Menu
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan_yurt
Kazakhstan_canyon

Dwarfing the rest of the Five 'Stans – twice the size of the other four combined – Kazakhstan is an enigmatic land, and not just for its colossal size. Combining Russian and Western influences, along with its deep nomadic traditions, this is a nation that was born on the steppe but lives very much in the modern world.

There are some interesting times to be had in the cities – not least Almaty, the capital Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana), and historical Shymkent. But the real draw here is the great outdoors. Charyn Canyon invites comparisons with the Grand Canyon and Altyn Emel National Park is the best place in Central Asia to see rare animals like ibex or wild donkeys against the backdrop of sand dunes and colourful mountains.

Hidden gems in Kazakhstan

Shymkent

Wander through fields of tulips in Aksu-Zhabagly

Steven Hermans
Steven Hermans

Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve, in the mountains south of Shymkent, has excellent guides and a pioneering homestay programme that will see you overwhelmed with well-intentioned Kazakh cooking. The amazing fauna and flora is, however, the real reason to visit and you should try to time your trip to coincide with the blossoming of tulips. It is nothing short of a dream to see wild horses roam across the rainbow fields during April and May.

Read more

Kazakhstan travel guides

Visiting Shymkent
Guide

Visiting Shymkent

If Almaty is the queen of Kazakhstan, Shymkent is the eager lady-in-waiting. Situated on a junction connecting Tashkent with the rest of Kazakhstan, Shymkent is a vibrant traders town.

Visiting Almaty: How To Get There & Things To Do
Guide

Visiting Almaty: How To Get There & Things To Do

The biggest, most vibrant Kazakh city was the capital until 1997. It’s very pleasant and green, with its parks, avenues and cafe terraces spilling out on the street, it’s little surprise that Almaty has always been a favoured home for Central Asia’s literati.

What to eat in Central Asia
Article

What to eat in Central Asia

Steven Hermans
Steven Hermans

Central Asia is generally absent from the world gastronomy map. Is that justified? At first sight, yes.

A Silk Road journey
Article

A Silk Road journey

Steven Hermans
Steven Hermans

I already had an inkling I was heading somewhere different when I entered the train station of Astrakhan, a Russian port city near the Caspian Sea. The young man selling me the train ticket to Kazakhstan had the upper eyelid fold typical of much of Asia, but his name tag said Muhammed.

The Five 'Stans: The Best Places To Visit In Central Asia
Guide

The Five 'Stans: The Best Places To Visit In Central Asia

Steven Hermans
Steven Hermans

The Five ‘Stans… just a handful of countries, but covering a vast swathe of Central Asia. Where do you start an introduction to a region that stretches from China in the east, to the Caspian Sea in the west, when just one of the countries, Kazakhstan, is almost the same size as Europe? Some definitions to get us going: the Five 'Stans consist of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and the largest, Kazakhstan.

Need To Know When Visiting Central Asia
Guide

Need To Know When Visiting Central Asia

Steven Hermans
Steven Hermans

There’s no escaping the fact that the more recent history of the region has been troubled. Post-Soviet independence saw the rule of dictators with appalling attitudes to human rights.

Kazakhstan tours

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Unwrapped
Central Asia

Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Unwrapped

Explore the lakes and landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
10 days
The Kazakhstan Loop
Kazakhstan

The Kazakhstan Loop

Almaty, Shymkent, Astana and Karaganda
10 days
The Silk Road Trail
Central Asia

The Silk Road Trail

Explore Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan
21 days
Best of Central Asia (Fall itinerary)
Central Asia

Best of Central Asia (Fall itinerary)

Experience the people, history and nature of the 'Five Stans
26 days From $7,160 pp
Historical Cities of Central Asia
Central Asia

Historical Cities of Central Asia

Following in the footsteps of Marco Polo
15 days From $5,220 pp

Kazakhstan travel companies

Central Asia

Kalpak Travel

Small group tours of Central Asia
Tajikistan

Paramount Journey

Pioneering Tajikistan adventures
Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Guided Tours

Trekking and adventure tours to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan

Ecotour Kyrgyzstan

Cycling, Trekking, Horse-riding and Hiking Tours

Places to go in Kazakhstan

Why Horizon Guides?

Impartial guidebooks

Impartial travel guides

Our guides are written by the leading experts in their destinations. We never take payment for positive coverage so you can count on us for impartial travel advice.

Expert itineraries

Expert itineraries

Suggested itineraries and routes to help you scratch beneath the surface, avoid the tourist traps, and plan an authentic, responsible and enjoyable journey.

Specialist advice

Specialist advice

Get friendly, expert travel advice and custom itineraries from some of the world's best tour operators, with no spam, pressure or commitment to book.