10 great things to do in Kazakhstan

1 See the kulan, or wild donkey, and ibex in Altyn Emel National Park, or visit one of around 20 other national parks in Kazakhstan.

2 Hit rock bottom in the lowest point of the former Soviet Unionthe Karagiye Depression — and hunt for fossils.

3 Go eagle hunting in winter.

4 Ride a horse across the steppe or through the mountains.

5 Camp in the desert and count the stars, or stay up late in the village and hear the wolves howl.

6 Be amazed by the nuclear testing that took place at the Semipalatinsk Test Site.

7 Climb the Baiterek and look out over booming Astana.

8 Get pampered at Almaty's Arasan baths.

9 Picnic on Big Almaty Lake and take in a falconry show on the way back, then go ice-skating on the world's highest skating rink, the Medeu.

10 Watch a space launch at Baikonur space center.

Transport

Kazakhstan is developing its rail network, and several high-speed trains now connect its major cities. Other trains are still slow, their speed reflected by their low prices.

Flights are more expensive, although low-cost airlines now exist in Kazakhstan: FlyArystan, SCAT and Qazaq Air.

For travelers who have the time, the train is a comfortable and budget-friendly alternative to flying. For those who don't, flying is the quickest way to get around Kazakhstan with airfields in all corners of the country.

Within cities, ride-hailing and taxi apps are available.