Kazakhstan

From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018

Read in: Dansk (original)

Kazakhstan, the size of Western Europe

Kazakhstan, also spelled Kasakhstan, has a truly incredible natural beauty that travellers can experience. Adventure and outdoor enthusiasts will love this part of the world. The country has spectacular rock formations and glittering lakes surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes. Learn about the Kazakh way of life and taste camel milk called shubat. Tasting it is entirely optional 🙂

Is the country European or Asian?

Kazakhstan, officially the Republic of Kazakhstan, is a country that spans both Europe and Central Asia. It borders Russia, China, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and has a coastline on the Caspian Sea.

Getting to Kazakhstan

Can you travel to Kazakhstan?

Yes, several Danish travel agencies offer guided tours to the country:

Vitus Rejser

Albatros Rejser

How to get there

Most travellers fly to Almaty in the south-east of the country, or to Astana, the capital in the north. There are direct flights from several major European airports, but routes change often, so it is wise to check current offers before booking. It will often be necessary to change planes along the way.

Danish citizens need a visa or e-visa to enter Kazakhstan. The rules can change, so it is important to check the current requirements with the Danish authorities or the Kazakh embassy before you travel. Your passport must remain valid for a period beyond the length of your trip.

You can also arrive from neighbouring countries by train. There are rail connections to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia, among others, and the train journey can be an experience in itself, especially if you have time. Bus and car crossings of the border are also possible, but border crossings can take a long time, so allow for waiting.

Getting around the country

Distances in Kazakhstan are vast, and that is the first thing you learn. Between Almaty and Astana there are several thousand kilometres, and even within the same region a journey can take many hours. It is not unusual for a trip that looks short on the map to require a full day of driving.

Flying is the quickest way to travel between the major cities and out to the more remote areas. There are domestic flights to several regional airports, but routes can change, and tickets can be expensive in the high season. Trains are a popular and relatively comfortable option between larger cities, and the overnight trains that run over long distances save both time and a night’s hotel stay.

Buses are cheap and widely used by locals, but the routes are not always convenient for tourists, and departure times can be unpredictable. Hiring a car gives you the greatest freedom, but roads outside the cities can be poor or entirely unpaved, and petrol stations may be far apart. It is a good idea to have a driver or a guide if you want to reach the more remote places.

Practical matters and safety

The cost of living in Kazakhstan is generally lower than in Denmark, but it varies a great deal, especially between the big cities and remote areas. Hotels and transport in the major cities can cost nearly the same as in Europe, while local restaurants and markets are often considerably cheaper. It is wise to check current prices before you travel, as they can change.

Russian is the most widely spoken language in everyday life, particularly in the cities and among older generations. Kazakh is also widely spoken, especially in rural areas. English is only used to a limited extent outside hotels and larger businesses, so it can be helpful to have a basic Russian vocabulary or a translation app ready.

Travellers should have travel insurance that covers longer distances to remote areas, as help can be a long way away. Vaccinations and health matters should be checked well in advance with your own doctor or a travel health clinic. Be careful with tap water, and only eat food where hygiene appears good. Respect local customs, and do not photograph people without their permission. Also follow the advice that the Danish authorities give for travellers to the country.

Accommodation and food

Accommodation options vary a great deal from city to countryside. In Almaty and Astana you will find international hotels and modern boutique hotels with good facilities. Outside the cities the standard is more uneven, and in the natural areas there are often only small guesthouses, where the rooms are simple but clean and warm.

A special experience is spending the night in a yurt, the round felt tent that nomadic peoples have used for centuries. In several places in the mountains and by the lakes, local families offer overnight stays in yurts, often with a meal and a campfire. It is a good way to get close to the traditional way of life, but expect simple facilities and cold nights outside the high season.

Kazakh cuisine is built on meat, flour and dairy products. Horse meat and lamb are widespread, and dishes such as beshbarmak, a large plate of boiled meat and noodles, are a central meal on festive occasions. There is also the soup lagman and various small pastries. Milk from camels and horses, such as shubat, is an old tradition, and it can be strong in flavour, so it is fine to taste it cautiously before taking a larger mouthful.

Quick facts about the country:

Capital: Astana

Area: 2,725,000 km²

Currency: Tenge

Population: the latest estimate is just over 20 million

President: Nursultan Nazarbayev

Official languages: Kazakh, Russian

When is the best time to travel

Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world, and the weather varies sharply depending on where you are. The steppes in the north and centre of the country have a continental climate with hot, dry summers and very cold winters. It is easy to imagine, but hard to prepare for if you have not experienced it before.

Spring and early autumn are generally the best times to travel. In April, May and September the temperatures are pleasant, and the landscape is either fresh green or in golden colours. In summer it can become very hot in the desert areas, while the mountains in the south-east are often accessible and cooler. Winter is long and harsh, and many roads and natural areas can be difficult to reach.

The mountains around Almaty have a different climate from the rest of the country, and the weather here can change quickly within a single day. It is a good idea to pack layered clothing, whenever you travel. The desert in the west is the driest part of the country, and it is especially important to bring water when walking or driving further out into the open terrain.