The steppes of Kazakhstan: the memory of nomads and the endless horizon

The Kazakh steppes stretch as far as the eye can see, covering nearly a third of Kazakhstan's territory, or more than a million square kilometers.

They form a transition between the southern mountains (Tien Shan, Altai) and the central deserts (Betpak-Dala), extending to the borders of Russia and Mongolia.

The steppe experience is one of absolute silence, where the eye encounters neither walls nor trees, only the horizon.

A land shaped by nomads

The steppes were the cradle of nomadic civilizations that have roamed these plains on horseback for thousands of years.

This is where the Scythians lived, followed by the ancient Turks and Genghis Khan's Mongols, before the Kazakh tribes united in the 15th century to form the Kazakh Khanate.

The steppe is not empty: it is inhabited by memory. Here you can still find kurgans, the burial mounds of ancient kings, and the tracks of the Silk Road caravans that once linked China to Europe.

The horse, an essential companion to nomads, is still at the heart of Kazakh culture. It is here that the first horse is believed to have been domesticated, around 5,000 years ago, in the Botai region in the north of the country.

Places to explore in the Kazakh steppes

1. The Aktau and Mangystau steppes

To the west, near the Caspian Sea, the steppe transforms into lunar landscapes: canyons, white cliffs, and colorful chalk mountains.

• Must-see: Boszhira Valley, Ustyurt Plateau, Beket-Ata underground mosques.
• Access: From Aktau, on 4x4 excursions.

2. The Central Steppe: Saryarka

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saryarka region is home to exceptional biodiversity: saiga antelopes, flamingos, wolves, and hundreds of species of migratory birds.

• Must-see: Korgalzhyn National Park, Tengiz and Naurzum lakes.
• Access: From Astana (2 to 4 hours by car).

3. The Kostanay steppe

This is where traces of the first domestication of horses were found.

• Must-sees: The archaeological sites of Botai-Burabay, the museums of Kostanay.
• Access: Domestic flights from Astana or Almaty, then by local roads.

4. The eastern steppes towards Altai

A greener region, dotted with rivers and mountains. It is here that we find the most significant traces of the Scythians and kurgans, remnants of an ancient era.

• Must-see: Katon-Karagay National Park, Kazakh villages.
• Access: From Öskemen (Ust-Kamenogorsk).

5. The steppe near Almaty

If you leave Almaty to explore remote sites such as Altyn Emel, Tamgaly, or Charyn Canyon, you will inevitably cross vast expanses of steppe.

• Must-see: On the way to Tamgaly Tas, take the time to admire the petroglyphs and fascinating traces of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited this region.
• Access: Travel across the steppes near Almaty in a 4x4.

🧭 Immerse yourself in nomadic culture through our multi-day expeditions on foot, by jeep, or on horseback. Stay in a yurt, watch traditional games, and taste the freedom offered by the endless steppes.

Practical tips for visiting the steppes

• Ideal season: May to September. Winter is harsh and roads may be impassable.
• Transportation: Opt for 4x4s or the original version: on horseback. Distances are vast and gas stations are rare.
• Accommodation: For an authentic experience, sleep in a traditional yurt. Some nomadic families welcome travelers.
• Equipment: Bring warm clothes (nights are cool), a hat, and water.
• Respect: The steppe is fragile. Avoid leaving traces of your passage and respect local traditions.

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan

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