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Little known and rarely mentioned in the media or travel stories, Kazakhstan remains off the beaten track for most tourists. However, this Central Asian country is not dangerous, is welcoming, and offers spectacular landscapes ranging from steppes to mountains.
Its isolation is part of its charm: here you can discover unspoiled nature, far from the beaten track. Traveling to Kazakhstan means choosing adventure and authenticity.
The downside of a place rarely visited by Western tourists is that there is little information available online, making it very difficult to organize a trip to Kazakhstan from afar. Here are some challenges you may encounter:
For all these reasons, when traveling to Kazakhstan on your own, you will have to be prepared to improvise.
📘 If your trip to Kazakhstan isn't just a passing thought but a serious intention, then you might be interested in my Kazakhstan travel guide ebook, with 62 pages of content to help you plan your trip. You can also simply contact me.
Kazakhstan is a vast country (2.725 million km², the ninth largest country in the world), and it would take a lifetime to visit all its interesting corners.
The mountain ranges, the Caspian Sea, the steppes, the deserts, and the lakes offer such a variety of landscapes that the more you travel in Kazakhstan, the longer your list of places to visit becomes.
So plan on spending at least two weeks to a month there.
On the one hand, due to Kazakhstan's remoteness, it is best to plan a sufficiently long stay. On the other hand, a trip that is too short—less than two weeks—may leave you feeling like you haven't seen everything.
If you can only plan a limited stay, it is advisable to focus your itinerary on a single region, such as the Almaty region, for example, in order to optimize your time and avoid long journeys (more than 1,200 kilometers separate Almaty from the capital, Astana!).
For a first visit, it is advisable to start with the Almaty region, for several reasons:
Here are some interesting places to visit in the Almaty region:
The majestic Tian Shan Mountains, which stand in the background of Almaty, are an absolute must. Their snow-capped peaks offer a breathtaking panorama, and winter sports enthusiasts will find a skiing paradise here.
Shymbulak ski resort, just a short drive from Almaty, attracts snow sports enthusiasts with its well-maintained slopes and breathtaking views.
In summer, there are numerous peaks to climb and numerous hikes to discover.
A short distance from Almaty, the Charyn Canyon offers spectacular rock formations.
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of Central Asia,” this magical place offers hiking trails to venture into lunar landscapes and rock formations eroded by time.
Learn more in this article.
The Big Almaty Lake, perched at an altitude of 2,511 meters, amazes visitors with its crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountain peaks. It is the city's drinking water reserve, so swimming is prohibited.
You can get there by walking on a giant pipe, which makes for a rather unusual walk. Those who are not comfortable with this can also take a paved road.
The Kolsay Lakes, a collection of three mountain lakes, captivate with their wild beauty.
Framed by dense forests and snow-capped peaks, these lakes offer hiking and camping opportunities, allowing visitors to connect intimately with nature.
Learn more in this article.
Lake Kaindy stands out as one of the world's most unique natural wonders. The lake's uniqueness lies in its origin, the result of a landslide in 1911 that blocked the valley and formed this high-altitude gem.
The striking landscape of Lake Kaindy attracts travelers and photographers from around the world. The petrified tree trunks, frozen in time, create a mystical atmosphere and evoke an astonishing harmony between nature and geological forces.
Visitors can explore the lake's shores, admire the reflections of the surrounding mountains on its calm waters, and feel the unique aura of this unspoiled place.
Learn more in this article.
For a total immersion in unspoiled nature, Altyn-Emel National Park offers a variety of landscapes ranging from the sand dunes of Singing Barkhan to the rock formations of Katutau and Aktau. Visitors can also discover the ancient rock carvings of Tamgaly Tas, evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years.
Learn more in this article.
To ensure a memorable experience, it is essential to consider some practical tips before planning your trip to Kazakhstan.
The first consideration when planning a trip to Kazakhstan is the season.
Winters can be extremely cold, especially in northern regions, while summers can be hot, especially in desert areas.
The ideal period is generally between spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are moderate and nature is adorned with its most beautiful colors.
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It is advisable to check the weather conditions specific to the region you are planning to visit.
⚠️ Some destinations are only accessible in summer due to roads that are impassable in rainy or snowy weather, especially in remote areas.
Kazakhstan offers a range of budget options, but it is essential to plan accordingly. Large cities such as Almaty are more expensive than rural areas.
Costs related to accommodation, food, and transportation can vary, so it is recommended to set a realistic budget based on your preferences and the length of your stay.
Before you leave, be sure to check the visa requirements for Kazakhstan.
Nationals of some countries may be visa-exempt for short stays, while others need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.
Formalities may vary, so it is essential to inform yourself sufficiently in advance to avoid any inconvenience upon arrival.
Kazakhstan offers a multitude of activities to suit all tastes.
Whether you're interested in hiking the Tian Shan Mountains, exploring canyons, horseback expeditions or discovering the nomadic culture, it's a good idea to learn about activities specific to each region.
Some places are renowned for their cultural festivals, while others offer unique opportunities for wildlife viewing. By planning your activities in advance, you will maximize your time and experience.
To avoid last-minute complications, it is recommended that you book your tickets in advance, whether for international flights, domestic routes, or local attractions.
Peak periods can see increased demand, especially for popular destinations, so anticipating your bookings will help ensure smooth logistics throughout your trip.
A crucial point for vegetarian or vegan travelers is food preparation. Kazakh cuisine is centered around meat, and although vegetarian options are becoming increasingly available in Almaty and Astana, this is not yet the case in villages and smaller towns.
🥦 Inform tour organizers of your dietary preferences in advance, and they will be sure to provide vegetarian meal options. Just as in homes and restaurants, Kazakhs are known for their hospitality and will improvise vegetarian dishes for their guests.
Now that you have decided to visit Kazakhstan, there are several travel options available to you: traveling solo, through a travel agency, or with Eastern Paths.
To stay up to date with all our news and upcoming expeditions, follow us on Instagram and visit the page dedicated to upcoming expeditions!
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