Astana became the capital in 1997 when then-president Nursultan Nazarbayev decided to move the capital from Almaty to the north of the country. Since then, Astana began developing at astonishing speed. The new capital has even been included in the Guinness Book of Records for the scale of construction. Since 1997, the city's population has quadrupled. As of 2022, some 1,200,000 people live in Astana, making it the country's second largest city after Almaty.
In 1999, by the decision of UNESCO, Astana was named the «City of Peace» as it houses temples of all major religions and hosts the International Congress of World Religions annually.
Over the past 150 years, the city has been renamed six times. It was called Akmola, Akmolinsk, Tselinograd, Akmola again, Astana, Nur-Sultan (in honor of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first President of Kazakhstan), and finally Astana again.
The best time to visit Astana is late spring, summer, or early fall. Winters here are extremely cold with temperatures often dropping to -30oC (-22oF) or less. The city is also notorious for strong winds. Keep that in mind and bring some warm clothes otherwise, your trip will not be as pleasant as it could be.
Why is Astana worth visiting?
The city is primarily known for its unusual architecture. The most eye-catching buildings are Khan Shatyr (the first lifestyle center in Astana), the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Nur Alem Museum of Future Energy. The first two were designed by world-famous architect Sir Norman Foster. In August 2022, Astana Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia and one of the largest mosques in the world opened its doors to worshippers. Moreover, the city center contains the Baiterek Monument which is considered to be the symbol of Astana.
The city stands on the Ishim River, which divides it into two parts. The left bank is home to all those futuristic buildings that Astana is famous for. If you want to see some of the most eye-catching architecture you've ever seen, head straight to the left bank. The right bank still has that special vibe of the old Soviet city, and it is undoubtedly worth a visit too. Some say that the right bank is cozier. It is probably true as it contains the city's best parks, embankments, and promenades.
Local offers:
View all offers_420x650_4ab.jpg "Charyn Canyon One-Day Group Tour")
If you need a refreshing day away from the city, join us on this tour of Charyn Canyon. Marvel at its stunning beauty and immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring the nearby rural area and market.
![Групповая экскурсия "Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]](/assets/cache_image/products/0_gallery/tours/astana-excursions/astana1_420x650_c98.jpeg "Групповая экскурсия \"Знакомство с Нур-Султаном. Маршрут I\" (2,5-3 часа) [ожидает перевода]")
Идеальный вариант для первого знакомства со столицей Казахстана! Город во всех проявлениях менее чем за 3 часа: от административного сердца страны до экономического, молодежного и событийного хаба
On request
Don’t miss the chance to ski at Shymbulak Ski Resort, famous for its mild climate, large quantity of sunny days, steady snow and the magnificent surrounding views!
On request
Day of skiing on the best and the largest resort in Kazakhstan, which matches the European standards of quality. This tour is suitable for beginners and experienced skiers and freeriders. The tour allows to ride both on the groomed slopes and off-piste with possibility of organizing backcountry nearby the resort.
_420x650_4ab.jpg "Butakov Waterfalls Trekking Tour")
On request
Butakov Waterfalls can be found in the Ile Alatau Mountains near Almaty. The breathtaking scenery, pristine air, and refreshing coolness have been drawing tourists to this location for quite some time.
On request
Trekking to the Gorelnik Gorge is a highly favored adventure for tourists and trekking enthusiasts alike. The gorge boasts stunning scenery with abundant trees, mushrooms, and berries. If lucky, one might even encounter the wild inhabitants of the area, including mountain deer.
On request
Kim-Asar Gorge is very popular among Almaty townspeople. The main reason is that it can be easily reached by bus or by car, and a slight steep ascent allows even unprepared tourists to pass it. In addition, the route is available for walking almost any time of year.
On request
Standing at 3680 meters, the Big Almaty Peak might give the false impression of being a formidable and challenging climb. However, ascending to the summit doesn't necessitate specialized mountaineering skills.
On request
Situated at an altitude of 3600 meters above sea level, this frigid and desolate lake boasts a depth of 30 meters. The lake is encompassed by stunning mountain peaks, creating an exceptionally beautiful panorama from all directions.