Travel Tips
Kazakhstan
Mountain lakes, canyons and futuristic Astana make Kazakhstan a wide-open adventure in Central Asia.
- Capital
- Astana
- Currency
- Kazakhstani tenge (KZT)
- Language
- Kazakh, Russian
- Best overall
- May to September
- Emergency
- Police 102, fire 101, ambulance 103, or 112
- Electricity
- 220V, plug types C and F
Top Destinations
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to about 30 days. Check the rule for your passport. Passport validity rules vary, so check the requirements before you book.
Read about visa on arrival, e-visas and online registration →
Still have specific visa questions?
Late spring to early autumn is best for mountains and canyons. Winters are extremely cold, but Almaty has good skiing.
Not sure which month suits your trip?
Almaty
A green city at the foot of snowy mountains.
Charyn Canyon
Dramatic red rock formations east of Almaty.
Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
Alpine lakes, including one with a sunken forest.
Astana
A futuristic capital on the windy steppe.
Big Almaty Lake
A turquoise mountain lake close to the city.
Need help choosing where to go?
- Days 1 to 3 Almaty
- Day 4 Big Almaty Lake
- Days 5 to 7 Charyn Canyon and Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes
- Days 8 to 9 Astana, by air
Want a route planned around your dates?
- Distances are huge, so fly between big cities or book overnight trains.
- Hire a local driver or join tours for canyons and lakes.
Not sure how to get between places?
- Cards are common in cities, but carry tenge for rural areas.
- Buy an eSIM before you fly or a local SIM on arrival, so maps work from day one.
Questions about costs, cash or SIM cards?
- Beshbarmak: boiled meat with noodles.
- Plov: rice with meat and carrots.
- Kurt: dried salty cheese balls.
Want tips on what and where to eat?
- Some border areas need permits, so check before you travel.
- Carry water and allow extra time on remote roads.
Planning a trip to Kazakhstan?
Book a one-on-one call and bring your questions about your route, costs and visa.
Information on this page may change, so please confirm the latest visa and entry requirements and your government travel advice on official websites before you travel.