Astana
In the north of Kazakhstan lies the city that has been its capital since 1997. Astana is a city of extremes: with a continental climate, it enjoys hot summers and endures very cold, long winters; in fact, it is the second coldest capital city in the world. The Ishim River which runs through Astana is frozen from November to April. Although a city with a long and chequered history, a new era has dawned for Astana and the old Soviet buildings are slowly but surely being replaced by architectural wonders created by some of the most creative minds in the world. Set for completion in 2030, new diplomatic areas south of the river are being busily built at present. Meanwhile, a stroll along The Green Boulevard, known locally - in Kazakh - as The Shining Path, is a journey among the most famous and distinctive buildings in the country, including the Tower of Bayterek. Reflecting and celebrating the varied cultures and influences that make up the peoples of Astana, there are many mosques, cathedrals and historic buildings to visit, not to mention museums, theatres and monuments.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Ak Orda Presidential Palace
The imposing structure of the palace with its domed roof was built in 2004 as the official workplace of the Kazakh president. It features a hall designed like a yurt, a marble hall for summits and a golden hall to host other heads of state.
Bayterek Tower
The Bayterek Tower is perhaps Kazakhstan’s most famous landmark. More than 340 feet high, it is designed to resemble a poplar tree in which, according to a famous Turkic folktale, the magical Samruk bird laid an egg. Exhibitions are held in the base and visitors enjoy panoramic views of Astana from the viewing platforms at the top.
Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall
One of the largest classical concert halls in the world, this cultural structure is specially designed to protect against the winter’s punishing cold. This modern and versatile event space holds all sorts of spectacles including ballets, theatrical performances, pop and classical concerts.
National Museum
One of the largest museums in the world, Astana’s National Museum is free to enter and explore. Featuring a number of temporary exhibition spaces, its cavernous halls also contain artefacts and exhibits charting the country’s and the city’s history, culture and ethnography.
Oceanarium
Nearly 1,900 miles from the sea, visitors to Astana can get up-close and personal with hundreds of species of marine life here. Fish aficionados can walk along the ‘seabed’, watch feeding time with the sharks and explore the depths in the Oceanarium’s 3D cinema.
Kazakhstan Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
A Place as Hot as Fire: Highlights of Turpan
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Those on a quest to discover the ancient Silk Road often make stops in Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Kashgar, all oases on the ancient trade route, but none with as much to offer as Turpan.
7 Things to See in Almaty
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Dating back to the 12th century, Almaty is the former capital and largest city in Kazakhstan, a marvel of Central Asia and a hub brimming with culture.
Four Can’t-Miss Cities in Kazakhstan
- Author
- Travelogues
Kazakhstan, a landlocked nation of endless steppes and highlands. It’s a treasure of natural wonders, but don’t forget these four cities on your Central Asian journey.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
A family from New York
Everything came off smoothly as planned. All the Remote Lands guides were excellent, polite and attentive to our needs.
Kristi & Paul, Tokyo, Japan
From the sincerity of our guide to the comfortable eloquence of our lodging and cultural forays into Khmer history, our trip unfolded perfectly.
Couple from Madrid
Our private jet was a very important part of our trip. Most of the legs were less than 30 minutes, compared to six to 10 hours if we traveled by road. Overall, we had a fantastic trip to a new country for us. Remote Lands never fails!
