The film “Borat” put Kazakhstan on the tourist map of the world

The satirical film “Borat” was outlawed in Kazakhstan just over a decade ago; its government decided it was an insulting parody of Kazakh values and culture. Ironically, this very movie unintentionally spurred a boom in tourism, so marking Kazakhstan on the map for adventurous off-the-beaten-path visitors.

The Tangali rocks are silent Bronze Age sentinels just 120 kilometers from Almaty. Now under UNESCO’s care, these geological wonders, adorned with mysterious drawings and scripts, whisper stories of bygone ages.

Just thirty minutes’ drive from Almaty’s busy center sits Shymbulak, a ski resort that masterfully combines contemporary design with natural beauty. Its slopes call skiers and snowboarders to leave their mark on Central Asia’s winter paradise from December through April.

Avian aficionados will find paradise in Kazakhstan, home of many native bird species. Set off an ornithological journey across the desert and lose yourself in a ten-day avian show guaranteed to feature interactions with feathered rarities. But be ready for the almost 2,500 Euros premium price tag.

Often referred to as Kazakhstan’s Grand Canyon, the Charyn Canyon reveals an amazing scene of eons of erosion sculpted geological formations. A monument to the creative ability of nature, this canyon surpasses its American equivalent in grandeur.

Almaty, a treasure store of cultural interests, has many fascinating museums. Explore lesser institutions bursting with character outside the well-traveled paths. Among them, the Museum of Folk Music Instruments calls with its distinctive collection from its little wooden house tucked away in the city park.

The vivid markets of Almaty offer a rainbow of tastes to tantalize the palate. Local treat, horse meat adorns almost every stall. The “Horsburger” presents a distinctive take on a well-known classic for the adventurous palette.

The capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, openly displays a mosque of unmatched grandeur. Under the sun, its brilliant pure gold minarets and dome sparkle. Third-largest mosque in Central Asia, it is evidence of architectural genius.

Lake Kaindi, born from the depths of a 1911 earthquake, sleeps gently amid the Tien Shan mountains. From Almaty, a five-hour drive reveals this hidden treasure whose blue waves reflect the surrounding natural beauty.

Rising 97 meters into the heavens, Astana’s famous Baiterek Tower provides a broad perspective of the cityscape. Climb to its top on an elevator decorated with golden eggs and marvel at the city tapestry seen from above.

The launchpad for many astronauts’ travels into space, Baikonur Cosmodrome is evidence of human creativity. Through a planned trip revealing the secrets of this remarkable site, see personally the epicenter of space exploration.