How immensely wonderful can a country named Kazakhstan that is locked on all sides by different countries be ? Full of mountain ranges, gorges, accidental water bodies, modern-style architecture, and historical culture: Kazakhstan is a land made of absolute wonder. Well, now as your hopes have been raised to the stage of planning, here is a guide exactly to help you with that.

How to apply for a Kazakhstan Visa

Kazakhstan has blessed the Indian tourists with a visa-free entry regime by allowing a continuous visa-free stay for 14 days.

If you plan to stay longer, then you can apply for an eVisa online by filing your basic details.

To apply for a physical Visa, you will need to apply with 

• the Kazakh Tourism letter that is the Kazakh Government approving your visit
• your trip itinerary
• application form 
• Visa fees ranging from 70 to 120 USD

Gather your documents and head to the Embassy of Kazakhstan, New Delhi to apply. After a minimum of five working days, you have to collect the Visa from the Embassy. Remember to be present in person to submit the documents.

Best TRAVEL time FOR Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan witnesses spring in the months April to June. This weather is suitable for you to roam in the mesmerising mountains and classic monasteries. The trekking enthusiasts in you will get a lifetime journey from July to August. September and October are prepped with harsh winters and occasional showers. For the winter adventurers who are used to live below zero degrees, the rest of the months are all yours.

KAZAKHSTAN IN WINTER

Kazakhstan gets brutal in winters with degrees dropping down to -30°C/ -22°f or lower. Astana which is in north Kazakhstan has the capacity to chill at -50 С° (-58 f°). The numbers may be jaw dropping but the sunshine also plays its role in making you feel warm.

GO SKIING

You will get a chance to ski at the highest altitudes, which can confuse you whether to focus on skiing or the giant natural beauties. Kazakh skating rinks are known to attract attention in the snow clogged atmosphere. There are two skating rinks close to Almaty city. One is

• Medeu Skating Rink at 1,700 meters above sea level. And the other is at
• Shymbulak Skating Rink at 2,200 meters above sea level.

WINTER WATCH IN KAZAKHSTAN

So, Kazakhstan is not only about skiing in winters. Or trembling in minus double-digit temperatures. Other places to be during winters are:

• Baiterek Tower: Hop on to this beautiful majesty to witness the entire city of Nur-Sultan city covered in snow. This tower reaches 97 meters to symbolize the year 1997 when Astana was crowned as the Kazakhstan’s capital.

• Charyn Canyon: If you are in awe with rocks and snow, the world’s second largest canyon is the place for you. Surrounded by Sharyn River, Charyn Canyon is a trekker’s delight.

• Arasan Bathhouse: Kazakhstan is home to the Arasan Bathhouse since 1980. It consists of Russian-Finnish baths and Oriental Baths each having a separate section for men and women. The bathhouse consists of a spa and a detox center allowing you to forget the harsh winters for a while.

The Autumn Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan meets autumn from September to October. The transition Kazakh’s weather goes through during these months is quick and smooth at the same time. September has warm weather. One can feel steady temperatures, not too hot or too cold in September. You will find golden leaves glittering in Kazakhstan, especially in the mountains. Lakes shine with the sunlight making themselves all crystal clear.

You can explore hiking in the mountains with many options being close to the city of Almaty itself. The city vibes also engulf you with it as it changes its colours.

As Kazakhstan is a huge expansion of land, there is a possibility that you may experience different weather at different places. For example, the semi-desert and desert areas shine all these months whereas the other parts start snowing in early October. If you want to see Kazakhstan change from yellow to white, this is your time!

Also, you may meet Kazakhs hunting with golden eagles which is an interesting cultural part of their lives.

Transport options in Kazakhstan 

Travelling in this beauty of land may give all ‘Safarnama’ feels but it also is a task. You can expect smooth roads in big cities like Almaty and Noor Sultan (previously Astana) and the exact opposite in the rural areas.

TRAINS

If you are super tight on budget and have enough leaves available, you have the cheapest travel option of trains available. These trains help you travel locally and to reach neighbouring countries like Russia, China, Uzbekistan, etc.

Kazakhstan trains have two major forms. Soviet trains and Talgo trains. What makes them distinct from each other? The answer starts from below:

Soviet Trains

Soviet trains come in three classes: Luxe, Kupe and Platzkart.

• Luxe: The Indian version of 1^st class AC.
• Kupe Class: Indian 3^rd class AC. This class has a cabin of 4 berths, a small table, the most important plug socket, space for keeping bags, and individual lights.
• Pltazkart is the Kazakh version of Indian reservation class. People all around chit chatting, talking about food and music with shared storage space and flexible table stands is what Pltazkart is all about.

Talgo Trains

Talgo trains have second and first-class sleepers. The second class can be compared with the abovementioned Luxe version.

Imagine the first-class sleepers as the Maharajas’ Express or the Golden Chariot with all fancy in-train entertainment.

BUSES

Local buses are another comfortable option for you to travel within Kazakhstan. Since most drivers speak Russian, equip yourselves with a handful of Russian words for convenience. Every bus has a number for a specific destination, so get your numbers in place!

MARSHRUTKA (MINIBUS)

If you want to get closer to the driving culture of Kazakhstan, Mashrutka is your chance. One can get on to live this experience in small towns or cities. It might not be the fastest mode of transport but the coolest one!

taxi

Taxis are more expensive than buses but faster too. Shared taxis cut your cost as you pay for your seat and not the whole taxi. Discuss fares beforehand to avoid any miscommunication. Riding apps like Uber or Yandex are also available in selected parts of Kazakhstan.

self drive

Kazakhstan’s city roads and the rural roads may be termed as opposite to each other. If you opt for a self, this is an important point to remember. Things you will need before you zoom yourself on the Kazakh roads are

• An international driving permit
• The knowledge of driving laws and
• The ability to keep admiring the Kazakh beauty from time to time 🙂

HITCHHIKING

Want to try asking for lifts in a foreign unknown land? Here is your chance!

The most popular and convenient way to reach destinations in Kazakhstan is hitchhiking. Kazakh people are comfortable asking for rides and paying for what they feel to the rider after they reach. Not only is this a fun way to get into the shoes of the locals, but you might also end up with a traditional Kazakh dinner!

CURRENCY AND AVERAGE DAILY EXPENSES

CURRENCY

Welcome to the world of Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT), the official currency of Kazakhstan. Other than the natural glory of this landlocked country, this currency is also one of the reasons you should not miss visiting Kazakhstan. And the reason is Tenge holds less value than the Indian Rupees making your travel cheaper.

1 INR = 6.03 Tenge i.e.

10,000 INR = a whopping 60,343 Tenge

You do feel already rich right 😉

ATMs and money exchangers are available in most major towns and cities.

AVERAGE DAILY EXPENSES

The cost of average daily expenses heavily relies on the type of transport and accommodation you prefer. Kazakhstan has everything to offer; from dorms to lavish hotels, and public transport to two international airports. How you travel is how much you pay.

LANGUAGE AND ETHNICITY

LANGUAGE

Kazakhstan had a huge influx of Russians prior its independence. This might be a reason as to why a large population of Kazakhstan is comfortable speaking Russian or Kazakh. The Russian language is understood in almost every part of the country. Outside Almaty, there are sparse chances of anyone being knowledgeable about the English language.

Learning the basics of the Russian language becomes a top-level necessity to deal fluently with the Kazakh locals. Google Translate App is a tool that comes in handy in emergencies.

ETHNICITY

WELCOME TO THE HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY CLASS OF KAZAKHSTAN

In the early 90s, the ethnic Russians who had settled in Kazakhstan returned to Russia. And many people from the ethnic tribe Kazakhs of Kazakhstan returned. This whole scenario of going back to one’s land changed the demographic visual of the country.

Today, the Kazakh population is 70% of the country’s total population, while the Russian community is at about 18%. Other ethnic groups like Uzbeks, Uighurs, Tajiks, Ukrainians, Germans, Tatars, and Koreans fill the remaining gap in the population grid.

Kazakhs are present in other countries like Uzbekistan, Russia, and China. In other words, the Kazakhs are spread all over the world; just like Kazakhstan has spread its land over a huge area!

The major population of Kazakh families has settled in rural areas. Urban Kazakhstan has more foreigners as compared to the Kazakhs. It will not be wrong to say that the heart of Kazakhstan lies in its villages.

Initially, Kazakhstan kids studied at Muslim maktabs and madrasahs where they followed the Muslim religion. Thus, before Kazakhstan finally declared independence, the young population’s belief in Muslim ideology had strengthened. The same continues till date. Even today, you will find most of the Kazakhs as Muslims.

FLYING IN AND OUT OF KAZAKHSTAN

Kazakhstan is now on your travel list. Flights have to be booked. So where do you fly to?

Kazakhstan has two international airports: one at Almaty and another one at Nur-Sultan. Direct flights are easily available from New Delhi to Almaty with Air Astana. You can also reach Nur-Sultan first and then start your journey; it is just that Almaty and New Delhi are more connected as compared to Nur-Sultan and New Delhi.

Booking your flights a minimum of three months before your actual date of the journey will help you save flight costs.

The same goes for leaving outstanding travel memories of Kazakhstan and returning to New Delhi. The flight booking process is simple and smooth. And it is genuinely a five-minute process, no kidding.

Places to travel in Kazakhstan :

Almaty and around 

Almaty is the energetic city of Kazakhstan that offers everything from premium infrastructure to natural attractions. Be it sky-reaching towers from the Soviet era, eye-catching restaurants, or the peaceful flora and fauna, Almaty is a complete package.

Almaty is the big chunk in terms of area as well. Bordering Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China, the city of Almaty coupled with the southern region, promise to make your Kazakh trip an enriching one.

WHAT IS IN THE ALMATY BOX?