Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan offers a unique blend of nomadic culture, modern cities like Astana with futuristic architecture, and vast natural landscapes including mountains and steppes. It's a destination for adventurous travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$70/day
Luxury$300/day

Known For

KazakhstanKyrgyzstanChina

🇰🇿 Country Information: Kazakhstan

CapitalAstana
CurrencyKazakhstani tenge (лв)
Language Kazakh , Russian, Uzbek, Ukrainian, German, Uyghur, Korean
Phone Code+7
Electricity220V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is becoming more common in restaurants and cafes, usually around 10%
  • For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is customary
  • Hotel staff may be tipped a small amount for good service

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
  • It is advisable to bring some cash, especially for smaller purchases and outside of major cities
  • There is no official black market for cash, but currency exchange can be found

Cultural Norms

  • Hospitality is highly valued; guests are often offered tea and food
  • Shoes should be removed when entering a home
  • It is polite to offer and accept hospitality from hosts

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited in Kazakhstan. Homosexuality is not illegal, but there are no legal protections against discrimination, and same-sex marriage is not recognized.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 21
  • Drug laws are strict, and penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including long prison sentences

Special Laws

  • Photography of military or strategic installations is prohibited
  • It is respectful to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Visitors must carry their passport at all times

Common Phrases

HelloSalem (sah-lem) Сәлем
PleaseOtinish (oh-teen-ish) Өтініш
GoodbyeSaw Bol (sah-w bohl) Сау бол
Thank youRakhmet (rahkh-met) Рахмет

Climate

Kazakhstan is a vast country with diverse climates; this classification focuses on a generalized continental climate.

Climate Zone: Semi Arid Steppe Cold

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Beshbarmak must_try

Often called the national dish of Kazakhstan, Beshbarmak is a hearty dish featuring boiled meat (traditionally horse or lamb/beef) served over large,

Baursak snack

These square or round deep-fried pieces of dough are a traditional bread, easy to eat on the go and reflecting the nomadic heritage. Baursak are soft

Qazy (Kazy) regional_speciality

Qazy is a traditional horse meat sausage, often served cold in thinly sliced circles as an appetizer before the main course. The high fat content give

Lagman must_try

A hearty hand-pulled Uyghur-style noodle dish, the Kazakh and Kyrgyz version is typically served as a stir-fried dish with a soupy base. It is topped

Kumis (Mare's Milk) non_alcoholic_beverage

Kumis is fermented mare's milk, a drink with historical significance related to Kazakhstan's nomadic heritage. It is highly valued and known for its d

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Overnight/Sleeper Trains (e.g., Almaty to Astana) Transport
Book 2-8 weeks in advance

Long-distance sleeper trains, especially on popular routes, often have limited availability in 1st/2nd class and can sell out, particularly during peak travel times or holidays.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Multi-Day Tour to Kolsay Lakes, Kaindy Lake, and Charyn Canyon tour_or_activity
Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

These popular 2-day tours from Almaty include accommodation and specific transport, which are limited, especially during the peak hiking and tourism season (spring to autumn).

Fun Facts

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