Kazakhstan Travel Guide (Central Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Kazakhstan
List of Places to Visit in Kazakhstan
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Kazakhstan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kazakhstan
Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Kazakhstan
Food and Drink Scene of Kazakhstan
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Kazakhstan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Kazakhstan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Kazakhstan
Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan
Do’s and Don’ts of Kazakhstan
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Kazakhstan
- Health in Kazakhstan
Getting to Kazakhstan: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Kazakhstan
Where to Go Next from Kazakhstan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a country located in Central Asia, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. From exploring ancient historical sites to hiking in breathtaking mountains and indulging in local cuisine, Kazakhstan has plenty to offer. In this travel guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Kazakhstan.

List of Places to Visit in Kazakhstan

Here are the top places you should visit in Kazakhstan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Astana: The capital city of Kazakhstan features impressive modern architecture, including the Bayterek Tower, and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation.
Almaty: Known as the city of apples, Almaty is one of the oldest cities in Kazakhstan. Visitors can explore the Kazakh Museum of Folk Musical Instruments, Zenkov Cathedral, and the Central State Museum of Kazakhstan.
Turkestan: This ancient city is home to the Mausoleum of Kozha Akhmed Yasaui, a UNESCO heritage site.
Petropavlovsk: Located in northern Kazakhstan, this city offers several museums and historical sites, such as the Museum of North Kazakhstan History and the Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Natural Attractions of Kazakhstan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Charyn Canyon: Located in southeastern Kazakhstan, this 80-kilometer long canyon is known for its stunning rock formations and hiking trails.
Lake Kaindy: This picturesque lake in the Tian Shan Mountains features crystal-clear waters and submerged trees.
Altyn Emel National Park: This park has the largest sand dunes in Kazakhstan, along with diverse wildlife like wild boars, foxes, and lizards.
Kolsai Lakes: These three tranquil lakes in the Almaty region are surrounded by lush green forests and offer activities like fishing and horseback riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kazakhstan

Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Kazakhstan:

Sherkala Mountain: Located in the Mangystau region, this mountain features hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Bartogai Lake Hike: This 15-kilometer hike in the northeastern region of Kazakhstan offers scenic views of the Bartogai Lake and the Saryarka mountain range.
Karkara Valley Biking: This biking route runs along the Karkara Valley and offers visitors stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains and the Karkara River.

Best Things to Do in Kazakhstan: Activities and Tours

Aside from the top places to visit and hiking/biking routes, here are some other activities and tours you could enjoy in Kazakhstan:

Horseback riding: Kazakhstan has a rich horse riding culture, and visitors can take part in horseback riding tours that explore the countryside.
Nomadic culture tours: Visitors can explore the nomadic culture of Kazakhstan by staying in traditional yurts and experiencing local cuisine, music, and heritage.
Birdwatching: With over 600 bird species in the region, Kazakhstan offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. Visitors can take part in birdwatching tours to spot the majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kazakhstan

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary for exploring Kazakhstan:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Explore Almaty, visit museums and historical sites
Day 2	Hike in the Tian Shan Mountains and visit Lake Kaindy
Day 3	Travel to Astana, sightsee modern architecture
Day 4	Visit Turkestan, explore the ancient city and Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
Day 5	Hike in the Charyn Canyon
Day 6	Visit the Altyn Emel National Park
Day 7	Spend a day riding horses and experiencing nomadic culture

Food and Drink Scene of Kazakhstan

Must-Try Dishes

Beshbarmak: Kazakhstan’s national dish features boiled meat and noodles, served with a spicy onion sauce.
Kuyrdak: This traditional dish consists of meat sautéed with onions and potatoes.
Manti: This steamed dumpling is usually filled with lamb or beef and served with sour cream.

Local Beverages

Kumis: This fermented drink is made from mare’s milk and is popular in Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Shubat: This drink is made from fermented camel milk and has a slightly sour taste.

Where to Stay in Kazakhstan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kazakhstan offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some top choices:

Dostyk Hotel, Almaty: This five-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, a spa, and panoramic views of the city and the mountains.
Charyn Canyon Eco Lodge: This eco-friendly lodge is located in the heart of the Charyn Canyon, offering visitors a unique stay alongside nature.
Otrar Hotel, Shymkent: Located in southern Kazakhstan, this hotel offers excellent amenities, a pool, and is close to many historical and cultural sites.

What to Buy in Kazakhstan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the popular souvenirs you can buy in Kazakhstan include:

Kazakh rugs: These traditional woven rugs are a beautiful and colorful addition to any room.
Felt products: From colorful hats to slippers, felt products are a popular souvenir item in Kazakhstan.
Bauyrzhan Momyshuly Book: A biography of Bauyrzhan Momyshuly, one of Kazakhstan’s national heroes, makes for an interesting cultural souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has a rich history and culture, with traditional customs such as horse riding, falconry, and yurt living. Visitors are encouraged to learn more about the local customs and respect them. Kazakh is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken, and English is becoming more common.

Best Time to Visit Kazakhstan

The best time to visit Kazakhstan is during the late spring and early fall when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are green and lush. However, each season has its own unique attractions, such as winter sports and festivals in the colder months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kazakhstan

Do:

Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques and Muslim religious sites.
Respect local customs and traditions.
Learn some basic Russian or Kazakh phrases.

Don’t:

Take photographs of people without their permission.
Bring up sensitive political or religious topics.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is generally safe for visitors. However, like in any country, it’s essential to take precautions to avoid theft or scams, especially in busy tourist areas. Visitors should also be aware of the risks of unexploded ordnance in parts of the country.

Health in Kazakhstan

Visitors should ensure they have up-to-date vaccinations and take precautions against tick-borne illnesses. Drinking bottled water is recommended, and visitors should be mindful of food and hygiene.

Getting to Kazakhstan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kazakhstan

The main international airports in Kazakhstan are Almaty International Airport and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Astana.

Bus Stations Near Kazakhstan

Traveling by bus is a popular option in Kazakhstan, with reliable bus networks connecting cities and towns.

Other Options

Some visitors opt to travel to Kazakhstan via the Trans-Siberian Railway, which runs through several Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan.

How to Get Around in Kazakhstan

Traveling by car or taxi is the most convenient way to get around Kazakhstan, as public transportation can be limited in some areas. Rental cars are available, but it’s essential to have experience driving in the country.

Where to Go Next from Kazakhstan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can visit after exploring Kazakhstan:

Kyrgyzstan: With stunning natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, Kyrgyzstan is a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure.
Uzbekistan: This ancient Silk Road country offers visitors the chance to explore breathtaking mosques and ancient cities like Bukhara and Samarkand.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan provides visitors with an unforgettable travel experience, with its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unique activities. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Kazakhstan and that you have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful country.