Kazakhstan Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Astana.

Geography:

Five times the size of France and half the size of the USA, Kazakhstan is the second largest state in the Commonwealth of Independent States, and is bordered by the Russian Federation to the north and west, the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan to the southwest, Kyrgyzstan to the south and China to the southeast. 90% of the country is made up of steppe, the sand massives of the Kara Kum and the vast desert of Kizilkum, while in the southeast of the country the mountains of the Tian Shan and the Altai form a great natural frontier with tens of thousands of lakes and rivers. Lake Balkhash is the country's largest expanses of water, since the Aral Sea dried up.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Air Astana (www.airastana.com) is the national airline and runs non-stop flights from the UK to Nur-Sultan (Astana). There are no direct flights from the USA.

The major airport is: Almaty Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

To Nur-Sultan (Astana): from London - 6 hours 20 minutes; New York - 15 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Water

Main ports: Aqtau, Atyrau, Oskemen, Pavlodar and Semey. Freight is carried on the Caspian Sea to Iran and Russia.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

Air Astana (www.airastana.com) operates frequent domestic flights. While Air Astana does maintain aircraft to European JAR-145 standards, travellers should note that maintenance procedures for some aircraft operating internally may not conform to internationally accepted standards.

Domestic airports include Nur-Sultan (Astana) (www.astanaairport.com), Almaty (www.almatyairport.com), Kyzylorda, Oral and Aktau.

Car Hire

Available in Almaty and Nur-Sultan (Astana) and at the airports.

Documentation

An International Driving Permit is required.

Getting Around By Rail

The cost of rail travel in Kazakhstan is minimal in comparison with Western Europe and there are regular connections between all the main centres. Queues at stations to buy a ticket can be long and you should bring your own food and drink for the journey. It may be advisable for foreign visitors to travel by bus between cities, owing to an increase in robberies on trains.

Road Quality

There is a reasonable network of roads in Kazakhstan connecting all the towns and regional centres, but roads aren't well maintained. Petrol supplies are reasonably reliable in comparison with other Central Asian republics. Road conditions can be dangerous in winter.

Side Of Road

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Taxi

These are available in all Kazakh cities. Travellers should not use unlicensed taxis.

Urban Travel

Almaty is served by trolleybuses, buses and a modern metro system. There are plans for a light-rail network in Nur-Sultan (Astana).

Getting Around By Water

You can take river trips in Semipalatinsk on the River Irtysh.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of Kazakhstan's current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Kazakhstan set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Kazakh Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, your passport must be valid for at least 30 days from the date you arrive and have at least one blank page. 

If you have a visa for Kazakhstan, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after your visa's expiry date.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. 

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. 

Dual nationality

Kazakhstan does not recognise dual nationality. If you are found to have a Kazakh passport and another passport, you will be fined and your Kazakh citizenship will be withdrawn.

Visa requirements

You can visit Kazakhstan without a visa for up to 30 days for business or tourism. You can make as many visa-free visits as you like, but you must not stay more than 90 days without a visa in any 180-day period.

To stay longer, to work or study or for other reasons, you must meet the Kazakh government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Kazakh Embassy in the UK. Also see visa information from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

You can apply for a visa from the Kazakhstan government's visa website. Check the validity dates of your visa and any restrictions before you travel.

British nationals aged 17 or over who apply for a visa or residency must submit biometrics (fingerprints) as part of the application process.

Registering with the authorities

Your hotel or the person hosting you must register your arrival with the Kazakh authorities. They must do this within 3 working days of your arrival in Kazakhstan. 

Travelling overland between Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus

Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus are in a single customs union. If you want to travel overland in your own vehicle between these countries, make sure your customs declaration and temporary import licence are valid for your whole stay in all 3 countries. You can extend the import licence for up to one year by contacting the customs authorities in any of the countries.

See Russia travel advice and Belarus travel advice.

Vaccine requirements

To enter Kazakhstan, you must have a certificate to prove you've had a yellow fever vaccination if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Kazakhstan guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Kazakhstan. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into Kazakhstan

There are limits on how much foreign currency you can bring to Kazakhstan or take with you when you leave. Contact the State Revenue Department if you have specific questions.

Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. 

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Kazakhstan

Terrorist attacks in Kazakhstan cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Be alert for any security related announcements by the Kazakh authorities.

Protests and demonstrations

Public demonstrations are only permitted when authorised by the Kazakh authorities in advance. Occasional unauthorised small-scale public protests take place. This may put participants at risk of arrest. Avoid any demonstrations or political gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby violence or disturbance, leave the area immediately.

Crime

Robbery and violent crime

There have been violent thefts in expatriate communities in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan and in Astana and Almaty. They happen mainly at night in and around local nightclubs and bars or when arriving home late at night. Robberies are uncommon in cities and rural areas but do happen.

Avoid walking alone at night and pre-arrange your transport. Do not use unofficial taxis or a taxi already occupied by a passenger.

Protecting your belongings

Pickpocketing is very common in crowded places such as markets and on public transport. Criminals may target foreigners as they are assumed to be carrying valuable items. Keep valuables in a safe place and out of public view.

Thieves may target luggage on trains. Always lock your railway compartment on an overnight train.

Scams 

Beware of internet scams. Scammers may target you on dating apps or on visa-related websites.

Make sure you know the arrangements for being met at the airport, and make sure the person is who they say they are. 

Bank card fraud

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.

Drink spiking and sexual assault 

Drink spiking is a risk in nightclubs and bars and can lead to sexual assault. Alcohol and drugs can reduce your vigilance, making you less in control.

Avoid splitting up from your friends, do not leave drinks unattended and do not go off with people you do not know. Save the location of your accommodation on your maps app, so it's easy to find. See TravelAware 'Stick with your mates' for tips and advice.

Laws and cultural differences

Kazakhstan has a secular constitution. (A secular state claims to treat all its citizens equally regardless of religion.) You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Personal ID

Carry original ID such as your driving licence or passport at all times. Police patrolling the streets may ask for your ID, and copies are not acceptable. You need to show your original ID to enter state buildings.

Ramadan 

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. Cafés and restaurants may amend their menus and be busy around fast-breaking ('Iftar'). Areas around mosques are also likely to be busy around prayer times. Take particular care not to offend religious sensitivities at this time.

Alcohol laws and bans 

Shops are not allowed to sell alcohol between 11pm and 8am. Alcoholic drinks which have an alcohol content level of more than 30% cannot be sold in shops between 9pm and 12 noon. Bars, restaurants and cafés are not covered by this rule.

If police find you drinking alcohol in the street, or if you appear to be drunk, they can take you to a police station and issue you with a fine or detain you in a police cell overnight.

Smoking and e-cigarette bans 

Smoking and vaping are illegal in and near to:

• schools and playgrounds
• healthcare facilities
• public places – museums, libraries, cinemas, sport centres, public transport, nightclubs, airports, rail stations and underpasses
• cars with children travelling

The fine for smoking in an unauthorised place is around £90, and more if it's a repeat offence. 

It is illegal to sell, distribute, import or produce smokeless cigarettes, e-cigarettes (vapes), or e-liquid for e-cigarettes. You could get a fine or a prison sentence of up to 2 years.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

If you possess or use illegal drugs, you could face a lengthy prison sentence:

• for possession, manufacturing of drugs with distribution purposes – 5 to 10 years
• for possession, manufacturing of drug with distribution purposes in large amounts – 6 to 12 years
• for advertising drugs – fine or up to 3 years in prison

Prison conditions are basic.

Posting on social media

It's illegal to post images or comments on social media that show disrespect towards religion, culture or national symbols. Take particular care with images that show the Kazakh flag. If you share or publish images that the authorities consider to be insulting, you could get a fine or a prison sentence.

Taking photos in secure areas

You could start problems with local officials if you take photos or videos of or near military sites, border areas, airports and some official buildings. There may not be any signs warning about these restrictions.

Some large shops and supermarkets do not allow photography.

Using drones in Kazakhstan

You can bring a drone to Kazakhstan without a licence. However, you risk a fine, detention and the confiscation of your drone if you operate a drone without a licence.

Apply for a drone licence from the Civil Aviation Committee. You should include technical characteristics of the drone and details of planned use (when, where and how long). See local regulations on drone licensing requirements (in Russian).

LGBT+ travellers

Although same-sex sexual activity is not illegal, same-sex relationships are often not tolerated, especially outside of the major cities.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs 

You are not allowed to export:

• art or antiques that have historical, cultural or scientific value
• gold, precious stones or rare minerals
• rare specimens of flora or animals

Take local expert advice before making any such purchase.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Kazakhstan, see information on driving abroad and Kazakhstan's rules of the road (in Russian).

You need a 1968 international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK licence to drive in Kazakhstan. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel. Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

The minimum legal age for driving is 16 for motorbikes and 18 for cars.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.

Road conditions

Driving standards can be erratic. Many cars are not safely maintained and do not have rear seatbelts.

Many roads are poorly maintained. Roadworks and damaged roads are often not signposted. In remote rural areas, there are often stray animals on the roads. In winter, roads can be hazardous due to snow or ice.

Service stations are limited outside the main cities. Take all that you need for your journey, including fuel and water. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and in a good condition for long journeys.

If traffic police stop you for a traffic offence, they should give you an official paper. 

Closed areas

The following areas are closed to visitors unless you have received prior permission from the Foreign Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Kazakh National Security Committee:

• Gvardeyskiy village in the Almaty region of south-eastern Kazakhstan
• the town of Baikonur
• the districts of Karmakchi and Kazalinsk in the southern Kyzylorda region

Border crossings

Officials may close border crossing points at short notice.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Wildfires 

Wildfires affected forests in east Kazakhstan in 2023. Regions in the Kazakh steppe can also be affected by grass fires. Take local advice.

Flooding and mudslides

Widespread flooding affected much of northern and western Kazakhstan in April 2024. Take local advice about road closures and transport disruption caused by flooding.

Mudslides and landslides can occur in the mountain areas of south-east Kazakhstan.

Earthquakes 

Kazakhstan has several areas which are at high risk of earthquakes. Almaty is in an active seismic zone. The last major earthquake involving loss of life was in 1927. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 103 and ask for an ambulance. The operator answering may not speak English.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Kazakhstan
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Kazakhstan including biting insects and ticks.

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Kazakhstan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Basic medications such as aspirin are available without a prescription. It's best to bring enough medication with you.

If you need prescription medication while in Kazakhstan, you will need a valid prescription either from a local doctor or your UK prescription translated into Kazakh or Russian. Medications often come under different brand names, so ask for the drug's generic name. If they are not available locally, it may be possible to get drugs to be couriered through a private clinic, for example, International SOS clinic.

Healthcare in Kazakhstan

The medical facilities in Kazakhstan are not as advanced as in the UK. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of medical treatment or evacuation by air ambulance and repatriation. Medical staff do not typically speak English.

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Kazakhstan where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Kazakhstan.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Kazakhstan

Ambulance: 103

Fire: 101

Police:102

Emergency and rescue service: 112 

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including: 

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Kazakhstan
• dealing with a death in Kazakhstan
• being arrested or imprisoned in Kazakhstan
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Kazakhstan on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Overview:

There is a large network of hospitals, emergency centres and pharmacies. The largest include the Central Hospital, the Maternity and Childhood Institute Clinic and the Medical Teaching Institute Clinic in Almaty, and the Spinal Centre and Hospital of Rehabilitation Treatment in Karaganda. However, standards within the public healthcare system have declined significantly since the Soviet era. It is hard to ascertain the level of expertise of the doctors, and visitors cannot rely on the availability of western medicines. Comprehensive medical insurance is strongly advised.

Vaccinations Note:

* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas.

Food Drink:

All water should be regarded as being a potential health risk. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Other Risks:

Hepatitis B, C and E and tuberculosis occur. Increased cases of meningitis and encephalitis have been reported in Almaty. Tick-borne encephalitis is a problem in mountains and forests, particularly during April, May and June. There is some presence of rabies. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Currency Information:

Kazakh Tenge (KZT; symbol лв). Notes are in denominations of лв 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of лв 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Credit Cards:

Major European and international credit cards, including Diners Club and Visa, are accepted in the larger hotels in Almaty and in major shops and restaurants. Facilities exist for credit card cash withdrawals in Kazakhstan.

Travellers Cheques:

To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars. Traveller's cheques are accepted at larger hotels and at banks in the big cities.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Banks close for lunch 1300-1400. All banks are closed Sat-Sun.

Currency Restrictions:

The import of local currency is unlimited, provided it is declared on arrival; the import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided amounts exceeding US$3,000 or equivalent are declared on arrival. A proof of origin is needed for amounts of foreign currency exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000. The export of local currency is prohibited. The export of foreign currency is unlimited, provided the amounts exported do not exceed the imported amounts and a proof of origin is given for amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000.

Currency Exchange:

The national currency, the Tenge, may only be obtained within Kazakhstan. Conversion of the Tenge back into hard currency may prove difficult. Foreign currency should only be exchanged at official bureaux and all transactions must be recorded on the currency declaration form that is issued on arrival. It is wise to retain all exchange receipts, although they are seldom inspected. Unless travelling with a licensed tourist company (in which case, accommodation, transport and meals are paid before departure), money should be brought in US Dollars cash and exchanged when necessary.

Currencies

Exchange Rates

Language

The official language is Kazakh, a Turkic language closely related to Uzbek, Kyrgyz, Turkmen and Turkish. The government has begun to replace the Russian Cyrillic alphabet with the Turkish version of the Roman alphabet. Meanwhile, the Cyrillic alphabet is in general use and most people in the cities can speak Russian, whereas country people tend to only speak Kazakh. English is usually spoken by those involved in tourism. Uygur and other regional languages and dialects are also spoken.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

List Of Public Holidays

Note:

Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last up to several days, depending on the region.

Overview:

The following goods may be imported into Kazakhstan by travellers over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco.

• 3L of alcoholic beverages.

• Other goods for personal use up to the value of €500 and up to 25kg (by land) or up to the value of €10,000 weighing no more than 50kg in total (by air).

On entering the country, you must complete a customs declaration form, which you must retain until departure. This allows the import of articles intended for personal use, including currency and valuables, which you must register on the declaration form. You must export these at the end of the stay. Customs inspection can be long and detailed. It is advisable to keep receipts for items bought in Kazakhstan in order to avoid difficulties at customs on departure.

Banned Imports:

Photographs and printed matter directed against Kazakhstan, military arms and ammunition, narcotics and live animals.

Food must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate.

Telephone:

International calls can be made at a reduced rate from 2000-0800 local time. All major cities are equipped with card operated phones. Cards can be purchased at kiosks, and can be used to make international calls. The best card to make international calls with is an i-card+.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good around the main cities.

Internet:

There are Internet cafes in most towns and cities. Internet access is also available in major hotels, but services are usually more expensive than in cafes.

Post

Full postal facilities are available at main post offices in the cities, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The main post office in Almaty is located on Ulitsa Kurmangazy. International postal communication is undertaken by the firms Blitz-Pochta, International Press and Press Limited.
Delivery within the republic takes three to five days. Post to Western Europe and the USA takes between two to three weeks. Mail addresses should be laid out in the following order: country, postcode, city, street, house number and, lastly, the person's name. Visitors can also use post offices located within major hotels.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0900-1800.

Mountains and lakes

The Tien Shan Mountains stretch for more than 1,500km (932 miles), with the highest peaks Pobeda Peak (7,439m/24,406ft) and Khan-Tengri Peak (7,010m/23,000ft) - a snowy, marble-like pyramid. The huge Inylchek Glacier splits the summits and the beautiful Mertzbakher Lake lies at its centre. The Kolsai Lakes - known as the 'pearls of the northern Tien-Shan' - lie within the ridges of the Kungei Alatau range. Kazakhstan also boasts one of the largest lakes in the world: the unique Lake Balkhash is half saline, half fresh water.

Almaty

Almaty is a city of modern architecture, wide streets, cool fountains, parks and squares and spectacular mountain views. Attractions in the city include the Panfilov Park, which is dominated by one of the world's tallest wooden buildings, built at the turn of the 20th century without using a single nail, and the Zenkov Cathedral. Also find fine museums such as the State Art Museum.

Archaeological sites

Several archaeological and ethnographic sites have been preserved in central Kazakhstan. There are Bronze Age and Early Iron Age sites and New Stone Age and Bronze Age settlements in the Karkarala Oasis. The Bayan-Aul National Park has rock drawings, stone sculptures, clean, sparkling lakes and pines clinging to the rocks.

Baikonur Cosmodrome

The Baikonur Cosmodrome, located 5km (3 miles) from the garrison city of Leninsk and 230km (143 miles) from Kzil-Orda, is the Central Asian answer to Cape Canaveral - tours are available, during which visitors can witness space launches. It was from here, on 12 April 1961, that Yuri Gagarin, the world's first cosmonaut, took off.

Nature reserves

Kurgaldjino in the north of Kazakhstan houses the most northerly settlement of pink flamingos in the world, while Naurzum, offers a rich landscape of geographical contrasts: salt lakes ringed by forests, ancient pines strewn amongst sand dunes, pine forests growing out of salt-marsh beds, and rare animals such as hisser swans and grave eagles. Aksu-Zhabagly is a UNESCO biosphere reserve in southern Kazakhstan and home to 239 species of birds, 47 species of animals and 1,400 species of plants.

Hiking and trekking

The country's rugged landscape and incredible mountain ranges, offer great mountain climbing and trekking. The best season for trekking is between June and September.

Relax at a spa

Kazakhstan has a wide range of spas. The most internationally renowned resorts include Sari Agach (in the south), Mujaldi (in the Pavlodar region), Arasan-Kapal (in the Taldikorgan region), Jani-Kurgan (in the Kzil-Orda region), Kokshetau and Zerenda (in the Kokshetau region) and those located in Zaili Alatau.

Watersports

All the regional centres boast sport complexes, swimming pools and training halls. Rafting and canoeing can be easily arranged through local travel agents. The Ili river between Lake Qapshaghay and Lake Balhash is a good place for this.

Winter sports

The 4,000m- (13,123ft-) high Zaili Alatau Mountains near Almaty offer great winter sporting activities. Near Almaty, the Medeu ice-skating rink is the largest speed-skating rink in the world; over 120 world records in ice skating and ice hockey have been set here. Watch Ice hockey games at the rink in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The winter sports complex of Chimbulak offers fantastic skiing, and many competitions are held here.

Overview

Located north of Panfilov Park, Almaty has a bazaar, where a diverse range of items can be bought.

Opening Hours

Mon-Sat 0900-2000.

Overview

Kazakhstan food is a reflection of the country's unique ethnic and religious composition. Beer, vodka, brandy and sparkling wines are available in many restaurants.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

This is not customary at restaurants and cafes, but is increasingly common in international hotels. A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills.

Hotels

Most towns in Kazakhstan have a limited supply of reasonable accommodation. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, either directly or through a travel agency. Most hotels deliver a basic level of comfort, although Western standards should not be expected.

Grading: A star-grading system is in use. There are at least two 5-star hotels in Almaty, as well as numerous new hotels of a reasonable standard.

Camping Caravaning

The only designated campsites are the permanent base camps from which the high peaks of Kazakhstan are climbed. Travellers pitch their tents in other localities at their own risk, although there are no regulations against it.

Other

History

The south of Kazakhstan was inhabited as early as the Palaeolithic Era and tribes were breeding cattle and producing bronze-ware by the middle of the second millennium BC. Soon after, the Saks, Savromat, Kangues and Usuns occupied the area and later, the Huns. By the fourth century AD, most of the Saks and Usuns had moved west and individual states appeared, such as Westturkic Khanate, which was established by Turkish tribes trading on the Silk Road.

During the eighth and ninth centuries the Kimak tribes arrived of which the largest and strongest were the Kipchaks, ancestors of the present-day Kazakhs. In the 10th century, Islam was declared the state religion before the Mongols invaded in the 13th century and Genghis Khan destroyed most of the towns. However, by the 15th century, the Kazakh Khanate state was thriving as the tribes reformed into three groups – Junior, Middle and Senior Zhuzes – known as Kazakhs. In 1734 the Junior Zhuze became Russian citizens, followed by the Middle in 1742 and the Senior Zhuze in 1849. The Kazakhs had allied themselves with Russia in the mid-18th century to ward off the Mongols, but by 1860 the Russians had suppressed the last of the Kazakh rebellions and thousands of Russian and Ukrainian peasants settled in Kazakhstan.

A final anti-Tsarist rebellion in 1916 was brutally supressed before the Bolshevik revolution and yet more fierce fighting in the civil war that followed. In 1920, Kazakhstan was recognised as an autonomous republic and although its mining and chemical industries, as well as agriculture, developed greatly, more than two million Kazakhs died of hunger during the 1930s before the country again experienced large-scale immigration. It was the site of most of the main testing and launch facilities for the Soviet nuclear, missile and space programmes and the first manned spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin was launched from Baikonur in central Kazakhstan.

In 1986, the Brezhnevian regime was deposed in favour of a new administration under Gennadi Kolbin, a protégé of the reformist Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev. Three years later Nursultan Nazarbayev, replaced him and guided Kazakhstan to independence. As the only candidate at the presidential election in December 1991, he won 98 per cent of the vote and in June 1997 realised his pet project, the inauguration of a new capital city at Astana. Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan on 23 March 2019 after former first president Nursultan Nazarbayev, who passed away on 20 March 2019.

Kazakhstan’s main assets are its huge and largely unexploited oil and gas fields.

Did you know?

• Kazakhstan is home to 131 ethnicities.

• World IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko was born in Kazakhstan.

• The unfinished Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkestan dates from the late 14th century is widely considered to represent the Khazakh national identity.

Religion

Mainly Sunni Muslim. There are Russian Orthodox and Jewish minorities. There are 10 independent denominations of Christianity. The Kazakhs do not express their religious feelings fervently - Kazakhstan is an outlying district of the Muslim world and a meeting point of Russian, Chinese and Central Asian civilisations. Islam plays a minor role in policy and there are no significant Islamic political organisations in the country.

Social Conventions

Kazakhs are very hospitable. When greeting a guest, the host gives him/her both hands as if showing that he/she is unarmed. When addressing a guest or elder, a Kazakh may address him/her with a shortened form of the guest's or elder's name and the suffix 'ke'. For example, Abkhan may be called Abeke, Nursultan can be called Nureke. This should be regarded as indicating a high level of respect for the visitor.

At a Kazakh home, the most honoured guest, usually the oldest, is traditionally offered a boiled sheep's head on a beautiful dish as a further sign of respect. National customs forbid young people whose parents are still alive from cutting the sheep's head. They must pass the dish to the other guests for cutting. Inside mosques, women observe their own ritual in a separate room, and must cover their heads and their arms. Formal dress is often required when visiting the theatre, or attending a dinner party. Shorts should not be worn except on the sports ground.

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Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Although Kazakhstan has some of the highest peaks in the CIS, the climate is fairly dry. The hottest month is July (August in mountain regions).

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