KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan - Steppe, Mountain and Cultural Buzz
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 Aralsk?
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.
Whether you want to do a logistically challenging (horse) riding expedition in remote Kyrgyzstan - replete with chefs, luxury tents with proper beds, look for snow leopards, hike over high mountain passes, explore the country by motorbike or bicycle, uncover the history of the Silk Road or do a deep dive into the art and textiles of Kyrgyzstan, we can make it happen.
Spotlight on: Riding the Heavenly Mountains
If you love riding and adventure, then Kyrgyzstan is the country for you! Horses are an integral part of this nomad nation’s identity, and many Kyrgyz children learn to ride before they can run.
We’ve organised multi-day horse riding adventures in some of the most beautiful and remote parts of Kyrgyzstan. From satellite internet to hot showers to top quality chefs, comfortable camp beds and evening musical entertainment, this is a proper dose of adventure (without feeling like you’ve slept in a ditch for a week).
Antonia was a founding director of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest multi-horse race, setting up the race in 2009 and running it for the first few years - so she knows a thing or two about organising equine adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions - Expert Answers from Silk Road Adventures
Planning Your Trip
When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
The best time to visit Kazakhstan is considered to be from late-April to mid-October, which avoids the coldest times of year. Summer, from early June to late August can be hot at lower altitudes. The peak season for trekking and yurt camps runs from early July to early September. However, there is a huge amount for travellers to see and explore outside these months. For lower-level hiking and the most gorgeous wild flowers, mid-April to late May are perfect, although the weather can be unpredictable. 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?
We don’t currently offer Small Group Kazakhstan tours, focussing instead on Tailor-made private tours which start from around £450 per person per day.
Is Kazakhstan safe for travelers?
Yes, Kazakhstan is very safe for tourists. As specialists who have run many tours there since 2015, we can confirm:
This is a country with a very low crime rate against tourists;
Kazakhstan is very welcoming of it’s visitors;
It’s safe for solo female travelers;
An 100% safety record - zero 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?
US, EU, Australia, NZ, Canada, Singapore and many other citizens 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 included in your Kazakhstan trips?
Every Silk Road Adventures Kazakhstan Tailor-Made trip includes:
Pre-trip planning consultation with our directors, if required
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 at the very least, and be able to walk in cities and on rough ground at a reasonable pace. In remote aras, roads can be rough and local footpaths very rough indeed. For your tailor-made trip, we will of course design this around your interests, wishes and abilities.