Information about Kazakhstan

Geography and history Regions and resorts Nature Climate Transport Money and shopping Attractions Tourism Accommodation Kitchen Culture Weather Map

Geography and history Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan sits right in the middle of Eurasia, a massive land that only officially appeared on modern maps as a sovereign nation back in 1991. The word Kazakh actually comes from old Turkic roots, and it basically means a free person, which is a perfect fit for a place that was built by nomadic tribes who loved their independence. For ages, these people moved across the land with their herds, finding the best grazing spots in the river valleys and mountain foothills.

The region was not just about cattle and horses, though, as it served as a vital link for the rest of the world. Both the famous Silk Road and the lesser-known Sable Road, used for trading precious furs, cut right through these lands. This turned the area into a massive bridge for trade and ideas, connecting the busy markets of Asia with the growing cities of Europe.

Even today, many people in the West do not know much about this part of Central Asia, and it has always had an air of mystery surrounding it. To ancient historians and travelers, this was a wild, unreachable world that felt more like a legend than a real place. They used to tell stories about dragons and strange creatures living in the far corners of the steppe.

Herodotus, the famous Greek historian, wrote about deserts you could not cross and mountains hidden in thick fog where fierce female warriors called Amazons lived. This was the territory of the Scythians and Sarmatians, ancient groups that seemed to just vanish into history over time. Even Alexander the Great, who conquered so much, only reached the Oxus River and never truly stepped into what we now call Kazakhstan.

Marco Polo caught glimpses of the massive snowy peaks during his long journeys, but he never actually made it across them either. It remains the largest landlocked country on the planet, and the sheer scale of the place is hard to wrap your head around. It covers more than 2.7 million square kilometers, making it the ninth-largest nation in the world and roughly the same size as all of Western Europe.

To put it in perspective, Kazakhstan makes up about 1.8 percent of all the land on Earth. It shares a massive northern border with Russia that stretches for over 6,800 kilometers, while China sits to the east. To the south, it neighbors other Central Asian republics like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, while the Caspian Sea marks its western edge.

While it is firmly an Asian country, its landscape feels unique, especially the rocky deserts that freeze over in the winter. These areas look a lot more like the wild barrens of Mongolia or China than anything you would find in Europe. The Ustyurt Plateau, for instance, is a harsh limestone desert sitting between the Caspian and the Aral Sea.

Then you have the Tien Shan mountains in the southeast, which are incredibly tall and feel more like the Himalayas than the Alps. The Ural River, which flows down from the Russian mountains, is often seen as the dividing line between the two continents of Europe and Asia. Even without an ocean, the country has a huge coastline of over 1,500 kilometers along the Caspian Sea.

Regions and resorts Kazakhstan

Nature Kazakhstan

The natural beauty found across Kazakhstan is unlike anything else, especially when you see the sun hitting the glaciers on the peaks of the Altai or Tien Shan mountains. To the west, you have the massive Caspian Sea, which is technically the biggest lake in the world, while the Saryarka steppe holds the mysterious Lake Balkhash. This lake is famous because one half of it is fresh water while the other half is salty.

Up in the north, the scenery changes completely, offering hundreds of crystal-clear glacial lakes tucked away inside the thick pine forests of Kokshetau. The government puts a lot of effort into protecting these areas, running various national parks and nature reserves to keep the landscapes and animals safe. It is a fantastic spot for anyone who loves eco-tourism because so much of the land remains wild and untouched.

The variety of life here is staggering, with over six thousand different types of plants growing across the country, and hundreds of them can not be found anywhere else on Earth. If you look at the animal kingdom, there are about 500 species of birds and nearly 180 types of mammals roaming around. The rivers and lakes are just as busy, filled with over a hundred different kinds of fish.

Most of the land is made up of wide-open steppes and deserts where trees are quite rare, so forests only cover about five percent of the total area. A big chunk of that forest cover consists of saxaul trees, which are low-growing and hardy plants that can survive in the tough desert soil. However, you can still find beautiful birch and pine woods in the northern regions like Akmola and Pavlodar.

Down in the southern mountain valleys, you will find something called Tugai forests, which are dense patches of willows and poplars growing near water sources. When spring arrives, the entire steppe transforms into a vibrant carpet of colors that stretches as far as the eye can see. Rare tulips, ranging from pure white to deep purple and every shade of red, pop up everywhere.

By the time summer starts, the red poppies take over, creating a stunning view against the horizon. Some animals here are incredibly rare and hard to find anywhere else, like the Urial sheep, the long-eared hedgehog, or the elusive caracal cat. You might also spot graceful gazelles or various desert birds like the sandgrouse and different types of larks.

The deserts themselves are fascinating and not just empty sand, as they are mostly vast clay plains dotted with shrubs and hardy bushes. These dry areas are a paradise for reptiles, including the large Central Asian tortoise and the massive gray monitor lizard. You can also find many types of geckos and at least seventeen different species of snakes hiding among the rocks.

The steppes are perhaps the most iconic part of the landscape, especially where the fresh and salt lakes draw in thousands of birds. It is common to see huge flocks of ducks, geese, and herons gathered along the shores. These wide-open spaces, filled with the sounds of gulls and terns, give the country a sense of freedom and endless scale.

Climate Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is situated further from the ocean than any other country on the globe, which has a massive impact on its daily life and environment. Because there is no nearby sea to balance things out, the climate is extremely continental, leading to huge shifts in temperature between the seasons. You get very little rain here, and the weather can go from one extreme to another in a very short amount of time.

Just like its neighbors in Central Asia, the country deals with scorching summers and winters that can be bone-chillingly cold. Usually, the hot and dry summer months seem to skip right over autumn and turn into a freezing, dry winter with very little snow on the ground. Then, almost as soon as the winter ends, the temperatures skyrocket again, making the transition feel incredibly fast.

In the middle of winter, usually January, temperatures can stay anywhere between minus four and minus nineteen degrees Celsius. When summer hits in July, the average range is between nineteen and twenty-six degrees, though it often feels much hotter. In major cities like Almaty and Astana, the daily highs during the peak of summer frequently reach twenty degrees or more.

Almaty usually stays below the freezing point for most of December, January, and February, with snow covering the ground for about a third of the year. Astana, which is further north and has a climate more like Siberia, stays frozen from October all the way through April. During the coldest months there, it is perfectly normal for temperatures to hover between minus ten and minus twenty degrees.

Winters in the south are a bit more manageable, with January averages staying between minus two and minus ten degrees. However, as you travel further north or east, the cold becomes much more intense, and the landscape stays frozen solid for months. In these regions, it is quite common for the thermometer to drop down to minus forty degrees during the night.

The summer season usually kicks off around late May or the middle of June, bringing warm weather that peaks in July. In the mountains, August is often the warmest time, but across the rest of the country, temperatures regularly climb above thirty degrees. This heat is usually very dry, which makes it feel different than the humid heat found in other parts of the world.

Spring is a very short but incredibly bright and fast-moving season in this part of the world. The main thing to know about spring here is that it is totally unpredictable, where a sunny morning can turn into a stormy evening in an instant. Even with the sudden rain and thunder, the overall temperature stays pretty comfortable and rarely dips below fifteen degrees.

Autumn is a favorite time for many people because the weather stays stable and relatively warm for a while. The temperature gradually slides down from twenty degrees in September to just around freezing by the time November arrives. Interestingly, autumn is actually even drier than the summer months, making it a great time for exploring the outdoors without worrying about rain.

Transport in Kazakhstan

Getting around the country by bus is actually a pretty decent experience, as many of the vehicles used for long trips are high-quality models from Europe. They might not be the fastest way to travel, but they usually beat the trains when it comes to speed and how often they depart. However, if you are planning to be on the road for more than five or six hours, a train is going to be much more comfortable.

For shorter trips between cities, you will find plenty of minibuses, often called marshrutkas, and shared taxis parked near the stations. These are faster than the big buses and leave as soon as they are full of passengers. Shared taxis are more expensive, sometimes double or triple the bus fare, but they get you there much quicker if you are in a rush.

If you do not want to wait for other people to fill up a shared taxi, you can always pay for the whole car yourself. This usually costs about four times the price of a single seat, which is fair since you are essentially hiring a private driver. When it comes to driving yourself, the two biggest things to watch out for are the road police and the occasional deep potholes.

While the main highways connecting the big cities are generally in good shape, you still need to stay alert for rough patches. The local police often stop drivers just to check their paperwork, so it is a good idea to slow down whenever you see a patrol car. Trains are another great option, reaching every city and even small remote villages across the vast territory.

Taking the train is a fantastic way to meet locals and really get a sense of how enormous the country actually is. For example, traveling from Almaty to Aktobe by rail can take more than two full days of non-stop travel. Except for the very small local lines, you should always try to book your train tickets well in advance to ensure you get a spot.

The railway system is the backbone of transportation here, but because it was mostly built during the Soviet era, some routes are a bit strange. Some tracks were laid down based on old internal borders, which means a train might briefly cross into Russia before coming back into Kazakhstan. This can make some journeys feel a bit longer than they logically should be given the current borders.

Because the distances are so massive, flying has become a huge part of how people get around domestically. There are nearly a hundred airports scattered across the country, though many of the smaller ones have closed down over the last few decades. The busiest air hubs are definitely in Almaty and Astana, which handle most of the international and local traffic.

Whether you choose to fly over the vast steppes or take a slow train to watch the landscape go by, travel here is an adventure. The transport network reflects the country's history and its need to connect people across thousands of kilometers of open land. It might take some time to get where you are going, but the journey itself is part of the experience.

Money and shopping in Kazakhstan

The local currency you will use during your stay is the Kazakhstani tenge, which has not been around on the global market for very long. Most people who visit find themselves drawn to the beautiful handmade items that are sold all over the country. You can spend your time exploring modern shopping malls or dive into the more traditional atmosphere of the local bazaars.

These markets are fascinating because they bring together artisans from all over the region, including neighbors like Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. You can find all sorts of unique crafts, ranging from small trinkets to massive, intricately woven carpets and heavy blankets. If you want something easier to carry home, look for silk paintings, traditional dolls, or the colorful nesting dolls that are popular here.

Since China is right next door, you will see a lot of modern gadgets and electronics in the regular shops. However, if you are searching for something truly authentic and traditional, you should head to the specialized souvenir boutiques or the open-air markets. These spots are where you will find national clothing, embroidered skullcaps called tubeteikas, and warm slippers made from felt.

Shopping at the local markets is usually a bit cheaper than the high-end stores, and it is also the best place to find fresh food. You can pick up traditional dairy products or warm, fresh bread that tastes much better than anything from a supermarket. One thing you absolutely have to try is the local chocolate, which is one of the most famous things the country produces.

The Rakhat chocolate factory has been around for a long time and is known for making some of the best sweets in the region. Most visitors end up buying several boxes to take home to their friends and family because the quality is so high. For those who enjoy fine spirits, the local brandy and cognac are also very well-regarded and make for great gifts.

Brands like Al-Farabi or Kazakhstan are quite popular among connoisseurs who visit the region. Another iconic souvenir is a miniature yurt, which is the traditional circular home of the nomadic people, usually made out of real felt. These tiny models are more than just decorations; they represent the harmony between people and nature and the importance of family life.

Jewelry making also has incredibly deep roots in the culture, with a history that goes back thousands of years. Kazakh artisans have a very distinct style, and their silver and gold work is often very detailed and full of symbolic meaning. Picking up a piece of local jewelry is like taking home a small piece of the country's ancient heritage.

Whether you are looking for a simple snack or a piece of fine art, the shopping experience here is a mix of old and new. The bazaars offer a sensory overload of smells and colors, while the malls provide a more familiar western-style experience. Exploring both is the best way to see how the country balances its nomadic past with its modern future.

Main attractions Kazakhstan

It would take many long pages to list every single remarkable sight you can find across the vast lands of Kazakhstan. The ancient rock carvings tucked away in the Bayanaul National Park are the kind of thing you simply never forget once you see them with your own eyes. Meanwhile, the Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve serves as a home to more than three hundred different plant species and hosts the most northern colony of flamingos on the planet.

The incredibly long and winding history of this region has left behind a huge amount of physical evidence for us to explore today. You can see the layers of the past everywhere, from the earliest ancient times through the Middle Ages and right up to the modern era. All of these different periods are deeply reflected in the cultural and material heritage found throughout the entire republic.

If you head into Central Kazakhstan, you will find burial mounds in places like Begazy and Kent that go all the way back to the Stone and Bronze Ages. These sites are just as impressive as the Saka mounds and the ancient petroglyphs found in the Semirechye region. There is also the mysterious Valley of the Kings in Berel, located in the eastern part of the country, which adds even more depth to this ancient story.

History lovers will also find plenty of fascinating spots along the old Silk Road routes that once connected the East and the West. Most of these historical landmarks are situated in the southern parts of the country, particularly within the fertile valleys of the Chu, Talas, and Syr Darya rivers. These areas were once bustling hubs of trade and culture that shaped the world as we know it.

The medieval discoveries made in Kazakhstan are significant not just for the local people, but for the history of the entire world. Many of the events and historical figures tied to these locations have earned well-deserved international recognition. Among these famous sites are the stunning Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the beautiful burial places of Aisha-Bibi and Babaja-Khatun.

You can also visit the ancient ruins of the Otrar settlement or explore the unique underground mosques at Shopan-Ata and Shakpak-Ata. All of these incredible places date back to the era when the Kazakh people were first forming as a distinct nation. Because of this, they are often seen as symbols of the much broader and richer history of the Turkic peoples as a whole.

Tourism in Kazakhstan

Even though Kazakhstan holds the title of the ninth largest country on the globe, it still feels like a bit of a hidden gem for most travelers. Even the most seasoned world explorers will find plenty of surprises here that they might not have expected. The landscape is a wild mix of snowy mountain peaks, massive high plateaus, deep rushing rivers, and vast stretches of dry desert.

You can spend one day wandering through endless fields of wild flowers and the next exploring thick, lush jungle reserves. For those who really need a break from the noise of the world, the Kokshetau Natural Park is an absolutely perfect getaway. It is famous for its high-quality spa centers and traditional baths that help people recharge their batteries.

The park also features specialized healing facilities like mineral water springs and mud baths for those looking for a bit of physical therapy. It is the kind of place where you can enjoy breathtaking natural beauty while also taking care of your health at the same time. Over the last ten years, the tourism industry in Kazakhstan has grown by leaps and bounds.

Nowadays, there is something interesting to do for almost every kind of traveler, no matter what they are into. Whether you are looking for a quiet walk in nature or an adrenaline-filled adventure, every single region of this massive land has something waiting for you. There is a sense of discovery here that is hard to find in more crowded parts of the world.

The country has a wealth of history and a diverse ethnic background that makes every excursion feel like a lesson in culture. If you are into eco-tourism or sports, the natural environment provides endless opportunities for things like mountain trekking and professional climbing. Kazakhstan is particularly well-known among people who love spending time in the mountains or going on fishing trips.

Hunting has also become quite a popular draw for a specific group of visitors who appreciate the wide variety of wildlife available. These trips are often much more affordable than in other countries, which makes them quite attractive to international guests. On top of that, the country is full of beautiful religious sites that bring in a steady stream of pilgrims and curious travelers every year.

Accommodation in Kazakhstan

Finding a place to stay in Kazakhstan has become much easier lately, with plenty of options to fit any budget in cities like Almaty and Astana. You can also find good hotels in Shymkent or Karaganda that offer really decent service for a fair price. Since the currency change back in 2015, international travelers usually find that they get a lot of bang for their buck when it comes to accommodation.

However, you should keep in mind that things get a bit crazy during the first week of October every year. This is when the huge oil and gas exhibition happens in Almaty, and hotel prices usually go through the roof. If you are planning a trip around that time, it is definitely a good idea to plan ahead or look at different dates.

In the smaller provincial towns, your choices for a place to sleep will be a lot more limited than in the big cities. Most of the time, you will have to choose between two or three older hotels that have been around since the Soviet era. While many of these places are slowly being renovated, the service can still feel a bit outdated compared to the prices they charge.

On the other hand, if you are looking for true luxury or just a cozy spot to crash after a long day of sightseeing, the big cities have you covered. You can find everything from simple, no-frills rooms to world-class five-star hotels that would look right at home in London or New York. These urban hotels have become a huge part of the travel experience themselves.

The rooms in these top-tier places are usually packed with all the modern comforts you could want, like fast Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. But the real fun starts when you step out of your room and check out the rest of the building. Many of these hotels offer amazing perks like indoor swimming pools, relaxing saunas, and professional massage services.

It is definitely worth taking some time to just relax and enjoy the facilities after a busy day of business or exploring. You might also find yourself spending quite a bit of time just staring out the window or sitting on the balcony. The views of the city skyline or the nearby mountains from these hotel rooms can be absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.

Kitchen and dishes Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is one of the six main Turkic nations in the world, which means it shares a lot of its language and customs with its neighbors. Because of this shared history, the local food has definitely picked up some flavors from places like Uzbekistan, Russia, and even Iran. However, over the centuries, Kazakh cooking has managed to create a very unique identity that belongs only to itself.

Historically, the nomadic people of the steppe relied on products made from meat, which was the foundation of their entire survival. They mostly used mutton, beef, and camel meat to create hearty dishes that could sustain them through long journeys. Since the majority of the population follows Muslim traditions, you won't find pork on any traditional Kazakh menu.

Horse meat is actually a huge part of the local diet and is often seasoned with various spices and rich sauces. It wasn't until the people started living in permanent settlements that they began adding more variety to their meals. That was when things like vegetables, fruits, beans, and different types of flour products started to become common.

Even though the country is far from any ocean, you will still find some very tasty fish dishes in certain regions. The real stars of the show, however, are the traditional meat and dairy specialties that define the Kazakh table. One of the most famous dishes is beshbarmak, which is a delicious combination of boiled meat and thin sheets of pasta.

They also make several types of horse meat sausages, known locally as kazy, shuzhuk, or zhaya, which are considered true delicacies. If you visit a Kazakh home, you will almost certainly be offered baursaks, which are small pieces of fried dough that taste amazing when fresh. There are also many unique dairy products like kurt, which is a hard, salty cheese, and irimshik, a type of sweet curd.

When it comes to drinks, the most famous one is definitely kumis, which is made from fermented mare’s milk. In the drier steppe regions, people often prefer shubat, which is a similar drink made from camel’s milk. These drinks are known for their health benefits and can taste different depending on the time of year they were made.

The flavor of the milk even changes based on the specific herbs and grasses the animals were eating on the summer pastures. For dessert, you should definitely try something like shek-shek or the sweet, crumbly treat known as zhent. These traditional sweets are the perfect way to finish off a heavy meal and are always served with plenty of hot tea.

Culture and traditions Kazakhstan

Hospitality is much more than just a polite habit for the Kazakh people; it is one of the most important pillars of their entire culture. Since ancient times, there has been an unwritten rule that every guest should be treated with the same respect as a messenger from God. This means that if you walk into a home, you will likely be treated to the very best food and comfort the family has to offer.

Another thing you will notice right away is the incredible amount of respect that younger people show to the elderly. Traditionally, children are encouraged to spend time with their elders so they can learn from their wisdom and life experiences. It is a way of keeping the history and the values of the family alive through every new generation.

One of the most iconic traditions in the country is the art of hunting with trained golden eagles while on horseback. While there are only a few people left who still practice this ancient skill today, it remains a powerful symbol of the Kazakh spirit. You can still see these majestic birds and their handlers at cultural festivals and special events throughout the year.

The traditional home of the nomads is the yurt, a clever circular tent made of a wooden frame and covered with thick felt carpets. These structures are amazing because they can be put up or taken down very quickly, which was essential for a life on the move. Even today, the yurt is a symbol of comfort and a deep connection to the land.

Most Kazakh festivals involve some kind of horse racing or equestrian games, which show off the incredible riding skills of the people. The most famous celebration is definitely Nauryz, the spring festival that marks the beginning of a new year and the awakening of nature. It is a time for music, dancing, and sharing traditional food with neighbors and friends.

In the countryside, many people still make their living by raising livestock, while others have turned to farming the land. During the warmer months, many herders still follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving their animals to fresh green pastures. When the harsh winter arrives, they move into more permanent mud-brick houses that are built to withstand the freezing temperatures.

Kazakhstan is a place where many different ethnicities and religions live together side by side, sharing a common history. The republic takes great pride in this diversity and works hard to preserve the different languages and traditions of all its people. For hundreds of years, the goal has always been to promote friendship and tolerance, making it a peaceful home for everyone who lives there.