Budget to travel to Kazakhstan: a complete guide

Kazakhstan, this vast country in Central Asia, has fascinated you for a long time, and you dream of discovering its endless expanses, its majestic mountains, and its rich culture.

However, before you fly to this exotic destination, it is essential to plan your budget carefully.

In this article, we are going to guide you through the various components of the cost of a trip to Kazakhstan, from accommodation to meals, to tourist activities, so you can have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank.

Budget Kazakhstan: main travel costs

From airline tickets to travel expenses, here are the main costs to include in your budget to go to Kazakhstan.

Plane tickets

The first item of expenditure on your trip to Kazakhstan will probably be plane tickets. Prices vary according to your place of departure, the season and the flexibility of your travel dates.

In general, flights to major Kazakh cities, such as Almaty or Astana, are more affordable than flights to less frequented destinations.

Ticket prices can vary from 500 to 1,500 euros (round trip), depending on the class of travel and the airline.

At the moment, the cheapest flights pass through Turkey, with airlines such as Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Other routes are also possible via Frankfurt or Qatar.

To save on tickets, it's recommended that you book in advance, watch for special offers, and be flexible with your travel dates, as rates can vary considerably from day to day.

‍Lodging

Kazakhstan offers a variety of accommodation options, suitable for all budgets.

Luxury hotels, youth hostels, and rental apartments are all available.

• Luxury hotels : If you want to stay in a luxury hotel, the price will vary depending on the location and the stars of the establishment. You can expect to pay between 100 and 300 euros per night.
• Mid-range hotels : Mid-category hotels offer good value for money, with prices between 30 and 100 euros per night.
• Youth hostels : Budget travelers will appreciate youth hostels, whose rates are around 10 to 30 euros per night in a dorm.
• Vacation rentals : You can also opt for renting apartments or houses, which can be economical for groups or families. Prices vary depending on the size and location of the property, but you can find affordable options starting at 30 euros per night.
• Traditional yurts : For a unique experience, you can stay in a traditional Kazakh yurt, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas. Prices vary, but count around 20 to 50 euros per night. It is generally an experience for one or two nights, not an accommodation solution for the entire duration of the trip.

Food

The food in Kazakhstan is delicious and varied, with culinary influences from Central Asia, Russia, and the Middle East.

Kazakh restaurants offer a wide range of dishes, from horse meat to manti (large dumplings) to beshbarmak (national dish).

• Restaurant meal : A meal in an average restaurant will cost between 5 and 15 euros per person. Luxury restaurants will be more expensive, with dishes ranging from 20 to 50 euros or more.
• Streetfood : To save on meals, explore Kazakh street food. You can enjoy local specialties at very affordable prices, usually between 1 and 5 euros.
• Groceries : If you prefer to cook for yourself, groceries are affordable. Expect around 30 to 40 euros per week for basic products.

Transport

Once in Kazakhstan, you'll need to move around to explore this vast country. The cost of transport will depend on your choice of mode of travel.

• Public transport : Buses and trains are affordable options for traveling between cities. The cost of an intercity bus ticket can vary from 5 to 20 euros, while a train ticket will cost around 10 to 30 euros, depending on the class chosen.
• Car rental : If you prefer independence, car rental is possible, but prices can be high, especially if you opt for an all-terrain vehicle to explore rural areas.
• Taxi : Taxis are a practical option for getting around the city, I do not recommend wasting too much time with the bus at first. In general, an hour by taxi costs around 7-8 euros outside of peak hours. This means that shorter trips can easily cost you 2-3 euros. Use the Yandex* app or InDrive for added security.
• Domestic flight : If you plan to visit remote areas, you may need to take a domestic flight. Prices vary depending on the destination, but count between 50 and 200 euros.

*Since the sanctions against Russia, Yandex Taxi (Russian company) is no longer available on the App Store. To download the app, you need to change your Apple or Google account settings on Android, and choose Kazakhstan as the country.

Tourism activities

Kazakhstan is full of exciting activities, whether for the most adventurous or the most curious.

Activity prices vary, but here are a few examples:

• Mountain excursions : Hiking in the Altai Mountains or the Tian Shan Mountains are popular. The costs vary depending on the duration and the guide, but expect between 20 and 100 euros per day.
• Cultural visits : Admission to museums and historical sites usually costs between 2 and 10 euros.
• Jeep tours and wildlife viewing : If you want to explore Kazakh wildlife, expect to pay between 100 and 300 euros per day for a guided experience in an all-terrain vehicle.
• Recreational activities : Kazakhstan also offers leisure activities, such as paragliding or horseback riding. Prices vary depending on the activity, but you can expect to spend between 15 and 100 euros.

Average budget to go to Kazakhstan

In summary, the budget needed to travel to Kazakhstan will depend on your travel style, preferences, and length of stay.

On average, a budget traveller can expect to spend between 40 and 70 euros per day, including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.

More adventurous or luxurious travelers will need to budget more.

Remember to leave room for the unexpected, like souvenirs or last-minute expenses.

By planning your trip to Kazakhstan carefully, you can fully enjoy this beautiful country without breaking the bank.

So get ready to explore the endless steppes, enjoy delicious food, and have unforgettable experiences in the heart of Central Asia.

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