Charyn Canyon, KazakhstanPhoto: Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Find your Bliss in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, made simple: mountains, steppe and the Silk Road
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country on earth and still one of the least crowded: snowy peaks above leafy Almaty, the glass and gold skyline of Astana, Silk Road shrines in the south and white chalk canyons by the Caspian. It is safe, welcoming and easier than most people expect. This guide clears up entry, money, distances and getting around so you can simply enjoy it.
Your trip, step by step
- Before you flyEntry rules, seasons, cash and packing, answered
- LandingYour airport, your first ride and your first evening, explained
- Your days in KazakhstanMountains, cities, shrines and canyons, planned with care
- Home againDeparture tips so the last day is calm too
Where to go, eat and stay
- Plain answersClear, honest guidance on the questions first-timers actually ask.
- Official sourcesEntry, health and safety facts point you to the official pages to confirm.
- No price surprisesWe explain taxis, tenge, cards and tipping so costs never catch you off guard.
- Free to useEvery guide and the trip planner are free.
Our promise
Kazakhstan should feel like discovery, not guesswork. We answer the worries before they start, so you step off the plane confident and ready to find your Bliss.
Coming back to see family in Almaty, Shymkent or a village on the steppe, or finally exploring the land your parents talk about? This guide was written with you in mind.
How to use this guide
Four steps from first idea to a trip that feels easy.
- Choose your KazakhstanMountain lakes, a futuristic capital, Silk Road shrines or desert canyons: start with the destinations that fit you.
- Sort the essentialsEntry rules, travel advice, cash and the right season, checked against official sources.
- Pick your placesUse our places to visit list for food, culture, nature and stays in each city.
- Plan your routeUse the free trip planner to shape your days and the long distances between them.
Everything your Kazakhstan trip needs
Free tools and guides for every stage of the journey.
Destinations
Almaty, Astana, Turkistan, the Charyn and Kolsai region and Mangystau, each explained in depth.
Explore destinationsPlaces to visit
More than a hundred restaurants, bazaars, museums, lakes and stays, from classics to hidden corners.
See places to visitFlights and stays
Search flights into Almaty, Astana, Shymkent and Aktau, and hotels in every city.
Plan travelPlaces finder
Restaurants, sights and stays mapped around each base.
Find placesFree trip planner
Tell us your dates and interests and build a route that fits.
Plan your trip
The classic Kazakhstan trip
Almaty, the mountains and the capital
Most first trips start in Almaty, with days in the Ile Alatau mountains above the city and a two or three day loop east to Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes. Then fly or take the train north to Astana for its striking architecture, or south to Turkistan for the Silk Road. Ten days shows you the best of the country.
- Medeu, Shymbulak and Big Almaty Lake
- Charyn Canyon and the Kolsai and Kaindy lakes
- Baiterek, Khan Shatyr and the National Museum in Astana
- The Yasawi mausoleum in Turkistan
Start with the destinations
See how the mountains, cities, steppe and desert fit together.
Kazakhstan destinationsPlan with confidence
Your route, without the worry
Kazakhstan is huge: Almaty to Astana is over a thousand kilometres, and Aktau sits on the far side of the country. Our free planner helps you choose a realistic route, decide where to fly and where to take the train, and pick the right season.
- Realistic travel times between cities
- The right season for mountains and steppe
- Where to base yourself
Where to go in Kazakhstan
From the mountain city of Almaty and the modern capital to Silk Road shrines and Caspian canyons.
Almaty Region, south east Kazakhstan
Almaty
Leafy avenues, snowy peaks on the doorstep and the best food scene in Central Asia.
Read the guidePhoto: Асылхан Абдрахманов, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Akmola Region, northern Kazakhstan
Astana
A capital built on the steppe, with bold architecture, grand museums and wide boulevards.
Read the guidePhoto: Ken and Nyetta, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Turkistan Region, southern Kazakhstan
Turkistan
A holy Silk Road city with a vast turquoise domed Timurid mausoleum at its heart.
Read the guidePhoto: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Almaty Region, south east Kazakhstan
Charyn and Kolsai
Red rock canyons, spruce fringed mountain lakes and a sunken forest, east of Almaty.
Read the guidePhoto: Bgag, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mangystau Region, western Kazakhstan
Mangystau
Lunar desert landscapes, underground mosques and Caspian sunsets in the far west.
Read the guidePhoto: Максат79, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A note from our founder
A note from our founder
My first time visiting Kenya, I was genuinely surprised with how fast it began feeling like home. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious and familiar, and the accommodations are modern and upscale.
During my travels throughout the continent, I commonly hear tourists share stories about being scammed or taken advantage of, which is both frustrating and disheartening.
Living in Kenya for the last 2 years, I have had the great fortune to meet a network of wonderful Kenyans who have continuously help guide my family's journey. Their shared knowledge has not only greatly enhanced our overall experience here, but it has also saved us tons of time, energy, and resources.
With BlissPoint Travel, my hope is to build a global community that is willing to share useful, uncommon knowledge so that we can all blissfully enjoy the wonders our world has to offer.
Questions we hear most
Is Kazakhstan safe to visit?
Kazakhstan is generally safe for visitors, and violent crime against tourists is uncommon. The main issues are petty theft in busy places, unlicensed taxis and occasional police document checks. Read your government's current travel advice before booking, and carry your passport or a copy.
What is the capital of Kazakhstan?
Astana, a planned city on the northern steppe known for its bold modern architecture. Almaty, in the south east, is the largest city and the main gateway for most visitors.
Do I need a visa for Kazakhstan?
Citizens of many countries, including the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and the EU, can currently visit without a visa for a limited stay, while others need an e-visa or an embassy visa. The rules vary by passport, so check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and your nearest embassy before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Kazakhstan?
Late May to September is best for the mountains, lakes and canyons, with June and September the most comfortable. Winter brings skiing near Almaty but bitter cold in Astana, often far below freezing.
How many days do I need in Kazakhstan?
Seven to ten days covers Almaty, the mountains and the Charyn and Kolsai loop, with a short trip to Astana. Add three to four days for Turkistan or Mangystau.
Can BlissPoint Travel book my trip?
We are a free travel guide, not a tour operator. Use our trip planner to shape your route, and our partner links to compare flights and stays.
Ready to find your Bliss in Kazakhstan?
Use the free trip planner to shape your days, or send us a question through the contact page.