Attractions
Bektau-Ata
A granite massif rising from the steppe near Lake Balkhash, with caves, rock formations and a sacred spring.
Bozzhyra
Twin white chalk “fangs” rising from the Ustyurt plateau — Mangystau’s most iconic landscape.
Burabay National Park
Pine-covered granite hills and clear lakes — a favourite weekend escape from Astana.
Charyn Canyon
A 12-million-year-old red-rock canyon whose “Valley of Castles” is often compared to the Grand Canyon.
Katon-Karagay National Park
Kazakhstan’s largest national park in the Altai, with alpine valleys, waterfalls and views toward Mount Belukha.
Kolsai Lakes
A chain of three alpine lakes in spruce forest, linked by hiking trails toward the Kyrgyz border.