KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan - Steppe, Mountain and Sea
Kazakhstan, the ninth biggest country in the world, straddles the breadth of Central Asia, from the peaks of the Altai in the east to the wind-bullied shores of the Caspian Sea in the west. In between yawns the endless steppe, home to semi-nomadic pastoralists, Saka burial mounds, flamingo-filled lakes and herds of endangered Saiga antelope. The land of the nomad, for millennia these grasslands witnessed the rise and fall of horse-mounted tribes, from the Scythians and Huns to the Kipchaks and Kazakhs.
Few visitors venture beyond Almaty and the old Silk Road oases of the south, but this vast country has so much to offer the curious traveller. Watch a rocket launch from Baikonur cosmodrome. Explore the Semipalatinsk Polygon, the Soviet Union's primary nuclear test site, and one of the most secret places in the former USSR. Heli-ski on some of the world’s best powder in the Altai. Explore the Martian landscapes of Mangystau, in the far west. Admire the futuristic architecture of Astana, the capital city, and soak in the leafy, cosmopolitan ambience of Almaty, in the south.
Given its size, one of the best ways to travel in Kazakhstan is by train. Why not follow the threads of the old Silk Road from Almaty to Shymkent, or lose yourself in a land of sky and steppe as you ride the rails from Turkestan to Aral?
We arrange both small-group tours and tailor-made trips to Kazakhstan, and work with a network of fantastic guides, acamedics, writers and conservationists across the country. All our trips are designed and managed by either Antonia or Marley, and we pride ourselves on arranging immersive, imaginative journeys that take our guests off the beaten path, and into the heart and soul of the country.
Get in touch to start planning your Silk Road Adventure to Kazakhstan.
Some of our Kazakhstan highlights
Tailor-Made Kazakhstan Tours
With our background in journalism and television production, and more than a decade’s experience of planning bespoke trips for individuals, families and small groups, tailor-made journeys are what we do best.
Kazakhstan is a vast and hugely varied country. Whether you want to explore the story of the Aral Sea, learn about Kazakhstan’s thriving contemporary arts scene, ride horses in the Altai mountains, or watch a rocket launch from Baikonur, we can make it happen.
If you love adventure and otherworldly landscapes, then you’re going to love the deserts of Mangystau, in Kazakhstan’s far west. Once at the bottom of the ancient Tethys Ocean, today this Martian landscape is made up of desert, strange-hued mountains and underground mosques. We can arrange for you to explore the desert by 4WD, look for Saiga antelope with a local conservationist, travel to remote ruins with an archaeologist and camp - in comfort - under starry desert skies.
Spotlight on: Kazakhstan’s Wild West
Frequently Asked Questions - Expert Answers from Silk Road Adventures
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
In general the best time to visit Kazakhstan is from late-April to mid-October, but this depends on which part of this huge country you’re interested in visiting. In summer, from early June to late August, it can be very hot at lower altitudes, while winters can be cold and snowy, particularly in the mountains. The peak season for trekking runs from early July to early September. For low altitude hiking and visiting the western desert, mid-April to late May are perfect. For skiing, snowboarding, freeriding, ski-touring and other winter sports, the season runs from late November until early March, depending on the region. For Caspian Sea visits and swims, September will provide warm water and fine weather. September into October brings cooler weather and beautiful autumn colours in the Tian Shan and Altai mountains.
How much does one of your Kazakhstan tours cost?
Silk Road Adventures doesn’t currently offer small-group Kazakhstan tours, focusing instead on private tailor-made tours which start from around £450 per person per day for a 2 person trip.
Is Kazakhstan safe for travelers?
Yes, Kazakhstan is very safe for tourists. As specialists who have run dozens of tours there since 2015, we can confirm:
This is a country with an outstandingly low crime rate against tourists;
A uniquely welcoming culture - hospitality being central to Kazakh values;
It’s safe for solo female travelers;
We have an 100% safety record, with no serious incidents in 10 years. We provide 24/7 emergency support, satellite phones or Starlink access in remote areas, and have years of experience living and working across the region, meaning we create our trips using first-hand knowledge.
Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Travellers from the US, UK, EU, Australia, NZ, Canada, Singapore and citizens of many other countries do NOT need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Indian and Iranian citizens are usually visa-free for up to 14 days.
What’s the best way to fly to Kazakhstan?
This huge country is very well connected indeed. From Indonesia, India, Thailand and China, there are numerous options for direct flights (Air India, Indigo, Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Air China, Chine Southern etc). Likewise from the Gulf, you can fly to an increasing number of Kazakh cities on Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and others. Turkish Airlines provides routes to several Kazakh cities, and the Almaty-based national carrier of Kazakhstan - Air Astana (originally 49% owned by BAE Systems in the UK) - has an ever-widening network stretching from Tokyo to London and beyond.
What's included in your Kazakhstan trips?
Every Silk Road Adventures Kazakhstan tailor-made trip includes:
Pre-trip planning consultation with Marley or Antonia
Brilliant, experienced English-speaking guides, personally chosen by us
Comfortable accommodation in quality hotels and authentic guesthouses
Ground transportation in high-quality 4x4 vehicles (Toyota Landcruiser or similar)
Most meals, featuring plenty of local cuisine
All activity, historical site and national park fees
Emergency support where required
Comprehensive pre-departure information in the Vamoos app format, with regular updates, articles, playlists, films and all of our personal recommendations along your route
NOT included: International flights, visa fees (if required), travel insurance, some lunches, drinks, tips.
How fit do I need to be for travel in Kazakhstan?
This very much depends on the type of trip you are seeking! You will generally need to have good mobility, and be able to walk in cities and on rough ground at a reasonable pace. In remote areas, roads and footpaths can be rough. For your tailor-made trip, we will of course design this around your interests, wishes and abilities.