What to do and what to see in Kazakhstan? 5 ideas for a “lazy” vacation

President of Pro-Vision, author of the Vinogradov.story community

“Kazakhstan is a rich excursion routes to the origins of ancient culture, multi-day trekking along sections of the Great Silk Road and absolute immersion in the night and social life of megacities. But also – relaxed and even “lazy” vacation in the mountains, on numerous lakes and, of course, the Caspian Sea. I have collected some ideas for those who dream to visit Kazakhstan, but between the “obligatory” program and “lazy” leisure chooses the second”.

Steam in Sak and hay baths in the foothills of Zailiysky Alatau

Not far from Alma-Ata, on the streams in the foothills of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, there are countless resort complexes and guest houses where travelers will be offered to steam in the legendary Saka baths. Inherited from the nomadic tribes, the Saks, they are still stoked in the black way.

A frame of poles is erected, covered with a piece of dense fabric, and inside there is a “steam room” made of hot stones and a couple of beds covered with pine branches or hay. Just a few minutes in a Saka bathhouse guarantee complete detachment from what is going on around. That is why most often they stand right on the bank of mountain rivers and streams – only immersion in the icy water brings the steamer to his senses.

Alatau

Plunge into the Caspian Sea in Aktau

Despite the fact that Caspian Aktau was conceived as a residential settlement for specialists who worked on the projects of the USSR “nuclear shield”, over time it changed its main function and today it is quite famous as a seaside resort. On the beaches of Manila, Nur-Plaza and Dostar there are all conditions for comfortable rest, and in the evenings there are restaurants of national cuisine and the greenery of the city park saves from the desert heat.

Connoisseurs of industrial architecture should look at the city port, the only one in Kazakhstan. Only here you can appreciate the scale and true value of “black gold”, which determines the economic situation of the country.

Aktau

Relax on the beaches of lakes Alakol and Balkhash

Having no access to the “real” sea, Kazakhs have found very worthy alternatives to it – salt lakes Alakol and Balkhash. Each of them has its own attractive features, but the most popular among locals is Lake Alakol on the border of Alma-Ata and East Kazakhstan regions.

Lake Balkhash

In the summer months it is worth trying to find at least a couple of free rooms in local hotels. Alakol is appreciated not only for its clean beaches, but also for the healing properties of the water, which is close to sea water in its chemical composition. Local mud cures, as well as mineral springs are in demand. In general, vacation at the salt lakes of Kazakhstan can be considered as a sanatorium – provided that the diet is free of rich local dishes.

Lake Alakol

Escape from vanity to Kapchagai

The Kapchagai Sea – technically a reservoir – is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in the country. On its shores, especially the northern one, there are more than 150 hotels, guest houses, recreation centers, campgrounds and sanatoriums, and in the resort town of Konaev there is a large water park.

Kapchagai is probably the best place in Kazakhstan for a vacation with children: the most comfortable conditions are created here for them. And adults, especially foreign citizens, will surely be interested in visiting local casinos – thanks to them Konaev has acquired the ironic fame of Kazakhstan’s Las Vegas.

Kapchagai Sea

Reboot in Burabai Nature Park

Burabai National Park stands in stark contrast to the endless steppes of Kazakhstan. It is a real natural oasis where clear lakes and coniferous forests neighbor with fragrant herbs, mineral and mud springs.

Burabai is ideal for a measured vacation with long walks, recovery and spa procedures, meeting scarlet sunsets and watching flocks of flamingos. For those who just want to slow down and contemplate the beauty, I highly recommend it.

Burabai Nature Park