Kazakhstan Travel Guide — Best Cities, Food & Tips

Good to know

Best time to visit

Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer mild weather for hiking and city sightseeing; winters are very cold, especially inland. Summer brings warm weather in the south and ideal conditions for trekking in the Tian Shan mountains.

Currency

Kazakhstani tenge (KZT); carry cash for rural areas and small purchases, but cards are widely accepted in cities.

Language

Kazakh (state language) and Russian (widely used); basic English is common in tourist services in Almaty and Nur-Sultan.

Getting around

Domestic flights connect long distances (e.g., Nur-Sultan–Almaty); rail and long-distance buses are affordable for intercity travel, while taxis and ride-hailing apps (e.g., Yandex, InDriver) are convenient in cities. Renting a car is useful for exploring rural areas but expect long distances and variable road conditions.

Culture & etiquette

Respect local hospitality and remove shoes if invited into someone's home; a polite greeting in Russian or Kazakh will be appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting mosques and rural communities.

Country highlights

Almaty

Former capital at the foot of the Zailiyskiy Alatau, offering cafes, parks, and easy access to Medeu skating rink and Shymbulak ski resort.

Nur-Sultan (Astana)

Futuristic capital with striking modern architecture like Baiterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr shopping-entertainment complex.

Charyn Canyon

A dramatic canyon east of Almaty with red rock formations and scenic hiking resembling a miniature Grand Canyon.

Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes

Alpine lakes in the Tian Shan known for submerged forests, clear water, and multi-day trekking opportunities.

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve / West Altai

Wildlife and mountain landscapes offering birdwatching, hiking and encounters with traditional Kazakh rural life.

Turkestan and the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi

Historic Silk Road city with a UNESCO-listed 14th-century mausoleum and Central Asian Islamic architecture.

What to eat

Beshbarmak

National dish of boiled meat (usually mutton or beef) served with noodles and onion broth.

Kazy

Horsemeat sausage, a prized traditional delicacy often served at celebrations.

Plov (pilaf)

Rice pilaf cooked with carrots, lamb and spices, common at gatherings and markets.

Baursaks

Small fried dough balls served as a snack or accompaniment to tea.

Shashlik

Grilled skewered meat, widely available at outdoor stalls and restaurants.

Insider tips

Carry some tenge in cash for markets, remote areas and small purchases.
Download offline maps and a translation app; Wi‑Fi can be limited outside cities.
Register with your embassy if staying long-term and keep photocopies of your passport and migration card.
Be prepared for large distances—plan extra travel time between regions and check domestic flight schedules.
Try local teahouses and family-run guesthouses (yurts in rural areas) for authentic hospitality.

Cities in Kazakhstan

Astana (Nur-Sultan)🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

Futuristic skyline on the Kazakh steppe

Explore →

Almaty🇰🇿 Kazakhstan

Almaty: Mountain city of golden moments

Explore →

Good to know — FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Kazakhstan?

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for varying periods; check current requirements for your nationality before travel and apply for an e-visa if required.

Is it safe to travel in Kazakhstan?

Kazakhstan is generally safe for travelers with low violent crime in tourist areas; take normal precautions against petty theft and be cautious when traveling at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Can I use credit cards and ATMs?

Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants and shops in Almaty and Nur-Sultan; ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas, so carry cash when venturing outside urban centers.

What electrical plug and voltage does Kazakhstan use?

Kazakhstan uses type C and F plugs with 220V/50Hz power; bring a suitable adapter and check appliance compatibility.