Thanks to abundant natural resources Kazakhstan is probably the best developed of the "stans". You’re more likely to get a good coffee on the leafy strees of Almaty than anywhere else on the Central Asian steppe, and the country’s new capital, Astana, is a 21st-century showcase of modern architecture and futuristic design. Not what you’d expect from a country where few travellers have yet to venture. Whatever your expectations are, leave them in the arrivals lounge. Kazakhstan defies them all.
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Travel through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Soak up the Silk Road's ancient history.
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The most cosmopolitan city in the country is home to plenty of sights and a mountain setting.
Explore Baikonur, nicknamed 'Star City,' where the Russian Cosmodrome is located and unveil the mysteries of space explorations.
Discover the history and architecture of the Silk Road, visiting ancient mausoleums and mosques in the city of Turkistan.
Surround yourself with the surreal landscapes of the Altyn-Emel National Park, including the mysterious singing sand dunes.
The colorful formations of different shapes and sizes are no less impressive than the Grand Canyon.
This shining new capital has plenty of unique architecture to keep you intrigued.
Many nationalities, including Australia, Germany, USA, Canada, United Kingdom and New Zealand do not require a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Please check with your local consulate for the most up to date requirements.
A service charge of 10% is usually included at most restaurants so tipping isn’t necessary.
There is internet access available in the main cities, including at many hotels and cafes.
Reception is good in the main towns but sketchy elsewhere. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.
Toilet facilities may be very basic. Expect drop toilets outside of hotels and bring your own toilet paper as there may not be any.
Bottle of soft drink = 120 KZT
Beer in a bar or restaurant = 400 KZT
Simple lunch = 800 KZT
Three-course meal = 3500 KZT
Short taxi ride = 500 KZT
Drinking tap water in Kazakhstan isn’t recommended. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.
Credit cards are accepted in major shops and hotels in Almaty and Astana, but eslewhere you will need to rely on cash.
ATMs are widespread in larger towns and cities.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
For a current list of public holidays in Kazakhstan go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/kazakhstan/public-holidays
Intrepid is committed to travelling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behaviour, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while travelling.
In Khazakstan, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economies. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
