radar’s travel destination for 2026: Kazakhstan, land of heritage, history, and heart 

Face the new year with a new destination–one that may have never been on your list, but is actually among the easier countries to access with a Philippine passport.

If your approach to your travel habits in 2026 is “live and let live,” you may just be ready for an adventure in a land that’s not always on top of everyone’s bucket list—though it should be.

Skip the usual and extend your boundaries, because Kazakhstan has  activities and events that may not have been on your bucket list until now. Best of all, it’s a visa-free country for Filipinos for up to 14 days.

For the adventurer-at-heart who wants to start a new year with a new perspective from a new place, check out radar’s pick for travel in 2026.

The big challenge: A scary unknown

Unlike Pinoy favorites—Japan, South Korea, or even Australia—countries like Kazakhstan already have a hurdle before tourists even start looking up itineraries. According to Never Ending Footsteps, Kazakhstan, as well as other countries in the “stan” family have a reputation for danger, even if some are unfounded.

In reality, Kazakhstan is an adventure waiting to be discovered. 

The good thing is travel here is more affordable, from the transportation down to the accommodations. Their currency—the tenge—will take you far in terms of value for your money.  Food choices are also diverse, perfect for the experimental palate. And each city can be a different experience. Just take the two renowned cities Almaty and Astana. Each is a vision from a different side of the country, showing just how powerful diversity can truly be, even in one land.

The great train expedition

When it comes to more “exotic” locations, it’s easy to assume that great public transportation doesn’t exist. Kazakhstan may be a quick exception, if only for the trains that traverse its expanse.

Traveling across Kazakhstan by rail is not impossible—though some like photographer Mario Heller say, it’s not the staple travel experience for foreigners, as it can be a rare sight. But it does provide a newfound sense of adventure. The railway network is reportedly 16,000km, with many stops scattered along its tracks. 

Best of all, this expedition seems fitting for those  who want an adventure involving people. Yes, there will be sights to see outside the window of the train car. However, the experience of meeting strangers, interacting in common areas, and roving around carriages to stretch one’s legs and swap stories—these are the moments that one may encounter if you go the railway route in your travels.

Astana, a city of futuristic architecture

Even seasoned travelers still dub Astana as one of the “stranger cities” due to the unique futuristic appeal of the landscape. The capital’s architecture almost appears straight out of sci-fi movies. There are skyscrapers—the Abu Dhabi Plaza standing as the tallest building in Central Asia—and metal pyramids standing out in the city, and the silhouettes of the Baiterek, the Kazakhstan’s National Archive, and the Khazret Sultan Mosque emphasizing the futuresque skyline.

There’s already much to see without going beyond the capital—and it’s not even as big as the city of Almaty, which was the previous capital until the late 90s.

Almaty: A tale of the second known city

If the spotlight for the future is Astana, the limelight of nature and culture shines just as brightly in Almaty. As the previous capital of Kazakhstan, Almaty holds a lot of influences from the Soviet period in terms of development and design. According to Backpack Adventures, Almaty still shines proudly as a green city.

Among the natural wonders that are a day trip away from the main Almaty are the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. Going through these sights will require the entire day, but it’s going to be a day well-spent. From boating to traversing the terrain—and taking marvelous pictures, especially during the winter—you can soak in the view of Kaindy Lake, its mountain ranges, clear waters, and interesting history.

Lake Kaindy in Almaty is a beautiful site that hides a history, making it worth the day trip. Known as the Dead Lake due to trunks submerged underwater, it was formed following a landslide that created a natural dam.

In terms of architecture, it may not have  a sci-fi vibe, but there are true standouts. The Zenkov Cathedral’s yellow exterior stands in the middle of the Panfilov Park. The park itself honors heroes who gave their lives fighting the Nazis; the Panfilov memorial stands strong to this day. The Arasan Wellness Center is a sight to behold in terms of architecture with its smooth lines, but the place itself stands for health, standing as one of the largest bath houses in Asia.

While Almaty revels in nature, its transportation system isn’t any less convenient. The Almaty metro opened in 2011 after starting its construction in 1988, and it is a commuter’s dream.

A backpacker’s dream

Kazakhstan is one of the countries where packing is everything. It’s hard to wing it if you are not prepared for the climate, and even more so because of the country’s vast expanses, outdoor activities, and sites that require planning.

That said, it can still be a backpacker’s dream—if you are well-versed in this kind of traveling.

For those who want to do some backpacking, glamping may be the way to go. According to Astana Times, there are some areas that offer the experience, such as Orbita Glamping, which features dome-like tents that provide a cozy place to stay. 

In each dome, you can expect beds and sofas for small groups, complete comfort by way of heating, electricity, Wi-Fi, private toilets and amenities, and secure parking for those who are driving around. Take note that some of these glamping sites may not be  operational in certain months, especially when the fierce winter weather descends.

 

 

A trip for the ex-tourist, now-traveler side of you.

 

 

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