Here’s a guide on exploring the best of Kazakhstan’s landscapes, culture, and events in 2024.
Here’s how to explore Kazakhstan’s distinctive culture and landscapes, starting from Almaty and extending to the remote regions and cities:
Exploring Kazakhstan: From Almaty to Shymkent, Aktau, and Beyond
Arrival in Almaty:
- Kolsai Lakes National Park: Begin your journey in Almaty, surrounded by green mountain peaks and dense forests. Explore Kolsai Lakes National Park, where Lake Kaindy’s stunning blue waters, formed by an earthquake-triggered landslide, offer picturesque hiking trails and secluded accommodations.
- Charyn Canyon: Experience the stark beauty of Charyn Canyon, a vast gorge with red and golden hues. Easily accessible by foot or 4×4 vehicle, the canyon offers breathtaking desert viewpoints and memorable hiking opportunities.
Central Kazakhstan and Silk Road Heritage:
- Turkistan: Take a train into central Kazakhstan to explore Turkistan, a historic Silk Road city. Discover turquoise-tiled domes and mausoleums dating back centuries, showcasing Uzbek and Persian architectural influences conserved since Soviet times. Turkistan is steeped in history, once hosting Sufi sheikhs and becoming a center of Islamic learning.
- Shymkent: Visit Shymkent, a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage. Wander through ancient mud-brick walls, explore battlement ridges, and delve into the city’s diverse architectural styles influenced by Turkic history and Persian designs.
Western Kazakhstan and Mangystau Region:
- Aktau: Travel west to Aktau, a port city on the Caspian Sea. From here, explore the unique plateaus and labyrinthine desert trails of the Mangystau Region. Marvel at ochre rock formations and amber streaks, remnants of millions of years of geological history.
- Ustyurt Nature Reserve: Discover the Ustyurt Nature Reserve, where palaeontologists uncover evidence of ancient animal life, including Tyrannosaurus rex and mammoths. The region’s fauna and geological formations reflect millennia of natural evolution and provide a glimpse into Kazakhstan’s prehistoric past.
Nomadic Traditions and Cuisine:
- Steppe Nomads: Experience the ancient traditions of the nomadic people of the steppe. Witness displays of horse riding and falconry, and indulge in traditional Kazakh cuisine like beshbarmak, a hearty dish of boiled meat and innards, often accompanied by fermented milk known as kumis.
- Qurt: Try qurt, a unique cheese made from goat’s or camel’s milk, traditionally churned in saddlebags during the nomads’ travels. Qurt offers a taste of the nomadic lifestyle and is a staple in Kazakh cuisine.
Travel Logistics:
- Visa-Free Access: Take advantage of Kazakhstan’s 30-day visa-free access for UK visitors, making travel planning easier and more convenient.
- Transport: Utilize direct flight routes from London to Almaty and Nur-Sultan, provided by airlines like Air Astana, ensuring seamless travel arrangements.
Kazakhstan offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, making it an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking to explore off-the-beaten-path landscapes and immerse themselves in nomadic traditions.
This guide provides an overview of how to explore Kazakhstan’s diverse regions, from bustling cities to remote natural wonders, while experiencing its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.
Why Travel to Kazakhstan in 2024?
In September 2024, Astana (now known as Nur-Sultan) will host the fifth World Nomad Games, drawing competitors from across the Eurasian Steppe. This unique event features traditional nomadic sports such as mounted archery, falconry, goat pulling, and horseback wrestling, offering a fascinating glimpse into Kazakhstan’s rich cultural heritage.
Where to Stay?
For visitors from the UK, two ideal base cities are Aktau and Almaty, both accessible via direct flights from London Heathrow with Air Astana, operating up to four times a week. These cities serve as cosmopolitan hubs providing easy access to Kazakhstan’s best natural and cultural attractions. To attend the World Nomad Games in Astana, take a domestic flight from either city to the country’s capital.
When to Travel?
The best times to visit Kazakhstan are during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is moderate and pleasant. Summers can be hot, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, while winters are cold, dropping to around -20°C. In winter, Almaty becomes a popular destination for skiing enthusiasts, offering ski areas accessible via cable cars.
Plan Your Trip:
- Flight Options: Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s award-winning flagship carrier, operates direct routes from London Heathrow to Aktau and Almaty up to four times per week. Visit Air Astana’s website at airastana.com for flight schedules, bookings, and more information.
This guide provides essential information for planning a trip to Kazakhstan in 2024, highlighting the World Nomad Games in Astana as a major cultural event and offering practical advice on where to stay, when to visit, and how to arrange flights with Air Astana for a seamless travel experience.
