Kazakhstan is Central Asia's vast enigma — a country where futuristic glass towers rise from endless steppe, snow-leopards prowl mountain ranges older than the Himalayas, and nomadic traditions survive in eagle-hunting festivals that feel lifted from another century. It's the ninth-largest country on Earth, yet remains gloriously under-touristed, rewarding adventurous travellers with surreal landscapes like the Charyn Canyon, the alien-green waters of Lake Kaindy, and the cosmodrome that launched humanity into space. Whether you're chasing Silk Road history, wild hiking, or some of the most genuinely hospitable people you'll ever meet, Kazakhstan delivers with a confidence that catches first-timers completely off guard. Come for the curiosity, stay for the kumis — and the kind of wide-open freedom that's increasingly hard to find on a shrinking planet.
Astana
A futuristic capital rising from the endless steppe
Originally a modest fortress settlement called Akmola, this city on the Ishim River spent centuries as a quiet trading post on the Kazakh steppe. It was renamed Tselinograd during the Soviet-era Virgin Lands campaign of the 1950s, which transformed the surrounding grasslands into farmland. In 1997, President Nazarbayev made the audacious decision to relocate the capital here from Almaty, triggering one of the most ambitious urban construction projects of the modern era. The city has since cycled through names — Astana, Nur-Sultan, and back to Astana in 2022 — while reinventing itself as a showcase of bold architecture and Central Asian ambition.
XIX
city founded
347 m
elevation
1400000
city population
Astana feels like someone dropped a sci-fi film set onto the Central Asian steppe — gleaming towers, gravity-defying structures, and the iconic Bayterek monument all compete for your attention along the sweeping Left Bank boulevard. Cross the Ishim River to the older Right Bank for a mellower vibe: Soviet-era blocks sit alongside bustling bazaars, cozy chai houses, and some of the city's best laghman noodle joints. Don't miss the Khan Shatyr mega-tent for retail therapy, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation for its stained-glass apex by Norman Foster, or a winter stroll when temperatures plunge to minus thirty and the frozen cityscape takes on an almost otherworldly beauty. It's a capital that constantly surprises — equal parts audacious, surreal, and genuinely warm once you dig beneath the futuristic facade.
Weather across the year
Kazakhstan's extreme continental climate delivers scorching summers and brutally cold winters across its vast steppe landscapes. Temperature swings between seasons are dramatic, so packing strategically is essential.
Jan
-10°
Bitter cold, snowy
Feb
-8°
Harsh winter continues
Mar
0°
Still cold, thawing
Apr
13°
Spring arrives, windy
May
22°
Warm, steppe blooms
Jun
27°
Warm and pleasant
Jul
30°
Hot, peak summer
Aug
28°
Hot and dry
Sep
21°
Pleasant early autumn
Oct
10°
Cool, turning cold
Nov
-1°
Cold, first snow
Dec
-8°
Deep freeze begins
Average highs in the capital
May to June and September offer the most comfortable weather for exploring. July and August work too, but expect intense heat on the steppe.
Layer up generously in winter — temperatures can plunge below -30°C in Astana. In summer, carry sunscreen and plenty of water for the dry, exposed landscapes.
Popular destinations
Kazakhstan is Central Asia's vast, underrated gem — a country where futuristic skylines meet ancient Silk Road history, and where the steppe stretches into snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and alien-looking canyons. It's enormous (ninth largest country on Earth), so don't try to see it all at once. But whether you're drawn to cosmopolitan cities, raw wilderness, or landscapes that look like they belong on another planet, Kazakhstan delivers with surprisingly little tourist congestion.
City & Culture
Almaty
Kazakhstan's former capital and still its cultural beating heart. Almaty is a leafy, cafe-filled city backed by the dramatic Tian Shan mountains. Ride the cable car up Kok-Tobe hill for panoramic views, explore the Green Bazaar for dried fruits and local honey, and use the city as a launchpad for day hikes in stunning alpine valleys like Big Almaty Lake. The food scene mixes Central Asian classics with modern international flair — don't skip the beshbarmak.
3–5 days
Modern City
Astana (Nur-Sultan)
Rising from the northern steppe like a science fiction film set, Kazakhstan's capital is a showcase of ambitious architecture. The Bayterek Tower, Khan Shatyr entertainment center (yes, it's a giant translucent tent), and the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation are all worth seeing. Winters are brutally cold, but the city compensates with indoor attractions and a surreal, almost Dubai-meets-the-steppe energy. Visit in summer for pleasant weather and long golden evenings.
2–3 days
Nature & Adventure
Charyn Canyon
Often called Kazakhstan's answer to the Grand Canyon — and while it's smaller, it's arguably more accessible and just as photogenic. The Valley of Castles section features dramatic red-rock formations sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. It's a roughly 3-hour drive east of Almaty, making it a perfect day trip or overnight camping adventure. Go at sunrise or sunset for the most jaw-dropping colors. Bring water — it's drier than you'd expect.
1–2 days
Mountains & Lakes
Lake Kolsai & Kaindy
Tucked into the northern Tian Shan mountains near the Kyrgyz border, these alpine lakes are among Central Asia's most beautiful natural sights. Kolsai's three lakes sit at increasing elevations surrounded by spruce forest, while nearby Lake Kaindy is famous for its ghostly submerged forest of spruce trunks rising from turquoise water. Hiking between the Kolsai lakes is moderately challenging and deeply rewarding. Basic guesthouses and yurt camps are available — this is off-grid beauty at its finest.
2–3 days
Otherworldly Landscapes
Mangystau Region
If Kazakhstan has a secret weapon for adventurous travellers, it's Mangystau. This remote western region on the Caspian Sea coast looks like Mars crossed with a surrealist painting. Think vast chalk-white canyons, underground mosques carved into rock, the dramatic Bozzhira Valley with its fang-like rock formations, and the eerie Caspian shoreline. You'll need a 4x4 and ideally a local guide, but the payoff is landscapes you genuinely won't find anywhere else on Earth. Tourism infrastructure is growing but still minimal — that's part of the charm.
4–6 days
Ski & Winter Sports
Shymbulak & Medeu
Just 30 minutes from downtown Almaty, Medeu is the world's highest Olympic-standard ice skating rink, and Shymbulak above it is a legitimate ski resort with runs for all levels. The season typically runs from November to April, with reliable snow and uncrowded slopes compared to European resorts. In summer, the area transforms into prime hiking and mountain biking territory. The cable car ride up offers stunning views of the Almaty valley below and Tian Shan peaks above — worth it even if you don't ski.
1–3 days
Must-see landmarks
Charyn Canyon
Often called the "little brother" of the Grand Canyon, Charyn Canyon stretches for 154 kilometers through the steppe east of Almaty, with rock formations sculpted over 12 million years. The Valley of Castles section is the star attraction — a surreal corridor of red sandstone towers that glow amber at sunset. It's genuinely one of Central Asia's most dramatic natural landmarks and photographs beautifully at any time of day. The canyon is about a 3.5-hour drive from Almaty; hire a driver or join a day tour, and bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Turkestan
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in the ancient city of Turkestan was commissioned by Tamerlane himself in the late 14th century to honor the revered Sufi poet and mystic Khoja Ahmed Yasawi. The unfinished mausoleum features a massive 18-ton bronze cauldron and stunning turquoise-tiled domes that rival anything in Samarkand. It's a deeply significant pilgrimage site and an architectural masterpiece that tells the story of Central Asia's spiritual and imperial history. Turkestan is reachable by high-speed train from Almaty or Astana, and the beautifully restored old quarter around the mausoleum is worth exploring on foot.
Bayterek Tower, Astana
Rising 97 meters above the futuristic capital, Bayterek Tower is inspired by a Kazakh legend of a mythical tree of life where the sacred Samruk bird lays its golden egg. The observation deck at the top offers panoramic views of Astana's boldly modern skyline — a cityscape that looks like it was designed by competing sci-fi architects. Inside the golden orb, you'll find an imprint of the country's first president's hand and an oddly meditative atmosphere. Visit in the late afternoon for golden-hour views, and combine it with a stroll along the grand Nurzhol Boulevard.
Big Almaty Lake
Nestled at 2,511 meters in the Tien Shan mountains just 28 kilometers south of Almaty, Big Almaty Lake is a glacial jewel that shifts between vivid turquoise and deep emerald depending on the season. The lake sits in a dramatic bowl surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and on a clear day the reflections are almost impossibly perfect. It was originally a natural reservoir and remains a water source for the city, which is why swimming is prohibited — but the views more than compensate. The road up is steep and rough; a 4x4 taxi from Almaty takes about an hour, and the best months to visit are June through September.
Kazakhstan is enormous — roughly the size of Western Europe — so don't try to see everything in one trip. Focus on either the Almaty region for mountains and nature, or combine Astana with a Turkestan side trip for architecture and history. Domestic flights are affordable and save you days of overland travel.
Entry requirements
Kazakhstan rolls out a surprisingly generous welcome mat for international visitors. Citizens of over 70 countries can enter visa-free, and the country's digital visa system makes things smoother for everyone else. That said, Central Asian bureaucracy has its quirks — here's what you need to know before you land in the land of endless steppe.
🛂
Passport Validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry. Make sure you have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Damaged or heavily worn passports may be rejected at the border — Kazakh immigration officers can be sticklers about this.
🚪
Entry Points
Kazakhstan can be entered through international airports in Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Aktau, and several other cities, as well as overland border crossings with China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. Note that some remote land crossings have limited operating hours and may close without notice. Flying into Almaty or Astana is the most hassle-free option for first-time visitors.
✈️
Return or Onward Ticket
Immigration officers may ask to see proof of a return or onward ticket, especially if you're entering visa-free. While enforcement varies, it's wise to have a booking confirmation handy — either printed or on your phone. Budget travellers sometimes use a refundable ticket booking as backup. You may also be asked to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
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Registration & Official Requirements
If you're staying longer than 30 days, you must register with the migration police. Hotels handle this automatically, but if you're staying in a private apartment or with friends, your host is responsible for registering you within 3 business days. Overstaying your visa-free period or failing to register can result in fines, deportation, or a future entry ban. Always check the latest rules on the official government portal before your trip.
Safety
Generally safe
Kazakhstan is generally a safe destination for travellers, with hospitable locals and low rates of violent crime. That said, petty scams and a few uniquely Central Asian hazards are worth knowing about before you go.
Common tourist scams
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Inflated taxi fares from airports
Unlicensed drivers at Almaty and Astana airports will quote prices 3–5 times the normal rate, sometimes claiming the meter is broken or that Uber/Yandex Go doesn't work here. Always use ride-hailing apps (Yandex Go, inDrive) or pre-book through your hotel. If you must take a street cab, agree on a price before getting in and have Google Maps open so the driver can't take a scenic detour.
💱
Currency exchange sleight-of-hand
Some exchange booths in Almaty's bazaars (especially around Barakholka and the Green Bazaar) display attractive rates on the board, then count out a lower amount at the window, hoping you won't recount before walking away. Always count your tenge in front of the cashier and never hand back money once you've received it — a common trick is asking to 'recount' and palming a few notes. Stick to bank-affiliated exchange offices when possible.
🏔️
Fake mountain guides in Almaty
Around Medeu and Shymbulak, self-appointed 'guides' offer to take you on alpine hikes to Big Almaty Lake or nearby peaks at bargain rates, then demand inflated payments mid-trail or simply lack proper safety knowledge. Book through established outfitters registered with the Kazakh Tourism Board. A legit guide will always discuss route details, gear requirements, and emergency plans beforehand.
🎰
The 'friendly local' card game hustle
In Almaty and Astana, a friendly stranger may strike up a conversation, invite you for tea at their home, and eventually suggest a 'casual' card game where their accomplices are already waiting. The game is rigged and you'll be pressured to pay large sums. Politely decline invitations to private residences from people you've just met — genuine Kazakh hospitality is real, but it doesn't usually involve gambling within the first hour of meeting.
Safety tips
🚗
Kazakh road culture is intense
Drivers frequently overtake on two-lane highways, road markings can be aspirational rather than actual, and livestock regularly wanders onto intercity roads. If you rent a car, avoid driving at night on rural highways and always carry extra fuel — gas stations can be 150+ km apart in the steppe. Defensive driving here is survival, not paranoia.
📸
Photography restrictions near borders and government buildings
Photographing military installations, border zones, and certain government buildings (especially in Astana) can lead to questioning or phone confiscation by police. When in doubt, ask first — security guards near Akorda or the Ministry of Defence take this very seriously. Drone use requires a permit and is effectively banned in both city centres and near border areas.
🚰
Tap water is a gamble
Tap water in Almaty and Astana is technically treated but often has heavy mineral content and ageing pipes that make it taste awful and occasionally upset stomachs. Stick to bottled water or carry a reliable filter bottle, especially when travelling through smaller cities and villages. Ice in restaurants is usually fine in major cities but worth avoiding at roadside stops.
🌡️
Extreme temperature swings are no joke
Kazakhstan can hit –30°C in winter and +45°C in summer, sometimes in the same region months apart. Altitude sickness is a real risk if you hike above 3,000m near Almaty without acclimatising. Pack for the season seriously — hypothermia and heatstroke both send tourists to hospitals here every year.
Download offline maps and a translation app before venturing outside Almaty and Astana — English is rarely spoken beyond major hotels and mobile data can be spotty in the steppe.
Kazakhstan uses Type C and Type F plugs with a standard 220V/50Hz supply — the same system found across most of continental Europe. If you're travelling from the UK, you'll need an adaptor (your Type G plugs won't fit). Visitors from the US, Canada, Japan, and Australia will also need an adaptor, and since those countries run on 100–120V, double-check that your devices support dual voltage (most modern phone chargers, laptops, and camera chargers do — look for "100–240V" on the label). Hair dryers and straighteners from 110V countries often don't support 220V and can fry spectacularly, so either pack a travel-rated one or plan to buy locally. Travellers from most of Europe, South Korea, and much of South America should be fine without any adaptor at all. A compact universal adaptor is always a smart addition to your packing list, especially outside major cities where hotel front desks may not have loaners.
The food — what's actually on the plate
Kazakh cuisine is a carnivore's paradise shaped by centuries of nomadic life on the vast steppe. Think hearty, warming, and unapologetically meat-heavy — horse meat and lamb reign supreme, often paired with handmade noodles, fermented dairy, and surprisingly delicate flavors. Meals here are communal affairs, meant to be shared at a dastarkhan (a traditional spread), and refusing food is considered borderline offensive. Come hungry, leave happy, and don't ask what's in the sausage until you've finished it.
🐴
Beshbarmak
besh-bar-MAK
The undisputed king of Kazakh cuisine. Literally meaning "five fingers" (because it's traditionally eaten by hand), beshbarmak is a glorious mountain of boiled horse meat or lamb layered over wide, silky homemade noodles and drenched in rich onion-and-broth sauce called tuzdyk. It's served at every celebration, family gathering, and basically any excuse Kazakhs can find. The host typically carves the meat and distributes specific cuts to guests based on their age and status — so pay attention, you might learn where you rank.
🫗
Kumis (Qymyz)
koo-MIS / kuh-MYZ
Not a dish but a drink so iconic it deserves a spot here. Kumis is fermented mare's milk — yes, horse milk — and it's been the signature beverage of Central Asian nomads for millennia. Slightly fizzy, sour, and with a mild alcoholic kick (around 2-3%), it's an acquired taste that locals swear has near-magical health benefits. You'll find it everywhere from roadside stalls to fancy restaurants. First sip: confusion. Third sip: curiosity. By the end of the bowl: genuine appreciation. Give it a fair chance.
🥟
Manti
mahn-TY
These oversized steamed dumplings are Central Asia's glorious answer to dim sum. Kazakh manti are stuffed with a juicy mixture of minced lamb (or beef) and onion, sometimes with pumpkin added for a touch of sweetness, then steamed in a multi-tiered pot called a mantykaskan. The key is the burst of hot, savory broth trapped inside each dumpling — so bite carefully or wear the consequences. Served with sour cream, vinegar-chili sauce, or butter, they're street food, home food, and restaurant food all at once. You'll find them absolutely everywhere, and you should eat them absolutely everywhere.
More worth trying
Beyond the big three, keep an eye out for kurt (rock-hard dried yogurt balls that nomads carried as trail snacks — salty and addictive), shubat (fermented camel milk, kumis's funkier cousin), lagman (hand-pulled noodle soup with a spiced meat-and-vegetable broth), and baursak (puffy fried dough served at every dastarkhan, essentially Kazakh dinner rolls). For the adventurous, try kazy — smoked horse meat sausage that's far more delicious than it sounds. Street bazaars like Almaty's Green Bazaar are the best places to sample everything in one chaotic, fragrant visit.
Culture: music, film, literature
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Music: From Dombra to Dimash
The two-stringed dombra is the soul of Kazakh music — you'll hear its hypnotic twang everywhere from yurt gatherings to concert halls. Traditional küy instrumental pieces, like those composed by the legendary Kurmangazy Sagyrbayuly, are UNESCO-recognized treasures. Modern Kazakhstan gave the world Dimash Kudaibergen, whose six-octave range has earned him a fanatical global following. In Almaty and Astana, catch live performances blending throat singing with electronic beats at venues like ABay State Opera House.
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Cinema: Steppe Stories on Screen
Kazakh cinema has been quietly winning over international festivals for decades. Darezhan Omirbaev's 'Kairat' and 'The Road' brought Kazakh neorealism to Cannes, while Sergei Dvortsevoy's 'Tulpan' — a gorgeous tale of a young herder on the steppe — won the Un Certain Regard prize in 2008. More recently, Adilkhan Yerzhanov has become a festival darling with darkly comic films like 'A Dark, Dark Man' and 'Goliath.' Almaty's Arman and Chaplin cinemas occasionally screen local indie films alongside blockbusters, so check listings.
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Literature: Poets of the Great Steppe
Abai Qunanbaiuly is the towering figure of Kazakh literature — his philosophical 'Book of Words' and lyric poetry are practically national scripture. Mukhtar Auezov's epic novel 'The Path of Abai' brought Kazakh storytelling to a worldwide audience and remains a must-read for understanding the nomadic soul. Contemporary voices like Bakhyt Kairbekov blend modernist verse with steppe imagery, and you'll find bilingual editions in bookshops across Almaty. Stop by the Abai Literary Museum in Semey for manuscripts, first editions, and a moving look at the poet's world.
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Art: From Petroglyphs to Contemporary Galleries
Kazakhstan's art history starts with the stunning Tamgaly petroglyphs — a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Bronze Age rock carvings of sun-headed deities and dancing figures. The 20th century produced Abilkhan Kasteev, the father of Kazakh fine art, whose luminous landscapes hang in the national museum bearing his name in Almaty. Today, the contemporary scene is thriving: Almaty's Esentai Gallery and ASPAN Gallery showcase bold works by artists like Saule Suleimenova, famous for her mosaics made from crushed plastic bags. For street art, wander Almaty's Tole Bi and Dostyk streets, where murals transform Soviet-era walls into open-air exhibitions.
A few words in the local language
Kazakh is the official state language, though you'll hear Russian spoken widely in cities. Learning a few Kazakh phrases will genuinely delight locals — it signals respect and curiosity, and you'll often be rewarded with huge smiles, extra helpings of beshbarmak, and impromptu language lessons at the dinner table.
Сәлеметсіз бе!
Sah-le-met-SIZ be
Hello! (formal/polite)
Use this with elders or anyone you've just met. For a casual "hey" among friends, you can say "Сәлем" (Sah-LEM).
Рахмет!
Rakh-MET
Thank you!
Short, sweet, and universally appreciated. Add "көп" (kop) before it for "thank you very much" — Көп рахмет!
Кешіріңіз
Ke-shi-ri-NYIZ
Sorry / Excuse me
Perfect for getting someone's attention, squeezing past people at the bazaar, or any minor social hiccup.
Сау болыңыз!
Sau bo-ly-NYIZ
Goodbye! (lit. "Be well!")
A warm farewell. Among friends you can shorten it to "Сау бол" (Sau bol).
Иә / Жоқ
Ee-YA / Zhok
Yes / No
"Жоқ" has a slightly guttural "zh" and a hard stop at the end — think of it as a firm, no-nonsense syllable.
Денсаулығыңыз үшін!
Den-sau-ly-ghy-NYIZ u-SHIN
Cheers! (lit. "To your health!")
Use this when clinking glasses of kumis, tea, or something stronger. Kazakhs take toasts seriously — eye contact helps.
... қайда?
... QAI-da?
Where is ...?
Just put the place name before "қайда" — e.g., "Метро қайда?" (Where is the metro?). Simple and effective.
Бұл қанша тұрады?
Bul QAN-sha tu-ra-DY?
How much does this cost?
Essential for bazaar shopping. Point at the item, say this phrase, and be ready to negotiate — it's expected and even enjoyed.
Дәмді!
Dam-DI
Delicious!
Say this after tasting anything homemade and watch your host beam with pride. Works especially well with beshbarmak, baursak, and shubat.
Мен білмеймін
Men bil-MAI-min
I don't know
Handy when someone asks you a question in rapid-fire Kazakh and you need to politely signal you're lost. Pair it with a smile and a shrug — universal language.
locals are thrilled you're even trying.
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Kazakhstan is a vast, wonderfully underrated destination where snow-capped mountains meet endless steppe and futuristic cityscapes. With visa-free entry for citizens of over 70 countries, getting in is refreshingly simple. The best season to visit stretches from May through September, when alpine meadows bloom and Charyn Canyon glows golden at sunset. Budget travellers will find Kazakhstan remarkably affordable — from hearty beshbarmak dinners to sleeper trains crossing the country for a fraction of European prices. Think epic landscapes, Silk Road history, and genuinely warm hospitality.
Choose My Route
Not Sure Kazakhstan Is Your Next Destination?
From the futuristic skyline of Astana to the wild canyons of Charyn and the endless steppe in between, Kazakhstan is a country that rewards the curious — but it's not for everyone, and that's okay. At choosemyroute.com we help you figure out which destination actually fits your travel style, budget, and timeline.