Kazakhstan Essentials

Kazakhstan’s steppe includes dry grasslands that reach thousands of miles from Hungary to China. In days past, caravans passed through the Silk Road via the Tian Shan Mountains. Genghis Khan’s Mongol Empire conquered most of the steppe. But Kazakhstan is not just grassy plains. Today, there are many treasures to uncover in this vast land, which is experiencing astonishing boom times from petroleum.

Adventures | Must Sees | Food

ADVENTURES

Sunken Forest

Lake Kaindy’s eerie trees are submerged in beautiful turquoise water

Charyn Canyon

The Grand Canyon’s “Mini-Me” is doing its own thing in a valley of rock formations

MUST SEES

Steppe
The Steppe are the grasslands, savannas, and shrublands that stretch from China all the way to Romania and Hungary. It is the main overland passage connecting Europe and Asia.
Almaty has tall modern skyscrapers
Almaty
Modern Almaty has been dubbed a millennial city where you can have a fun night out. In the middle of a building boom, they are constructing wedding halls on the outskirts, tall skyscrapers in the center, and fancy auto dealerships.
Kazakhstan
Zenkov Cathedral
Zenkov Cathedral is at the center of Panfilov Park next to a square full of pigeons and little children driving toy cars. The church has fanciful colors with yellow exterior walls, green rooftops, blue and green diamonds on the onion domes, and golden spires.
Kazakhstan
Poppy Fields
After you cross the border with Kyrgyzstan, you enter the Great Steppe’s grasslands and poppy fields. The Tian Shan Mountains appear in the background to the north and south.
Kazakhstan
WWII Memorial
Issyk Kul Lake’s water flows from the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains. There are big rocks by the brown sand at the waterline. Just jump right in. The clear water is extremely cold. Quickly get out when you’ve had enough.
Saty Village
Saty is a small village at the base of the Küngöy Ala-Too Mountains between the main highway on the way to Kolsay Lakes National Park. There is one main road and farms in the hillside.
Black Canyon
At Black Canyon, a narrow trail follows the river. Walk it for a sharper view of the green, murky water. Long‑necked black birds plunge after fish. Brown rock walls rise around you, and tall leafy trees line the riverbank.

Animal Statues
Occasionally, you will see giant statues of local animals: horses, falcons, and snow leopards. Horses play a vital role in nomadic Kazakh culture. They represent freedom and movement across the Great Steppe.

 

FOOD

Kuyrdak
Kuyrdak is a plate of tender chunks of lamb on the bone, roasted potatoes, and raw onions. It is only seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic to emphasize the flavor of the meat.
Manty
Manty are large dumplings filled with meat and vegetables that are steamed or fried. Dip them in a garlic yogurt sauce or red pepper sauce.

Horse Meat
At Almaty’s Green Bazaar, there are many stands with a wide assortment of horse meat. Kazy is a sausage of fatty rib meat in an intestine casing.
Kurut
Kurut is dry cheese made from fermented milk and shaped into balls until hard. The cheese balls are salty and sour.
Samsa
Samsa is a warm pastry fresh from a tandoor oven with meat and onions in a big, flaky, bread pocket. 
Kazakhstan
Shashlyk
A grilled meat skewer with flatbread, raw onions, and sauce. The meat is tender and smoky.