reasons to visit kazakhstan

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10 Reasons to Visit Kazakhstan in 2024

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I was recently fortunate enough to visit Kazakhstan. I say fortunate as we feel forever grateful, as I loved my trip, and I could list countless reasons to visit Kazakhstan.

I can see an influx of popularity in the less-popular destinations, and when visiting here, I definitely understand why!

If you have a bucket list, I urge you to add Kazakhstan to it as soon as possible. The country was high on my list for a while, and getting here as a guest of the Nursultan Foundation was a special moment.

You can read more about the Foundation and the reasons behind the trip in my previous article . But in this guide, I want to focus on the reasons you should visit Kazakhstan .

10 Reasons to Visit Kazakhstan

Let’s discuss the main topic without any wasting any second, as I can’t wait to tell you all the reasons why you should travel to Kazakhstan.

Spoiler: It has nothing to do with Borat, and the country is much, much different than what the movie portrayed (it’s a movie, and we should treat it as such). Let’s get started!

#1 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: The People

It is often said it’s the people that make a destination. I mean I say it every time I draft an article on Intrepid Escape ! That’s because it’s true.

I’ve met a few people from Kazakhstan on my travels, I’ve always connected with them and found them very easy going and friendly. They are unassuming, and usually enormously proud of where they are from.

From the moment we landed in Turkestan, we felt the same. We were always greeted with a friendly smile by locals and guides. And even better, it wasn’t a big deal. No one was particularly bothered to see a group of tourists, we were very much left to it. That was nice.

Kazakhstan is so multicultural and inclusive. I’ll touch on religion more in a point later. But Russian and Kazakh people live together in harmony despite their past. And this culture is very much felt by visitors, and I loved it.

#2 Reason to Travel to Kazakhstan: It’s Undiscovered

Well, for a start it’s massive. The 9 th biggest country in the world and the longest border in the world (the one with Russia). The biggest landlocked country in the world. You get the gist.

For a country with some untouched natural beauty, it is really undiscovered. By this I mean from the regular traveller’s point of view. Because it really has everything; canyons, mountains, lakes, vibrant cities, history and culture. Some of those points are featured later.

This is a country you visit if you do not want to travel the typical backpacker routes or well-trodden path. And you will get more from it. You can get away from other tourists in Kazakhstan and find somewhere to yourselves.

For us that was the Charyn Canyon. Sure, we saw a few other tourists, these were mostly locals. But it didn’t take long for our tour to take us to our own spot, with no one around for miles. And it was spectacularly stunning. Most people at home commented “how is this canyon not better known?”. That’s my point.

I’ll touch on this in my summary, because if you want to visit Kazakhstan, the time is now. It will not stay this way forever.

#3 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: The Lakes

If you’ve even begun to look into things to do in Kazakhstan as a destination you’ll have immediately come across one of the lakes. And the photo below shows you exactly why.

We went to Big Almaty Lake , as impressive as any I’ve been to. It’s 2511 metres above sea level and is used for hydro-electric power as well as a water source for Almaty. You can learn about it at the Ayusai Visitor Centre, which promotes and educates on sustainable tourism.

You can even stay here in glamping tents, right in the heart of the Ile-Alatau National Park.

The best way to visit Big Almaty Lake is to join a trip from Almaty, Kazakhstan’s biggest city.

Other options are Lake Kaindy or the Kolsai Lakes. Lake Kaindy fascinated me as it was only formed in 1911 following an earthquake. Consequently, trees poke out of the water creating one of the most unique lakes in Central Asia.

Lake Kaindy and the Kolsai Lakes can be found in the Tian Shan Mountains. Kolsai Lakes are often referred to as the “Pearls of Tien Shan”. There are two main Kolsai Lakes, and they are often done as an overnight trip combining Lake Kaindy in one trip.

It’s worth noting that these lakes are very popular and it’s sometimes hard to find a day tour, and for this reason, I recommend prebooking online as soon as possible.

#4 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: The Mountains

Another fantastic example of diversity. Any city surrounded by intimidating snow-capped peaks has something special about it. This is Almaty.

Wherever you turn in Almaty you’ll see mountains in the distance. I was blown away on the flight in, staring out the window like an excited child (I advise you to request a window seat for your flight into Almaty).

One of the best parts about this is the easy access Almaty has to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. Some of my favourite cities in the world have a ski resort on their doorstep, one day I will live in a city like this. Just 20-30 mins drive from the city centre and you can get to Shymbulak.

Shymbulak is a world-famous ski resort, known for its mild temperature and long snow season. They have over 20 lifts and a cable car. I had been told it’s a bucket list ski resort by some friends from Moscow who visit every year, so it’s on the list.

However, it’s also full of adventure in summer too. From hiking and buggy riding to horse riding. Just up the road they have the highest mountainous ice rink in the world, used by athletes from all round the world to train. My kind of place.

Last but not least, if you’re into hiking, I highly recommend checking this hiking tour out, which starts from Almaty and takes you on a multiple-hour trek with experienced guides – One of the best activities!

#5 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: The Nature & Wildlife

I was astonished to find out just how much wildlife can be found in Kazakhstan. This is a real gem for anyone interested in birdlife, big cats, or safaris.

Firstly, the national animal of Kazakhstan is the Steppe Eagle, which can be seen on their flag. You can also commonly see Golden Eagles; you’ll certainly see some in captivity. Nonetheless some people consider the Snow Leopard the national symbol. These extremely rare and endangered cats are protected in Kazakhstan and have recently been spotted in the Katon-Karagai National Park.

These are not the only predators found in Kazakhstan; they also have Eurasian Brown Bear, Wolf, Lynx and Wildcats. Naturally, you are unlikely to encounter these animals on your trip unless you are specifically looking for them and travelling with a local wildlife expert.

Finally, the Altyn Emel National Park and Tien Shan mountains are well-known among birdwatchers. You’ll need to go with a specialist guide, but it’s common to see Himalayan Snowcock, Himalayan Rubythroat, Guldenstadt’s Redstart and possibly even nesting Ibisbill.

Best Tours in Kazakhstan

#6 reason to visit kazakhstan: deserts & canyons.

What fascinates me most about Kazakhstan is how diverse the landscape is. I’ve just been talking about turquoise lakes, stunning mountains and even ski resorts. Now onto deserts and canyons.

The Altyn Emel National Park and its incredible Sand Dunes are just 120km from Almaty, and the Charyn Canyon National Park is a little over 2 hours.

Altyn Emel National Park has everything from sand dunes, colourful mountains, sandstone formations and the steppes (grassy plains). It’s probably best known for the Singing Dunes, but there are also some important archaeological sites here too.

Charyn Canyon on the other hand is Central Asia’s answer to the Grand Canyon. And it should be far better known. It’s part of the Charyn Canyon National Park and sits on the Sharyn River in the Uygur District.

It can be done in a day trip from Almaty but be prepared for a long day as you’ll want to spend a lot of time exploring and taking photos. We took a 2-day trip and I highly recommend you do the same!

These kinds of landscapes make Kazakhstan worth visiting alone, without any of my other 9 reasons. They are the sort of places that 10 years from now, will be much better known and far less of a secret.

#7 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: Religion and Culture

To put it simply, Kazakhstan is one of the most multicultural places I’ve ever visited. It embraces cultures and values from around the world and is home to 126 ethnic groups.

The majority of people here are Muslim; however Kazakhstan is a secular country. It doesn’t particularly follow any strict practice when it comes to religion.

One potential reason for this is the bridge built between the local nomadic beliefs of the Central Asian countries and Islamic Faith. This was the work of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. We saw a Mausoleum built in tribute to the man himself, considered a holy man and a saint.

This bridge and the subsequent version of Islamic faith is practiced across all the nomadic nations of Central Asia. It is so refreshing to see, and it’s certainly helped in creating a peaceful and welcoming nation.

#8 Reasons to Visit Kazakhstan: History & Nomadic Culture

What an incredibly rich and often sad history Kazakhstan has. From the nomadic culture and the Old Silk Road to the former Soviet Union. I am not a historian, but sometimes I wish I was. If you are a history buff, you’ll need plenty of time to explore it.

The nomadic culture is something the people here are immensely proud of, and you can find examples of this all around. From tamed Golden Eagles (previously used for hunting), to the traditional Yurts (which you can sleep in with some homestays).  

We visited one of many museums in Turkestan which celebrated and preserved the nomadic way of life. If was a fascinating look back in time to the how the land once was. That was solidified after visiting the Otrar Hill Fort; a Medieval settlement which served as a crossroads on the Silk Road.

I didn’t get to visit myself, but 25km south of Karaganda you’ll find an important memorial to World War II; the Spassk memorial. It was the site of the KarLag camp with a mass burial of some 5000 foreign prisoners. Certain a sobering place to visit with an eerie atmosphere.

#9 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: The Food

Depending on how you see it, this could be a reason to visit or a reason not to! Personally, I wasn’t a massive fan of the food here in Kazakhstan. But I wanted to include this section so you can decide for yourself, as some people in my group loved it.

Firstly, it is a very heavy diet with a lot of meat. As someone who doesn’t each much meat (some weeks I eat none at all), I struggled with this. It wouldn’t be the best place to go as a vegetarian, and certainly not a vegan.

In addition to that, horsemeat is a local delicacy. I find that hard to fathom, as a nation that claims to have domesticated horses 6,000 years ago. Out or respect for horses and their part serving humans throughout history, many nations don’t eat them. Here in Kazakhstan, out of respect for horses they do.

However, that’s a lot to do with the type of horse that’s bred here, and the nutritional value of the horse. I started to understand it better from this article in the Guardian, however that still wouldn’t make me eat horsemeat!

Despite all this there are a lot of options on most of the menus in Kazakhstan, and Almaty has several Western restaurants. Just make sure you have your Google translate photo tool, as not all the menus are in English.

#10 Reason to Visit Kazakhstan: It’s Safe & Affordable

Yes, two categories combined into one as I couldn’t decide which. Firstly, I felt as safe as I’ve ever felt travelling around Kazakhstan, and it’s rated among the safest countries in the world. I really want to emphasise this, as many people I spoke to about Kazakhstan just didn’t know, which often leads people to assume its unsafe.

Finally, although I didn’t spend a long time in Kazakhstan from what I did see the country is very affordable. Almaty for example is a vibrant city with good transport, bars, and restaurants. And its relatively cheap place to live (it also has a ski resort on its doorstep, just saying).

In terms of how affordable, a beer typically cost around £1, you can eat out in a nice restaurant for less than a tenner and supermarket prices are pretty good. Obviously, these prices are approximate, and I am generalising a little, but for sure this is far cheaper than most European Cities.

Watch this space when it comes to guides for Almaty, as it is top of my list to go back and write more about. Please drop me a comment if this is something you would like to see.

FAQ About Kazakhstan

I hope I helped you understand why Kazakhstan is such a great place to visit. But now, let’s go a little deeper and discuss some common questions travellers have about the country.

Where is Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is a country located in Central Asia, with a small portion extending into Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south.

The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), and the largest city is Almaty, and I highly recommend visiting both.

What is Kazakhstan Famous For?

Kazakhstan is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is made of 131 ethnicities. The country’s traditions, music, dance, art, and cuisine reflect this diversity, and you’ll easily notice it when travelling.

The natural landscapes in the country are also stunning, with the Altai Mountains and vast Kazakh Steppe being some of the most popular spots.

Kazakhstan’s association with oil production is widely recognized. It is among the world’s top oil producers, contributing to its economic development.

Lastly, and that’s another element you’ll notice when visiting, horses hold a special place in Kazakh culture and heritage. Historians believe that Kazakhstan is the birthplace of horses and the first place where humans tamed and rode them – How’s that for a fact!

Is Kazakhstan Worth Visiting?

In case I didn’t make it clear enough in this article…Yes, Kazakhstan is definitely worth visiting!

Its unique blend of cultural richness, stunning natural landscapes, warm hospitality, affordability, rich history, and delicious cuisine are the perfect combination for a trip to Kazakhstan.

This underrated destination offers a multicultural experience where you can easily immerse yourself in diverse traditions and explore breathtaking sights.

Is Kazakhstan Safe?

Kazakhstan is generally considered safe and I didn’t feel unsafe at any point while visiting. Of course, like any other country or city in the world, you’ll want to keep an eye on your belongings, especially when travelling alone at night.

Is Kazakhstan Expensive?

No, Kazakhstan is pretty affordable, and many people even consider it one of the cheapest countries to travel to in the world.

To give you an idea, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant can cost around $6, while a mid-range restaurant may offer food for two people for around $26. The average daily cost for a holiday in Kazakhstan is estimated to be around $21 per day without tours.

However, needless to say, it’s important to note that costs can vary depending on your specific preferences and the region you visit within the country.

So, in summary now really is the time to visit Kazakhstan, I truly believe it will become a very well-travelled country in the next 5-10 years. If you’re planning to travel somewhere new next year and want something a bit different. I cannot recommend Kazakhstan enough.

This article was supported by the Nursultan Foundation but as always, the opinions and photos in the article are all my own, and as you can see I loved every minute of my trip to Kazakhstan!

Founder & Editor of Intrepid Escape, a huge lover of adventure, adrenaline, sport & fitness. After travelling extensively for the last 12 years, Scott started to document his travels before fulfilling an important lifelong goal by starting Intrepid Escape. He has since become a full-time Travel Writer, Videographer, Presenter and Producer.

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16 Reasons to visit Kazakhstan

This post is also available in: Dutch

Kazakhstan has much more to offer than people think. Before I went to this country, most people were quite surprised with the choice of this destination and to be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect either. I already knew that Kazakhstan is so much more than Borat (and did you know that Borat wasn’t even filmed in Kazakhstan?). During my time in Kazakhstan I realised there are plenty of reasons to visit Kazakhstan. It’s such a hospitable country, with many different religions and ethnics that all live together in harmony.  Below I share 16 reasons to visit Kazakhstan. 

Reasons to visit Kazakhstan

1. the local people are very friendly.

During my visit in Kazakhstan, I had only positive experiences with the local people and found the people in Kazakhstan to be very hospitable. The country is so multicultural with so many different religions without any issues, because the people are so accepting of others. The Russians and Kazakh people live together in harmony, no matter what happened in the past. We also felt very welcome everywhere we went.

2. It’s very easy to avoid other tourists

If you don’t like touristy places, visit Kazakhstan. It’s not a popular tourist destination at all (yet), so you don’t even have to try to avoid tourists. Kazakhstan is a huge country, so it’s perfect for those that love some solitude. It’s refreshing to visit popular tourist attraction and only encountering two other people, or sometimes even nobody else at all.

3. Kazakhstan is a very multicultural country

As already mentioned earlier, Kazakhstan is a very multicultural country with people from all around the world. It’s actually one of the most multicultural places I’ve ever been and the country is home to 126 ethnic groups . The two groups that are the biggest are Kazakh and Russian, because of the, actually rather sad, history of Kazakhstan. From 1936 to 1991 Kazakhstan used to be the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, one of the transcontinental constituent republics of the Soviet Union. In the 1930s up to 40% of the Kazakhs died of starvation or fled the country. Eventually, Kazakhstan was home to almost every ethnic group that had ever come under the Russian sphere of influence.

The Kazakh people are so accepting of others, and the country is a religiously and ethnically diverse country that embraces tolerance as a cultural value. Ukrainians, Uzbeks, Germans, Tatars, Koreans and more, most of them with their own languages and religions (the official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian).

4. The landscape in Kazakhstan is incredible

You might think that Kazakhstan is only a land of deserts and steppes. Even though this is definitely true for a big part of the country, there is more to Kazakhstan’s landscape! The amazing landscape in Kazakhstan was one of the main reasons I wanted to go there. Luckily, I wasn’t disappointed at all! Think of beautiful mountains, lakes, deserts, canyons, the endless steppe… All the unspoiled nature in Kazakhstan is incredible.

5. You can explore State National Natural Park Altyn-Emel…

Altyn-Emel National Park covers 4600 square kilometers and has a lot of interesting places to explore. It houses various unique landscapes, archeological, historical and cultural sights and rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Some of the highlights of Altyn-Emel National Park include: Aktau and Katutau hills, Terekty petroglyphs, the 31 Besshatyr burial mounds (one of the biggest groups of Scythian tombs known), Turanga forests and the famous Singing Dune. The Singing Dune hums like an aircraft when the weather is windy and dry, hence the name!

6. …And the beautiful Kolsai Lakes

Like mentioned above, Kazakhstan is really more than just deserts and the steppe. There are some incredible lakes to explore too! One is Kaindy Lake, which you can see on the featured image of this article. Close to Kaindy Lake you can find the beautiful Kolsai Lakes. The Kolsai Lakes is a system of three alpine lakes, sitting on altitudes between 1700 and 2650 meters. The lakes are incredibly clear and lie in a perfect forest, surrounded by cliffs and the hills of Northern Tien Shan Mountains with snowy caps and wooded slopes.

The three lakes are pretty much located on the same line. The first lake (pictured above) is located at an altitude of 1700 meters and to get to the second lake you have to climb higher in the mountains, as it sits on an altitude of 2500 meters. The third lake is the highest of the three, and sits on an altitude of 2700 meters high.

7. Let’s not forget Big Almaty Lake and other easy day trips from Almaty

Even if you don’t like hiking or driving for hours, you can still fully enjoy the nature in Kazakhstan. There are plenty of great day trips from Almaty. For instance, Big Almaty Lake can be reached from the Almaty city center in just 30-40 minutes by car!

The lake sits at 2500 meters above sea level in the Big Almaty Gorge. What makes this lake special is that the colour changes depending on the weather and the time of year. During our visit the lake had a deep turquoise colour, but it can also have an emerald green hue. The surrounding forest makes it even more spectacular.

Check out our two week itinerary for Kazakhstan and find more day trips from Almaty!

8. It’s a perfect destination for adventurers

Kazakhstan is a perfect destination for adventurers! Go on a road trip, explore the unspoiled nature, climb mountains and swim in lakes. Explore underground mosques and incredible mausoleums. Learn about the yurt-living nomads in the steppe or go skiing in the mountains. If you’re an adventurer that loves incredible nature and non-touristic places, Kazakhstan is the place for you…

9. Shop till you drop at Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center

If you’re into shopping, then Almaty and Astana are perfect destinations for you. I think I’ve never been to so many malls in my life! One of the most famous places to shop in Kazakhstan is Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center.

Khan Shatyr is a big, 150 meter high, transparant tent that covers 140.000 m². In the tent you can find a shopping and entertainment center with a food court, a cinema, minigolf course, a park and an indoor beach resort. Yes, there is actually a beach! The  Sky Beach  is an exclusive aqua park with sand and tropical plants. The microclimate of the beach resembles that of a natural marine climate, so summer never ends at Khan Shatyr!

Find more things to do in Astana in this article .

10. Kazakhstan is the ninth biggest country in the world…

Yes, Kazakhstan is huge! But did you know that it’s actually the 9th largest country in the world? It also used to be the second largest republic in the former Soviet Union. It’s not a surprise that the landscape in Kazakhstan is so diverse!

11. …and Kazakhstan is the richest country in Central Asia

Kazakhstan is actually the most economically developed country of the five Central Asian countries. The country has transitioned from a lower-middle-income to a upper-middle-income status in only two decades. This is mostly because of the oil that is found in the country. Mostly in the cities you’ll be surprised to see how developed and modern everything is. There are also quite a lot of expats in Almaty and Astana.

Now, of course this isn’t necessarily a reason to visit a country, but with the development comes a bit of comfort. Such as trendy restaurants and good hotels!

12. The big cities offer great ho(s)tels and restaurants

Above you can see the delicious risotto and cheesecake that we had at The Shoreditch Burger & Wok in Astana, which was sooooo good!

Because Kazakhstan is so multicultural, there are all types of food to try! During our visit we had Kazakh, Korean, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Indian food. Best of all was that it wasn’t expensive it all ;).

Astana and Almaty also offer plenty of accommodation possibilities, from hotels and hostels to airbnb.  If you haven’t used Airbnb before, use  this link  for a discount!  In the more remote towns you’ll mostly find guesthouses and the like. The hostels and guesthouses we stayed in were all comfortable and clean.

13. But you can also get local food

If you rather try out local food in Kazakhstan, this is definitely possible. More specifically, if you’re travelling in towns and places outside of the cities, you probably don’t even have a choice! When we were in guesthouses in the middle of the steppe of Kazakhstan, the hostess prepared our meals and we couldn’t exactly just pick something from a menu.

But also in the cities you can easily find restaurants with local food. Another possibility is to visit the Green Market in Almaty. This is a large, two-level traditional market. At this market you’ll finally feel like you’re in Central Asia, and you can browse around all the different products. At the various stalls you can find nuts, spices, fish and meat. But also fermented horse- and camel’s milk, or perhaps a bit more to your taste: freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

13. It’s easy to travel around Kazakhstan

It’s really easy to get around Kazakhstan, especially between the main cities. We personally travelled around by car and train in Kazakhstan . The railway in Kazakhstan is excellent and the main centers are all very well connected.

If you’re travelling by car and going to remote places, you definitely need a 4×4 wheel drive, as the roads can be rather bumpy. I recommend a driver if you’re not experienced with a 4×4 wheel drive.

14. Kazakhstan is an affordable country for budget travellers

Not only is Kazakhstan perfect for adventurers, it’s also perfect for budget travellers! Even though it’s such a big country, it’s really affordable to travel from one destination to another. There are also plenty of accommodation possibilities, such as hostels, in most cities. You can get a dorm bed for about 4-10 euros a night and a double room for about 6-12 euros. In the smaller towns there are less options, but most places that are near a tourist attraction offer guesthouses that are around 5 euros a night.

Also, eating out is really affordable. Especially if you eat local food, you barely have to spent any money: for about 3 euros you can already get a meal. If you’re a bit like me and you rather eat in a more ‘modern’ restaurant, then you’ll pay around 10-15 euros for a meal.

15. You can visit the incredible Turkistan

Turkistan in Kazakhstan is a relatively well preserved 1600-year-old city where you’ll find ancient mausoleums, archaeological sites and other fascinating human creations. It’s definitely worth a visit in Kazakhstan and it was one of the highlights of my trip.

Find out more about Turkistan in this short guide I wrote.

16. Go to the most important pilgrimage site in Kazakhstan: Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

One of the highlights of my travels in Kazakhstan was the visit to the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan. It’s Kazakhstan’s greatest architectural monument and most important pilgrimage site. The mausoleum is dedicated to the first great Turkic Muslim holy man, Kozha Akhmed Yasaui and was built by Timur in the late 14th century. Even though this building is unfinished, as Timor died before it was completed, it’s still one of the most beautiful mosaic work you’ll ever encounter.

Have I already convinced you to visit Kazakhstan?! Let us know if you have any questions or comments in the section below. 

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14 comments.

I honestly was amazed by this country. After I visited it last year all my associations with Borat (where the actor actually wasn’t kz and as you said it wasn’t EVEN FILMED in kazakhstan) were gone. I would also add that the entertainments (such as nightclubs, malls, shops, restaurants, cafés and etc) are on a very high class level. I would even dare to say they it might be so much better than in some EU countries. Overall experience was brilliant. I was expecting that the country would be quite poor and unfriendly but people here are normally wealthy and are amazingly friendly. One of the major surprises was that the literacy rate in Kazakhstan was 99.8% and it grows every year. Poems and music in the Kazakh culture are astonishing. I do recommend to visit this country, you should arrange your visits with a person who knows the places well though.

Wat een supergaaf fotogenic land zeg, had ik nooit geweten. Sla deze zeker even op. Leuk om jullie zo tegen te komen

Stunning photos! Kazakhstan has been on my radar, and I will be doing the Trans Siberian in a couple of years, so I might try to combine it in with that trip. It looks like a really incredible place.

Thank you for taking the time to introduce this awesome country. It’s refreshing to hear about another country that doesn’t make me think “again” (sorry #Bali_overdose) I would definitely be interested to visit this country’s natural wonders. Much thanks & safe travels!

I loved Kazakhstan!

Unfortunately Borat did a number on my pre(mis)conception of Kazakhstan, and it’s obvious that it warrants a closer look! The scenery looks beautiful and nice to know the locals are friendly and it’s budget friendly, at least for now.

I have always been curious about visiting Kazakhstan and your post has inspired me to look further. Well done.

Very informative!

This is exactly what i wanted to read! Kazakhstan has been climbing my chart of countries to visit. Could you tell me the approximate expenses of visiting here?

Thanks for educating us about Kazakhstan. I think most people know it from Borat, hehe. A Finnish actor actually filmed an episode there on his series going through the former Soviet countries. It seemed a very interesting place already then to me.

I’d love to visit Kazakhstan – places which are off the well-trodden trail appeal to me (social anxiety FTW), and it’s a shame that somewhere so beautiful and welcoming just gets associated with Borat! Thanks for sharing, and making the true Kazakhstan more well-known! 🙂

Perfect timing, in October I’m going to Kazakhstan. I see you have more posts about it, so I will read them all. 🙂 🙂

Kazakhstan is a great country. I was there last year and agree with all of the reasons.

What an amazing country – I have heard more and more about this recently and it really intrigues me. Thank you.

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The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024

This is the most complete and updated online guide to travel in Kazakhstan. If you find yourself fascinated by this vast, beautiful country and love unusual destinations , this travel guide will tell you everything you need to know to prepare you to visit Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan , a former Soviet republic, is a Central Asian country that extends West from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains in the East. It’s one of the few countries in the world that can still be considered an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Kazakhstan borders both Russia and China and is the 9th largest country in the world so there’s a lot for you to explore. The word Kazakhstan literally translates to ‘the Land of the Wanderers’.

From arid plains, endless steppes, and dusty desert villages where you’ll see more camels than people; to lush valleys, snow-capped mountains, and modern cities, travel in Kazakhstan will surprise you every step of the way.

This travel guide will provide you with useful and up-to-date travel information regarding Covid 19, Kazakhstan travel tips, and recommendations to visit Kazakhstan.

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Kazakhstan Travel Essentials & Resources

• 18 useful things you should know to visit Kazakhstan
• The 26 best places to visit in Kazakhstan
• 15 useful safety tips to travel in Kazakhstan
• Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel in Kazakhstan by train
• Plan your trip: Itinerary Planning for Kazakhstan
• Tours & Experiences: City Tours, Adventure Tours
• Visa: Check the required Kazakhstan travel documents!
• Getting there: Search for flights to Almaty or Nur Sultan
• Where to stay : Find a hotel, hostel, guesthouse or homestay in Kazakhstan
• Travel Insurance: Choose the best travel insurance for Kazakhzstan
• Getting around : Rent a car in Kazakhstan or travel by train

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Visit Kazakhstan in 2024 – Kazakhstan Entry Requirements

As the world regains some kind of new ‘normal’ following the global pandemic, it’s really important that you do your research on the current regulations in place regarding Covid-19.

You may be wondering, ‘is Kazakhstan open for tourism?’ and the answer would be yes. The majority of Kazakhstan travel restrictions have been lifted and international flights into and out of the country have now resumed. All commercial flights to and from Kazakhstan are operating as normal too.

1.1 Kazakhstan entry Requirements COVID

Travelers arriving in Kazakhstan no longer need to present a negative PCR test result or proof of vaccination.

Almost all Covid restrictions have been lifted in Kazakhstan, except for medical facilities where face coverings must still be worn.

Upon taking your outgoing flight from Kazakhstan, you may be screened and have your temperature taken and assessed for any coronavirus symptoms. It’s still important that you check with your airline for the latest updated travel information.

1.2 Kazakhstan vaccination requirements

It is not compulsory to get any vaccinations in order to travel to Kazakhstan. You only need proof of a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country where there’s a risk of yellow fever.

2.  Do I need a visit to travel in Kazakhstan?

2.1 kazakhstan visa requirements.

For the last few years, due to the global pandemic, Kazakhstan’s visa-free regime has been suspended. However, in 2022, it has now been reinstated. If your country is on this list , you’ll have to apply for a visa at the embassy where your residence is.

However, the embassies are willing to make an exception if you don’t have an embassy in your home country. Find out what you need to apply for a visa for Kazakhstan here .

There is a list of the countries eligible to visit Kazakhstan without a visa. If your country is on the list , you’ll get a free visa (in the form of a stamp and a registration card) on arrival at the airport or at any land border.

The Kazakhstan Tourist visa is valid for a single visit of up to 30 days, two visits of up to 30 days each within a 60-day period, or three visits of up to 30 days each within a 90-day period.

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months beyond the expiry date of your visa. Your passport should also have at least 1 blank page for your visa.

When visiting Kazakhstan, no matter if arriving in the country at the airport or at a land border, all visitors must fill in a registration card . This card will then be stamped twice at passport control upon arrival, showing that you’re registered. If you only see one stamp, make sure you ask nicely for the second one.

You must then keep this registration card with you throughout your stay in Kazakhstan. If you don’t have this card with you when you leave the country, you will have to pay a fine or even face deportation.

However, since 10 January 2020, it’s the responsibility of the host or hotel to register travelers. They have to do this within three working days from the date of the guest’s arrival in Kazakhstan and can be done on the Visa and Migration online portal or in writing to the Migration Service.

Travelers who need to obtain a Letter of Invitation (LOI) to visit Kazakhstan, must register with the Migration Police. 

2.2 Can I extend my Kazakhstan visa?

It is no longer permitted to enter and re-enter visa-free as many times as you like, indefinitely.

Now all visa-free nationalities are only allowed a maximum of 90 days within 180 days of traveling in Kazakhstan . You can still leave and re-enter the same day. A tourist visa however can not be changed or extended once issued.

2.3 What happens if I overstay my Kazakhstan Visa?

If you happen to overstay your visa whilst in Kazakhstan, you’ll need to go to the nearest OVIR station and pay $4 for an extension and a B20 exit visa valid for up to 15 days.

Extensions are usually only granted for reasons such as flight cancellations or emergency medical care.

3. When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?

Depending on what you want to do during your trip, you can visit Kazakhstan any time of the year. Kazakhstan has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers and the temperature will vary depending on the region of the country.

The period between May – October is the best time to visit Kazakhstan, especially the northern region and the southeastern region. The temperatures are not too high to go hiking and camping in places like Charyn Canyon , the Kolsai Lakes and the Tian Shan mountains around Almaty as well as in the highlands of the Altai mountain range.

If you can cope with the heat, it’s also a good period to go on a road trip or a train trip through the steppes and visit other parts of the country .

Spring and Autumn each last for about a month every year: April and October in the south, and May and September in the north.

The temperature on average can be a pleasant 20°C which is ideal for sightseeing in the steppes and visiting the cities and areas in the south of the country.

The 26 best and most beautiful places to visit in Kazakhstan

3.1 What is the hottest month in Kazakhstan?

The Summer in Kazakhstan is between late May and September and the hottest month is July. The summers in the south of the country and in the steppes can be scorching hot with temperatures known to reach 40°C (104°f).

4. Kazakhstan Travel Insurance

It’s not mandatory to have travel insurance if you are traveling to Kazakhstan. However, it’s always a good idea to have international travel insurance just in case the unforeseeable happens.

If you don’t have travel insurance yet, I highly recommend  IATI travel insurance  as it covers both medical costs and theft or the budget-friendly travel medical insurance by  SafetyWing .

The 3 best travel insurance companies compared!

5. What is the best way to get to Kazakhstan?

You can fly to Kazakhstan, enter by road via a border crossing, or by taking a cargo ship across the Caspian Sea .

5.1 Flying into Kazakhstan

There are many daily international flights to Kazakhstan.

There are the 3 main international airports in Kazakhstan: Almaty International Airport (ALA), Astana International Airport (TSE) and Shymkent International Airport (CIT). 

5.2 How to travel to Kazakhstan by road

Kazakhstan shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan , Uzbekistan , and Turkmenistan.

Are you planning to travel overland between the Central Asian countries? Then the following guides will come in handy:

• How to get from Almaty to Tashkent (Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan) by train or bus?
• How to get from Almaty to Bishkek (Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan) by bus?
• How to get from Bishkek to Almaty (Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan) by bus?

For information about the different border crossings, read this page on Caravanistan

5.3 How to travel to Kazakhstan By boat

I entered Kazakhstan by taking a cargo ship from Baku (Azerbaijan) to Aktau (port in West Kazakhstan) across the Caspian Sea.

8 things you need to know about how to cross the Caspian Sea from Baku to Aktau by ferry.

6. IS Kazakhstan a safe country to visit?

A lot of people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan because of the ‘stan’ part. But I can assure you, it’s very safe to travel in this vast country!

Kazakhstan is not a country where you’ll see a lot of violence. The majority of the locals are very helpful and hospitable and the only way you might get hurt is from a bad hangover from drinking too much vodka.

Some people are concerned about travel safety in Kazakhstan, but it’s very safe to travel in this vast country. There are the normal risks of pickpockets and petty crime, and travelers are advised to be cautious of corrupt police. They are also advised to be cautious at night in and around clubs and bars. However, Kazakhstan is generally a very friendly country and foreigners are respected.

I have walked many times on the streets in Almaty and Shymkent alone at night as a woman and not once did I feel uncomfortable or unsafe. During our road trip through the steppes , I’ve never encountered a person who wanted to harm me and my friends in any way.

There’s not as much corruption in Kazakhstan as there used to be, but if you travel around the country with your own car, the traffic police might stop you and find a reason to fine you.

How do you deal with bribes and corruption? First of all, don’t panic, get angry or be impatient. Stay calm and friendly, keep smiling and act like you have all the time in the world.

Most officials only speak Russian so even if you understand the language a bit, pretend that you don’t. If the office happens to speak English, you suddenly can’t speak English anymore.

Talk to them in a foreign language, and pretend that you have no idea what’s going on. They’ll soon realize they aren’t going to get any money from you and that you’re wasting their time and will eventually give up and let you go.

Remember: never give in and pay a bribe. If you do, you’ll encourage the offices to continue doing this. This doesn’t only affect tourism and travelers in a bad way, it also affects the local people as they become victims of bribery as well.

Is Kazakhstan Safe? 15 useful tips to travel safely in Kazakhstan

7. Money and Currency in Kazakhstan

7.1 what kind of money do they use in kazakhstan.

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT).

• Banknotes circulating in Kazakhstan: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 and 20,000 tenge.
• Coins circulating in Kazakhstan: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 tenge.

I always use the  Xe.com app  to convert and stay up-to-date with the current exchange rates. At this time of writing, the current exchange rates are:

• $1 USD = 451 KZT
• €1 Euro = 475 KZT
• £1 British Pound = 552 KZT

7.2 Which credit cards are accepted in Kazakhstan?

Visa is probably the most widely accepted credit card. However, Kazakhstan has a cash economy which means paying with a credit card can be quite difficult in many places.

Many taxis, restaurants, local tour operators, and small shops will still only take cash, not cards. It’s only been over the last few years that credit card usage has been more widely accepted. So make sure you’re prepared to bring plenty of cash with you if you’re planning a trip.

7.3 ATMs in Kazakhstan

ATMs are very easy to find in the cities but make sure to bring cash money when you visit remote villages and regions. You can use Visa, Maestro, and Mastercard to withdraw cash from ATMs in Kazakhstan.

It’s also worth noting that withdrawing small amounts of cash from ATMs can be costly due to the charges by the credit card companies and the banks handling the transactions.

7.4 Exchanging money in Kazakhstan

There are plenty of exchange offices, especially in the big cities, if you want to exchange some of your currency.

Rates are competitive as soon as you leave the airport and an important tip once you have exchanged your cash into tenge is to hold onto your small change.

Your 10, 20, 50, and 100 tenge will be really handy and useful when paying for bus tickets and snacks, larger notes won’t be accepted in small shops.

7.5 How much money do you need in Kazakhstan?

You may be wondering about how to budget for your trip and asking ‘Is it cheap to travel in Kazakhstan?’. Like most of Central Asia, travel in Kazakhstan is relatively cheap.

A good meal will cost around $3 in a local restaurant, a dorm bed in a hostel for around $7, and a train ticket around $15 every 1000km or so.

Tourism is still pretty new In Kazakhstan but with more visitors coming each year, more services are being offered which means that tours and activities are still relatively cheap.

7.6 Should you tip in Kazakhstan?

Tipping is not compulsory in Kazakhstan because a service charge is usually included in restaurant and hotel bills.

However, it is becoming a more common practice based on the growing number of tourists. Taxis and train travel have a fixed charge already included in the price.

8. Kazakhstan transportation: How to Get around Kazakhstan

8.1 does kazakhstan have good transportation.

The public transport in Kazakhstan is quite well developed. You can get around Kazakhstan by train, bus, mashrutka (min-bus), (shared) taxi, and plane.

8.2 Are there trains in Kazakhstan?

Yes, Kazakhstan has a rather good railway system. As it’s a huge country and the easiest and most comfortable way of getting around Kazakhstan is by taking a train.

Not only is it a cheap way to travel long distances, but there are also regular connections between all of the main cities and towns and you’ll meet many locals along the way.

It’s better to buy your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out during the summer and on holidays. You can book your train tickets on tickets.kz where you can select your seat/bunk bed in advance.

If you’re going on an overnight journey you will get sheets, a pillow, and a blanket. Bring enough food and drinks with you as the food prices on the train are very expensive. It’s also forbidden to drink alcohol on the train.

Kazakhstan Railway Guide: How to travel by train in Kazakhstan

8.3 Getting around Kazakhstan by bus

Buses are great for travel within cities like Almaty , Shymkent and Nur Sultan for short and quick journeys.

The average price for a bus ticket in Almaty is around 200 tenge, which you pay to the driver when you get onto the bus. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt so you can show it to the ticket inspector when he/she comes around.

Every bus has a number and it can sometimes be confusing trying to find out which one to take. You can ask your hostel or hotel which number you need to get on or you check the bus routes within cities via  maps.me  and  wikiroutes .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the number of the bus going there.

For longer journeys and travel in Kazakhstan, I would recommend taking the train for reasons regarding both cost and comfort.

8.4 Getting around Kazakhstan by minibus (marshrutka)

A marshrutka is a mini-bus that looks like a van and is a popular public transport for the locals. It’s not the fastest way to get around but it’s definitely a cultural experience.

They run on fixed routes around a city and you’ll also see many marshrutkas within smaller cities and towns. When taking a marshrutka in a city, each marshrutka has a number, and to avoid any confusement, you can either ask at your hostel or hotel which number to get on or you can download the app called Maps.me .

Just type in the name of your location and destination and the app will show you the marshrutka going there.

8.5 Getting around by (shared) taxi

Taking a shared taxi is more expensive than a bus or a marshrutka (about triple the price) but it is a much faster way to get around in a city. Sharing a taxi means that you share the car with other people and you split the costs so you pay per seat.

As it is a shared taxi, with many seats, it’s important that you tell the driver that you only wish to pay for one seat, not for the entire taxi before leaving. They leave when all of the seats have been filled. You’ll find these taxis everywhere in the cities and near bus and train stations.

You’ll often see locals waving down cars on the side of the road. The drivers that stop for them are often unofficial taxi drivers who earn a bit of extra money by giving locals a ride and charging them for the gas costs. If you want to catch a ride like this, it’s good to know in advance how much you should pay (some drivers like to charge foreigners more).

If you want to take a taxi in a city but you don’t feel confident waving down cars and/or bargaining for a good price, you can always use the Yandex Go app . This app works similar to Uber and these taxis work with a standard rate per kilometer which you can see on the app or on the meter inside the taxi. 

8.6 Domestic flights in Kazakhstan

If you don’t have much time to make a long-distance journey by train, you could always take an airplane to fly between the main cities in Kazakhstan. You can book your tickets on this website .

8.7 Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan

Hitchhiking in Kazakhstan is similar to hitchhiking in Kyrgyzstan . Although you’ll see a lot of people standing on the side of the road waving down cars as a sign that they want to get a lift, it’s standard to pay the driver for the costs of the petrol.

If you’re after getting free rides, you’ll have to explain this to your driver before you get in the car.

If you’re hitchhiking long distances in Kazakhstan, you’ll often have to travel across the steppes and desert. Make sure you bring enough water and food in case you’re stuck without a ride in the middle of nowhere!

8.7 Driving in Kazakhstan

Going on a road trip in Kaz akhstan is definitely a worthwhile adventure. It’s a brilliant way to explore this vast country at your own rhythm.

As long as you’re an experienced and confident driver, renting a car gives you the opportunity to reach far and remote places. Since many of the country’s attractions are difficult to reach on public transport, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore places off of the beaten path.

The state of the roads is generally good if you are driving along the main highways. If you want to drive across the steppes or on secondary roads, you can expect dusty tracks and countless potholes, so take care!

There are a few ‘must haves’ when hiring a car that is important to take note of before you set off on a road trip.

You’ll need an international driving license and proof that you have insurance. You will also need to have the vehicle’s ownership documents with you as most likely, you will meet traffic cops along the way.

If you are driving your own car with a foreign registration plate, you will probably be stopped a few times. As long as you haven’t broken any traffic law, you won’t be fined (see how to deal with bribes in section 6. Is Kazakhstan safe ).

You have to drive on the right side of the road in Kazakhstan and crossing a solid white line is a big no-no. Another traffic law that you should keep in mind is that your car lights must always be switched on when you’re outside of a city. Here’s a great guide with info about driving and traffic rules in Kazakhstan here.

There are several petrol stations along the way but make sure you have enough petrol in the car to drive a distance of a minimum of 300km before you come across the next petrol station. A good tip is to bring a spare jerry can for fuel if you’re planning on driving long distances.

And lastly, be aware that whilst on the road, some Kazakh drivers love to push the gas pedal and overtake other cars in the craziest ways!

Going on a road trip through Kazakhstan is definitely worthwhile as long as you’re an experienced and confident driver! You’ll be able to reach very remote places and camp under the stars!

Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty

9. Kazakhstan Tours

With more tourists choosing to travel to Kazakhstan, tourism in Kazakhstan is developing slowly.

Because of this growth in tourists, there are more tour companies now than ever before meaning that there are more scheduled tours for you to choose from.

Going on a tour is particularly interesting to get to remote destinations like Charyn Canyon , Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy , Altyn-Emel National Park , etc., as they are hard to reach by public transport.

You can search online for tours in Kazakhstan , organized by local tour companies or you can join my 10-day Best of Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour!

Join the 10-day Best of Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan Adventure and visit Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Kolsai Lakes, Lake Kaindy, Karakol, Son Kul lake, and many more! 

10. Where to stay in Kazakhstan

There are now many great accommodation options in the big cities and towns of Kazakhstan.

10.1 Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses in Kazakhstan

Hostels are the cheapest option for accommodation, starting from $5 per night for a bed in a dorm.

Most of the country’s cities now have at least 1 modern backpacker haunt, Almaty has more than 20 now. These hostels are often located in refurbished apartments in the center of town and run by young people themselves. Hostels in Kazakhstan are a good place to meet other young, budget-conscious travelers.

You can find a nice private room in a guesthouse, starting from $15 per night .

Nur-Sultan and Almaty have many great hotel options ($40-$250) for luxury and business travelers, and there are also plenty of apartment rentals ($15-$50). 

10.2 Staying in a yurt in Kazakhstan

Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan , it is difficult nowadays to experience real nomadic life in Kazakhstan.

Most Kazakhs have never even slept in a yurt themselves as there are only a few people who still spend time living in a yurt during summer, either herding camels in the Kyzylkum desert, or whilst shepherding in the Altai mountains.

If you happen to have your heart set on staying in one, it is possible through a holiday rental company or you can pay a visit to a pop-up restaurant or shop/market in a yurt but they are no longer homes for nomadic people in Kazakhstan.

10.3 Camping in Kazakhstan

There aren’t many designated camping sites in the country but wild camping in Kazakhstan is permitted anywhere.

If you can, you should definitely experience camping for at least one night in the steppes ( watch this video to get inspired ). It’s an incredibly unforgettable experience! There are so many scenic spots to spend a night under the stars.

It’s important to note that there are some dangers to watch for when it comes to camping. Bears and wolves roam in the wild in Kazakhstan and ticks are very common, especially in the mountains.

There are also some snakes, spiders, and scorpions in the dryer landscapes, and although they shouldn’t stop you from camping in Kazakhstan, it’s wise to be mindful of these creatures when traveling in Kazakhstan.

11. Kazakhstan Food and drinks

The cuisine in Kazakhstan is quite similar to the food in both Kyrgyzst an and Uzbekistan .

The majority of meals consist of beef, mutton, and chicken, either served within dumplings or on top of noodles, rice, or potatoes. However, if you happen to be feeling adventurous, you could try the canned camel or horse meat.

When eating out, food is generally served with either a soft drink or water. Kazakhs love drinking tea and most meals are followed by tea with milk, salt, sugar, and/or butter.

If you happen to be a coffee lover, instant coffee is usually your main option but coffee culture is now rapidly establishing itself nationwide.

11.1 5 Kazakh Dishes you have to try

1) what is the national dish of kazakhstan.

Beshbarmak is Kazakhstan’s national dish which is eaten daily in homes throughout the country. It is a slow-cooked dish made with boiled mutton, beef, horse or camel, and it is served with either boiled or flat dumplings or thin noodles, and onions.

This dish is usually eaten with your hands which explains its name which translates to ‘five fingers.’ Traditionally, the meat is served in small portions to make sure that the male elders can chew it without difficulty.

Pilaf , also known as plov, is a rice dish that is considered to be a sign of wealth and prosperity in Kazakhstan. The dish contains meat that’s cooked together with onions and carrots and then rice is then added and once plated, the dish is then decorated with dried fruits.

Pilaf is very commonly a centerpiece when celebrating occasions that are meant to bring success and happiness, like weddings.

Kazy is a type of sausage made from horse meat along with a mix of spices. The ancestors of modern Kazakhs, who were hunters, consumed large quantities of horsemeat.

They created kazy as they thought it was a clever way in which to preserve meat. It is considered to be an obligatory dish at weddings.

Manti are dumplings that have been stuffed with meat and then boiled are served with dried mint. If you decide to try Kazakhstani manti, be ready to say goodbye to your voice of reason as these are delicious.

Baursak is a type of soft dough made using wheat flour that has been fried in either lamb or beef fat. Different regions in Kazakhstan are known for different-sized baursak. Kazakhstanis love them so much that they celebrate a day dedicated to them called ‘Baursak Day’ every Autumn.

They are normally rounded or diamond-shaped with some recipes incorporating cottage cheese into the dough. Often served with either tea, shurpa (a traditional soup) or as an appetizer or dessert.

11.2 Is vegetarian food available in Kazakhstan?

It might be challenging for vegetarians to find some typical Kazakh dishes without meat. However, it’s not impossible and you can definitely ask for meals to be made without meat.

In cities like Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent you’ll find many small restaurants that serve vegetarian meals.

If you happen to be traveling during summer, you’ll find your dose of vitamins in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from the markets in the towns and cities.

However, when in the steppes, you won’t find many options when looking for fresh fruits and veggies so be sure to take some with you if you can.

11.3 What is the national drink of Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan’s national drink is fermented horse (mare’s) milk known as Kumys or Koumiss. A drink that’s been around for thousands of years, this bitter and sour-tasting milk drink is made with yeast cultures and mare or camel milk (known as shubat) and is believed to be medicinal.

It is slightly alcoholic and said that drinking kumys will improve your overall health, make your soul younger and your feet stronger.

Traditionally made by the nomads of Central Asia, this drink still remains important to people in both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan today.

11.4 Alcohol in Kazakhstan

Although the majority of people in Kazakhstan are Muslim, vodka is still a popular drink. Kazakhstan is the world’s seventh-biggest consumer of vodka.

It is customary that young people do not drink alcohol in front of elderly people. The legal drinking and buying age for alcoholic beverages is 21 years old.

11.5 Is tap water safe to drink in Kazakhstan?

I wouldn’t advise you to drink the tap water in Kazakhstan, especially not in small towns and villages. Buy bottles of water in the local supermarkets or better, bring a LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle .

This is a reusable bottle that filters water using a microfiltration device. When you drink water using this bottle, any dirt, bacteria, or parasites will be trapped in the fibers of the filter, while the clean water passes through.

It’s not only good for your belly and wallet, but it’s also great for the environment because you don’t have to buy any plastic bottles of water!

They are very light to carry and super useful for when you go trekking in the mountains . You can use it to drink the water from the rivers and lakes without becoming sick! Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .

12. Packing list for Kazakhstan

12.1 what should i wear in kazakhstan.

The cities in Kazakhstan are very westernized so for the majority of the time, you can wear whatever you like.

However, if you’re planning on visiting rural areas, don’t wear miniskirts, short shorts and revealing tops as most people living there are quite conservative. Also, if you are visiting religious buildings and places, such as Turkestan, wear a long skirt or trousers as well as cover your shoulders.

You should also pack appropriate clothes for the period in which you’re going to travel in Kazakhstan and the type of activities you’re planning on doing.

In winter (November – March) you should always bring warm clothes, a down jacket , a hat, a scarf, thermal underwear , warm boots and maybe a few lighter clothes for the mild days in the southern regions.

The summer (June – September) can be very hot, especially in the southern part of the country so bring light clothes.

If you’re planning on hiking and camping in the mountains around Almaty during the summer, you should also bring warm clothes as the temperature at night can still drop to 0°C.

As Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan have similar cultures and climates, you should read The Complete Packing List for Kyrgyzstan to know in detail what to wear and pack.

12.2 Travel essentials for Kazakhstan

There are a few items that I would class as essential when traveling in Kazakhstan:

• Water Filter Bottle : I highly recommend bringing a reusable bottle with a microfiltration device (see 11.5 Is it safe to drink the water in Kazakhstan?) . I use and highly recommend the  Lifestraw Water Filter Bottle .  Another way to filter water is by using a  steripen .
• Portable power bank :  you won’t always have electricity available to charge your electronic devices, especially not when you’re planning on spending time in the mountains or in the steppes. I use and recommend  Anker Power Bank   as it has a 20,000mAh cell capacity providing at least 5 full charges for my phone. I can even charge my camera batteries with it!
• International travel adaptor : the power sockets in Kazakhstan are of type C and F (the same as in Europe). The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. In case you need an adaptor, I use and recommend this  all-in-one Universal Travel Adaptor  as you can use it worldwide.
• Biodegradable toilet paper :  you’ll have to be comfortable using a squat toilet in Kazakhstan. With the exception of the guesthouses where you’ll have a western-style toilet, most toilets will be outside in the form of a separate small building with a hole in the ground. Sometimes there’s toilet paper but you should definitely bring  biodegradable toilet paper  with you. I mention biodegradable as the toilet paper disappears in the ground so we can keep it environment-friendly!
• The same goes for   biodegradable wet wipes . Some homestays don’t have showers so wet wipes are very handy if you want to refresh.
• Immodium  (or any other anti-diarrhea medicine) : a lot of the travelers eventually suffer from diarrhea at one point or another throughout their first trip to Kazakhstan. As prevention, I use  activated charcoal  (it helps your body get rid of toxins and unwanted substances, ask about it in your local pharmacy).
• a head torch 
• a good pair of walking boots
• appropriate clothing depending on the time of year and planned activities 
• a good day backpack for walking and hiking 
• sun protection (a hat/headscarf/sunscreen)
• passport and a copy of your passport and any other relevant documents
• a copy of your travel insurance policy number written down somewhere  

13. Are drones allowed in Kazakhstan?

According to KAA, drones are allowed in Kazakhstan, subject to AAK regulations .

You must register your drone and gain a license for using it whilst in Kazakhstan. If you do not get a license, you could face a fine, detention, or your drone could be confiscated .

You can get a license from the Aviation Committee in Nur-Sultan and there are certain rules you must follow when operating your drone whilst in the country.

Reading Tip: What’s in my camera bag: photography essentials and camera gear for travel photography

14. How is the internet in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is not a place to head to if you depend on the internet for work. Access to a fast-speed WiFi connection is rare and many websites have been blocked by the government.

In January 2022, there were nationwide anti-government protests in Kazakhstan. Some of these protests turned violent and in order to regain control, the government intentionally shut down the internet across the entire country for five days.

This was permitted due to a law that came into place in 2012, regarding national security in Kazakhstan. This law states that the government can disrupt communication channels for the containment of riots.

14.1 Which is the best sim card in Kazakhstan and how to get one?

The Beeline KZ card is a great SIM card to buy whilst in Kazakhstan and you can pick it up in any local shop.

It will give you enough coverage to update your Instagram feed or call your mum on What’s App and tell her that you’re doing fine.

14.2 REcommended apps for traveling in Kazakhstan

• M aps.Me : This is one of the most practical apps you could use in Kazakhstan. You can download the map of the country so you can use it offline. It gives you very accurate directions and shows you where you can find the nearest restaurants, bus stations, ATM, hotels, places with wi-fi, points of interest, etc. It also tells you the number of the marshrutka you need to take when you travel within a particular city. This is also a great app to use while hiking as it shows most of the trails.
• 2GIS :  This is very similar to Maps.Me but only works for big cities such as Almaty, Shymkent, and Astana. You can download the map of the city for offline use. This app only works in Russian but it’s the most popular and accurate navigation app in Central Asia.
• Booking.com :  You’ll need internet to use this app but it’s a great tool to find (last-minute) accommodation in the country.
• Google Translate:  Translates written and spoken Russian or Kyrgyz. Only Russian is available to download for offline usage.
• Xe currency:  very handy to check exchange rates, also works offline.
• iOverlander: Great app for when you go on a road trip. This app serves as a database of places for overlanders. It includes information about (free) camping sites, restaurants, mechanics, petrol stations, water sources,…
• Yandex Go : Great app to use if you want to take a taxi in the major cities without getting ripped off. All the Yandex taxis have a meter so you’ll always know how much to pay. It works similarly to Uber. Just enter your location and a taxi will arrive within 5 to 10 minutes.

15. Culture and etiquette in Kazakhstan

The Kazakh people are descendants of ancient Turkic nomadic tribes and used to travel along the Kazakh steppes for centuries. Their culture was very similar to the nomadic culture that we can still see in Kyrgyzstan today.

The word “Kazakh” means “a free and independent nomad” in Turkic. However, their way of life has changed dramatically over the past century.

When Kazakhstan was still a republic of the former USSR, it rapidly developed its agricultural and industrial sectors because of its massive oil and gas reserve. The majority of the Kazakh people left their nomadic lifestyle and moved to the cities to work. Unlike in its neighboring country Kyrgyzstan, it’s nowadays very difficult to experience the nomadic culture in Kazakhstan.

Many people from other USSR republics were sent to Kazakhstan to work in the industrial sector. That’s why Kazakhstan became a multinational state inhabited by 17.8 million people belonging to more than 120 nationalities !

Kazakhstan is doing economically very well, better than any other country in Central Asia and when you visit a city like Nur Sultan and Almaty, you can tell that there’s money in the country!

It’s therefore important to tell you that the people of all ethnic groups living in Kazakhstan are called Kazakhstani . Only the people of the Kazakh ethnic group are called Kazakhs and they are becoming a minority in their own land!

The Kazakh are extremely hospitable people. In ancient times, there was an unofficial law that said ‘ Meet a guest as God’s messenger’ and hospitality is seen as a type of sacred duty.

If you are invited to someone’s home, it is customary to be served tea and bread even if you have not been invited for a meal. The serving of bread is seen as a sign of respect in Kazakhstan culture. Meals tend to take a long time as they are seen as social events.

It is common to greet people with a handshake using both hands. The majority of rules and social etiquette circle around the country’s Muslim faith and nomadic traditions.

If you want to learn about the Kazakh people and their traditions, you should go on a road trip and visit the small villages in the steppes. Most people there still live and work as shepherds. But you’ll see that their culture has become a mix of Kazakh and Russian traditions.

16. What is the Religion in Kazakhstan

The vast majority of the Kazakh people are Muslims, but the Islamic religion came late to the area.

The practice of the religion differs from region to region and is in general not so strict. You won’t see many women wearing a hijab and the majority of the men won’t say no to a good shot of vodka.

17. Do people in Kazakhstan speak English?

In the cities and more tourist areas, you will find more and more people who know and understand English.

However, it’s mostly the younger generation who seem to know more, with the percentage growing since the fall of the Soviet Union.

If you want to talk to the locals, it would serve you to learn some Russian. A Russian phrasebook would definitely come in handy.

17.1 Which languages are spoken in Kazakhstan?

The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. Only 64.4% of the population speaks Kazakh while Russian is spoken by almost everyone.

You’ll notice that the people living in the Almaty region and northern areas are predominantly Russian speakers. If you want to be able to communicate with the locals, I’d suggest you learn some Russian.

l study  Russian by using the audio classes of Pimsleur . This is a great learning method to study a new language.

A phrasebook will definitely be useful. I recommend both the  Lonely Planet Central Asia Phrasebook  and  the Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook & Dictionary .  I also recommend installing the Google Translate app and downloading the Russian language pack for offline use.

18. Recommended books about Kazakhstan

I recommend the following books and guides for traveling in Kazakhstan: 

Kazakhstan Bradt Travel Guide   is one of the most comprehensive travel guide books about Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan – Culture Smart!   offers an insider’s view of Kazakhstan’s fascinating history, national traditions, various cuisines, and cultural scene.

Lonely Planet Central Asia  is ideal if you’re also planning on visiting other destinations in Central Asia

Apples Are from Kazakhstan: The Land that Disappeared is Christopher Robbins’ both hilarious and grim travelogue of his travels in Kazakhstan. He finds Eminem-worship by the shrinking Aral Sea, hears the Kazakh John Lennon play in a dusty desert town, joins nomads hunting eagles, eats boiled sheep’s head (a delicacy), and explores some of the most beautiful, unspoiled places on earth.

Dark Shadows: Inside the Secret World of Kazakhstan is a compelling portrait of Kazakhstan by journalist Joanna Lillis. This book explores how a president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, transformed himself into a potentate and the economically-struggling state he inherited at the fall of the USSR into a swaggering 21st-century monocracy.

I wish you such wonderful and fantastic adventures in Kazakhstan! If you still have questions about your upcoming journey, let me know in the comments below, or don’t hesitate to send me an email . I would love to help you plan your visit to Kazakhstan.

Related Posts

Best Tips and complete Packing List for Traveling in Central Asia in 2024 – When to go and what to wear when visiting Central Asia

The Complete Hiking Guide to Sayram Ugam National Park, one of the most beautiful Kazakhstan National Parks

19 Best Things to do in Almaty Kazakhstan  – The Complete Guide to visit Almaty City

How to visit the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy, The most beautiful lakes in Kazakhstan

Blown away by the beauty of Charyn Canyon – The Complete Travel Guide

How to get from Almaty to Bishkek by public transport in 2024: Best way to Cross the Kazakhstan – Kyrgyzstan border

More kazakhstan travel resources:.

• The Travel Guide to Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know before you go
• The 26 most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Kazakhstan
• Is it safe to travel to Kazakhstan: 15 useful safety tips
• Almaty City Guide: The 19 best things to do in Almaty
• The 5 best and most beautiful hikes in the mountains near Almaty
• Charyn Canyon Travel Guide
• Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy Travel Guide
• Sayram Ugam National Park Travel Guide
• Turkestan Travel Guide: discover the spiritual center of Kazakhstan
• Visiting the ship graveyard of the Aral Sea in Kazakhstan
• Trekking in Kazakhstan: 5-day hiking itinerary in the Northern Tian Shan Mountains
• A beginner’s guide to skiing in Shymbulak, Almaty

10 thoughts on “The Best Guide to Travel in Kazakhstan: 18 things you should know to visit Kazakhstan in 2024”

Very useful and comprehensive information

Excellent informative article…

Hi. I want to thank you for good article. I hope you liked Kazakhstan. I would like to add a few comments: You wrote, “Despite being a Muslim country …” Kazakhstan is not a Muslim country, it is a secular state. I know that many people confuse Turkic and Turkish. The word “Kazakh” means “free and independent nomad” in Turkic (non-Turkish). The Kazakh people are a descendant of the ancient Turkic nomadic tribes. Thank you!

Hello Kamshat, thank you! We really enjoy traveling in Kazakhstan 🙂 And thank you for your feedback, I’ve adjusted it in the text! Much appreciated!

Hi! Great article and very useful! Just few comments: Kazakhstan is not Muslim country, even though its true that majority of people are Muslims; Kazakhs are not becoming minority in Kazakhstan, we (Kazakhs) represent almost 70% of the Kazakhstan’s population; there are more than 3 international airports in Kazakhstan (minimum 10).

Hi Zhuldyz, thanks for your comments. I’ve re-read this article and can’t see where I wrote that Kazakhstan is a Muslim country. I mention that the majority of the people are Muslims. I’ve talked with people in Kazakhstan and read several reports on the population of Kazakhstan that tell that the Kazakh ethnic group is becoming a minority. With this I don’t mean the Kazakhstani people. And there are indeed more international airports in Kazakhstan, I’ve just mentioned that those are the 3 main ones 🙂

Cheers to that ability to share your inner-riches got a good tip. nice website I will bookmark this. I like these type of article which enhances my vocabulary keep it up ill be looking forward to your next articles.

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

25 Reasons You Need to Travel Kazakhstan ASAP

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:41 pm

The world is a big, sloppy, messy place. It’s so tempting to think that just by being generally familiar with the history and culture of a large region, that you know it.

Or that you’ll know what it will be like to see it in person. But that’s not actually the way the world works, is it? When planning my first trip to Central Asia, I thought I knew what it would be like.

Of course, I was so, so wrong. The world is so much more beautiful and complicated than my brain can process.

And that’s part of why, three weeks after leaving Central Asia to spend some much-needed downtime in my beloved Sofia , I can’t get the images of Kazakhstan out of my head.

And I’m shocked at how much of a Kazakhstan evangelist I have become in a relatively short amount of time.

But I really can say that, even though Kazakhstan was the 67th country I’ve visited overall and my 18th country this year, I want to shout from the rafters: hey, you, find a way to travel Kazakhstan right now!  Because it really is that special of a place.

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Reasons You Should Visit Kazakhstan

Here are just some of the reasons that you should be traveling to Kazakhstan as soon as you can:

Big Almaty Lake Might Be the Most Beautiful Lake in the World…And It’s Blissfully Free of Tourists

On a Monday afternoon in September, my friend and I found the lake practically empty compared to how stunning the place is. Sure, there were a few dozen local tourists walking around, and we met a lovely family from Siberia taking pictures. However, compared to how crowded this place would get if it was in Europe or North America, you’re practically alone. Imagine sitting with this view, completely unobstructed, while you breathe in the fresh mountain air (and snap a few pics sans annoying tourists ruining your shot). It might be as close to heaven on Earth as it’s possible to get.

Read:  Big Almaty Lake: 15 Pictures of Kazakhstan’s Stunning Turquoise Jewel

The Country’s Landscapes are as Stunning as they are Diverse

Charyn Canyon looks like the Grand Canyon. Lake Issyk  is a mountain lake paradise. The Tamgaly Gorge has inspired human creativity for thousands of years. Whatever kind of outdoor adventure or Eden you’re craving, Kazakhstan offers up a taste.

Read:  Tamgaly Tas: How to Visit Kazakhstan’s Buddhist Rock Art Sanctuary

From Almaty, You Can See the Mountains, but They’re Much Better Up Close

Get out of Almaty and head southeast to see the beauty of the mountains in person. Whether you take a tour, a taxi, or hitchhike out to Big Almaty Lake, give yourself some extra time to enjoy the mountains in their own right. Covered in evergreens, they simply pop up close.

Read: How to Get to Big Almaty Lake by Taxi

But It’s Not All Mountains, The Kazakh Steppe is Gorgeous in Its Own Right

As a fan of the podcast Hardcore History , I have had visions of the steppes of Central Asia stuck in my head for years. However, what I imagined was always just grasses blowing in the wind over a monotonous and never-changing landscape. Seeing the steppe in person, I realized I had been way off the mark. The steppe often gets compared to the ocean (or think of the Dothraki’s “great grass sea” in Game of Thrones ). In my mind, that meant a huge, flat expanse. Except the metaphor is more apt to the part of the ocean undulating with waves and dancing water. The steppe looks like frozen waves of earth. It’s beautiful and completely unlike anything I’d seen before.

Read:   Visiting Nomad’s Land: The Abandoned Movie Set in the Kazakhstan Steppe

And Kazakhstan has Thousands of Rivers to Explore

Kazakhstan is bursting with rivers – about seven thousand!  So while the country may be landlocked, between its sumptuous rivers, fresh mountain streams, azure lakes, and the majestic Caspian Sea, water lovers will never trouble at finding a place to play.

Read: Kazakhstan is the Largest Landlocked Country in the World & 9 More Mind-Blowing Facts about Kazakhstan

And a Simple Sunset Can Turn Any These Up to Eleven

Yes, Kazakhstan is gorgeous during the day. But it’s even better at sunset. (Or sunrise, but who wants to be up that early?)

It’s Not All Nature…Almaty is a City for City Lovers

For those who love to travel to experience what different cities around the world are like while enjoying the comfort and luxury that a cosmopolitan city has to offer, Almaty has you covered.

Almaty Architecture is a Mix of Modern Buildings with Older, Grander Ones

Architecture lovers will find a ton to love about Almaty architecture. Walking through the city, I stumbled across gorgeous buildings from Almaty’s Russian past. Ascension Cathedral, the fourth largest wooden building in the world, steals the show, although unfortunately, it was under renovations while I was there. However, I found that simply walking the streets and seeing the mix of styles and cultures was thrilling.

Visitors will be Surprised by the Trendy Almaty Nightlife

I was shocked at how many cool bars we managed to see in a week in Almaty, and I know there are tons I missed. Almaty nightlife is complete with hip bars and tons of places to party. Brits congregate at The Shakespeare Pub for a pint and a curry, Kraftwerk has an underground post-Communist vibe, and Bar Publika wins for the best (if a bit pricey) cider I had in Almaty.

Of Course, What Would Nightlife in Almaty Be without some Central Asian Swag?

While in Kazakhstan, you simply must experience the over-the-top ostentatious displays of opulence in Central Asia, lovingly referred to as Central Asian Swag. After the collapse of the USSR, the combination of new wealth, new freedom, and access to western goods for the first time caused a boom on this version of decor. Think Central Asia’s answer to Las Vegas. When done well, it makes a room sparkle. When done with less precision, it makes for a fun juxtaposition of styles that can seem odd to outsiders.

While Digital Nomads will Appreciate the ease of Working at an Almaty Cafe

While too many bars skimped on wifi, Almaty’s cafe scene made getting work done simple. Or at least I had access to solid wifi when I made myself focus. I worked out of four different coffee shops, each with great wifi, good coffee (at least by my non-coffee person standards), and relaxed atmosphere. I could also generally find a place to plug in my laptop, which is always clutch when working from a cafe.

This One Might Be Just for Me…But Almaty’s Mexican Food Scene is Solid

Having grown up in the American Southwest, there’s nothing I get more homesick about than being on the road without access to good tacos and guacamole. For weary, burrito-starved travelers, I can attest that, after trying the Tex-Mex at four different restaurants in Almaty, that the Mexican food scene here is solid. You can get good salsa, decent guacamole, tasty burrito bowls, and even some excellent fish tacos, as long as you know where to look. BurritoGo has two locations, one a Chipotle-style burrito joint and the other a sit-down cafe. While both are tasty, I preferred the cafe on Abay Ave. Confusingly the sign out front says Familia, but Google will have this as BurritoGo since they own both.

Kazakhstan’s History is Long…But Still Misunderstood by Outsiders

The originator of domesticated horses. The birthplace of the first wild apples. Home of the Scythians, one of the great enemies of ancient Rome and thought to be the model for the Amazon myths in classical Greece. The ancient people’s of Kazakhstan played an enormous and influential role in antiquity, but much of this history has been obscured by outsiders who took over Kazakhstan beginning with the Mongol invasions in the 1200s AD.

Read: Ancient Kazakhs were the Basis for the Amazons, the Female Warriors in ancient Greek Mythology & 9 more Mind-Blowing Facts about Kazakhstan

Nomadic Life in Kazakhstan is Not Just Part of Its History

While the ancient Scythians are not around anymore, many of their descendants and other Kazakhs still live a nomadic lifestyle in Central Asia. Along with Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan helps to throw the semi-annual World Nomad Games to celebrate nomadic life around the world.

Listen:   The World Nomad Games

In Kazakhstan, You’ll See Traditions like Eagle Hunting and Falconry are Alive and Well

Eagle hunting is a strong tradition in this part of the world.  Like all forms of animal tourism, seeing birds tied up for photo opportunities feels a bit sketchy, but it’s important to keep your perspective that this is part of the Kazakh way of life. If you’re interested in seeing eagle hunting and getting more than a photograph, you can still see this tradition alive in Central Asia if you  seek it out .

Kazakhstan has Many Dark Chapters in Its History…And Its Still Not Grappling with Them Well

The Great Kazakh Famine was the USSR’s answer to getting rid of the nomadic Kazakhs that they found troublesome. By forcing them to collectivize and shipping out the food they produced, the Soviets in Moscow starved over 1.5 million native Kazakhs, who became a minority within their own country. While this memorial to the victims of the famine was recently erected in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s relationship with Russia means that it has far downplayed the pain and legacy of the famine compared to Ukraine, whose famine has been memorialized to a much greater extent.

For Travelers Looking for Soviet Architecture, Look no Further than Hotel Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has many examples of Soviet architecture on display, but none are quite as distinct as the Hotel Kazakhstan, which towers above Almaty as the city’s third tallest building. Built in the 1970’s, it combines the boldness of concrete with intricate shapes and details that make it far more interesting than just a concrete slab.

Read:  Red Tourism: the Ethics and Etiquette of Visiting Communist Sites

Kazakhstan has a Long History of Religious Tolerance

During the Soviet Union, religion was illegal and the country was officially atheist. However, prior to the USSR, Kazakhs were considered a tolerant people who didn’t enforce a state religion. Today the majority of ethnic Kazakhs are Muslim, while Russian Kazakhs are mostly Russian Orthodox. Following the fall of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan instituted legally protected freedom or religion. While traveling the country, you’ll find people worshiping from different faiths as well as seeing the culture and architecture of Islam and Orthodoxy on display.

By Now, I know You Want to Visit Kazakhstan, And the Locals are Dying to Explore With You

It’s easy to travel Kazakhstan without running into too many foreigners. However, community-based based tours have helped Kazakhs explore their own history and nature faster than ever before. This means that you’ll get to meet locals, even on an organized day trip, where you’ll find that most of the other people on your trip are Kazakhs with a few foreigners sprinkled in.

While Instagram May Be a Dumpster Fire for Most, It’s Helping Kazakhstan Tourism Develop

For example, Nomad’s Land is an abandoned movie set that’s being preserved for both future movie projects and local tourism. This Instagrammer’s Paradise has encouraged more Kazakhs to travel here, as well as to see the rest of what the Tamgaly Gorge has to offer. While Instagram may be to blame for ruining this sunflower field in Canada , in Kazakhstan it’s doing some real good for tourism development.

Read:  Visiting Nomad’s Land: The Abandoned Movie Set in the Kazakhstan Steppe

Tourism isn’t As Developed as Other Central Asian Countries, So Every Trip Ends Up Being Unique

Locals on your day tours, locals in your hostel, and locals picnicking at the major tourist sites. There simply aren’t enough foreign tourists, so the local tourism infrastructure relies on Kazakhs to help pay the bills. This is a great way to meet people, but it also means that things tend to be a little less outsider friendly. Russian-only tours, extremely loose timetables, and strange quirks when trying to book or pay can make an ordinary day trip feel like an outright adventure. Take our trip to Tamgaly , where the man operating the riverboat chained smoked and occasionally refused to pick people up. Or my friend Megan’s trip to the Singing Dunes , where her bus broke down and she had to hitchhike. Being openminded and flexible with a sense of adventure goes a long way in Kazakhstan, but you get rewarded with epic (completely unplanned) sunset views, the chance to make new friends, and a good story to tell when you get home.

The People May Be Excited to See You, but the Animals are Ambivalent

Not everything about travel in Kazakhstan is sunshine and roses. I was disappointed to learn that not every cat and dog I met wanted cuddles. This one certainly didn’t.

Like Many Parts of the World, There’s a Chance You’ll Run into a Scam or Someone Demanding Bribes

Whether it’s a border guard asking for bribes at Big Almaty Lake  or a policeman shaking down a foreigner on the road, there’s the potential for bribes and scams during your Kazakhstan visit. I don’t let things like that deter me from traveling somewhere, and I ran into no problems while I was there. However, the downside of traveling off the beaten path is that the rules get a little loose. Keep your wits about you, use a taxi app instead of negotiating, keep your passport on you while at Big Almaty Lake, and use common sense. Oh, and always follow posted signs.

But You Just Might Have Such a Good Time You Walk Around with a Goofball Grin Permanently attached to Your Face

Yes, my eyes are shut from staring into the bright midday sun in this picture. But it’s hard to be in Kazakhstan and not feel happy. Even when things go horribly awry (like getting a nasty flu, having a sprained ankle that wasn’t healing, and fighting with my hostel about my room), I couldn’t help but appreciate how easy and enjoyable it was to be in Almaty and how beautiful the country was when we got outside of the city. Even when things were hard, they were easy. And it made it so easy to love the country and to just be happy to be there. Kazakhstan is a special place where the people are welcoming, the city is a great place to enjoy, and the countryside is bursting with places to explore.

Kazakhstan Will Make You Want to Come Back

The country is so large, that you know you didn’t see everything. Or even close to it. Yet it’s got so few tourists that you know that you’re valuable and the country wants you to return. Even when I left, I knew I’d already be back. In fact, I’m planning a return trip for next summer. I’ve been many places where I didn’t feel this need to return but leaving Kazakhstan felt different. As happy as I was to be home in my own bed, I know that I have unfinished business in this beautiful country.

5 Things to Pack when Traveling to Kazakhstan

• Lonely Planet Central Asia   which is available as a paper copy or in a Kindle edition.
• Your Passport  since you might be required to show it to a guard at some of the activities in border zones. While you might be tempted to leave it behind in your hotel room, you’ll want to have it handy in your day bag when headed to places like  Big Almaty Lake.
• Your  Cell Phone  and  Camera  to get that Insta Pics you know you’re dying to come back with.
• Trekking Poles   for anyone planning to do the hikes while in Kazakhstan, especially if you have knee issues.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for two years, and I happily recommend them.  It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’re going to be doing any adventure sports like horseback trekking, hiking, or traveling off-road. Even in Almaty, you’ll be happy when you’re able to replace your stuff if it’s lost or stolen.

Kazakhstan Travel Resources

Are you conducting research for a trip to Kazakhstan? You might also like:

• 10 Mind-blowing Facts about Kazakhstan to Inspire Your Next Adventure
• 10 Exhilarating Day Trips from Almaty, Kazakhstan
• Big Almaty Lake: 15 Pictures of Kazakhstan’s Stunning Turquoise Jewel
• How to Get to Big Almaty Lake by Taxi
• Tamgaly Tas: How to Visit Kazakhstan’s Enchanting Buddhist Rock Art Sanctuary
• Visiting Nomad’s Land: The Abandoned Movie Set in the Kazakhstan Steppe

Have you been to Kazakhstan or are you planning to travel Kazakhstan soon? Leave your best tips for visiting and any questions you have below!

Pin this for your trip to kazakhstan.

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Top 10 Reasons to visit Kazakhstan

By Author Christian L.

Posted on Published: June 21, 2020  - Last updated: October 2, 2021

Categories Destinations , Central Asia , Kazakhstan

Did you know that Kazakhstan – the land of wanderers is literally just 3 hours away from India through a direct flight and 6 Hours from Central Europe.

Kazakhstan is one gorgeous country; from arid plains, endless steppes to stunning lakes, canyons and snow-capped mountains, and unique cultural experience, they have it all. For years, it has escaped our prying eyes, but with ever-improving air connectivity, easier visas – the cat is out of the bag.

Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, and yet it is untouched and falls under the off the beaten path destination. Before mass tourism hits this country in a big way, take my words, add this destination to your bucket list.

After spending almost two months in Central Asia, I can tell you Kazakhstan is definitely worth visiting.

Here are my 10 reasons why Kazakhstan should be on your travel bucket list.

The landscape in Kazakhstan is incredible.

The landscape in Kazakhstan is strikingly diverse. At one point, the humongous Tian Shan mountains will be looming over you with its snowcapped peaks glittering in the distance, and suddenly within a few hours, you will be driving through the endless desert steppe while spotting a sand dune in the middle of the Atyen Emel national park.

Only in Kazakhstan you will find such huge landscape contrasts from glacier lakes to desserts to canyons. The sheer diversity of landscapes you can encounter in Kazakhstan is simply mind-boggling.

How about Skiing right in the middle of the city?

Shymbulak Ski Resort (shymbulak.com) is a short 30-minute drive from Almaty city Centre, making it ideal for a quick ski session. It’s the most advanced ski resort in Central Asia. The ski season begins in December and runs till April. It also encompasses a Soviet-era ice skating rink just a stop away from Shymbulak. In summer, the area becomes a hiker’s paradise.

Arizona in Almaty?

Kazakhstan has its own enormous canyon, and it is no less than the Grand Canyon itself. After driving for 3 hours from Almaty through endless Kazakh steppes, you will reach the Charyn Canyon.

For more than 12 million years, wind, water and sand sculpted Charyn’s red sandstone to form unique shapes and shades that vary from deep orange to light brown. It’s quite a sight standing on the top and looking at the canyon.

The unreal Lake Kaindy

Kaindy lake is an Instagram worthy place. It is a lake that I have never seen before; it is so strikingly unique with glass tree trunks sticking out of the water, which lends it such an ethereal and magical look. It is also one of the best places to visit in Kazakhstan.

Lake Kaindy, which lies a sunken forest which was created by an earthquake in 1911, which triggered a landslide that broke the natural dam surrounding a spruce tree forest. The water submerged the forest and formed a magical looking lake.

Explore the world’s most beautiful Alpine Lakes

Kolsai Lakes is a system of three lakes (some say there exists a fourth lake too). The first lake is pretty easy to reach. The second lake requires some hours of hiking to be done. The third and fourth lake is close to the Kyrgyzstan border and currently closed as cross border hiking is not permitted.

Let’s not forget the big Almaty lake. This lake, for sure, will blow your mind with its different shades of colour, ranging from blue to turquoise. Look at that colour. I have never seen anything like that.

Singing sand dunes

You might be wondering; we were talking about snowcapped mountains and glacier lakes a few minutes back, and suddenly from where sand dunes came into the picture. Exactly why I mentioned earlier, the landscapes around Kazakhstan will blow your mind; they are so diverse!

Driving around endless Kazakh steppes, out of nowhere, you suddenly spot a crescent-lined pyramid – The singing sand dunes of Altyn Emel national park. A sand mountain that rumbles but never moves.

Experience the Kazakh nomadic culture

Kazakhstan has an incredibly vibrant culture. With modernization, barely any Kazakhs live in yurts nowadays, but people do choose to migrate to the mountains in summer.

But if you travel beyond the cities, you will feel as if you have travelled back in time and see people still living the nomadic way. With the most accessible nomadic life, endless high-altitude alpine lakes to dreamy meadows filled, breathtaking 7,000-meter peaks, and huge landscape contrasts, Kazakhstan is home to some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.

The nomads live in a yurt which is a movable round tent comprised of a wooden frame covered over with animal skin or felt. It’s incredible how it has been used for centuries by nomads, but the design has remained mostly unchanged throughout time!

Visit the Birthplace of Apples

Kazakhstan’s former capital Almaty comes from the Kazakh name ‘Alma-Ata’, which means ‘father of apples’. It is believed that the Almaty region is the birthplace of the first apple on earth. According to a legend, the Garden of Eden was located somewhere in the city and the place where Adam picked the forbidden fruit.

Fascinating local fare

If you’re a big meat-eater, you’ll love Kazakh cuisine. Much of their culinary traditions revolve around meat, especially horse meat.

You can give a try to beshbarmak, which is also considered the national food of Kazakhstan. It’s basically boiled horse or mutton meat served with a pasta sheet and broth called sorpa. Are you feeling a bit adventurous? Try their national drink—fermented horse milk, also Kazakhstan’s national drink.

Experience a slice of the Silk road in Turkestan

Amongst the many jewel cities of the ancient Silk Road, Turkestan in Kazakhstan will give you a good sense of what the glory days of the Silk Road in Kazakhstan were like. Kazakhstan’s highest contribution to the Silk Road trade was

Fur. And if you want to experience more of the silk road, just take a train from Almaty to Tashkent and enter Uzbekistan . Uzbekistan lies at the core of the ancient silk road, it a country which is home to the three most important silk Road cities, Samarkand , Bukhara , and Khiva .

Now, if you have made up your mind to visit this stunning country, check out this Kazakhstan Travel Guide to help you plan your tour.

“This guest post was written by Shilpa Shashidhar from TenderfootTraveller . Shilpa works a 9 to 6 job so that she can indulge in her vice – travelling. Currently, based in Bangalore, India, with an eye on the rest of the world. More often than not, she microblogs on Instagram sharing her travel pictures, experiences, and journeys.

She works in the space of Diversity & Inclusion by the day, and crafting travel plans and writing travel stories by the night, loving both jobs and never wanting to give either of them up.”

Monday 22nd of June 2020

Kazakhstan looks like such a varied country. I never heard of Charyn Canyon. Definitely on my to-visit list. Thanks for sharing.

Never travel without TRAVEL INSURANCE!  I use, and recommend, SafetyWing

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New Year, New Adventures: 7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kazakhstan in 2024

• Last Updated: April 4, 2024
• Asia , Destinations , Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, a land of vast steppes, awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique blend of untouched natural beauty and gleaming modernity.

Nestled at the heart of Central Asia, this diverse and intriguing country is a captivating destination to explore. I recently visited Kazakhstan and was blown away by the soaring peaks of the Tian Shan and the endless expanses of the Kazakh steppe.

7 Reasons Why You Should Visit Kazakhstan in 2024

As the world’s ninth-largest country, Kazakhstan is a true hidden gem offering a diverse mosaic of ancient traditions, nomadic cultures, futuristic cities, warm hospitality, and spectacular landscapes.

If you love exploring places that are a little off the beaten track , Kazakhstan should be firmly on your list for 2024. Here’s why:

1. Vast and Varied Natural Landscapes

Kazakhstan is a nature lover’s dream.

You can hike through the majestic Altai and Tien Shan Mountains, explore the dramatic landscapes of Charyn Canyon , or relax on the serene shores of the Kolsay Lakes.

If you want to get even further off the beaten track, there are many remote and untouched regions like Altyn-Emel National Park, with its mysterious singing dunes. Or, venture into the epic vastness of the Kazakh steppe.

Kazakhstan’s natural beauty is truly a sight to behold. And best of all, you often have these amazing places entirely to yourself.

2. Rich and Diverse Cultures

The influences of Russian, Turkic, Persian, and other Central Asian cultures have shaped Kazakhstan’s unique culture over the centuries. The country’s history is a tapestry of conquerors, explorers, and great civilizations.

Kazakhstan’s history is especially steeped in nomadic culture, and it’s a heritage that is still celebrated and cherished today.

Discover the ancient art of falconry, watch traditional horse games like kokpar , stay in a yurt with a family of nomads, or learn about traditional nomadic crafts like felt-making and embroidery.

Kazakhstan’s heritage is fascinating and beautifully preserved. Delving into its cultural tapestry is an enchanting journey that will entice any curious traveller.

3. Modern Cities with a Twist

Nur Sultan (formerly Astana), the capital, is an intriguing fusion of contemporary design and traditional elements, with its futuristic skyscrapers and structures like the Bayterek Tower.

Almaty, the former capital (and my favourite city in Kazakhstan), is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city surrounded by towering mountains. With great food and loads of quirky corners, it’s the perfect starting point for your Kazakh adventure.

And beyond these modern metropolises, there’s still plenty to discover in smaller cities like Shymkent and Aqtobe, each with its own unique charm and character.

4. Tasty and Unique Cuisine

Bursting with rich and diverse influences, Kazakh cuisine combines elements from Central Asia, Russia, and the Middle East.

Sample hearty dishes like beshbarmak (boiled meat and noodles), shashlyk (grilled skewered meat), manti (Kazakh dumplings) or plov (rice cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables).

Kazakhstan’s cuisine is a reflection of its diverse cultural heritage, and no visit to the country would be complete without indulging in these delicious dishes.

Adventurous gastronomers also shouldn’t miss out on trying the national drink – kumis – a beverage made from fermented mare’s milk. (Yes, it tastes as strange as it sounds.)

And for those with a sweet tooth, savour traditional desserts like baursaki (fried dough balls) and chak-chak (honey and almond cake).

5. Outdoor Adventures

Kazakhstan is a paradise for adventurers, thrill-seekers, and lovers of the great outdoors.

Explore its vast uncharted landscapes, paraglide or trek in the breathtaking Tian Shan mountains, camp in fairytale valleys, hit the powdery ski slopes of Shymbulak, or ride horses through the endless steppe.

And for those who prefer something a little more relaxing, there are many opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and even stargazing in Kazakhstan’s vast nature reserves.

With so much to see and do, you’re spoilt for choice in this land of awe-inspiring beauty.

6. Historical and Archaeological Sites

Step back in time and visit Kazakhstan’s ancient ruins, fortresses, and archaeological sites.

Explore the beautiful historic mosques and UNESCO-listed Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan. Visit Otrar, the remains of an ancient Silk Road city.

Or wander through the breathtaking valley of Tamgaly-Tas, with its petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age.

Kazakhstan’s rich history is full of fascinating stories and secrets just waiting to be discovered.

7. Festivals and Events

Kazakhstan’s diversity is celebrated through various festivals and events throughout the year. These are perfect opportunities to immerse yourself in the country’s unique culture.

From traditional celebrations steeped in age-old customs to modern showcases of artistic prowess, there’s always something interesting happening in this Central Asian gem.

Experience the vibrant colours and mesmerizing pageantry of Nauryz. This spring festival celebrates renewal and unity. The streets come alive with parades of music and dance, outdoor concerts, and mouthwatering feasts.

Or witness traditional music and performances at the Almaty Silk Road Festival, a celebration of the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Final Thoughts

The allure of Kazakhstan lies in its ability to surprise and captivate, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience that’s rich in history and natural wonders.

Kazakhstan is a destination that beckons the curious and rewards the adventurous. If you want to explore somewhere totally different from the typical, well-trodden tourist routes, then Kazakhstan is the place for you.

Additional Information on Visiting Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan travel tips:.

• Kazakhstan is a safe destination to visit, but it’s wise to exercise the usual precautions, especially in crowded areas.
• The official language is Kazakh , but Russian is also widely spoken. English is spoken by some young people and professionals, especially in urban areas.
• Kazakhstan’s vastness can make internal travel a bit challenging, so plan your transportation in advance.

Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan:

• Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
• Summer (July to August) is perfect for exploring the beautiful mountains and enjoying various festivals.
• Winter (December to February) is ideal for skiing and experiencing the unique winter landscapes of Kazakhstan. Be warned though, it can get extremely cold!

Top Destinations to Visit:

• Almaty: Discover the cultural heart of Kazakhstan with its modern amenities and stunning mountain backdrop.
• Astana (Nur-Sultan): Explore the futuristic capital city with its unique architecture and cultural attractions.
• Charyn Canyon: Hike through the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia” and marvel at its unique rock formations.
• Altyn Emel National Park: A vast and otherworldly landscape of bizarre rock formations and singing dunes.
• Altai Mountains: Embark on an adventure in this remote region known for its pristine nature and nomadic culture.
• Turkestan: A historic Silk Road city with beautiful medieval mausoleums and a bustling bazaar.

Alex Tiffany

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• HeyMondo – the best value travel insurance provider on the market. They cover virtually every country in the world, they have an easy-to-use app , and their policies are straightforward and upfront , with minimal (often no) deductibles and excesses.
• SafetyWing – if you’re a digital nomad like me, it’s essential that you have suitable insurance. It’s super flexible  and affordable , you can sign up for as little or as long as you want, and can activate and deactivate it whenever you need to.
• World Nomads – for  adventurous travellers , covers 200+ activities that many other insurers won’t, such as  skydiving, heli-skiing,  rock climbing, rafting, scuba diving, cliff jumping, and kiteboarding (not available for residents of every country – check here ).

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10 reasons to visit Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a country in Central Asia bordering Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. It ranks 4th largest on the Eurasian continent and attracts tourists from all over the world with its diverse landscape: sandy deserts, endless steppes, majestic canyons and modern cities.

Since Kazakhstan has nomadic roots, many attributes of nomadic life, as well as customs and traditions, have survived to this day, which invariably attracts tourists from all countries.

So, let’s look at the main 10 reasons why it is worth visiting Kazakhstan .

1. Petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tash

Tamgaly Tas is located 120 km north of Almaty , near the Ili River and considered one of the favorite places for tourists and rock climbers.

This place is known as written rocks, as there are many stones and rocks on which many petroglyphs are carved with Buddhist inscriptions or images of mystical divine beings. The most famous are the images of Buddha Shakyamuni, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Compassion.

According to some researchers, the inscriptions on the stones were left by the Kalmyks and were used for more than three centuries by the Mongols , who carved Buddha images on the rock. Another group of scientists considers Tamgaly Tas to be a Buddhist temple for prayers and meditations.

2.Lake Balkhash

Lake Balkhash is located in the basin of the Alakol River in southeastern Kazakhstan and is the 14th largest lake in the world. The lake is considered unique because the composition of the water in the lake is noticeably different, if in the eastern part it is brackish, then in the western part the water is almost fresh.

Despite the various chemical characteristics of the water, there are about 20 species of fish, about 60 species of rare plants and more than 120 species of birds.

Medeo is an outdoor skating rink located in the middle of the majestic mountains on the southeastern part of Almaty.

It is located at an altitude of 1690 meters and considered the world’s largest alpine ice rink. To cover its area of 10 thousand square meters with ice, a sophisticated system of freezing and irrigation is used to ensure the ice of high quality. The construction of the ice rink was carried out from 1949 to 1951. The complex was intended to prepare athletes for competitions in mountainous areas. In 1974, Medeo hosted the European Speed Skating Championships.

4.Charyn canyon

The Charyn Canyon is located along the Charyn River in Kazakhstan, 200 km east of the city of Almaty. The length of the canyon is about 90 kilometers. It is part of the Charyn National Park in the Almaty region.

The canyon is famous for its impressive colorful rock formations of various shapes and sizes, reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in America. This is a unique natural object with rocks in the form of chapels, towers, animals, which were formed under the influence of weathering of sedimentary rocks.

5.Kaindy Lake

Kaindy Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kazakhstan. This lake was formed as a result of an earthquake in 1911. After the flood in the valley, the spruce growing there remained in the water.

Kaindy is located at an altitude of 1667 meters above sea level in the Kungei Alatau gorge in the south of the country. Its length reaches 400 meters, and its depth is about 30 meters. The lake is surrounded by dense coniferous forest and rocky mountains. Trees rising directly from the water make this lake unique.

From the Kazakh language, the lake is translated as “teeming with birches”. Kaindy got its name due to a birch grove located near the lake.

6.Baikonur cosmodrome

The legendary Baikonur cosmodrome is located in the Kyzylorda region in the south of Kazakhstan.

The cosmodrome is the world’s first and largest operational space complex. It was built in the desert steppe of Baikonur near the Tyuratam railway station. Currently, the cosmodrome has been leased to Russia by the Government of Kazakhstan until 2050. Baikonur is managed by the State Corporation Roscosmos.

Kok-Tobe is a famous mountain located near Almaty at an altitude of 1130 meters above sea level. At the top of Kok-Tobe there is a popular recreation area. This is one of the favorite places for locals and tourists.

In 1978, on the slope of Kok-Tobe , the construction of a new Almaty TV tower began, providing coverage for the whole of Kazakhstan.

You can climb the mountain by cable car, built in 1967. In a 6-minute ride on a cable car 1127 meters long, you can admire the beautiful panoramic views of Almaty .

8.Nur Astana Mosque

Nur Astana Mosque is a relatively new mosque built in 2005. Nur Astana is the second largest mosque in Central Asia after the Khazret Sultan mosque.  The total area of this grandiose structure is more than 3,900 square meters. This grand mosque is designed for 5,000 people to visit at the same time and there is also a balcony designed for 2,000 women.

Even 65 years ago, the Aral Lake was considered the fourth largest in the world and was a favorite place for many locals and tourists. Many species of fish were found here and ships sailed, large cargo transportation took place between the ports of Aralsk, located in Kazakhstan, and Muynak in Uzbekistan.

But in the 60s, as a result of the excessive use of water for irrigation of fields, the Aral Lake began to dry up quickly, which led to the breakup into two independent reservoirs.

Nowadays, the drying lake, the sandy-salty desert and the sunken ships of the Aral Sea resemble a plot from a movie.

Ak Meshit Cave is one of the largest caves in Central Asia and is considered a sacred place.

It is located in the Karatau mountains in the vicinity of the village of Kenestobe in the Turkestan region. The name Ak Meshit in Kazakh means “White Mosque” .

Ak meshit cave is 150 meters long, 65 meters wide and about 25 meters high. The temperature in the cave, regardless of the season, always fluctuates between 18-20 degrees.

The mulberry trees growing in the cave give the impression that you are in a forest.

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Why Kazakhstan is the BEST country you have ever visited?

10 reasons to visit .

About Kazakhstan Planning a trip to Kazakhstan? Look no further than this comprehensive guide to the world’s ninth largest country.

From the ultra-modern capital  Nur Sultan (formerely known as Astana), to alpine Almaty, desert Aral and the Caspian resort of Aktau, there is enough to keep avid adventurers occupied for some time.

As well as being a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Kazakhstan offers plenty for those searching out more interesting destinations. The country is home to the Baikonour Cosmodrome where manned space missions start off, a former soviet nuclear testing site at Semipatalisnk, and the gulag complex at Karaganda. 

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in the land of Great Steppe and nomads? You've probably read about this place in books or seen it in historical movies but never thought of visiting it.

Welcome to kazakhstan - a land of picturesque landscapes, friendly people and delicious halal food not to mention that it's really budget-friendly too. there's just so much the world's largest landlocked country has got to offer. ready to explore.

Why Kazakhstan is  more Attractive than Any Other Country You’ve Ever Visited?

1. VIZA-FREE REGIME

You don’t want to lose your precious time collecting boring documents, right? So don’t! Since 2017 Kazakhstan introduced visa-free regime for 48 countries! US, UK, most of Europe, Japan, New Zealand – just to name few! Check your country status at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in your place.

2. PEACEFUL PEOPLE & SAFE COUNTRY FOR TRAVEL

Now has never been a better time to visit Kazakhstan. With Lonely Planet declaring Central Asia its top region for 2020, this can only be a positive endorsement of what a great time it is to discover this unique former soviet republic.

With the tackling of corruption, improved road and rail safety and a welcoming population keen to show off their beautiful country, now has never been a safer time to visit Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is safe even for solo travellers.

In general today Kazakhstan is quite safe country. Fortunately big wars and conflicts for last many years passed by this country. On other hand Kazakh people most of its history spent in endless wars and conflicts. People here know what is grief and trouble. Local people as any people of East are very patient; therefore they prefer to resolve disputes by peaceful means. Hard life in the steppe has taught our people to appreciate peace and quiet. Of course in modern times because of urbanization and globalization people are losing their roots and traditions. Everything becomes the same. National traits and characters which distinguish people are erased. Unfortunately life around the world becomes gray and monotonous. But here in this steppe life in this regard has not yet changed much. I think this is very good.  

3. EASY TO FLY TO

Almaty and Nur Sultan International Airports is one of the largest in the country and almost all big air companies (such as Lufthansa, Air Astana, Turkish Airlines, Emirates and others) frequently do flights from Frankfurt, Istanbul, Dubai and other big cities. This makes Almaty perfect Silk Road gateway!

Are you suffering from jetlag? No surprise, long flights are draining the power and stealing first day of long awaited trip. Luckily you are in a right place! Why not to spend first day on a laziest mode possible strolling from one wonderful café to another even more wonderful one. Café culture in Almaty is all about enjoying life on the summer patios with leisurely talks over good tea/coffee or nice shisha. Or if you are hungry enough for more serious meals – welcome to the numerous restaurants with national cuisine! However ‘laid-back vibe’ is not only about food, right? How about some SPA-procedures? Try, for example, legendary Soviet sauna house Arasan or open-air resort located high in Tian-Shan mountains not far from Big Almaty Lake! All kinds of sauna, massages, peelings, nourishing masks – devote this day only for yourself!

4. KAZAKH HOSPITALITY

Probably it is a well known fact in the world that Kazakhs are very hospitable people. It is in their blood. This is their national tradition. Kazakhs say that every guest in the steppe is a guest of God. If you accept the guests badly it means you anger the Lord. Moreover Kazakhs believe in patron saint Kydyr (Hizr) Ata. If you meet him, you will have happiness for all your life. Kazakhs even believe that this saint came to you in a dream brings luck. But the saint comes in various images of a child, old person or beggar. Nobody knows when and in what image you will meet the saint. Therefore people welcome guests as if they accept very dear people, hoping that any meeting with the guests could bring a long-awaited happiness. Today also we respect the laws of hospitality.

So, when the guests are coming, especially from afar, people in Kazakhstan accept them very warmly. If you are invited do not refuse you can offend people. When Kazakhs wait the guests in their houses whole family is preparing. When they set the table, they put the most delicious food. They do not save money for food, it is moveton. People put on the most beautiful and expensive clothes to look nice. In old times, when Kazakhs lived in the steppe any traveler could stay in their house and ask for rest and bed. It was great sin to refuse. Any home owner accepted the guests with pleasure. First hospitable owner should without many words feed and water the guest to provide the necessary rest and only then could ask him who he was and where he kept his way. Only after these procedures the owner of the house could devote himself with all his heart to endless and delightful conversations and stories with traveler. Kazakhs have been always good storytellers and not bad listeners. Kazakh people have always had beautiful and fascinating tales. I think many folk tales appeared from such conversations and talks with the guests. Read Kazakh fairy tales and you will understand soul of Kazakh people.   

5. HUGE COUNTRY

Our country is great in terms of areas and distances. It is in fact the 9th largest country in the world. We got a huge country from our ancestors. But the population in terms of quantity, it is fact of the history, is small relatively to the territory. Population of Kazakhstan according to official figures is only about 17 million. It's a small, if we compare this figure with the size of the country. Approximately half of population is living already in the cities. Still a lot of people live in rural areas or in small towns. Life here, for various reasons, is not so easy. Today life in the village and small provincial town is far from comfort and benefits of so-called civilization. In contrast to life in the big cities and major centers. Today, therefore, people welcome the guests in different ways. I think, people are more cordial, hospitable in the villages and small towns. Lifestyle here is not so crazy and fast as in the large cities. People here are still closer to mother Nature. So if you want to know real Kazakh hospitality you need to go to Kazakh hinterland. However in the big cities there are small islands where people are respecting the laws of hospitality.

6. KAZAKH CELEBRATIONS

A special theme is Kazakh celebrations. Kazakhs call it in Kazakh language "Toiy," i.e. banquet or wedding. The word is ancient and has also other meaning "to get enough”, “to eat a lot”, “to be filled.” For example, Kazakhs after good lunch are saying in Kazakh: “I am full”, i.e. "I am well fed." By the way English word "Toy" (plaything) has very similar sound and meaning as Kazakh word “Toiy” (wedding). Do you feel what connections are formed?

In old times the Toiys (festivals) in Kazakh steppe differed from today. Rich people organized big Toyis, which divided into two parts: festivities and merry-making themselves. Thousands of people were invited, the guests came from afar. Kazakh epic has even stable expression "thirty days to spend merrymaking, forty days to hold a feast". That old good times Kazakhs thirty days spent in games and entertainments including horse racing, archery, wrestling and other folk games. Any person, any common person could participate. The festivities themselves lasted forty days. Nowadays Kazakhs love holidays, love to celebrate any events. Sometimes tourists who come to our country think that people of this country only celebrate and spend the holidays.  

7. MESMERIZING NATURE AND PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES

Did you know that Kazakhstan is the ninth biggest country in the world by land? It has everything you can ever imagine - surreal landscapes like vast steppes, breathtaking mountains, deserts, magnificent lakes, canyons and more. There are more than 100 protected nature sites in Kazakhstan. With some of the world's best-kept secrets, Kazakhstan is truly a nature lover's dream come true.

One of the best places to start your exploration of nature is the Ile-Alatau National Park made up of lakes, waterfalls and glaciers  The Big Almaty Lake is one sight not to be missed here - it's known for its stunning blue-green waters. Lake Issyk and the Turgen Gorge are also breathtaking spots here! Another great area to explore is the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy (FLOODED FOREST). Lake Kaindy is home to one of the world's few submerged forests. Seeing the trunks of the trees rise above the lake is a very surreal sight. Canyons in Kazakhstan? Located around a 3h-drive from Kazakhstan's biggest city, Almaty, there are 5 different canyons here and you'll find sandstone in different shades of colours from deep orange to light brown. The Valley of the Castles is a great place to start if it's your first time here! Great Plateau Ustyurt has long been attracting travelers from all over the world. It attracts awesome types that resemble moon landscapes. This unique beauty of the place will allow you to transfer if to another world. With a good imagination of man can imagine any picture. Traveling on the plateau, you can see a rare phenomenon, such as perfectly round stone balls, salt lake and other beauty. Visit once Ustyurt, forever will remain the memories of this wonderful trip.

8. MAGNIFICENT CITIES

Besides nature, Kazakhstan also boasts of impressive cities, both modern and ancient ones. Almaty is the country's largest city and former capital. It's one of the financial and cultural centres of Central Asia. Almaty is surrounded by the great Tien Shan mountains, so the skyline is really marvellous. Being the biggest city, most travellers make Almaty their starting point.

Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), only rose up after it became the capital of Kazakhstan in 1997. It's a planned capital city, much like Canberra, Australia and Washington D.C. The city was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa and there are many futuristic buildings. The Bayterek Tower is one of the icons of the city and a must-visit!

Kazakhstan is also home to the ancient city of Turkestan, an important commercial centre along the Silk Road. Most of Kazakhstan's history can be found in Turkestan as it was for many years, the seat of the Kazakh khanate. One of the places to visit here is the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, one of the highly respected Sufi masters. The Hilvet Semi-Underground Mosque is also an impressive sight. Turkestan and the nearby town of Taraz hold many important mausoleums and historical landmarks of ancient Kazakhstan.

9. NOMADIC LIFESTYLE

Kazakhstan is known for the nomadic lifestyle of its ancestors, and today you can still experience what it was like to live like the nomads!

The nomads live in a yurt (called kiyz in Kazakh or yurta in Russian) which is a movable (and collapsible) round tent comprised of a wooden frame covered over with skin or felt. It's amazing how it has been used for centuries by nomads but the design has remained largely unchanged throughout time!

There are some companies in the city that provide yurt tours so you can experience what it's like to live like a nomad. Do check here if you're interested.

10.  TRADITIONAL CUISINE OF CENTRAL ASIA

Last but not least is Kazakh cuisine! Because of the cold winter season, vegetarianism is rarely practiced in our country so you'll most likely see a wide range of meat (mutton or horse) and dairy dishes. Most of Kazakh cuisine has unique flavours of Asian and European influences, and you’ll definitely be greeted with mouthwatering meals.

One of the must-try dishes is Beshbarmak, usually considered a main course. Beshbarmak means "five fingers" because the nomads traditionally eat it using their hands. Horse or lamb meat is boiled and then mixed with noodles and seasoned with herbs. Before savouring Beshbarmak, you'll be served the shorpo (mutton broth). 

Other dishes that are popular are laghman (pulled noodles with beef and tomatoes in beef broth), manti (like dumplings, usually filled with lamb or beef in black pepper) and little munchies like baursak (fried dough, like donuts). The Kazakhs also have a culture of drinking tea and yogurt drinks together with our meals.

Now that I've introduced to you all the wonders of my beautiful country Kazakhstan, what next? Time to mark a date in your calendar and book your flight!

INSPIRATION

10 reasons why should to visit almaty city in kazakhstan.

ALMATY is a perfect destination for adventurers! Go on a road trip, explore the unspoiled nature, climb mountains and swim in lakes. Explore underground mosques and incredible mausoleums.

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Kazakhstan: Six Reasons Why You Need to Visit

Ski by day and sleep in the desert by night

• February 19, 2020

We’ve said it once , and we’ll say it again: Kazakhstan is one of the world’s most underrated tourist destinations. If you’re a keentraveller, you’re going to want to check it off your bucket list sooner rather than later. 

Not only is the Central Asian nation stunning, it’s brimming with culture too. From its varying landscapes and ultra-bizarre architecture, to its inspiring national museums, there are endless things to do in Kazakhstan.

If you still need some convincing, here are six excellent reasons why you need to visit Kazakhstan.

Bayterek Tower

Lake Kaindy

Shymbulak Ski Resort

Charyn Canyon

Kazakhstan Museum of Arts

Nur Astana Mosque

• travel guide

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22 Reasons to visit Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is the ninth biggest country in the world (with its 2,724,900 square kilometres) though it has got a population of merely 18 million. The extensive land hides all the elements of the periodic table (especially large reserves of oil) which justifies it being one of the richest countries in Central Asia. Find out our reasons to visit Kazakhstan soon.

1. The fabulous Sherkala mountain

Located in the Mangystau province, Sherkala means Lion’s castle. Historians say that at the top of the mountain there was once a fortified city. Nothing is left of it, but the place remains beautiful offering spectacular sunsets.

2. The beautiful Orthodox Cathedral of Almaty

Built in the beginning of the twentieth century, this church has the particularity of being made out of wood without using any nail. Another particularity is its anti-earthquake structure which, was tested in 1911 with a real earthquake and the fact that the cathedral suffered only minor damages was a surprise to many.

3. Kazakh Food – Meat for the Senses

The food in Kazakhstan (and in Central Asia in general) is based on meat. Grilled, boiled, roasted or stewed, you will always find a dish of meat. It is the vegetarians who will have more difficulties, as vegetarian meals are a rarity.

4. Fields of poppies

When one is prepared to drive through plain steppe for thousands of kilometres, it comes as a lovely surprise that so many of those fields will be covered in red flowers. We found huge extensions of wild poppies and were glad to see that also locals stopped to photograph this beautiful view.

5. Expo 2017 Astana

The international Expo 2017 took place in Astana. The Kazakh chose the thematic of the expo to be ‘Future Energies’. This was one of the buildings created for the occasion. Nowadays, this globe – called the ‘Nur Alem’ pavilion – holds the Museum for Future Energies in its eight floors.

6. Zelenyy Market (Green Market in Almaty)

It is a huge building where you will find most of the widest variety of vegetables and fruits in the country. Besides this, there are also extensive corridors of stalls selling meat (forget about refrigerators) and dairy products. Other products (such as clothes or dried fruits) are also available.

7. The Aseptic Almaty Metro

The metro of Almaty has only got two lines, but they serve central areas and are therefore useful for coming from the outskirts to the city centre. There are many helpful officers inside, who will gladly indicate which line you should take. The metro is spotless clean and could be used as the scenery for a hospital.

8. The astounding Big Almaty Lake

It is very easy to reach the lake, we drove the motorbike all the way until a spot where there are parking spots to leave the cars. The lake is located at 2,511 metres of altitude, within a national park of the Tien Shan mountains, therefore it is necessary to pay a small fee to access it. The lake is a natural reservoir that serves Almaty of water, therefore no swimming is allowed.

9. Modern old Astana (now Nur-Sultan)

The Bayterek Tower is the landmark of the capital of Kazakhstan. Astana replaced Almaty as the capital of the nation in 1997. Almaty remains the largest city though Astana is the most economically developed.  In 2019, when President Nursultan Nazarbayev left the power, the city of Astana was renamed after him, hence the new name Nur-Sultan.

10. Charyn Canyon

From Big Almaty lake we followed to the Charyn Canyon. There is a brand new tarmac road that leads to the canyon. We arrived at the golden hour and still had time to hike down in the heart of the canyon. Then we pitched our tent for a million starred hotel. The morning was much less glamorous, as it rained cats and dogs!

11. The unique Mashkhur Jusup Mosque in Pavlodar

The Mashkhur Jusup Mosque is the main mosque of Pavlodar and one of the largest in Kazakhstan, accommodating around 1,500 worshipers. The blue dome is reminiscent of the opening of a yurt.  The shrine is built in the shape of an octagonal star and its minarets measure 63 metres of height, the same number as Muhammad’s age.

12. Driving through great extensions of steppe

13. The sad history behind the Spaask memorial

Spaask is nowadays a memorial of what was once one of the deadliest labour camps (gulags) of Siberia. Stalin created more than 400 gulags in Siberia and sent there more than 18 million people. Were they criminals? Why did he bring these people to Siberia? You can find the answers to all these questions on our article about the Gulags in Siberia …

14. The  Ak Orda Presidential Palace

Most photogenic at dawn, the presidential palace is not the president’s residence (as many think), but the president’s and his Administration’s working place. The blue dome with golden stripes are the same colours as the ones of the Kazakh flag.

15. Lonely Cemetery in the Steppe

There is so much drama in this photo. This lonely cemetery lies hardly 140 kilometres from the nuclear test site hidden in the steppes of Kazakhstan. The storm in the distance floats like a threat to the dead, while the real threat to the living was invisible for years…

16. The Gulag of Karagandy

The Gulag at Karagandy has been transformed into a museum, where one can find out more about the life of prisoners at the gulags, who they were, which crimes they committed and how they were kept and treated.

17. The unexpected Bektau Ata

After driving for hours over flat steppe, a granite mountain, even if not very high, comes as an unexpected surprise. This is granite lava that solidified on the surface creating soft rock formations as if the rock was moving in curls.

18. The Kazakh National University of Arts (Nur-Sultan)

Located in a very interesting circular building, reminding the crater of a volcano, the University of arts provides training in such specialties as painting, sculpture, ballet and choreography.

19. Orthodox church in Pavlodar

The Cathedral of the Annunciation belongs to the Russian Orthodox church. It is one of the most beautiful orthodox buildings of Kazakhstan, with a view over the Irtish River.

20. The spectacular Baikonur Cosmodrome

Baikonur is the world’s largest rocket launch platform. Both Sputnik 1 (the first artificial satellite) and Vostok 1, the first human spaceflight (which took cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on board), were launched from Baikonur. Nowadays, many European satellites are launched from here. There’s a launch schedule on-line.

21. The quiet Nur-Astana Mosque

This mosque in Nur-Sultan is the biggest of Kazakhstan and the third largest in Central Asia. Even though it can accommodate 5,000 worshippers, it can be a quiet place for a rest even for non-Muslims, which can visit some parts of the mosque.

22. The atrocious nuclear testing site at Semipalatinsk

For 40 years (1949-89) the Soviet Union exploded more than 400 nuclear bombs at the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site, in the heart of the steppe of Kazakhstan. More than 200,000 people living within 45 kms of the site were never informed of the danger they were being exposed to. There is still radioactivity at the site today and, what is more devastating – three generations later – there are still people dying because of this!

Read More If you are interested about the Semipalatinsk  nuclear site, you can read more in our article.

Read more another reason is to drive the so-called austrian road. a historic and very scenic road as you can read in ferenc and evelin’s journey (from overlandsite.com) on their 4×4 through kazakhstan ., we recommend if you want to know more about central asia have a look inside our magazines about georgia  and kyrgyzstan . both countries and their people left a lasting impression on us and we highly recommend them..

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Astana exposed: eight reasons to visit Kazakhstan’s gleaming capital

Jun 5, 2018 • 6 min read

Gleaming architecture at every turn © Yerbolat Shadrakhov / Getty

Among Kazakhstan’s endless grasslands on the windswept northern steppes, the forward-looking modern city of Astana has sprouted. With a skyline punctuated by gleaming new skyscrapers that seem to defy the laws of physics, the capital is an eye-catching showcase of international, 21st-century architecture and a glimpse into a city of the future.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the depressed agricultural town of Tselinograd was completely revamped and renamed Astana when President Nazarbayev unexpectedly named it Kazakhstan’s future capital in 1994. The transformation from small town to world-class capital has continued since Astana officially took on the job title in late 1997 and was renamed from Akmola to Astana in 1998. This ever-growing city – host to the Expo 2017 world fair – offers a glimpse into a town of tomorrow.

Home to the world’s fair at Expo 2017

Astana’s profile got an international lift when the city hosted Expo 2017 ( expo2017astana.com ), kicking off on 10 June 2017. Despite  Kazakhstan's  oil-reliant economy, the Expo’s theme was ‘Future Energy’, with energy companies, NGOs and the general public debating how to have safe and sustainable access to energy while reducing emissions. The Expo site, well connected to central Astana, was designed to be self-sufficient in energy and during the Expo, displayed the 17 best sustainable energy-generating projects from around the world. Some 3.8 million visitors attended the fair, with 101 countries taking part. After the event ended, the Expo grounds and pavilion spaces were transformed into spaces for organisations dedicated to education and research, well as venues for commercial use by companies and startups.

Spy futuristic architecture on Nurzhol Bulvar

Stroll Nurzhol Bulvar to spot Astana’s most striking contemporary constructions. The architecture-exhibition boulevard runs between the impressive Ak Orda – the imposing, palatial building where the president works – and Khan Shatyr, a wacky off-centre tent-like structure and one of Astana’s most incredible buildings. The centrepiece of Nurzhol Bulvar is the 97m-tall Bayterek Monument , a white-latticed tower topped with a golden egg, a tribute to a Kazakh legend. A lift whisks visitors to the top for unforgettable views of the city and buildings with clever local nicknames, such as the two gold conical ‘beer cans’ near Ak Orda, the blue-green rippling ‘Northern Lights’ skyscrapers, and the gleaming copper ‘cigarette lighter’ that houses the Transport and Communications Ministry.

Across the Ishim River, the bold glass-and-steel pyramid of the Palace of Peace & Accord was designed by Norman Foster as a place of harmony where leaders of various religions could meet for the triennial Congress of World and Traditional Religions. A guided tour of the building takes in the basement opera hall, the striking atrium, the diagonally rising lifts, the hanging gardens and the light-filled tip of the pyramid with stained-glass doves courtesy of British artist Brian Clarke.

Eat like a local

Like any capital city worth its salt, Astana’s dining scene is varied and expanding fast. Culinary offerings range from comfort Kazakh food at the likes of Epoch (a kitschy Soviet restaurant at 9 Valikhanov St) and Vechnoye Nebo ( vechnoenebo.kz ) to excellent shashlik (skewered meat) and own brew at the Line Brew microbrewery. International cuisines are also well represented: authentic Indian at Fusion Guru ( thefusionguru.com ), excellent sushi at Izumi Tay ( facebook.com/izumi.astana ), spicy Korean at Korean House ( korean-house.kz ) and fragrant Georgian at Daredzhani (Qabanbay Batyr Ave 34).

Listen to traditional music

Astana may be a modern city, but it’s still possible to hear the sounds of the dombra (a two-stringed, long-necked Turkic lute) and the kobyz (an ancient, fiddle-like string instrument) at folk music concerts. The most prestigious venue for these concerts is the Central Concert Hall , a curvy, flower-like structure designed by Italian architect Manfredi Nicoletti.

Hit the beach, indoors

The 150m-high, translucent Khan Shatyr is one of Astana’s most remarkable buildings. Designed by Norman Foster, it’s the largest marquee in the world. The structure is made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, a heat-absorbing material that keeps the temperature inside the marquee-cum-shopping-centre a balmy 20+ degrees, a tropical oasis in the depths of winter. In addition to shops spread across multiple floors, the Khan Shatyr features a monorail and rides for kids, and the top floor has been turned into the exclusive Sky Beach Club, which has a sandy beach, swimming pool, palm trees, water slides and more – particularly nice when winter temperatures plunge into the negatives.

Get a room for any price

Thirty-five new hotels opened in Astana in the lead up to Expo 2017, and there are rooms for all budgets, from the 5-star Radisson , St Regis Astana ( stregisastanaresidences.com ) and Beijing Palace Soluxe ( soluxe-astana.kz ) to bona fide hostels such as Nomad Hostel and Apple Hostel , and a whole slew of mid-range hotels, such as Boutique Hotel Tomiriz at Kurgaldzhinskoye Hwy 9 and Tengri Hotel ( tengri-hotel.hoteleastana.com ).

Uncover history in a world-class museum

The giant National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a remarkable collection of all things Kazakhstani. The entrance hall is magnificent, with a soaring golden eagle under the Kazakh sun, and exhibits run the gamut from archaeology and pre-history to WWII, the Gulags and contemporary Kazakh art. The Hall of Gold showcases the treasures unearthed from the many burial mounds scattered around the country, while the Hall of Ethnography delves into the nomadic way of life.

Remember the Soviet past

The area around Astana has a sombre history. During Stalin’s reign, the village of Malinovka, 35km west of Astana, was home to ALZhIR, an internment camp for the wives and children of the ‘enemies of the people’. The Museum-Memorial Complex honours the victims of Soviet political repression with numerous displays on the Gulag system in Kazakhstan. Tour companies in Astana can arrange day tours. In Astana itself, you can spot wonderful Soviet-era mosaics of the working class on the old train station building. Several blocks from the old train station, you can see a decrepit grain silo, dating back to the ill-fated Virgin Lands project pushed by Nikita Khrushchev in the 1950s.

Make it happen

Many travellers are surprised at how easy it is to reach Astana. Kazakhstan’s national airline, Air Astana, operates non-stop flights to the capital from major cities in Europe and Asia, as well as from other destinations in Central Asia and the Caucasus. Travellers from 45 countries, including the European Union, the United States, Canada and Australia, can travel in Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days after the rules were relaxed in January 2017.

Astana is easy to get around with a network of new buses and a handy smartphone app called Astana Bus Free. Eco taxis can be summoned with the EcoTaxi app ( ecotaxi.kz ) and paid for with credit cards. A light rail network is scheduled to be finished in 2018. Astana is already well connected to other parts of Kazakhstan by train and by plane, with a new railway station opened in June 2017, doubling the city's annual railway passengers. A new airport terminal opened the same month more than doubling the city's air passenger capacity, along with two new long-distance bus stations.

This article was originally published in May 2017 and updated in June 2018.

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Reasons to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan – one of my fave cities

Of all the countries in Central Asia, Kazakhstan was the one that least interested me, simply because I had no idea what to expect from it.

While I had some basic knowledge about all the other -Stans, Kazakhstan was terra incognita for me, the only thing I could think of there was the endless steppe.

I didn’t plan to visit it properly, I was only supposed to shortly stop there on my way to the neighbor Kyrgyzstan . But the moment I arrived in Almaty – a former capital and the largest city in Kazakhstan – I knew I’m gonna enjoy it there.

Eventually, I’ve spent 5 days visiting Almaty, much longer than I usually stay in one place during my travels and I was so sad when I was leaving for Bishkek .

There aren’t any spectacular things to see and do in Almaty but the city just feels right, at least for me.

Here is a couple of reasons why you should visit Almaty, Kazakhstan and why I loved it there so much!

Table of Contents

Almaty, Kazakhstan – the easiest introduction to Central Asia

Not only Kazakhstan is the biggest country in Central Asia but Almaty airport is the biggest one in the country.

Most European major airlines fly there, Air Astana – the national airline of Kazakhstan and one of the best in Asia – has a hub in Almaty too.

That gives you plenty of opportunities to get to the country and finding a good deal isn’t so difficult.

I, for example, flew with Turkish Airlines (Prague-Almaty, Bishkek-Prague) for some 300€ but saw tickets for half of this price too!

By train you can directly travel to Almaty from Russia, China, Uzbekistan and numerous destinations in Kazakhstan.

Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is some 5 hours by minibus away (and those depart every half an hour or so, once the bus is full).

Almaty, Kazakhstan was one of the most European cities outside of Europe I’ve been to. Everything there just felt kind of normal to me.

If you traveled to some post-Soviet cities before (like Tbilisi , Yerevan or Chisinau ) you will find Almaty much easier to deal with – it’s not so chaotic, drivers let you cross the street, bus stops are clearly marked and the city is easy to navigate.

But at the same time, Almaty has this exotic vibe you might expect in Central Asia, just at the very light level.

I can’t think of a better starting point of any journey in the region!

When you visit Almaty you will get familiar with the reality of Central Asia, limit the culture shock and prepare yourself for the rest of your trip in the area.

Welcoming people of Almaty

Everywhere I went to in Almaty people were extremely friendly and willing to help.

I didn’t even have to ask, they’ve seen I’m a tourist and on numerous occasions they approached me, asking if I need help, directions or advice.

On the bus stops people made sure I took the right bus, the drivers made sure I arrived when I wanted to, even when I took the wrong entrance to the metro station (because the ATM was there) I was stopped by the young guy who was concerned I was lost.

In every cafe, restaurant or shop people were really friendly and welcoming and everywhere I felt really taken care of.

The most epic situation was at the train station when I wanted to exchange my free train ticket from work for the actual ticket to Astana and accidentally I caused mini-riots there.

Lovely women working there didn’t really know how to deal with my ticket, I blocked one of the three working ticket offices for 3.5 hours yet they didn’t chase me away.

Patiently they tried to figure out how to issue me the ticket, they abandoned their lunch break, called to the headquarters, at some point invited me for the tea to their office.

Eventually, I had to buy the ticket anyway (I was ready to do that half an hour through the whole issue but didn’t know how to tell that seeing how involved they were) and they still kept apologizing they couldn’t help me.

On the contrary in Astana I didn’t encounter any nice situation with people, they all seemed cold and didn’t smile at all.

Visit Almaty and enjoy its laid-back vibe

I found Almaty to be a super laid-back city.

People didn’t seem to rush, even on the main streets (with the exception of the area around the Green Market but these are always a whole different universe).

There were numerous green spaces to chill out and the view of the mountains just south of Almaty gave a refreshing feeling.

Even if it’s the biggest city of Kazakhstan it didn’t overwhelm me, not even once.

My favorite thing to do in Almaty was to walk around, taking random streets lined with trees and just enjoy the place and its atmosphere.

Mix of architecture in Almaty

The first settlement in the area of Almaty, Kazakhstan was founded in the Bronze Age, however, the city was first mentioned in the 13th century when it was one of the stops on the Silk Route . You won’t find many remnants of the great past in Almaty though.

The majority of the architecture is a great example of the Soviet past and if you like Socialist realism style you’re in for a treat.

In the former USSR this style is much richer than in Central Europe , e.g. there’re small patterns on the blocks that make the place so much more beautiful.

In Almaty, it’s not difficult to spot these details and even the most random concrete structure can look special.

Among these, I’ve also found some true gems of brutalism as well as some old and pretty wooden houses.

But the most beautiful building you will see in Almaty is the Zenkov Cathedral – second tallest wooden building in the world.

It was finished at the beginning of 20th century and looks like from a fairy tale with colorful rich ornaments.

Don’t forget about Almaty metro too, it might be new but built in the grand Soviet style, with marble floors and beautiful Kazakh ornaments.

Cafe culture in Almaty

It was the most surprising thing about Almaty and the one I enjoyed the most there. The city has an exceptional cafe culture!

Every afternoon I tried to visit a different cafe, I even had a “cafes day” on Sunday where I spent most of the time writing in few places and every single one I visited in Almaty was amazing!

Not to mention they were all really affordable!

Usually for a coffee and cake I paid around 5-6€, much cheaper than in similar places in Poland .

Every cafe had also some decent food options.

As always Foursquare was a great help with finding the best spots!

My favorite cafes in Almaty were Nedelka, Urban Coffee, United Coffee, and Traveler’s Coffee while Coffeeroom and Marrone Rosso weren’t really my kind of places.

Just like in Yerevan , I dare to say that Almaty, Kazakhstan might be a perfect destination for freelancers, with affordable prices and good wifi in the cafes!

Speaking of food – Almaty has a very diverse food scene and even being a vegetarian isn’t a problem there.

While the local non-meat options might be tricky to find there’re top world’s cuisines to choose from anyway!

I had Georgian, Indian and Italian food in Almaty as well as bought so many local goodies at the Green Market! And again everything was at very reasonable prices!

Quirkiness in Almaty

I like unusual places and tracking down quirky and alternative spots is always big fun for me!

In Almaty I didn’t have to look too hard for them, quirkiness was everywhere around!

Weird sculptures, interesting architecture, Soviet circus, a big smiling face or painted carpet with typical Kazakh patterns on the pavement, metro stations turned into small galleries, love locks, bird feeders and uncountable small, weird details here and there… Almaty was all about quirkiness for me!

My top 3 weird things there were:

I’ve never seen something like that before and I don’t even know how to describe them properly!

It consists of two machines connected with wires. A big one is a massive case with no screen, just a couple of diodes – that’s where you insert the coins (can be all at once!) and where you collect the ticket.

Another part looks like candy disposer in the shops and that’s where you collect your change if you inserted more than the fare (it was 80 tenge for a ride, 0.20€!).

• The Soviet Monument to World War 2 heroes! A masterpiece of Soviet propaganda! I loved every single detail of it!
• Apples! Did you know that Almaty is the supposed to be the birthplace of apples ? Even the old name of the city, Alma-Ata, means the father of apples!

Almaty is a perfect base to explore the incredible nature around!

First of all – don’t make my mistake and don’t visit Almaty in November!

While I loved the city I couldn’t experience all it had to offer to the fullest!

One of the reasons why you have to visit Almaty for more than just a day or two is the huge variety of trips around!

A friend recommended me an Ecotourism Information Center that offers good and affordable tours and their offer really was impressive but most of the tours run from April/May till October.

The only one that was likely to take place was Charyn Canyon but it was canceled too due to the lack of people (the price was 13€ for the whole day!).

Even if I didn’t really use this company they were really easy to deal with (and spoke good English!) so I can recommend them.

And I know I will visit Almaty again in future to go to the following places around:

• Charyn Canyon
• Big Almaty Lake
• Kolsai Lakes

Fortunately, when visiting Almaty there’s no need to go away from the city to experience the amazing nature!

Right in the center, there’s Kök Töbe, a nice hill with lovely views over the city.

Unfortunately, in November the cable car to get there was under repair so I had to skip the trip there (next time!).

But a short bus away (no.12 from in front of Hotel Kazakhstan) can take you to Medeu – the highest Olympic sized ice stadium in the world where almost 200 world records were made!

Not only it’s an interesting spot, but it’s also a starting point of the hike (or cable-car ride) to Chimbulak – a ski resort with breathtaking views.

I was determined to hike there but the weather started to change for worse and it became too slippery so I’ve decided to return. Still, views that I could see were pretty amazing!

When planning your trip this Kazakhstan itinerary might be very useful for you!

You can learn about Kazakh culture when visiting Almaty

Just outside Almaty, you can find Hunn village – the etno center showing the culture and traditions of Kazakh. It is such a fascinating place that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Almaty!

You can learn there all about the history, culture and traditions of Kazakh people, see how the kumiss is done, watch the horse games and witness the incredible bond between the eagle and his owner.

Pictures in Hunn Village, as well as pictures of metro and from Chymbulak, were taken during my trip to Almaty in December 2019, when I was testing the new mirrorless Nikon Z50 camera . It’s a perfect camera for travelers – easy to use, handy and takes amazing pictures! If you are looking for the new camera – I can definitely recommend it!

Almaty – one of my fave cities!

I’m really picky when it comes to naming a destination “my favorite place”. In my top 10 list I have maybe 7 cities and that’s all.

After I had a chance to visit Almaty and get to know it a little bit I can with no doubts include it in this very elite list I have!

It’s still not close to being Prague , Yerevan or Sarajevo for me but it has a very solid position in my heart.

And just like with the other cities, I can’t really say why I enjoyed it so much. It was a combination of many things, listed above, and the fact that I just felt right there.

I even dare to say I can imagine living there for a while (which of course will never happen as I like my life in Poland too much ).

When, after 3 days in Astana , I returned to Almaty I felt like coming back home.

Silly, I know, but I was just happy to be there again. Being in this city brought a smile to my face, just like that.

On my last day in Almaty, I woke up to the most perfect winter wonderland.

The sun was shining, the city was covered in snow and it was even more beautiful than before! I couldn’t say “good-bye” to Almaty, it was only a “see you”!

Visit Almaty – practical information

Unfortunately, when I check recently they are no longer operating which is a huge shame! But there are still lots of options to choose from!

It is kind of true as there’s no connection from the terminal itself but you can walk some 5 minutes and you will find a bus stop.

From there bus no.92 will take you to the center: Raiymbek Ave, Almaty 2 train station and Abay Ave.

If you don’t feel like dealing with taxi drivers and confusing public transport in the new city you can prebook the airport transfer – click here for details!

From the Almaty 2 train station, the trolleybus no.5 will take you to Abay Ave., the Raiymbek batyr metro station is around 10 minutes walking from the train station.

• As always the best source of information about restaurants and cafes was Foursquare

Otherwise, you have 5 days after arriving in Kazakhstan to register with the Migration Police – if you fail to do so you might be in some serious trouble.

I was pretty nervous if this really is true as I didn’t register after all but when I was leaving to Kyrgyzstan the only concern of the border control was if I need a visa to Kyrgyzstan as they couldn’t find it in my passport (we don’t need one).

I can recommend SafetyWing that offer the insurance dedicated to travelers just like you and me.

For the end I left a few announcements that might interest you:

• If you don’t want to miss new posts and news from me click here to sign to my newsletter! You can also follow me on Bloglovin!
• Join my Facebook group about Eastern Europe, the Balkans and former USSR and connect with fellow travellers and enthusiasts of these regions – just click here!
• I’ve included a few handy links of services and products I personally like and use so you can plan your own trip to Kazakhstan too. They are often affiliate links. This means I will get a small commission if you book/purchase anything through my links, at no extra costs for you. If you like what you are reading and seeing here and would like to support me and my blog please consider using those links. It would be like getting me a virtual drink that you don’t have to pay for! Thanks!

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65 Comments

Anastasia Sofia

Fab post, I’m hoping to visit this summer so at the moment I’m loving reading any and all posts about Central Asia as there still isn’t that much content knocking about. I’m so excited to hear you found it to be friendly and laid back, I tend to love places with those friendly chill vibes. Very excited!

Thanks! I really hope you will make it there this summer and I’m sure you will enjoy Central Asia big time! It is a little bit demanding when it comes to traveling but overall it’s a wonderful place and still so undiscovered! If you have any questions feel free to ask!

Shibani Medhi

Thank you for this detailed post. I was planning to go to Almaty from India and this really helped!

I’m glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip!

balkanyrudej

Ok, architecture in Almaty is a little bit crazy, but for me more important and interesting are mountains. You wrote, that there are some organised trips to some mountains atractions. But is it also possible to have trekking on your own? Do they have some marked paths?

A friend of mine has been trekking in mountains near Almaty and apparently there’re marked paths. I was interested in organized tours only because I don’t feel brave enough to go hiking on my own in November, otherwise I’d have probably tried that as well!

After reading your article and looking at the pics I must say I got quite tempted to go there! The ticket machine is crazy indeed! But obviously that’s not the only reason the place is so intriguing ;) The architecture – what a mixture of the styles, the mountains – amazing and the nice surprise with the food :)

I hope you will get there one day, Almaty has so much to offer!

Nick @ concrete and kitsch

Thanks for this, Kami! It will be really useful to plan for our trip there this September!

What was travel from Almaty to Bishkek like on minibus? Easy? No issues on the border? I feel like I’ve read several accounts of being left at the border of KG and KZ, and want to know about your experience with that trip.

Sorry for butting in here but the more information the better, right? ;) I didn’t have trouble travelling from Almaty to Bishkek on a minibus. Our driver did come look for me and my friends since it took us much longer getting a stamp, due to being more inexperienced with these queues and the officers being much slower handling our foreign passports. I felt that if it had taken us much longer he might have left without us. I guess it’s good to know this might happen so you can try and move quickly through the whole process. And in case you are being left, there are always busses you can take that only travel from their side of the border to Almaty/Bishkek. Travelling from Bishkek to Almaty we didn’t have a lot of time so simply took a taxi from the inner city to the border which only cost us about 3-4 Euros each.

Thanks for your response, Kathi! Much obliged! :)

just like Kathi I didn’t have any problems. I was the last one leaving the border, I felt it took me ages (but also we were there at the calmer time, around 3pm) yet still had to wait some 15 minutes for the bus. In that time I was asked numerous times if I need a taxi to Bishkek and there were mini buses waiting to be filled in as well. And even if it took me longer at the border I still had no problems with crossing, I was just a nice oddity for guards

Thanks for the post that I’ve been waiting. We plan to visit this city next year. Before your description I expected sth totally different and now I think this city won’t meet my expectation.we will see.

I hope I surprised you in a positive way and you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did!

I was kind of waiting for this post since I saw tons of snow on your fan page while Poland was just soooo grey. :-) I like the sentence about incidentally causing some riots. :D Good that the people didn’t get angry and they actually tried to help you. Coffee in this big “jar-mug” looks pretty cool!

thanks :) cafes in Almaty were just the best! :)

Romantic Vagabonds

Nice, looks like you had an excellent time…Good going! It’s really great post. Very easy to read and peaked are interest. Anyway I’m just wanted to ask you – do you speak Russian? If not, then how difficult was it getting around? We planning to visit, and know just a smattering, definitely not enough to converse. Thank you :)

Thanks! My Russian is really terrible, I can communicate in the basic way and somehow get around with that. I always keep promising myself I will learn more before another trip to the East and then again end up speaking a mix of Polish and Czech with a lot of hand waving! ;)

I’m not a big fan of Soviet Union architecture but it is very opulent and still very enjoyable. Love the emerging vibrant culture specially the coffee shops! Looks like it is worth a visit.

It definitely is worth a visit! Such a nice surprise it was! :)

ohhhh how i miss this city! for all of the reasons mentioned above and more! i only spent 7 or 8 days there, but i could easily live there for a year or so. it is just a cool place!

it so is!!! It doesn’t happen to me very often but I could easily picture myself living there too!

Nice post. I love your enthusiasm and insight. Heading to Almaty in 2 weeks.

thank you! I hope you will enjoy Almaty as much as I did :)

Mark Bennetts

Thanks for this post, it will come in very useful. There seems to be plenty of interesting architecture (read Socialist realism) to keep me happy for a few days. Medeu and Chimbulak look like they are worth visiting. I think we are going to visit Astana and also head across to Turkistan when we start our travels there.

You should definitely go to Astana too! It’s so different and also interesting but not nearly as cool as Almaty. I was considering going to Turkistan as well but left it for the next time. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Kazakhstan, such a great country it is!

It seems to be very interesting place. Architecture is a little scary ;) I have never been in this part of world. I think that is good place to start with it :)

it’s not scary, it’s beautiful! :) I think Almaty is the easiest starting point to explore Central Asia, it still feels pretty European and not so overwhelming :)

You have a very good sense of observation! And I really liked your photos. It’s amazing how parts of Romania look exactly like in these photos.

Thank you! I guess most of the places that used to be under the Soviet rule (either as a part of USSR or just dependent countries) look very much the same!

Just discovered your blog, and I’m so happy I did. Really inspiring for a new travel blogger like myself! I will definitely be following your travels from now on ;)

Great relation. Very nice photos. I found your blog today morning but have much to read now :) Great blog, congratulation! :)

Joshua Cummings

Hmm, i may have to put almaty on my travel list! i’ve been curious about visiting the sfans before but wouldnt have thought to visit almaty. Thanks for your blog!

Almaty is a great city and so surprising! Probably a must visit destination in Kazakhstan! And the mountains around are just stunning!

Hi there! I just discovered your blog and have been especially enjoying your posts about Eastern Europe and Central Asia. I lived in Almaty for a year and enjoyed it so much. It looks like you spent a lot of time near the apartment I lived in (close to Panfilov Park). It was so much fun to look through your photos and re-live all my favorite places :) It’s hard to make people understand what’s so great about Almaty, but you did a nice job capturing the small details of the soviet architecture, the everyday scenes from the Green Bazaar, and the cozy little cafes all over the place that make the city really special. I’ll definitely be following your travels from now on!

Thank you! Lucky you to spend so much time in Almaty, I really enjoyed the city and would love to return there whenever I have a chance!

Excellent post about Almaty… where I lived 3 years. Beautiful pics !

thank you! I’m a little bit jealous that you had a chance to spend so much time in Almaty!

I would visit Almaty in the second half of August , I would like to know if at this time if I go out in the night for clubbing there are people in the city , or are empty because people move to holiday resorts.

Hi Gabriele. Honestly I can’t answer your question as I was there in November. But Aude who commented above you has lived there for a longer time and has a blog so why don’t you contact her? I’m sure she will be a better source of information than me!

oooh Amazing place a lot of adventure!!! now Im planning for this trip.

I’m sure you’d enjoy it there!

Great post. I’m here now and found this super helpful!

Thanks! Hope you’re having a good time there!

Thanks Kami for a wonderful description, looking forward to visit Almati. Can you suggest best time to visit.

Thanks! Definitely don’t go there in November ;) I think September should be really good!

Oh thank you, dear Kami, so pleasant to read this and understand that you felt thst charming little thing about my city ? I was very pleased, thank you very very much. There are so many things that I could tell you about the city! I’m planning tours with my mother in Almaty and just found out your blog ☺

Good luck with your tours! I’m sure they would be a great help for travelers trying to get to know Almaty!

Co zobaczyć w Kazachstanie - okolice Ałmaty

[…] Głównym ośrodkiem południowo wschodniej części Kazachstanu jest Ałmaty. To największe miasto, a w latach 1991-98 także stolica, która straciła nieco pozycję na rzecz mocno dofinansowanej i rozbudowywanej w nowoczesnym stylu Astany. Nadal pozostaje jednak głównym ośrodkiem naukowym, kulturalnym oraz przemysłowym. Część obywateli szybko się tu bogaci, o czym świadczy między innymi duża liczba naprawdę drogich samochodów przemierzających ulice. I o ile rozwarstwienie społeczne jest w Kazachstanie bardzo duże i bieda stanowi tu wciąż duży problem, tak tutejsze ośrodki miejskie mogą bez kompleksów rywalizować z europejskimi. Jeśli chcecie poznać miasto bliżej odsyłam Was do anglojęzycznego tekstu koleżanki Kami » […]

Hi! I really enjoyed reading your thoughts about Kazakhstan. I am currently playing professional soccer here all the way from the United States. I recently started a blog and would love to know what you think. :)

I will definitely take a look! Hope Kazakhstan treats you well! Have a great time there!

It’s wonderful to go through your blog. I am planning to visit Almaty on November for 4 days. 7th November around 6 PM I would land there and planning to take back my flight either on 11th November morning or on 12th November morning.

Can you please briefly suggest me where are the places I should try to visit and where should I plan to stay?

Looking forward to hear back from you.

Thanks – Sush

Hi Sush, thank you for your comment! Why don’t you ask my Facebook group about travelling in former USSR, there are some Almaty experts that would definitely help you with some recommendations! Here’s the link: https://facebook.com/groups/121053081614593/ You should definitely go for the day to Medeu and Shymbulak. In Almaty you will find all the important things in the center, more or less between the train station and a bit north of Abay. It’s a great city, I’m sure you will enjoy it!

Really helpful post! Right now I am reading your blog sitting in the garden of Alma Cinema Hostel, can really recommend it! Almaty is a beautiful city!

I’m glad you found the post helpful and I’m really happy you enjoy Almaty! Have a great time there!

Hello Kami, Enjoyed every bit of information u shared about Almaty. Thanks Dr Sushil

I’m glad you liked it! All the best!

Ricardo Ribeiro

Just wanted to thank you this great article. I am considering returning to Europe from Almaty and the text has loads of interesting and useful info.

I’m glad you liked it. Almaty is such a great city really!

Vinod Kumar

My friend, you share very good post to Almaty Kazakhstan. its very good info to make holiday to Kazakhstan. you post very good photos with interesting places. i am so happy to read this article. i want to visit this beautiful place. thanks & keep updating…..

Thanks so much for this article! Going there in 2 months for my semester abroad and now I’m looking forward to that even more :)

I think you will enjoy it. There is so much to do and see in and around Almaty!

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5 Reasons to visit Kazakhstan

by Conor Clyne | Mar 29, 2023

Kazakhstan is huge country located in Central Asia that also counts as being part of Eastern Europe.

Unfortunately, the country has suffered immensely in terms of branding due to the parody film Borat . 

In fact, when I recently visited the country, there were absolutely no good travel vlogs showing you the hot spots for the big cities like Almaty and Astana, like you’d see for every other big city in the broader region.

Nonetheless, I have visited this terrific country a few times and thoroughly enjoyed the lifestyle in Almaty and Astana. Here are my impressions of Almaty in southern Kazakhstan from my month-long stay there in October 2022:

1. Rich Cultural Heritage

Kazakhstan is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, with a fascinating history spanning centuries. Visitors can explore ancient cities such as Turkestan, which was once an important stop on the Silk Road, and marvel at the intricate Islamic architecture of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The country is also home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers that offer a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s past and present.

The ancient cities such as Turkestan and the Silk Road vibe carry on into neighboring Uzbekistan, which I visited just before the 2020 covid pandemic travel shutdown.  In this vlog, you can travel with me on my adventures there:

2. Natural Beauty

Kazakhstan boasts stunning natural landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan Mountains to the vast steppes and deserts. Visitors can go trekking, horseback riding, or skiing in the mountains, or explore the wildlife and natural wonders of the country’s many national parks and reserves.

The ‘natural beauty’ also applies to its local female denizens with quite an array of diversity with over 20% of Kazakhstanis being more Slavic in appearance. Whilst Kazakhstanis are not as internationally renowned for their beauty as say Ukrainians and Russians, there are certainly not far behind. 

After my last trip, I received a few questions from clients about the sexual mores of Kazakhstani society and how open the country is to interfaith relationships in this majority Muslim country. It’s actually a topic I’ve touched on before in a previous vodka vodkast here:

3. Hospitality and Cuisine

Kazakh people are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors. Traditional Kazakh cuisine is also a must-try, with dishes such as beshbarmak (boiled meat with noodles), kazy (horse meat sausage), and shubat (fermented camel milk) showcasing the country’s unique culinary traditions.

4. Modern Infrastructure

Kazakhstan has made significant investments in its infrastructure in recent years, with modern airports, high-speed trains, and world-class hotels and resorts. This makes travel within the country comfortable and convenient, allowing visitors to easily explore all that Kazakhstan has to offer.

5. Adventure and Entertainment

Kazakhstan offers a wide range of activities and entertainment options, from skiing and snowboarding to hot air balloon rides and camel safaris. The country is also home to numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Astana Opera Ball and the Almaty Jazz Festival, which showcase the best of Kazakh arts and culture.

To give you a much more visual representation for the reasons to visit Kazakhstan, I’ve put together this summary from the country itself:

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23 December 2023

Three reasons to visit kazakhstan in 2024.

With Kazakhstan’s treasures starting to be officially recognised and as the country prepares to host the World Nomad Games for the first time, the limelight is shining brighter than ever on Kazakhstan...

With an irresistible mix of widescreen landscapes, Silk Road history and a cultural blend of the modern and the past, Kazakhstan’s wonders remain curiously seldom-visited. However, it’s about to get some of the attention it deserves, as Kazakhstan prepares to host the World Nomad Games for the first time in its history next year. Organisations such as UNESCO  are also sitting up and taking notice, moving to protect the vast natural wildernesses and cultural heritage this melting pot of a country harbours, as the number of international visitors steadily creeps up.  With its name translating as ‘Land of the Wanderers’, it seems like the ideal destination for a  Wanderlust  reader, too. H ere are just three great reasons why you should visit Kazakhstan in 2024…

1. Altyn Emel National Park is the country's newest World Heritage site

The Singing Dune in Altyn Emel National Park (Shutterstock)

You know Mother Nature conjured something special when it’s inscribed by UNESCO on its World Heritage list. And Altyn Emel National Park has a healthy claim to being the most otherworldly of the lot. Kazakhstan’s wide-open vistas are among its greatest draws and at Altyn Emel they come together in spectacular fashion, where relic forests and yawning steppe sit shoulder to shoulder with craggy mountain ranges and rolling deserts. This natural mosaic spans for a mighty 4,600 sq km and is only a few hours’ drive north-east of Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty. Guided tours ensure you see its most beguiling spots, from the swirling crimson, orange and white peaks of the Aktau Mountains to the ‘Singing Dune’ a 150m-high sand formation that makes a rumbling sound in windy weather. You’ll find nowhere like Altyn Emel anywhere else on Earth.

2. It's hosting the World Nomad Games for the first time

Traditional archery is one of the many sports showcased at the World Nomad Games (Shutterstock)

Central Asia’s biggest sporting event, the World Nomad Games is a vibrant celebration of nomadic culture and a showcase for traditional sports like yurt building, table games, kurash (wrestling) eagle hunting and more. And, for the first time in the country’s history, Astana in Kazakhstan will play host to this biennial event from 8-15 September, 2024. More excitingly, due to the coronavirus pandemic it will be the first full-length Games since 2018, so the anticipation will be high. It’s a valuable opportunity for visitors to soak up nomadic traditions first-hand and see how this coming-together of Central Asia helps preserve their culture for future generations. Alongside the main sporting events, there will be plenty of music, traditional dancing and handicrafts, too.

3. Saty has been named 'Best Tourism Village' by UNWTO

Saty is the ideal place to live like a local in Kazakhstan (Shutterstock)

Leaf through any tourism brochure for Kazakhstan and you’ll likely be greeted by the milky blue hues of Kaindy Lake and its javelin-like Asian spruce trees piercing the water. Just 12km away from Kaindy and the wider Kolsay Lakes National Park lies Saty. But this village is far more than just a handy pit-stop for one of Kazakhstan’s most eye-popping natural wonders – it’s a worthy destination in itself. For it’s become a model of community-based tourism, where the lure of the nearby lakes has been built upon in the best way possible. That's why it's been named as the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) Best Tourism Village for 2023. In Saty, rural farmers and villagers have been trained in hospitality to host visitors in everything from guesthouses to traditional yurts, while also becoming expert guides so travellers can make the most of this destination. Ho hiking along trails that connect Saty with Kolsay Lakes, hop on horseback, enjoy a guided tour of Saty itself or join a cooking workshop where rustle up the likes of beshbarmak , Kazakhstan’s national dish.

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