Kazakhstan - Tourism - Places to visit & Best time to go

Geographical position and Climate of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is located in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the north, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the west. Spanning across a vast area of 2,724,900 square kilometers, it is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country in the total area.

The climate of Kazakhstan is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Temperatures can be extremely varied, with summer temperatures soaring up to 30°C (86°F), while winter temperatures can drop to as low as -20°C (-4°F). However, these temperatures can vary significantly depending on the region. The country experiences a high variation in precipitation as well, with the northern regions receiving more rainfall compared to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the central and southern areas.

Brief History of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has a rich and diverse history that dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by nomadic tribes. The region was historically part of the Silk Road trade route, which facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges between Asia and Europe.

In the early centuries, various Turkic and Mongol nomadic empires controlled the territory of present-day Kazakhstan. By the 13th century, the area became a part of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan. Later, it came under the control of the Golden Horde and subsequent Kazakh Khanate in the 15th century.

The Russian Empire began to expand into the region in the 18th century, and by the mid-19th century, Kazakhstan was fully integrated into the Russian Empire. Following the Russian Revolution in 1917, Kazakhstan became an autonomous republic within the Soviet Union and was later transformed into a full Soviet Socialist Republic.

During the Soviet era, Kazakhstan experienced significant industrialization and agricultural development, including the Virgin Lands Campaign initiated by Nikita Khrushchev. However, it also faced harsh policies, such as forced collectivization and political purges, as well as environmental disasters like the drying up of the Aral Sea.

Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991, becoming the last Soviet republic to do so. Nursultan Nazarbayev became the country’s first president, a position he held until his resignation in 2019. Since independence, Kazakhstan has worked to develop its economy, particularly its vast oil and mineral resources, and has played an active role in international affairs.

Religion of Kazakhstan

The predominant religion in Kazakhstan is Islam, with the majority of Muslims adhering to the Sunni branch, specifically the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. Islam was introduced to the region by Arab conquerors in the 7th and 8th centuries and became widely practiced among the nomadic tribes.

Orthodox Christianity is the second most practiced religion, primarily among the ethnic Russian population. The Russian Orthodox Church has a significant presence in the country.

Kazakhstan’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and the government maintains a policy of secularism, where no religion is officially endorsed by the state. This has allowed for a diverse religious landscape where various faiths are practiced.

Language of Kazakhstan

The official language of Kazakhstan is Kazakh, a Turkic language written in the Cyrillic script. However, due to historical ties with Russia and the significant Russian-speaking population, Russian is also widely spoken and serves as an inter-ethnic means of communication. It is officially recognized as a language of inter-ethnic communication and used in government and official documents alongside Kazakh.

Since independence, there has been a concerted effort to promote the Kazakh language, and it is increasingly used in education, media, and official settings. The government has also initiated a gradual transition to the Latin alphabet for Kazakh by 2025 to modernize and facilitate its use in digital communication and integration with the global economy.

Places to visit in Kazakhstan

Before you visit Kazakhstan

Travel to Kazakhstan

Travelers can get to Kazakhstan through various means, depending on their location and preference:

By Air: The most common and convenient way to reach Kazakhstan is by air. The country has several international airports, with the largest being Almaty International Airport and Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport in Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana). Major airlines operate flights to Kazakhstan from numerous cities around the world.
By Train: Kazakhstan has an extensive railway network that connects it with neighboring countries such as Russia and China. Train travel can be a scenic and adventurous option for those coming from regions close enough to consider this mode of transport.
By Road: It is possible to enter Kazakhstan by car or bus from neighboring countries. There are road connections from Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. However, travelers should be prepared for long distances and varying road conditions.
By Sea: Although Kazakhstan is landlocked, it is accessible by sea via the Caspian Sea. Ferry services operate between Kazakhstan and other countries bordering the Caspian Sea, such as Azerbaijan and Russia.

Regardless of the mode of transportation, travelers should ensure they have all the necessary visas and documentation required for entry into Kazakhstan, as well as any transit countries.

Visas for Kazakhstan

Visa requirements for Kazakhstan vary depending on the traveler’s nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of stay. Here are some general guidelines:

Visa-Free Entry: Some countries have bilateral agreements with Kazakhstan that allow their citizens to enter visa-free for short stays (usually up to 30 days). This includes countries like Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and a few others.
e-Visa: Kazakhstan offers an e-Visa for citizens of eligible countries. The e-Visa process is completed online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy. This is typically available for tourism, business, and medical treatment purposes.
Tourist Visa: Travelers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry or an e-Visa must apply for a tourist visa at a Kazakh diplomatic mission abroad. The standard tourist visa is usually valid for 30 days.
Business Visa: Those traveling for business purposes may apply for a business visa, which may require an invitation letter from a company registered in Kazakhstan.
Transit Visa: If passing through Kazakhstan on the way to another destination, travelers may need a transit visa. These are typically short-term visas allowing a stay of up to five days.
Other Visas: There are also other types of visas available for longer stays or specific purposes, such as work, study, or permanent residency.

It’s important to check the most current visa information from official sources or consult with the Embassy of Kazakhstan before planning your trip, as visa policies can change. Additionally, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Kazakhstan.

Best time to visit Kazakhstan

The best time to visit Kazakhstan largely depends on the activities you plan to do and the regions you wish to explore. Here are some general recommendations:

Spring (April to June): Spring is a pleasant time to visit, as the weather is mild and the landscape is vibrant with blooming flowers. This season is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the steppes.
Summer (July to August): Summer can be very hot, especially in the south. However, it’s a good time for trekking in the mountains or visiting the cooler northern regions. The long daylight hours provide ample time for sightseeing and exploration.
Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another excellent time to visit Kazakhstan. The temperatures are comfortable, and the changing colors of the foliage make for beautiful scenery. It’s also a great time for cultural events and experiencing local harvests.
Winter (November to March): Winters are harsh and cold, with heavy snowfall, particularly in the north and in mountainous areas. Winter sports enthusiasts might find this the best time to visit ski resorts like Shymbulak near Almaty.

Overall, the late spring to early autumn period offers the most favorable conditions for a wide range of tourist activities. Always check the specific climate and weather conditions of the region you plan to visit, as Kazakhstan’s large size means that weather patterns can vary significantly from one area to another.

Important Information

Capital – Astana

Territory – 2,724,900 km²

Currency – Tenge (KZT)

Time Zone – UTC+5

Population – 20,075,271

Demonym – Kazakh / Kazakhstani