Gentle walking among birch forests and lakes, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing through the long northern winter.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn for walking and water; winter for snow activities.

Is it a major destination?

No — it is a peaceful rural region, appealing for slow nature travel rather than headline adventures.

Things to do in North Kazakhstan

North Kazakhstan is quiet forest-steppe and lake country along the Ishim in the far north, greener, wetter and cooler than the rest of the country. Birch groves, reed-fringed lakes and a long snowy winter give it a distinctly northern character.

Lakes and birch forest

Lake and birch-forest walking, freshwater lake trips, and winter cross-country skiing, in northern Kazakhstan. Open the Book here tab for dates.