One Of The World's Most Underrated Countries For Tourists Offers Lively Cities And Stunning Mountains

In recent years, stories about overtourism have been grabbing the headlines. From Venice to Kyoto, we hear about crowds clogging up the streets and generally making life difficult for the locals, so much so that residents in some places have begun to fight back. In Barcelona, they've resorted to spraying tourists with water guns — which is why you may want to avoid visiting at the moment — while other destinations are levying a tourist tax to help fund vital infrastructure and other aspects of the tourism sector.

Despite the fact that it may seem like so much of the world is overrun with travelers these days, it's still remarkably easy to get off the beaten path. Look no further than Kazakhstan. This massive country isn't just the biggest in Central Asia, but also has the distinction of being the largest landlocked country on Earth.

Once the butt of jokes in the movie "Borat," Kazakhstan is nothing like the backward land portrayed in that over-the-top comedy, but rather an alluring country boasting a treasure trove of outdoor attractions, including gorgeous mountains, colorful canyons, pine forests, and stunning alpine lakes. Kazakhstan is also home to modern cities filled with gleaming buildings, buzzing markets, and plenty of history, so if you're looking for an intriguing and safe destination without the crowds found elsewhere, now is the time to go.

Many travelers start by flying into Almaty, the country's largest metropolis and former capital. Surrounded by the snow-capped Tian Shan Mountains, Almaty is a hub for outdoor recreation, while also home to top-notch museums, cool old buildings, as well as pumping nightlife and a thriving arts scene. Take in the city from the ferris wheel atop Köktöbe (or Kok Tobe) — the big hill that watches over town — before losing yourself in the labyrinthian passages of the Green Bazaar. Wander Almaty's streets while admiring vivid murals in the Golden Quarter; gaze upon the design marvel of Zenkov Cathedral (also known as the Ascension Cathedral); lose yourself among history in the halls of the Central State Museum, and when you're ready to relax, soak your cares away at the Arasan baths.

Kazakhstan's capital, Astana (also known as Nur-Sultan), is a planned city that's an absolute must for fans of architecture. Its constantly growing skyline is a blend of Western, Asian, and wacky designs straight out of a science fiction novel — like the Baiterek Monument, a 344-foot tower topped with a golden egg. These sometimes surreal structures are best taken in with a stroll down the wide expanse of Nurzhol Boulevard, the city's most iconic street, and once you've worked up an appetite, duck into Saksaul, which features not just delectable grilled lamb, but also horse meat shashlik, a Kazakh delicacy.

While the cities of Kazakhstan are vibrant and vital, nature is the name of the game in this expansive nation, so it makes sense to head to the mountains once you've had your share of urban pleasures. Just four hours from Almaty are the Kolstai Lakes and Lake Kaindy — sparkling alpine bodies of water situated in the Tian Shan Mountains that are perfect for hiking and make for a great day trip. For a deeper dive into Kazakhstan's mountains, take a horse trek into Katon-Karagay National Park near the borders with Russia, China, and Mongolia. This rugged preserve in the southern Altai Mountains is famous for its breathtaking scenery and wildlife, including wolves, elk, brown bears, and the ultra-elusive snow leopard.

Even though the country is home to lofty peaks, much of Kazakhstan is made up of wide-open steppe and desert landscapes that can be best experienced in the Charyn Canyon. Made up of five different gorges, Charyn Canyon features multichromatic layers of rock eroded over 12 million years by wind, water, and sand. It is protected by the national park that bears its name. It's definitely worth spending a few days exploring this canyon complex, and it's also possible to camp in the park.

For those seeking true solitude, head out to the Ustyurt Plateau, where chalk and limestone pillars rise up in one of the planet's emptiest spots. While you're in the area, Kazakhstan's neighbor — Mongolia — is also known for its raw outdoor splendor, and here are 11 things you should know before visiting Mongolia.