Kazakhstan is a country that is, perhaps, best known from the very funny Borat movie from 2011. It is unlikely to be in many people’s shortlist for dream vacation destinations because of this representation, but Kazakhstan is actually an incredible country and the fact that so little is known about it makes it even more alluring. If you like adventure with your vacation, then this is a country that you should certainly consider and it will provide you with many great tales to share with friends.
Location and Economic Standing
Located in Central Asia bordering Russia, China and three other countries, Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the entire world. It is one of the more economically advanced of the ‘stans‘, which means that it has a better standard of transportation, culture, restaurants etc.
Stunning Landscapes
One of the reasons that Kazakhstan is great for adventure is the fact that it a seemingly endless sprawl of steppe and rural landscapes. This adds a lot of intrigue and mystery to the country and is something that will appeal to intrepid travellers who want to head off the beaten path. To the south of the country, the landscape changes to beautiful green pastures with soaring mountains, epic lakes and flower meadows.
Needless to say, hiking, cycling and travelling through the country is very rewarding. Along the way you will come across numerous village guesthouses where you can spend time with the locals and get to understand their way of life – seeing and experiencing different cultures and interacting with locals is a key part of any adventure.
Cities
It is not all vast countryside that makes Kazakhstan such an interesting country for adventure seekers. The country’s biggest city, Almaty, has an almost European feel to it and here there are many picturesque avenues, cool cafes and an electric nightlife. The capital city, Astana, straddles the Ishim River to the north of the land and is a must visit. It benefits greatly from Kazakhstan’s large oil and natural gas reserve, which has seen it transformed into a stunning 21st-century city with eye-catching architecture. The most notable feature is the mammoth 97-metre high Bayterek tower which provides astonishing views of the city and beyond.
Borat would have many believe that there is not much to Kazakhstan, but it is actually a beautiful, varied and unique country. It is perfect for any traveller that likes to travel to the lesser explored places and it is sure to open your eyes and have a lasting impact on your life.
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