Kazakhstan is rising as a destination for travelers worldwide and it's not difficult to understand why few countries blend Soviet Heritage ancient Silk Road history nomadic traditions and futuristic development alongside breathtaking natural wonders as impressively as Kazakhstan [Music] remote Wilderness feels much closer than you'd expect while extraordinary contrasts stretch across the landscape revealing both ancient history and Modern [Music] Marvels today I'll take you on a journey to experience the true essence of Kazakhstan uncovering its most amazing destinations Rich cultural treasures and natural wonders that make the Central Asian giant so [Music] remarkable but first I'll tell
you some interesting facts about Kazakhstan and then explore its most interesting places that you won't want to [Music] miss did you know that Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the [Music] world stretching across a massive 2.7 million square km it ranks as the ninth largest country on the planet and shares a staggering 7,600 km of continuous land border with Russia the second longest in the [Music] world despite its size it has no Direct access to the ocean but its Landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking the vast kazak step the world's largest dry step stretches
endlessly across 800,000 Square km while the Towering alai mountains rise near the eastern border extending into Russia China and Mongolia [Music] to the West the Caspian Sea the largest Inland saltwater body on Earth shimmers along the country's [Music] Coastline while deserts and mountain ranges shape the landscape in [Music] between this epic scale has shaped not just the land but the culture too the great step was once the domain of ancient Horsemen like the cians and some [Music] Asians even today the kazak people Embrace their nomadic Heritage with yurs traditional portable tents still symbolizing a Connection
to the Past in fact Kazakhstan is considered the birthplace of horse domestication with the bowai culture dating back to 3,500 BCE providing some of the earliest evidence of horse [Music] taming and if you've ever seen the winged horse tar on kazakhstan's national emblem that mythical creature also hails from kazak [Music] folklore this deep connection to Nature continues through Eagle hunting a UNESCO recognized tradition where golden eagles are trained for hunting in the alai region once a skill passed down through generations of men it's now being reclaimed by women keeping this ancient art [Music] alive kazakhstan's
history isn't just found in stories it's carved into the landscape the shakar atter mosque hun into the Limestone Cliffs of mangistau dates back to the 10th [Music] Century while the ancient Silk Road left its mark on cities like TZ and turkistan once vital hubs for trade and cultural exchange the ruins of otra still bear the scars of genas Khan's Conquest in the 13th century [Music] perhaps Most Fascinating of all are the tamgaly petroglyphs over 5,000 ancient Rock carvings etched into stone some dating back to the Bronze Age with Tibetan inscriptions hinting at later Buddhist influences
and here's a Twist those famous Dutch tulips they didn't originate in the Netherlands Kazakhstan is actually the birthplace of the wild tulip the zetu region still blooms with fields of rare tulip species the ancestors of the modern varieties celebrated [Music] worldwide Kazakhstan isn't just a land of Ancient Wonders its modern achievements are just as remarkable sitting on vast reserves of oil natural gas and minerals it's become a major energy Powerhouse the Kagan oil field in the Caspian Sea ranks among the world's largest offshore oil discoveries while the Towering 49.7 M the chimney of the euster
grass to power station is one of the tallest in the world but perhaps most impressive of all is the bikon or cosmodrome the world's first and largest space launch facility which made history in 2001 when it sent the first space tourist Dennis Tito into [Music] orbit since declaring independence on December 16th 1991 as the last Soviet Republic to break away Kazakhstan has continued to grow and [Music] evolve today it stands stand as a vibrant Multicultural Society where over 130 ethnic groups including kazaks Russians USCS ukrainians and Germans share its vast and culturally Rich [Music] landscape
now let's explore the best places to visit in Kazakhstan and uncover the incredible experiences that await in this expansive country [Music] set against the Majestic backdrop of the Towering Tian Shan mountains almati is the vibrant heartbeat of [Music] Kazakhstan as the country's largest city it's a lively cultural and financial Hub the name itself is rooted in the kazak word Alma meaning Apple hinting at the regions claim as the birthplace of this iconic fruit while it's no longer the capital almati hasn't lost its Spark It's a dynamic Metropolis where modern living meets stunning natural [Music] beauty
stroll through through the bustling streets and you'll see the snow cap peaks of the Tian Shan mountains Standing Tall in the distance a breathtaking contrast to the city's Urban [Music] Buzz just a short trip from the city center cocktober Hill Rises 1,100 m above sea level and offers panoramic views that stretch from Almar Skyline to the sprawling steps Beyond here you'll find cafes souvenir shops an amusement park and even a bronze statue of The Beatles for a quirky photo op towering above it all is the toov TV tower a prominent Landmark visible from much of
the [Music] city but the real gem is the cable car ride a gentle Glide over the city that showcases The Perfect Blend of Alma's modern pulse and natural [Music] charm just outside the city you'll find the medu ice rink sitting 1,691 m above sea level making it the world's highest altitude rink [Music] it's a great spot for skating with amazing mountain [Music] views if you prefer skiing the nearby shimak ski resort offers slopes for all levels and stunning Alpine scenery [Music] back in the city Alma's culture shines through landmarks like the abai kazak state Opera
and ballet theater and the almati museum in panoff park you'll find a mix of history and nature the park named after World War II soldiers known as the panoff hero is a peaceful spot to relax at its heart is zenov Cathedral an incredible wooden church built in 1907 without using a single nail remarkably it survived a massive earthquake in 1911 and still stands strong today as one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world Alma's Silk Road Roots come alive in its bustling bizaar and flavorful food [Music] scene the city's markets like the famous green
bazaar are a treasure Trove of local flavors and [Music] traditions be sure to try traditional dishes like bash BAC a Hardy noodle dish with boiled meat and kazzy a flavorful HSE meat sausage both rooted in in kazakhstan's nomadic [Music] Heritage beyond the city limits the almati region opens up with a mix of stunning Landscapes and fascinating [Music] history from The Towering tianan mountains to wide open steps and deserts there's no shortage of natural wonders to [Music] explore one of the highlights is Big almati Lake sitting 2511 m above sea [Music] level its bright turquoise waters
are surrounded by rugged Peaks and change color with the seasons Vivid blue in summer and softer Shades in winter only 15 km from the city it's an easy spot to escape the hustle and soak in the peaceful Mountain scenery fun fact the mountains nearby are named after Soviet space missions adding a bit of History to the [Music] view Lake isik about 70 km east of almati is another must [Music] SE this beautiful Lake was created thousands of years ago by a massive Landslide and it's been through a lot including a devastating flood in 1963 today
it's a calm Scenic spot surrounded by forests and Mountain [Music] views for something unique candy lake is worth the [Music] trip formed after an earthquake in 1911 this lake is famous for its submerged Forest where the silver trunks of spruce trees stick out of the water like natural sculptures its bright turquoise color comes from Limestone and glaz faal melt making it a favorite for adventurers and [Music] photographers not far away the kai Lakes are another incredible destination these three Alpine Lakes are surrounded by thick forests and flower filled Meadows perfect for hiking horseback riding or
just enjoying the fresh air bird watchers also love this area since it's along a migratory route if waterfalls are more your thing check out the tix waterfall set in the quiet teex River Valley and surrounded by blooming wild flowers in the warmer months [Music] then there's burkhan buak waterfall the tallest in Kazakhstan at 168 M found in the zarian alatau mountains its name means sacred spring and it's as impressive as it [Music] sounds from more laidback Vibe Lake capture guy is the place to go this man-made Reservoir built in the 1960s has sandy beaches warm
water and plenty of water sports it's also become a habitat for birds and fish adding a touch of wildlife to the fun [Music] the almadi region isn't just about nature there's a lot of history and culture here too you'll find traces of ancient trade rots and nomadic Traditions that tell the story of kazakhstan's past [Music] the bogdanovich glacier tucked high in the eel alatau range near almati is a stunning reminder of the last ice [Music] age sitting over 3,000 m above SE level it's home to an incredible ice wall a gleaming face of compacted ice
marked with frost patterns and grooves as you stand there you can see the glaciers story etched into the ice showing centuries of movement and change but it's not just about the beauty it's a wakeup call too as the glacier is slowly retreating reminding you of the real impacts of climate change thankfully being close to Al Marti this Glacier is one of the easiest to visit so you don't need a long expedition to witness this incredible natural wonder up close the journey to our next destination has its own kind of [Music] magic just 200 km from
almati the drive takes you through kazakhstan's wide open and Ever Changing Landscapes you'll pass endless rolling stepes that seem to stretch [Music] forever with the occasional traditional Village giving you a peak into Rural [Music] Life as the scenery starts to change rugged terrain and Windswept planes let you know you're getting [Music] [Music] close and then out of nowhere the Cliffs of Chon Canyon come into view a jaw-dropping surprise that makes the drive so worth it [Music] known as the Grand Canyon of Central Asia this natural wonder stretches over 90 km its colorful Cliffs and rock
formations were shaped over millions of years by the Chon River weathering and shifting tectonic [Music] plates the layers of rock tell a story that goes back 12 million years showing glimpses of how the earth's climate has changed over [Music] time the valley of castles is one of the most famous spots with Sandstone walls that look like ancient fortresses [Music] these formations were shaped by erosion with the softer Rock wearing away faster than the harder layers creating a landscape that feels almost [Music] otherworldly but cheron Canyon isn't just about its stunning views it's a place full
of History sitting in the El River Basin it was once home to ancient civilizations and may have been a route for Traders on the Silk Road the name Chon is tied to local folklore with stories of Giants and Spirits shaping the land some kazak communities even see the canyon is a sacred symbol of resilience and natural beauty when the Sun rises or sets the Canyon's Cliffs glow in shades of red orange and yellow creating an Unforgettable [Music] sight if you love the outdoors you'll find plenty to do here from hiking trails and picnic spots to
Camping under the stars and if you're looking for adventure rafting down the Sharon river is a thrilling way to see this incredible place up close [Music] a short drive from Charon Canyon takes you to Alton EML National Park a massive 4,600 Square km area filled with Incredible Landscapes and Wildlife one of its Most Fascinating features is the singing Junes an amazing natural phenomenon that lives up to its name these towering sand dunes standing up to 150 M High make a deep humming sound when the wind blows like Nature's Own [Music] music The Sound comes from
the sand grains rubbing together but local Legends say it's the voices of spirits or Echoes of ancient times which adds a little mystery to the experience [Music] another highlight is the actal mountains also known as the White [Music] Mountains these colorful Cliffs stretch across the Horizon with layers of white red orange green and pink created millions of years ago by sediment from an ancient sea [Music] but they're not just beautiful these mountains are like a time capsule fossils of plants fish and even dinosaurs have been found here offering a peak into life millions of years
ago despite the dry and rugged look the area is home to a surprising variety of plants and animals including some you won't find anywhere else the park is also full of stories nomadic tribes once used the mountains to navigate the land and kazic legends talk about Giants and Spirits shaping the formations [Music] [Music] heading North aana kazakhstan's Capital Rises dramatically from the endless steps a bold symbol of the country's [Music] future since becoming the capital in 1997 aana has grown into a city of Cutting Edge architecture and modern design showcasing the nation's rapid progress and
ambition [Music] its story began in 1830 when it was founded as akalin and its changing names reflect kazakhstan's evolving history asan's Skyline is filled with striking landmarks at its Center is the B Tower inspired by a kazak folk tale about the mythical Tree of Life where the legendary bird samruk laid its golden egg standing 97 M tall the tower symbolizes prosperity and renewal nearby the KH shutter a giant tent-like structure houses a unique indoor space with shopping entertainment and even an indoor Beach other highlights include the Palace of peace and Reconciliation a pyramid-shaped building dedicated
to fostering Interfaith dialogue and the hazr sultan mosque one of the largest in Central Asia [Music] the aana Opera adds a cultural touch with its blend of European and kazak design while the futuristic newm sphere a legacy of Expo 2017 focuses on sustainable energy and anchors the Lively Expo City District for quite a moment the ishim river embankment offers a Scenic spot with Bridges cafes and walking paths along the water as a smart City aana incorporates advanced technology to create a sustainable connected Urban environment aana is transformation from a small town to a bustling Metropolis
reflects kazakhstan's growing presence on the global stage further north bubai National Park often called the kazak Switzerland is a peaceful escape with calm Lakes thick Pine forests and unique rock [Music] formations at its Center is Lake borovo a clear beautiful Lake surrounded by Cliffs and [Music] Greenery the area is full of local Legends like jumak Rock which looks like a veiled woman and carries a mysterious [Music] story nearby formations like oxus unreachable by arrows and the Cliffs of Blue Bay show off Nature's ability to carve stunning shapes over time babai isn't just about the scenery
it's also tied to kazakhstan's history and culture abl Khan's field is where the famous kazak leader once gathered his Warriors giving the park a deep connection to the nation's [Music] past Mount katow considered sacred adds a spiritual side to the park and attracts visitors looking for inspiration or a quiet [Music] moment the park is home to a variety of ecosystems including Pine forests Birch Groves and Wildflower Meadows which provide a habitat for animals like elk deer foxes and many birds for outdoor lovers there are hiking trails with amazing views from Mount coow and in summer
you can enjoy boating or kayaking on Lake [Music] Boro when winter arrives the park turns into a snowy playground for CrossCountry skiing and ice skating on the frozen lakes [Music] in southern Kazakhstan the Aku jaagi nature reserve the oldest in Central Asia is packed with natural beauty and history it's been around since 1926 and is now recognized as a UNESCO biosphere Reserve showing kazakhstan's commitment to protecting its amazing Landscapes and Wildlife the star of The Reserve is the axu canyon carved out by the axu river over millions of years its Cliffs drop more than 500
M and stretch for 15 km with Incredible rock formation and even fossils from the Jurassic period a fascinating Peak into ancient Earth it's a place that adventurers and nature lovers shouldn't [Music] Miss not far away is the acet cave also called the white mosque which offers something completely different this huge underground cabern has a spiritual Vibe and has been a pilgrimage site for years sunlight streams through natural openings in the roof creating beautiful beams of light and shadows [Music] inside the effect is almost magical and gives the cave a unique peaceful atmosphere [Music] [Music] [Music]
turkistan is a must visit destination in Kazakhstan known for its deep cultural and spiritual significance at its Center stands the mosum of kja Ahmed yasawi a UNESCO world heritage site and an enduring symbol of the nation's history [Music] built in the 14th century by tamilan this architectural Masterpiece honors COA Ahmed yasawi a 12th century Sufi Mystic and poet whose teachings shaped Islamic culture across Central Asia the mum's massive turquoise Dome one of the largest in Central Asia dominates the skyline while its intricate tile work showcased the artistic Brilliance of the ured Empire patterns in vibrant
Blues greens and whites are paired with stunning kufic and thuluth calligraphy reflecting the craftsmanship of its time ingenious architectural techniques including Advanced ventilation and Acoustics have preserved this Marvel for centuries [Music] interestingly The mosum Remains unfinished as construction halted with taman's death in 1405 adding a poignant touch to its Legacy situated along the ancient Silk Road turkistan was a vital crossroads for trade culture and [Music] spirituality often called the second Mecca of Central Asia it continues to draw pilgrims who come to reflect and honor y sawi's enduring influence [Music] [Music] kazakhstan's vast and vared Landscapes
are a paradise for outdoor [Music] enthusiasts where the trekking through the snowcapped chanan mountains or Galloping on Horseback across the endless steps the outdoors is deeply woven into the country way of life emerging activities like trail running and mountain biking are rapidly gaining popularity drawing adventurers to kazakhstan's rugged terrains and breathtaking [Music] scenery cycling through remote Villages or fishing in tranquil rivers are just a couple of ways to fully immerse yourself in the country's stunning natural beauty the ele River winding through Southeastern Kazakhstan after originating in China's Chan Shan mountains is more than just a
vital [Music] Waterway along its tranquil Banks remnants of History offer glimpses into the Region's past including traces of Soviet era infrastructure [Music] while some abandoned projects and structures evoke Nostalgia for ambitious but unrealized dreams the river's true appeal lies in its natural beauty striking rock formations and fertile flood planes create the perfect setting for fishing bird watching kaking or camping along its Serene Shores [Music] this harmonious blend of history and Wilderness makes the elely river a Haven for outdoor exploration and quiet reflection [Music] perched over 2,700 m above sea level the AY Plateau offers an
entirely different kind of escape this vast Alpine Meadow unfolds with Emerald Green Pastures rugged Peaks and a profound sense of freedom [Music] at its heart lies the AY Turan Observatory an active Hub of astronomical research housing Advanced telescopes like the a20 used for studying Cosmic phenomena surrounding the observatory however are traces of its Soviet era Origins older structures and incomplete projects that add a layer of historical intrigue [Music] these Relic likee features offer a unique contrast to The Cutting Edge science happening within the observatory By Night the plateau transforms into a Celestial Wonderland with some
of the clearest skies in the region camping here offers an unforgettable experience allowing you to soak in the plateau's Tranquil Beauty and witness a way of life where nomadic herders still roam freely blending Timeless Traditions with the untouched Splendor of [Music] nature thank you for joining me on this journey through the vast and diverse Landscapes of Kazakhstan I hope it has inspired you if you're planning a visit brought back cherish memories if you've already experienced its beauty or for most of you perhaps opened your eyes to a place you never imagined could be so captivating
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