Explora la cultura de Kazakhstan: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Kazakhstan a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest landlocked state on the planet, stretching majestically from the Caspian Sea to the snow-capped Altai and Tian Shan mountain ranges. It is famous for its ancient nomadic heritage, the hospitality of its yurts, its breathtaking geological landscapes such as the Charyn canyon and the white deserts of Mangystau, and the stark contrast between cosmopolitan, leafy Almaty and the futuristic capital, Astana.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world and the largest landlocked state on the planet, stretching majestically from the Caspian Sea to the snow-capped Altai and Tian Shan mountain ranges. It is famous for its ancient nomadic heritage, the hospitality of its yurts, its breathtaking geological landscapes such as the Charyn canyon and the white deserts of Mangystau, and the stark contrast between cosmopolitan, leafy Almaty and the futuristic capital, Astana.
Festivals & Events
The southeast region around Almaty is an alpine paradise. The three Kolsai Lakes staggered between forested valleys, the unusual submerged forest of Lake Kaindy and the Great Lake of Almaty offer hiking and camping routes surrounded by peaks that exceed 4,000 meters in altitude.
The Charyn Canyon dazzles with its rock formations sculpted by the wind. In Altyn-Emel National Park, the 'Singing Dune' emits a low, organ-like sound as sand moves with the wind, while Aktau's clay mountains display million-year-old layers of white, red and ocher.
The western Mangystau peninsula is one of the most unusual regions on the planet. The Ustyurt Plateau, the white amphitheater of Bozzhyra, the underground rock-cut mosques such as Beket-Ata and the port city of Aktau on the banks of the Caspian constitute a true geological expedition.
Marvel at the Submerged Forest of Lake Kaindy
Born after an earthquake in 1911 that caused a natural landslide, Lake Kaindy is a visual marvel at 2,000 meters above sea level. From its icy, turquoise waters emerge the dry, upright trunks of Tian Shan fir trees, whose submerged branches remain intact like petrified needles underwater, creating a fantasy underwater and terrestrial landscape.
Explore the Valley of Castles in Charyn Canyon
Popularly known as the 'little brother of the Grand Canyon', this gorge eroded by the Charyn River over millions of years extends for more than 150 km. Walking along the Valley of Castles trail between columns, towers and arches of reddish sandstone that shine with golden tones at sunset culminates in a refreshing oasis on the banks of the river.
Pilgrimage to the Timurid Jewel of Turkestan
Turkestan is the spiritual and religious center of the country. There stands the impressive Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, commissioned by the conqueror Tamerlane in the 14th century. Its fluted turquoise domes, enameled sacred geometry mosaics and gigantic bronze cauldron ('Tai-Kazan') are direct precursors to the great masterpieces of Samarkand.
Mangystau Extraterrestrial Landscapes Expedition
On the remote Mangystau peninsula, in the far west of the country, nature defies the imagination. The Bozzhyra canyon and plateau display colossal white limestone fangs that rise above dried prehistoric seabeds, while the Valley of the Balls (Torysh) surprises with thousands of giant stone spheres of enigmatic origin scattered across the desert.
Ride the Medeu Cable Car to the Heights of Shymbulak
Just minutes from the center of Almaty, the world's highest open-air ice skating rink, Medeu (1,691 m), gives way to a panoramic cable car that ascends to the modern Shymbulak ski resort and the Talgar Pass at more than 3,200 meters above sea level, offering views of alpine glaciers and mountain restaurants.
Discover the Futuristic Architecture of Astana
Walking through the monumental axis of Astana is a unique visual experience designed by renowned architects such as Norman Foster and Kisho Kurokawa. Climbing the golden sphere of the Baiterek Tower, gazing at the Hazret Sultan Mosque and exploring the Jan Shatir entertainment center – the world's largest transparent tent – reveals the nation's avant-garde ambition.
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Giant Distances and Internal Transportation
Kazakhstan is huge. To move between distant regions (such as Astana, Almaty, Shymkent or Aktau) it is most efficient to use internal flights with local airlines such as Air Astana or SCAT. For intermediate journeys, the railway network has modern high-speed trains (Talgo) that are very comfortable and safe with sleeping cars.
Currency and Payments (Kazakh Tenge and Cards)
The official currency is the Kazakh Tenge (KZT). The use of credit cards and mobile payments via QR code is extremely widespread in shops, restaurants and taxis in all cities. However, for traveling to rural mountain areas (such as Kolsai or Kaindy) and expeditions in Mangystau, it is essential to carry enough cash.
Language and Communication
The state language is Kazakh, while Russian is officially and universally spoken as a language of interethnic and everyday communication throughout the country. English is common among the youth and hospitality sector of Astana and Almaty, but carrying a Russian/Kazakh translation application downloaded offline is a great help in rural areas.
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