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Kazakhstan is one of those countries that seem so remote and unknown that few tourists dare to venture there.
However, it is not a dangerous country — on the contrary, this Central Asian territory is quite safe, and its inhabitants have a lot to offer.
This prejudice simply comes from the fact that we never hear about Kazakhstan. Not in the news, not in travel blogs, not in popular culture. And what we don't know, we distrust.
Discreet, surrounded by endless steppes and mountains, it nevertheless has great tourist potential. But I admit that it is precisely its absence of tourists that, in part, makes its charm.
One of the few places on Earth where it is still possible to explore lightly trodden paths, to go on an adventure in wild nature, far from marked routes.
Above all, a trip to Kazakhstan is a big step into the unknown, to encounter a multitude of discoveries.
The other side of the coin of a place that is rarely visited by Western tourists — there is little information online, and it is therefore very complicated to organize a trip to Kazakhstan remotely.
If, like me, you are not particularly tempted by organized group trips that are timed to the minute (and overpriced), you will surely want to organize your trip to Kazakhstan yourself.
Here are some challenges you may encounter:
For all these reasons, when traveling to Kazakhstan on your own, you will have to resort to some degree of improvisation.
But I will still try to make your trip to Kazakhstan more comfortable by sharing my expert advice as a frequent traveller in Central Asia. :)
If your trip to Kazakhstan is not just an idea, but a serious intention, then you might be interested in my Travel guide to Kazakhstan in ebook, with 62 pages of content to help you plan your trip. You can also simply contact me.
Kazakhstan is a very vast country (2.725 million km², 9th largest country in the world), and I honestly think that it takes a lifetime to visit all its interesting corners.
The mountain ranges, the Caspian Sea, the steppe, the deserts, the lakes make up such a variety of landscapes, that the more we travel to Kazakhstan, the more our list of places to visit gets longer (in my case, it seems endless).
So, obviously, I want to say that the longer your trip is, the better. You won't be bored there.
Now, being a bit more realistic, I'll add - plan at least two weeks.
On the one hand, because it is not next door, and therefore you might as well stay longer in place. On the other hand, because if you stay for less than two weeks, you risk leaving with an unpleasant aftertaste of too little.
And if you really can't plan more than two weeks, focus your trip mostly on a geographical area of the country, so as not to waste too much time traveling (there are more than 1,200 kilometers between Almaty and Astana!).
You could focus on several geographical areas in Kazakhstan, all of which have their attractions, but if this is your first time visiting Kazakhstan, I would advise you to start with the region of Almaty. There are several reasons for this:
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.
Let me tell you a bit more about it in this article.
The Big Almaty Lake, or Grand Lake of Almaty, perched at an altitude of 2511 meters, amazes visitors with its crystal clear water 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 the walk quite original. Those who are not reassured can also take an asphalt road.
I share a secret with you: it is also possible to get there by car (despite the ban on driving), if you have a good contact on site. ;) Some taxi drivers who have an arrangement with the checkpoints bring tourists to the lake for about 40,000 tenge for 4 people (80 euros).
Kolsai 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.
There is a local legend about these lakes, here it is:
Once upon a time there were three sisters madly in love with a young man. All three wanted to marry him. Their father did not know what to do: how to make them all happy? He could not marry all three of them, nor did he have the heart to make one happy at the expense of the other two. He finally found a solution: he transformed the three girls into three lakes like three pearls, which he connected by a river — the young man. This became their bond for eternity. It was the legend of the three Kolsai lakes in Kazakhstan in the province of Almaty, connected by a river of the same name.
Lake Kaindy stands out as one of the most unique natural wonders in the world. The particularity of the lake lies in its origin, the result of a landslide that occurred in 1911, which blocked the valley and formed this high-altitude jewel.
The ethereal landscape of Lake Kaindy attracts travelers and photographers from around the world. Petrified tree trunks, frozen in time, create a mystical atmosphere and evoke an amazing harmony between nature and geological forces.
Visitors can explore the shores of the lake, admire the reflections of the surrounding mountains on its calm waters, and experience the unique aura of this unspoilt location.
For a total immersion in preserved nature, Altyn-Emel National Park offers a diversity 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, testifying to the human presence for thousands of years.
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.
It is advisable to check the weather conditions specific to the region you are planning to visit.
Kazakhstan offers a range of budget options, but planning accordingly is crucial. Big cities like Almaty can be more expensive than rural areas.
Accommodation, food, and transport costs may vary, so it is recommended to set a realistic budget according to your preferences and the duration 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, or discovering 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 increasingly appearing in Almaty or Astana, this is not yet the case in villages and smaller cities.
Does that mean it's impossible for vegetarians to travel to Kazakhstan?
No! In fact, I did the test myself, taking a vegetarian friend with me on my trips. All you have to do is mention this particularity to the tour organizers in advance, and they will kindly think of a vegetarian alternative for the meals.
Likewise, in homes and restaurants, Kazakhs do not fail to show their hospitality by improvising vegetarian dishes for their guests.
When hiking, plan your own picnic.
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