Secret Natural Beauty: What are Kazakhstan's Must-Visit Natural Tourist Attractions?

Muhe - Friday, 29 August 2025 | 06:00 PM (WIB)

Secret Natural Beauty: What are Kazakhstan's Must-Visit Natural Tourist Attractions?

The largest nation in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is famous for its epic steppes and history as a vital component of the Silk Road. But beneath that façade is an out-of-this-world natural landscape. From crystal blue lakes ringed by mountains to stunning canyons and oriental deserts, Kazakhstan is an off-the-beaten-path paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Here are some definite must-see natural tourist spots.

1. Kaindy Lake: The Mystery Submerged Forest

Kaindy Lake is located within the Tian Shan mountains approximately 200 kilometers from Almaty by car. The reason this lake is unique is that pine trees stand upright in water, and nature appears to have stepped out of a fairy tale. The blue-green color of the lake complements the reflection in the trees. This is exactly where photo enthusiasts would wish to be in the middle of a serene environment with no tourists.

2. Charyn Canyon: Kazakhstan's "Grand Canyon"

Charyn Canyon is also referred to as the twin of the Grand Canyon in America. It lies about 200 kilometers from Almaty and consists of sandstone that is millions of years old. The most visited place here is the "Valley of Castles" because rock formations here resemble grand castles. Trekking in the canyon is an unforgettable experience with stunning landscapes.

3. Big Almaty Lake: The Blue Jewel of the Mountains

Approximately an hour's drive from Almaty is the stunning mountain lake Big Almaty Lake. The water color can change from turquoise to turquoise based on the weather and season. Apart from stunning views, the area also has challenging hiking trails. It is ideal for those who want to escape the city sounds.

4. Altyn-Emel National Park: Desert, Singing Dunes, and Wildlife

Altyn-Emel is a gigantic national park in Kazakhstan, famous for its "Singing Dunes" phenomenon — sand dunes whose sand, when the wind blows through it, makes a singing sound. Tourists also get to encounter Przewalski's horses and gazelles face-to-face. The park has an incredibly varied landscape from deserts and mountains to boundless grasslands.

5. Kolsai Lakes: Three Jewels of the Tian Shan Mountains

The three successive lakes at different altitudes in the Tian Shan Mountains are referred to as the Kolsai Lakes. It is called the "jewel of the mountains" and too much of a tourist destination for trekking, camping, and horse riding as well. The calm lake with pine trees surrounding it gives a peaceful atmosphere.

6. Borovoe (Burabay): "The Switzerland of Kazakhstan"

Borovoe, or Burabay, is also referred to occasionally as "The Switzerland of Kazakhstan" because of its European landscape. There are untouched lakes, pine groves, and bizarre granite boulders that characterize the landscape. Borovoe draws naturally because of its beauty but also because of local legends and mythologies surrounding it that make it a tourist landmark.Revealing Kazakhstan's Hidden Natural CharmKazakhstan is an example of how this country is not only rich in history but also full of nature. From its stunning lakes to its amazing canyons, each destination is an adventure in itself. Nature and photography lovers along with adventure seekers would find it worth their while to visit these locations and discover a new Central Asia.