Kazakhstan has earned a spot among the 14 best travel destinations of 2025, according to Vogue magazine’s annual editorial selection. This recognition highlights the country’s growing appeal to international travelers seeking unique experiences.

The author of the Vogue article shared a personal impression:
“This fall, I finally gave in to the destination that had been haunting my Reels feed for over a year. Thirty hours and two layovers later, I landed in Almaty, Kazakhstan—a place that rarely tops anyone’s list, though it should.”

According to Vogue, Kazakhstan stands out for its blend of modern urban development, breathtaking natural scenery, and rich cultural identity. The article praises Almaty’s architectural landscape, vibrant public spaces, and its proximity to the majestic Zailiysky Alatau mountains, making it an ideal base for adventure and exploration.

Global Recognition and Rising Popularity

Kazakhstan’s tourism boom has been widely covered by international media outlets such as EU Reporter, Eurasia Focus, Vogue, Caspian Post, and Lonely Planet. The latter notes:
“That money has transformed the capital Nur-Sultan, on the windswept northern steppe, into a 21st-century showpiece with a profusion of bold futuristic architecture. Travelers will find fantastic restaurants and accommodations among the leafy avenues of Almaty too; its biggest city also boasts the chic ALZhiR Museum-Memorial Complex, glossy shopping centers, and hedonistic nightlife. But beyond the cities lie the greatest adventures—whether hiking in the high mountains and green valleys of the Tian Shan, searching for wildlife on the lake-dotted steppe, enjoying homespun hospitality in village guesthouses, or jolting across the western deserts to remote underground mosques.”

Kazakhstan was also honored by the Global Tourism Forum during its annual meeting in Brussels as one of the best destinations of the year, ranking among the Top 100 destinations worldwide. This year, many travelers have even chosen Kazakhstan for their winter holidays, drawn by its unique mix of snowy landscapes and cultural warmth.

Expert Opinions: The Most Underrated Country

British travel expert Lauren Juliff described Kazakhstan as “the most underrated country in the world” on her website, adding:
“Yes, after thirteen years of travel and a hundred-odd countries visited, I’m convinced I’ll never find somewhere as overlooked as the largest -stan.”

Juliff fell in love with Kazakhstan’s diversity:
“This country has everything you might want in a travel destination.”
From Almaty’s hipster vibes, Turkistan’s Silk Road architecture, Karaganda’s Soviet-era mosaics, Aktau’s stretches of sand, to the futuristic cityscape of Astana (Nur-Sultan), Kazakhstan offers an eclectic mix of experiences that few destinations can match.

Suggested Itinerary: Two Weeks in Kazakhstan

Travel bloggers Andre & Lisa from We Will Nomad recommend the following two-week itinerary for first-time visitors:

Week 1: Almaty and Surroundings

Day 1: Arrival in Almaty, evening stroll at Panfilov Park and Zenkov Cathedral.
Day 2: Explore Almaty’s museums, Green Bazaar, and Kok Tobe Hill for panoramic views.
Day 3: Day trip to Charyn Canyon for hiking and stunning landscapes.
Day 4: Visit Medeu ice rink and Shymbulak ski resort.
Day 5: Travel to Astana (Nur-Sultan), visit Bayterek Tower.
Day 6: Explore Astana’s futuristic architecture and museums.
Day 7: Day trip to Burabay National Park for hiking and nature.

Week 2: Northern and Eastern Kazakhstan

Day 8-9: Pavlodar and Ekibastuz for cultural and industrial heritage.
Day 10-11: Semey (Semipalatinsk), visit Abai Museum and Irtysh River views.
Day 12-13: Ust-Kamenogorsk and Altai Mountains for breathtaking hikes.
Day 14: Return to Almaty or Astana for departure and last-minute sightseeing.

Why Kazakhstan Should Be on Your Bucket List

Kazakhstan is a rising star in global tourism. With its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and deep cultural roots, the country offers something for every traveler: adventure, history, modernity, and hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the futuristic skyline of Astana, hiking in the Tian Shan mountains, or immersing yourself in Silk Road heritage, Kazakhstan promises an unforgettable journey.

Bibligraphy

Caspian Post. (2025, January 14). Vogue lists Kazakhstan among best travel picks of 2025. Caspian Post. https://caspianpost.com/kazakhstan/vogue-lists-kazakhstan-among-best-travel-picks-of-2025 [caspianpost.com]

Lee, A. G. (2025, December 18). The 14 best places Vogue editors visited in 2025. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/article/the-best-places-vogue-editors-visited-in-2025 [vogue.com]

Vogue includes Kazakhstan in list of top travel destinations

Lonely Planet. (2025). Kazakhstan travel. Lonely Planet. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/kazakhstan [lonelyplanet.com]

Never Ending Footsteps. (n.d.). Kazakhstan travel guide. Never Ending Footsteps. https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/kazakhstan-travel-guide/

We Will Nomad. (n.d.). Kazakhstan. We Will Nomad. https://www.wewillnomad.com/destination/kazakhstan

Eurasiafocus, Pourquoi visiter Almaty? - Eurasia