Things to do in Kazakh Steppe
Discover the best attractions and experiences Kazakh Steppe has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient remnants and iconic markers that tell the story of the Kazakh steppe's long history.
Tamgaly Tas
Ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks along the Tamgaly Gorge, a highlight of Kazakhstan's nomadic art.
The Golden Warrior statue
A dramatic statue commemorating the ancient Saka warrior overlooking Issyk Lake.
Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
A UNESCO-listed sacred complex in Turkestan that reflects the region's medieval spiritual heritage.
Museums
Delve into regional histories and Kazakh culture through local collections.
Karaganda Regional Museum of Local History
A window into Karaganda region's past with exhibits ranging from archaeology to industrial heritage.
Kokshetau State Museum of Local History
Regional museum in Kokshetau with artifacts tracing the area’s cultures and landscapes.
Abai Museum (Semey)
Museum dedicated to Abai Kunanbayev, a key figure in Kazakh literature and culture.
Religious Monuments
Visit mosques and sacred sites that reflect Kazakhstan's Islamic heritage and nomadic spirituality.
Hazrat Sultan Mosque
A large, modern mosque in Nur-Sultan reflecting the capital's religious heritage.
Khoja Ahmed Yasawi Mausoleum
A major religious complex in Turkestan, attracting pilgrims and visitors.
Sayram Mosque
A local mosque in the Sayram area honoring traditional Kazakh worship and architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Spectacular landscapes and protected areas across the Kazakh Steppe.
Burabay National Park (Borovoe)
A forested steppe landscape with lakes, granite peaks, and scenic viewpoints.
Bayanaul National Park
An accessible wilderness of red rock formations, lakes, and hiking trails.
Karkaraly National Park
A mountainous-to-steppe park with forests, lakes, and dramatic panoramas.
Neighborhoods
Explore urban vibes and local life in the steppe's major cities.
Nur-Sultan – Left Bank
A modern district along the Ishim River with parks, shopping, and skyline views.
Almaty – Medeu–Shymbulak area
A lively urban corner known for mountain scenery, winter sports, and cafés.
Karaganda – Sovetsky District
An central neighborhood where you can feel the urban pace of the steppe city.
Free Things to Do
Low-cost or free ways to experience the steppe's vast horizons and culture.
Stargazing on the Kazakh Steppe
On clear nights, the wide open sky offers brilliant stargazing with minimal light pollution.
Sunset at Burabay
Watch the sun sink over the lake and granite islands in this wide-open landscape.
Hiking Bayanaul trails
Follow easy trails to lakes and scenic overlooks in this popular park.
Gastronomy
Kazakh cuisine staples to try in the steppe region.
Beshbarmak
The national dish of boiled meat with noodles, served family-style.
Kumis and Shubat
Fermented mare's milk drinks enjoyed across the steppe.
Kazy
Dry horse meat sausage, a staple of Kazakh hospitality.
Plov (Pilaf) with lamb
A flavorful staple found in steppe towns, often enjoyed with fresh bread.
Nightlife
Evenings come alive with culture, music, and street life in steppe towns.
Yurt camp evenings with traditional music
Experience Kazakh nomadic culture with live music and tea in a yurt.
City cafes and markets after dark
Relax in local cafes that stay lively after sunset.
Falconry demonstrations at steppe camps
Watch a falconry display and learn about traditional hunting methods.
Entertainment
Performance venues and cultural experiences across the steppe towns.
Traditional Kazakh music performances
Live music events featuring dombra and kobyz instruments.
Theatrical shows in Astana or Karaganda
Cultural performances and contemporary plays in major city venues.
Circus and folk dance shows in major towns
Entertaining performances blending modern and traditional styles.
Sports
Outdoor adventures and sports to enjoy on the Kazakh Steppe.
Horseback riding on the steppe
Ride across open plains and through light forests with a local guide.
Camel riding near desert edges of the steppe
Short treks with camels along the arid edge of the region.
Falconry practice
Learn about hunting with trained falcons in traditional Kazakh fashion.
Off the Track
Unconventional experiences off the beaten path in the steppe.
Visit ancient kurgans (burial mounds) in the Kazakh Steppe
Explore ancient burial mounds dating back centuries, often on hilltops.
Rock climbing near Bayanaul’s granite formations
Tackle beginner-friendly routes with guide support.
Camping under the stars in remote steppe areas
Sleep in a traditional setting beneath vast, unpolluted skies.