual atmosphere was one of the highlights of the trip.
Return to Almaty and crossing into Kyrgyzstan
I returned to Almaty by train to conclude the trip, and from there I crossed overland to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on a simple and popular route for travelers in the region. It was a good way to end the trip, connecting two very different, yet complementary, countries.
Days 13–14: Aktau and Western Kazakhstan (return visit)
Weeks later, after passing through Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, I returned to Kazakhstan from the west, entering through Aktau. This port city on the Caspian Sea was my gateway to Azerbaijan.
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