Winter, the best time of the year, when the true beauty of a region peaks out of snowy lands of different cities, giving them completely different makeovers. A Central Asian country, Kazakhstan is also the ninth largest country in the world, with Astana being its bustling capital. The country combines some of the most intense biomes, including the tundra, desert and the alpines. Winter in Kazakhstan is like no other country, with some parts receiving heaps of snow while others only experience a sweet chill.
Winter In Kazakhstan: Weather
Being the ninth largest country in the world, the temperatures vary greatly in all parts of the country. While Shymkent does not receive much snow during the winter months, other cities of Kazakhstan, such as Astana, become freezing cold and are covered in snow in winter. The Almaty and Aralsk regions have relatively moderate temperatures compared to the rest of the cities.
The temperatures in different cities of Kazakhstan vary widely, but the average winter temperature ranges between -4 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius.
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Winter In Kazakhstan: Holidays
- Independence Day: Kazakhstan celebrates Independence Day on December 16, which is declared a public holiday in the entire country.
- New Year’s: New Year’s is a very big deal in Kazakhstan, so December 31 is celebrated all throughout the country with lots of enthusiasm. New Year’s is usually followed by one week of holiday. Orthodox Christians of Kazakhstan celebrate Christmas on January 7.
- International Women’s Day: Kazakhstan celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8. This day honours women’s political, economic, and social achievements.
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Winter In Kazakhstan: 8 Best Things To Do
We have compiled a list of 8 things to do in Kazakhstan in the winter months. Scroll down to see what awaits you in this scenic country with it all!
1. Medeo High-Mountain
Ice skating is one of the most fun winter sports in Kazakhstan. When the paths are clogged with snow, all you have to do is pull out your ice skating gear and get going. The Medeo skating rink is one of the highest mountainous sports complexes in the entire world, nestled at 1700 metres above mean sea level. Located close to Almaty city, this sports complex was a training centre for Soviet Union Olympic skaters in the past.
Timings: The rink remains open from 10 am to 11 pm on all days of the week except Mondays.
Location: Gornaya St 465, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan.
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2. Kolsai Lakes
The Kolsai Lakes are located in the Almaty area, and the views here are similar to those in Alaska. The three Kolsai lakes give you the best views of pristine blue waters that are surrounded by lush green conifer forests on all sides. You can also choose to go hiking around this area as there are lots of mountains that offer opportunities for hikers to challenge their fitness levels and let them hike up the mountains. If you think you can’t handle the hike, you can still explore the hills on horseback. Do you have more time and are looking for something adventurous? Stay back at one of the lodges in the Kolsai Lake area and wake up to beautiful scenes in the morning. Make sure to carry your food if you plan to stay back.
Timings: The lake is open to visitors all day and night, on all days of the week. However, we suggest you visit around 3 p.m. so that you have enough time to walk around and admire the beauty of the place before it gets too dark.
Location: Kolsai Lakes, Almaty, Kazakhstan
3. Arasan Bathhouse
The Winter in Kazakhstan often gets a little harsh. What’s better than a warm bath and a relaxing spa to beat the cold? Built-in 1980, the Arasan Bath is one of the best Soviet-style baths in Central Asia. You can choose from the Russian-Finnish or Oriental Baths, each with a separate section for men and women. Each bath type also comes attached to a spa and detox centre. For one of Kazakhstan’s most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences, choose the Arasan Bathhouse, a day in Kazakhstan that you will never forget!
Timings: The Arasan Bath is open from 7 am to 11:30 pm on all days of the week.
Location: Arasan Wellness and Spa, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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4. Green Bazaar
No holiday is ever complete without a shopping spree, and the Green Bazaar in Zenkov (Almaty) will let you shop for everything, from spices to fruits to furniture. The best part about the bazaar is that you can find some of the best local eats to munch on while you shop. Put your haggling skills to use at Green Bazaar as the street vendors try to quote higher prices for their goods when tourists come around to shop. Green Bazaar is primarily a fun place to shop in the Winter as the weather is pleasant. You can also find some of the best spices in the winter months.
Timings: Green Bazaar remains open from 9 am to 7 pm on all days of the week except Mondays.
Location: Zenkov St, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan.
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5. Shymbulak Ski Resort
Another beautiful place to visit in Almaty, the Shymbulak Ski Resort, is an adventurous escape at the Zailiyskiy Alatau Mountains. A gondola service helps you reach the top of the mountains, and then you can go skiing down the hills in the winter months. If you are new to the winter sport of skiing, worry not, as the Shymbulak Ski Resort has a set of different mountain ranges that are suitable for newbies, as well as a few others that are good for professional skiers. The best months to go skiing at Shymbulak are from December to April.
Timings: The Ski resort is open to visitors from 10am to 11pm on all days of the week and remains open for twenty-four hours on Mondays.
Location: 25 kilometres from the Almaty city, Kazakhstan.
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6. Charyn Canyon
The Charyn Canyon is the second largest canyon in the Sharyn River of Kazakhstan. Visit the Charyn Canyon in the winter months in Kazakhstan to feel the cold breeze brushing against you as you walk through the rock formations. You can either hike the Charyn Canyon with your group of friends or take a minibus tour of the place. If you are travelling with a group of people, we suggest you take a guided tour with a private driver, who would be able to talk to you about the history of the place to you and will take you around the Canyon.
Timings: Charyn Canyon is open to visitors throughout the day, on all days of the week.
Location: Almaty, Sharyn River, Kazakhstan.
7. Bayanaul National Park
Being the ninth largest country in the world, Kazakhstan is home to many national parks that consist of mountain ranges and lakes. The most popular national park in Kazakhstan is the Bayanaul National Park, which also happens to be the first national park in Kazakhstan that was opened to the public in 1985. The Bayanaul National Park is home to the Jasybay Lake, a paradise for swimmers. The place often gets very crowded with tourists and locals who flock to the national park for some time off, so if you are visiting, make sure you choose to go on a weekday to chill at the park for longer. If you think it’s too cold to swim, head to Toraygir Lake for fishing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Timings: The park is open every weekday from 9 am to 7 pm. It remains closed on weekends.
Location: The National Park is located in the Southeastern Pavlodar Province in Kazakhstan.
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8. Bayaterek Tower
Located in Astana, the stunning building of the Bayterek Tower is one of the best sights you will see in all of Astana. A distinct fact about the Bayterek Tower is that it is accurately 97 metres high, representing the year 1997 when Astana became the capital city of Kazakhstan. In the winter, visit the observation deck at the Bayterek Tower to get a view of the entire city, which will most likely be blanketed in white snow and look gorgeous as ever.
Timings: The tower is open for visitors from Mondays to Thursdays 10 am to 9 pm. The Bayaterek Tower is open from 9 am to 9 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The park is also open from 10 am to 9 pm on Sundays.
Location: Bayterek, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan.
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So, what are you waiting for? If this sounds enticing enough, we say it’s time for a thrilling vacation like never before! Pack your bags and plan your trip to Kazakhstan for a blissful holiday experience with your loved ones! This place will surely take your breath away, whether you are travelling solo or with your family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter In Kazakhstan
What is the coldest month in Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is covered in snow in January, especially in the northern regions. This is the coldest month, with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Which month is best to visit Kazakhstan?
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is from April to May and September to October. Although the weather swings from extremes outside of these months, it settles at this time, making the dramatic landscape even more alluring for inquisitive travellers.
Why is Kazakhstan so famous?
Kazakhstan is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse nations owing to its history, nomadic culture, and geography. It is situated between the major world religions.
Does Almaty have nightlife?
If you love to party, Almaty is the place to be! The city has something for everyone, from buzzing nightclubs to cosy bars and stylish lounges. Visiting these places is one of the top Things to do in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
What can I buy from Kazakhstan?
The best souvenirs of Kazakhstan: From Kazakh chocolate and traditional snacks to unique musical instruments, intricate jewellery, and exquisite felt products, each item tells its own story and embodies the skill and craftsmanship of the Kazakh people.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!
