Before you pack it or buy it
Customs rules in Kazakhstan are not only about obvious prohibited items.
Customs rules in Kazakhstan are not only about obvious prohibited items.
Zhambyl Zhabaev (1846-1945) was an outstanding Kazakh akyn (folk improvisational poet) who lived for almost 100 years and became a symbol of Kazakh oral poetry. He was a continuer of the tradition of zhyrau (steppe storytellers) and went down in history as one of the most famous performers of aytys (poetic competitions). Zhambyl was born near modern Taraz (the city was formerly called Aulie-Ata) and devoted his entire life to glorifying his native land, folk wisdom and heroism.
Taraz
Jambyl Region
Kazakhstan
Accommodation choices by route and comfort level.
Kazakhstan is not one destination with a climate. It is a continent disguised as a country: steppe, desert, canyons, lakes, cities, ski slopes and high mountains held together by distance. The weather question is never only “Will it be warm?” It is “How much country are you trying to cross, and what will the open space do to the day?”
| If your trip depends on… | Best window | Do not force |
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Embark on wildlife watching adventures in Kazakhstan, where the steppes, mountains, and forests are home to fascinating species. Keep an eye out for the majestic steppe eagles, elusive snow leopards, and roaming herds of saiga antelope. With vast protected areas and knowledgeable guides, Kazakhstan offers wildlife encounters that are both exciting and educational. It’s a chance to observe these creatures in their natural habitats, contributing to a greater understanding and appreciation of Kazakhstan’s rich biodiversity.
Make a tangible impact in Kazakhstan by volunteering in various community and environmental projects. Help in the preservation of natural parks, assist in local schools, or contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. Your participation not only helps address pressing needs but also fosters cultural exchanges that enrich both visitors and hosts. Volunteering in Kazakhstan is an opportunity to connect deeply with its people and land, making a difference one day at a time.
Strap on snowshoes and step into the tranquility of Kazakhstan’s winter wilderness. Wander through hushed pine forests, across icy streams, and over undulating hills blanketed in snow. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore remote areas inaccessible by foot in the winter, offering a gentle yet engaging form of exercise. It’s an activity that lets you appreciate the quieter aspects of the season, from the intricate patterns of frost to the tracks of wildlife in the snow.
Hit the slopes in Kazakhstan, where modern ski resorts meet world-class snow conditions. Whether you’re dropping into a bowl at Shymbulak or carving down the groomed runs of Ak Bulak, the experience is exhilarating. With facilities for all skill levels and preferences, skiing and snowboarding in Kazakhstan cater to families, beginners, and adrenaline junkies alike. Come for the snow, stay for the vibrant après-ski culture and the warm Kazakh hospitality.
Explore the serene beauty of Kazakhstan’s winters on cross-country skis, where the quietness of the landscape is as profound as the cold. Traverse frozen rivers, skirt the edges of snow-covered forests, and glide across open fields blanketed in white. Ski touring here offers a peaceful yet active way to enjoy the winter months, providing an intimate experience with the season’s subtle beauties and the chance for quiet reflection amidst the snow.
Take on the vast open roads of Kazakhstan, where long-distance cycling tests your endurance and offers expansive views of the country’s diverse landscapes. Pedal across flat, endless steppes, ascend mountain passes, and coast through sleepy villages. Each ride is a journey of discovery, providing a sense of freedom and achievement as you cover miles upon miles. Cycling here lets you explore Kazakhstan at your own pace, with the wind as your companion and the road as your guide.