The UNESCO Sites in Kazakhstan have resulted from the recognition of 5 cultural and natural landmarks as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan and 14 locations on the Kazakhstan UNESCO tentative list. These touristic sites in Kazakhstan are acknowledged for their unique and valuable cultural, natural, artistic, and historic significance, and are preserved for future generations to enjoy.
In addition to these 5 sites in the Kazakhstan UNESCO list, there are many other places to travel to Kazakhstan that are being considered for UNESCO recognition. These sites, listed on the tentative list, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country and are waiting for approval to join the prestigious and famous World Heritage Sites list.
To help visitors discover these remarkable Kazakhstan tourist attractions, we have put together an interactive map of the UNESCO sites in Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan UNESCO Map
Click markers to show information and photo.
World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan
There are 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan. All of these three sites are listed under the Cultural category.
- Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
- Petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly
- Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor
- Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
- Western Tien-Shan
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kazakhstan are protected locations for their cultural and natural importance.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the city of Turkestan, Kazakhstan. The mausoleum was built in the 14th century and is considered a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. The site includes a large courtyard, a mosque, and the mausoleum itself, which is adorned with intricate tilework and calligraphy. Khoja Ahmed Yasawi was a revered Sufi leader and poet, and the mausoleum was built in his honor. The site is a significant cultural and spiritual destination, and its architecture and decorative elements showcase the rich cultural history of the region.
Petroglyphs of the Archaeological Landscape of Tanbaly
Is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kazakhstan’s Karatau Mountains. The site features thousands of well-preserved petroglyphs, or rock carvings, dating back to the Bronze Age and Iron Age. The petroglyphs depict a variety of images, including animals, hunting scenes, religious symbols, and daily life activities. The site provides an invaluable glimpse into the ancient cultures and civilizations that once inhabited the area, and it is considered one of the most important rock art sites in Central Asia.
Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang’an-Tianshan Corridor
Is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Kazakhstan. The site is a 5,000-kilometer network of routes that connected the ancient Chinese capital of Chang’an (now Xi’an) to the Tianshan Mountains, which played a crucial role in the development of trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The corridor is home to stunning natural scenery, such as the Tianshan Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert, and also features numerous historic sites, including Buddhist caves and ancient settlements. This World Heritage site is a must-visit for anyone interested in the rich history and culture of the Silk Road.
Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan
Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northern region of Kazakhstan. The site is composed of two protected areas, Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve and Naurzum State Nature Reserve, that showcase the unique steppe and lake ecosystems of the region. The site is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the Saiga antelope and Siberian white crane. The site also features a number of important cultural and historical sites, including ancient burial mounds and nomadic archaeological sites. Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kazakhstan.
Western Tien-Shan
Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Kazakhstan. The site is a mountain range that spans over 1,500 km and includes two major protected areas: Saryarka, which is a biosphere reserve, and the Western Tien-Shan, which is a nature reserve. The mountain range is home to unique flora and fauna, including many endangered species such as the snow leopard and the Central Asian lynx. The site also features a range of landscapes, including glaciers, lakes, rivers, and forests, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The Western Tien-Shan is a testament to the natural beauty and ecological importance of this region of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan UNESCO tentative list
- Turkic sanctuary of Merke
- Northern Tyan-Shan (Ile-Alatau State National Park)
- Cold winter deserts of Turan
- Abylaikit Monastery
- Cultural Landscape of Ulytau
- Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Arpauzen
- Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Eshkiolmes
- Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Kulzhabasy
- Petroglyphs within the Archaeological Landscape of Sauyskandyk
- Rocky Mosques of Mangyshlak Peninsula
- Silk Roads: Early Period (Prehistory)
- Silk Roads: Fergana-Syrdarya Corridor
- Silk Roads: Volga-Caspian Corridor
- Ustyurt: Natural Landscape and Aran Hunting Traps
Tours in Kazakhstan
Our choices of tours in Kazakhstan are divided into thematic features such as Almaty, Astana, and the Lake Kaindy Experience.
