Kazakhstan presents an array of surprising adventures. You can trek on foot or horse in the spectacular Tian Shan or Altay Mountains, watch flamingos on steppe lakes or discover mysterious underground mosques near the Caspian Sea.

Money

Kazakh Tenge. Notes are in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.

Costs

You will need between 15 and 30 Euros per day, depending on what you want to do. It can be quite expensive to get to some places, because if not many people go there, you will have to pay for the whole taxi yourself.

When to Go

You can travel any time of year with the right preparation and logistics, but the most comfortable months are May to September. July, August and September are best for trekking in the southeastern and eastern mountains.

Top Ten Travel Tips for Kazakhstan

1. If you see a wallet on the ground DO NOT pick it up!!! It is a scam.
2. Insects and bugs in Western Kazakhstan - don’t ever leave a window open at night.
3. Local people and policemen asking for Bribes.
4. Register your visa with the OVIR (Office of Visas and Registration).
5. Altitude Sickness is common so be sure to pack your medicines with you when going to higher grounds.
6. Learn some local language before you arrive.
7. Getting through the small airports may be tricky. Make sure to have some Tenge currency to get through with no hassle.
8. Watch out for poorly cooked shashlik (shish kebab). Chicken is safer.
9. Do not attempt to drive yourself anywhere, especially in town.
10. Don’t forget to check your bills in restaurants & especially in small cafes to avoid being cheated.

Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Kazakhstan to see

1. The petroglyphs at Tamgaly
2. The Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasavi
3. Archaeological Landscape of Tamgaly
4. Saryarqa - Steppe and Lakes
5. The Bayterek Tower, Astana
6. Aksu-Dzhabagly Nature Reserve
7. Astana
8. Lake Burabay
9. Bolshoe Almatinskoe Lake Area
10. Sayram-Ugam National Park

“Must do” Things in Kazakhstan

1. Buying Carpets
2. Zenkov Museum
3. Charyn Canyon
4. Zelyony Lakes
5. Kolsai Lakes
6. Bird Watching
7. Theatres in Almaty
8. Concert Halls in Almaty
9. Hiking and trekking
10. Relaxing at a spa