Kazakhstan

The Republic of Kazakhstan is a transcontinental country located primarily in Central Asia, with a smaller portion west of the Ural River in Eastern Europe. It shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. After declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has emerged as a significant economic and political power in the region. Astana serves as the capital city, while Almaty remains the largest city and a major cultural and commercial centre. Kazakhstan observes several time zones, primarily UTC+5 and UTC+6. It is the ninth largest city in the world.

Kazakh cuisine reflects the country's nomadic heritage, with a focus on meat, dairy products, and simple, hearty dishes. Beshbarmak, boiled horse meat or mutton served with wide noodles and onion sauce, is considered the national dish. Other traditional dishes include plov a rice dish with meat and vegetables, manty, steamed dumplings filled with meat and onions, and baursaki, fried dough. Kumis, fermented mare's milk is a traditional beverage. Wine production exists in Kazakhstan, but is not as prominent as in some other regions. Tea is a popular drink, often served with milk.

Kazakhstan's landscape offers a wealth of outdoor activities. Hiking, trekking and horse riding are popular activities that allow visitors to experience the vastness of the steppe. Skiing and snowboarding are available at resorts in the mountains. Exploring the vast steppe by car or 4x4 is also a popular way to experience the country's unique landscapes.

Kazakhstan's natural environment encompasses vast steppes, high mountains, deserts, canyons, and lakes with mentions like The Kazakh steppe, The Tian Shan, Altai Mountains, located in the east and southeast and  The Charyn Canyon, often compared to the Grand Canyon, making the list. Several national parks and nature reserves protect Kazakhstan's unique biodiversity.

Kazakhstan celebrates a variety of cultural and national holidays. Nauryz, a spring festival celebrating the new year, is a major celebration with traditional food, music, and games. Independence Day, celebrated on 16 December, commemorates Kazakhstan's independence from the Soviet Union. Other festivals like Nauruz and Apple fest showcase traditional music, dance, and crafts.

Travellers to Kazakhstan should ensure their routine vaccinations are up to date. Tuberculosis and HIV are present in the country. Consulting a healthcare professional for specific health advice before travelling is recommended. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).

Kazakhstan uses Type C and F electrical plugs and operates on a 220V voltage supply at 50Hz.

Domestic flights are a more efficient way to cover long distances between cities. Trains are very cheap ways of travelling long distances between cities, but be sure to enjoy it as you will meet some of Kazakh’s fun people there. Taxis are available in cities, and ride-hailing apps are also becoming increasingly popular. Renting a car offers flexibility for exploring the country, particularly for venturing into more remote areas. But be prepared to spend more. 

The official languages of Kazakhstan are Kazakh and Russian. Kazakh is the state language, while Russian is widely used in business and interethnic communication.

Kazakhs are known for their hospitality and respect for elders. In all you do, do not get into a physical fight with a Kazakh as it is a culturally recognised power and can be deployed to regain their esteem and respect. 

• Summer (June to August): Hot and dry conditions prevail, particularly in the southern regions. It is the period of holiday when both locals and tourists can enjoy hiking and glamping

• Winter (December to February): Cold temperatures and snowfall are common, especially in the north and mountainous areas.

• Spring (April to May): The temperature begins to get warmer during this time. It is a great time to enjoy the lakes and rivers.

• Autumn (September to October): It comes with milder temperatures, making it a great time for most outdoor activities.

Travel costs in Kazakhstan can vary depending on your travel style and destination. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to international hotels. Local restaurants and cafes offer affordable dining options. Living a mid-range lifestyle should cost you around $100

Visitors to Kazakhstan require a visa before entry, except if they are from any of the visa-exempt countries.

Nationals of Kosovo are not allowed entry into Kazakhstan.

A pre-arranged visa-on-arrival is available for citizens arriving from a country without a Kazakh diplomatic mission.

• Key attractions include the Bayterek Tower in Astana, the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ascension Cathedral, the Charyn Canyon, and the Altai Mountains. 

• The Sauna is a fun destination and the experience is not worth missing. 

• Experiencing the country's nomadic culture might mean going into the remotest Kazakhstan, but you can be compensated by exploring the futuristic and modern architecture in the city centres.