Best Autumn Tourist Spots in Kazakhstan

The autumn season in Kazakhstan is a captivating spectacle where nature transitions into picturesque landscapes adorned with a myriad of mesmerizing colors. Kazakhstan provides an array of enchanting tourist destinations for the intrepid traveler between September and November. Don’t miss out on these top recommendations for fall tourist attractions in Kazakhstan

1. Tamgaly Tas

Nestled along the serene Ili River, Tamgaly Tas beckons with its collection of captivating petroglyphs, encompassing everything from enigmatic deities to the later Buddhist scriptures. Not just that, an old Turkic runic inscription stone, dated back to the 8th and 9th centuries, was unearthed here, making it a one-of-a-kind treasure on UNESCO’s heritage list.

Alongside its eventful past, Tamgaly Tas showcases breathtaking panoramas of the meandering river and pastoral settlements, all of which transforms into a mesmerizing display of golden hues in autumn.

2. Burabay

For Nur-Sultan residents or weekend visitors to the capital, a visit to Burabay nature park can be a delightful addition to their itinerary. The resort, situated in the eponymous village, has earned the moniker “Switzerland of Kazakhstan” due to its breathtaking natural vistas.

Visitors can engage in various invigorating activities like foraging for medicinal herbs, peacefully traversing the woods, or indulging in koumiss therapy at the local spa. The park is encircled by grassy steppes, crystal-clear lakes, and awe-inspiring low-lying mountains, with the Okzhetpes rock serving as the primary draw.

3. Katon-Karagai Nature Reserve

Nestled in the East Kazakhstan region lies the Katon-Karagai Nature Reserve, a sprawling natural national park that proudly claims the title of Kazakhstan’s largest. Created in the warm month of July back in 2001, this picturesque reserve was recently awarded the distinguished honor of being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 for its strikingly beautiful scenery, vast variety of flora and fauna, and its mesmerizing terrain.

Adorned with a 150km stretch of thrilling Austrian trails, the grand Kokkol Waterfall, and the soothing Rakhmanovskie hot springs, visitors are invited to revel in an unforgettable journey through this majestic reserve’s enchanting natural splendor.

4. Valley of Airakty Castles

In the Mangistau region, there exists a majestic shale mountain system known as Airakty. It was christened the “Valley of Castles” by the famed Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko, who discovered its splendor in 1851. Wandering through this secluded fairytale town, visitors can admire the ruins that resemble the fortifications of a medieval kingdom.

For a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the surrounding Aktau mountain range, visitors can climb to the summit of Forked Mountain. The beauty of Airakty is unmatched and evokes imagery from the fantasy realm created by J.R.R. Tolkien. Without a doubt, a trip to this valley offers a nature experience that will stay etched in one’s memory forever.

Travelers can experience the captivating beauty of autumn in Kazakhstan from September to November. From the Tamgaly Tas petroglyphs, which date back centuries, to the breathtaking scenery of Burabay, each destination has its own allure and distinctive features.

The Katon-Karagai Nature Reserve showcases a diverse range of landscapes, while the Airakty Castle Valley resembles a scene from a fairytale. With a plethora of attractions, autumn in Kazakhstan presents an opportunity to bask in tranquility and seek inspiration under the backdrop of picturesque skies.