Travel landscape in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan, located in Central Asia, is the world's largest landlocked country, rich in nomadic history and diverse landscapes, ranging from vast steppes to majestic mountains.

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Two ways to explore

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ELEVATION PROFILE

Altitude 580 m

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
Kazakh, Russian
Time zones
UTC+5 to UTC+6 depending on region
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz, plugs Type C and F
Climate
Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters; varies by altitude and region

Health

No mandatory vaccinations. Consult a travel health specialist before departure. Healthcare quality better in major cities.

Travel health advice

  • Drink bottled water
  • Use sun protection in summer
  • Wash hands regularly

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Typhoid; Tetanus

Required vaccines:

Money

Currency: Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT)

Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices; rates may vary.

Credit cards widely accepted in major cities and hotels. ATMs mainly available in larger towns.

Safety

Kazakhstan is generally safe, but travelers should remain cautious in remote areas and avoid demonstrations.

  • Avoid traveling at night on secondary roads
  • Do not display signs of wealth
  • Respect local laws and customs

Areas to check before travel: Certain border areas near Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan (check official advice before traveling)

Regions

Almaty — travel guide
Region

Almaty

Mountainous region famous for the former capital and natural landscapes.

Northern Kazakhstan — travel guide
Region

Northern Kazakhstan

Vast steppe region and major industrial centers.

Central Kazakhstan — travel guide
Region

Central Kazakhstan

Economic and political heartland with the new capital Nursultan.

Western Kazakhstan — travel guide
Region

Western Kazakhstan

Oil-rich area bordering the Caspian Sea.

Southern Kazakhstan — travel guide
Region

Southern Kazakhstan

Cultural region with many historic and agricultural sites.

Eastern Kazakhstan — travel guide
Region

Eastern Kazakhstan

Mountainous, industrial region with mining resources.

Cities

Nursultan — city guide
City guide

Nursultan

Modern capital featuring futuristic architecture and Kazakh culture.

  • Bayterek Tower
  • National Museum of Kazakhstan
  • Independence Square
Almaty — city guide
City guide

Almaty

Former capital, cultural and economic center surrounded by mountains.

  • Panfilov Park
  • Green Bazaar
  • Kok-Tobe Mountain
  • Medeu Ice Skating Rink
Shymkent — city guide
City guide

Shymkent

Large southern city known for its pleasant lifestyle and rich agriculture.

  • Otrar Ruins
  • Beket Ata Mosque
Karaganda — city guide
City guide

Karaganda

Historic industrial city in central Kazakhstan.

  • Gulag Museum
  • Shevchenko Park
Aktau — city guide
City guide

Aktau

Caspian Sea port city with desert climate.

  • Caspian Sea Beaches
  • Regional History Museum
Turkestan — city guide
City guide

Turkestan

Spiritual city, gateway to southern Kazakhstan.

  • Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi
  • Grand Bazaar

Highlights

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi — travel guide
Must-see

Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

UNESCO World Heritage site and excellent example of Timurid architecture.

Lake Balkhash — travel guide
Must-see

Lake Balkhash

Large saline lake with unique biodiversity, popular for fishing.

Charyn Canyon — travel guide
Must-see

Charyn Canyon

National park famous for spectacular rock formations, known as Asia’s Grand Canyon.

City of Turkestan — travel guide
Must-see

City of Turkestan

Major spiritual hub with Yasawi Mausoleum.

Kyzylkum Desert — travel guide
Must-see

Kyzylkum Desert

Arid desert shared with Uzbekistan offering impressive desert landscapes.

Medeu — travel guide
Must-see

Medeu

World’s highest outdoor ice rink, popular in winter.

Karkaraly Reserve — travel guide
Must-see

Karkaraly Reserve

Mountain park with diverse flora and fauna.

Nature & other places

Altyn-Emel National Park — travel guide
National Park

Altyn-Emel National Park

Protected area including Aktau Canyon, sand dunes, and rare species.

Lake Kaindy — travel guide
Lake

Lake Kaindy

Natural lake famous for submerged trees and turquoise water.

Charyn Canyon — travel guide
Canyon

Charyn Canyon

Impressive geological formation with spectacular scenery.

Tian Shan Mountains — travel guide
Mountain

Tian Shan Mountains

Spectacular mountain range ideal for hiking and mountaineering.

Kolsai Reserve — travel guide
Nature Reserve

Kolsai Reserve

Set of alpine lakes surrounded by forests, perfect for trekking.

Caspian Sea — travel guide
Sea/Water Body

Caspian Sea

Largest enclosed inland body of water in the world, bordered by multiple countries including Kazakhstan.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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