Kazakhstan Travel Essentials
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
- Dorm bed: $10-20
- Budget: $30-50
- Mid-range: $60-100
- Luxury: $150 and above
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
- Budget: $10-20
- Mid-range: $25-40
Visa Policy for Indians: E-visa or Visa on Arrival
Visa Policy for Other Nationals: E-visa or Visa on Arrival for many countries
Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for major cities and key attractions; 2 weeks for more extensive exploration
Best Time: May to September (warmer months, ideal for outdoor activities)
Getting In Kazakhstan: Nur-Sultan (Astana) International Airport (NQZ), Almaty International Airport (ALA)
Getting Around Kazakhstan: Public transport, taxis, rental cars, and trains for intercity travel
"The Land of the Wanderers"
Kazakhstan Tourism
Kazakhstan is the world's largest landlocked country, located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Covering an area of approximately 2.7 million square kilometers, it is the ninth-largest country in the world. The capital city of Kazakhstan is Nur-Sultan (formerly known as Astana), a mix of modern and historic cities.
Kazakhstan offers a diverse and ever-changing landscape for travelers, from arid plains, boundless steppes, and remote desert villages where camels often outnumber people to verdant valleys, snow-capped mountains, and contemporary urban centers. Nur-Sultan and Almaty, in particular, offer a blend of modern architecture, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
Kazakhstan offers a wide range of natural attractions, including the Charyn Canyon, Lake Balkhash, and the Altai Mountains. The country also hosts the Baikonur Cosmodrome, a space launch facility that was once the primary launch site for the Soviet space program and is still in use today.
The best areas for multiday adventurous trekking are the Tian Shan range to the South and the Altay Mountains to the east. Try Kazakh’s national dish, Beshbarmak, chunks of long-boiled mutton, beef, or perhaps horsemeat, served in a huge bowl atop flat squares of pasta.
Tourist Places to Visit In Kazakhstan
Must Know Before You Travel to Kazakhstan
- While you'll find some English speakers, especially in tourist areas, it's helpful to have some basic Kazakh or Russian phrases for communication.
- Travelers to areas near the Chinese and Kyrgyz border, particularly the Altay Mountains and Mt. Khan Tengri, must obtain a special border-zone permit. It incurs a fee of approximately 7500T and can require up to 45 days for processing, so plan well in advance.
- When entering the country with goods exceeding the standard duty-free limits, travelers must fill out customs declaration forms.
- You can transport up to 3000 USD in any currency into or out of the country without the need for a written declaration.
Best time to visit Kazakhstan
Peak Season (July to August):
The peak season in Kazakhstan is the summer months of July and August. During this time, the weather is generally warm and dry with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C in most regions, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Summer temperatures in the northern plains can exceed 30°C, while the southern regions experience slightly cooler temperatures and occasional rain.
Shoulder Season (April to June, September to October):
The shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Kazakhstan due to the pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant natural scenery. In spring when temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C, mild temperatures and blooming flora make outdoor activities delightful. Autumn is equally captivating, with temperate weather ideal for exploring the stunning autumn foliage around lakes and mountains. The Almaty Apple Festival and other harvest-related events add to the charm. During these seasons, travelers can enjoy trekking, cultural festivals, and exploring cities like Almaty and Astana without the summer crowds.
Off-Season (November to March):
Winter in Kazakhstan is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and significant snowfall, particularly influenced by Siberian winds. During winter months, temperatures can drop significantly, with averages ranging from 0°C to -15°C in many regions. Despite the harsh weather, winter offers unique experiences such as winter sports and cultural traditions. Skiing at resorts like Shymbulak and Talgar Pass is popular, and you can experience a traditional Kazakh sauna or participate in eagle hunting expeditions.
Holidify's opinion on Travel to Kazakhstan
What's Great about Travelling to Kazakhstan?
Vast steppes, modern cities, and a blend of Asian and European influences.
What's Not So Great about Travelling to Kazakhstan?
Extreme Temperatures, Language Barrier, Limited Tourism Infrastructure
Who should Travel to Kazakhstan?
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