Planning a trip to Kazakhstan or Almaty?
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to explore more, this FAQ guide will help you get ready. We’ve collected the most common questions travelers ask before coming — from visas and safety to the best time to visit and where to stay. Our answers are based on real local knowledge and personal experience, so you can explore Kazakhstan with confidence.
1. Where is Kazakhstan located?
Kazakhstan is located in the heart of the Eurasian continent, with its vast territory stretching across both Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and also has a coastline along the Caspian Sea.
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, the largest in Central Asia, and the ninth largest country overall by land area. It spans approximately 1,652 kilometers from north to south and 2,963 kilometers from east to west, with over 13,300 kilometers of land borders and 1,730 kilometers of coastline along the Caspian Sea. To give you a sense of scale — Kazakhstan could fit five Frances or 237 Qatars within its borders.
When planning your itinerary, always check the distances between locations on the map — it's impossible to see everything in a one-week trip. For example, visiting Mangystau (also known as Mangyshlak) from Almaty requires a 3-hour flight to Aktau or a 3,000 km drive. Once there, a typical tour around Mangystau takes an additional 2–3 days.
That’s why we focus on curated experiences in specific areas around Almaty — so your time is spent exploring, not rushing between cities.
Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world, the largest in Central Asia, and the ninth largest country overall by land area. It spans approximately 1,652 kilometers from north to south and 2,963 kilometers from east to west, with over 13,300 kilometers of land borders and 1,730 kilometers of coastline along the Caspian Sea. To give you a sense of scale — Kazakhstan could fit five Frances or 237 Qatars within its borders.
When planning your itinerary, always check the distances between locations on the map — it's impossible to see everything in a one-week trip. For example, visiting Mangystau (also known as Mangyshlak) from Almaty requires a 3-hour flight to Aktau or a 3,000 km drive. Once there, a typical tour around Mangystau takes an additional 2–3 days.
That’s why we focus on curated experiences in specific areas around Almaty — so your time is spent exploring, not rushing between cities.
2. How to come to Kazakhstan?
TThe easiest way to travel to Kazakhstan is by plane. The country has several international airports, and the most popular among tourists is Almaty International Airport.
Here’s how long direct flights to Kazakhstan take from major cities:
London – 9 hours
Istanbul – 5 hours
Dubai – 4 hours
Delhi – 3.5 hours
Frankfurt – 7 hours
Beijing – 6 hours
Doha – 5 hours
Air Astana — is Kazakhstan’s national airline and offers direct flights to many major cities around the world. It has received multiple awards over the years, including “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” by Skytrax in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and “APEX Best Overall Airline in Central Asia” in 2025.
Traveling by train is a great way to feel the true scale of Kazakhstan and experience its vast open steppes. It’s slow but scenic — and deeply atmospheric.
Here’s a great read from The Guardian on what that journey looks like:
📷 Across Kazakhstan by rail – a photo essay
📷 Kazakhstan Time Travel by Mario Heller
And, yes, you can travel to Kazakhstan by car — from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, or China. But be prepared: driving across the country from west to east (for example, from the western border to Almaty) can take at least 3 days, and long sections of the route may have no services, no mobile coverage, and in some parts… no proper roads at all. (Not a joke.) Land arrivals also may require additional documents or different visa procedures for different nationalities.
Here’s how long direct flights to Kazakhstan take from major cities:
London – 9 hours
Istanbul – 5 hours
Dubai – 4 hours
Delhi – 3.5 hours
Frankfurt – 7 hours
Beijing – 6 hours
Doha – 5 hours
Air Astana — is Kazakhstan’s national airline and offers direct flights to many major cities around the world. It has received multiple awards over the years, including “Best Airline in Central Asia and CIS” by Skytrax in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, and “APEX Best Overall Airline in Central Asia” in 2025.
Traveling by train is a great way to feel the true scale of Kazakhstan and experience its vast open steppes. It’s slow but scenic — and deeply atmospheric.
Here’s a great read from The Guardian on what that journey looks like:
📷 Across Kazakhstan by rail – a photo essay
📷 Kazakhstan Time Travel by Mario Heller
And, yes, you can travel to Kazakhstan by car — from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, or China. But be prepared: driving across the country from west to east (for example, from the western border to Almaty) can take at least 3 days, and long sections of the route may have no services, no mobile coverage, and in some parts… no proper roads at all. (Not a joke.) Land arrivals also may require additional documents or different visa procedures for different nationalities.
3. What is the best time to visit Almaty, Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan has a sharply continental climate — meaning very hot summers, very cold winters, and big temperature swings depending on the season, region, and altitude. Almaty, located near the mountains, can surprise visitors with rapid weather changes even within a single day — especially in autumn and spring.
In the mountains, the sun feels stronger, but sunlight hours are shorter, and once the sun sets behind the ridge, temperatures drop quickly. No matter the season, pack warmer layers and SPF if you're planning to explore the outdoors.
Choosing the Best Time Depends on Your Travel Plans. Many travelers from milder climates or countries without four seasons may underestimate the impact of weather on their itinerary. For example:
Winter (December – February)
Great for: skiing, snowboarding, skating, and winter resorts.
Not ideal for: long-distance road trips, sightseeing around the city, or first-time winter drivers.
Spring (March – May)
Great for: blooming nature, cultural experiences, fresh air.
Summer (June – August)
Great for: stable warm weather, hiking, exploring nature, road trips.
Fall (September – November)
Great for: city walks, autumn foliage, mountain hikes.
In the mountains, the sun feels stronger, but sunlight hours are shorter, and once the sun sets behind the ridge, temperatures drop quickly. No matter the season, pack warmer layers and SPF if you're planning to explore the outdoors.
Choosing the Best Time Depends on Your Travel Plans. Many travelers from milder climates or countries without four seasons may underestimate the impact of weather on their itinerary. For example:
- You can’t ski in summer — even if a ski resort says it’s “open year-round,” this only means the facilities operate year-round (pool, restaurants, etc.), not that snow sports are available year-round.
- In winter, some mountain roads, trails, and valleys become inaccessible due to snow.
Winter (December – February)
Great for: skiing, snowboarding, skating, and winter resorts.
Not ideal for: long-distance road trips, sightseeing around the city, or first-time winter drivers.
- Average daytime temperatures: around 0°C
- Coldest nights: down to -20°C
Spring (March – May)
Great for: blooming nature, cultural experiences, fresh air.
- Late March is Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year – a major cultural event.
- April and May are flowering months: tulips, apple trees, apricots, and more. Exact blooming time varies from year to year.
Summer (June – August)
Great for: stable warm weather, hiking, exploring nature, road trips.
- Average daytime: +26°C
- Nighttime: +17°C
- Early summer is greener, while late summer landscapes are drier and sun-faded.
- Safest season for planning nature trips and exploring high-altitude trails.
Fall (September – November)
Great for: city walks, autumn foliage, mountain hikes.
- Early fall: +20°C to +25°C
- November: temperatures drop, and early snow may arrive.
4. Do I need Visa to visit Kazakhstan?
Many nationalities can visit Kazakhstan visa-free, or apply for a visa online (e-visa).
As of September 2, 2025, the following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days:
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇦 Canada
🇨🇳 China
🇪🇺 European Union countries
🇸🇦 Gulf Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇹🇷 Turkey
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇮🇳India: visa-free for up to 14 days.
Where to check visa requirements for your country?
To confirm the latest information and see if your nationality qualifies:
🔹 Visit the official Kazakhstan government visa page:
https://egov.kz/cms/en/articles/visa_regime_for_foreigners
🔹 Or search by your country name at the Kazakhstan National Portal:
https://www.gov.kz/?lang=en
🔹 For e-visa applications and full visa instructions, check the official Visa and Migration Portal:
https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/
These websites provide up-to-date information on visa-free countries, online application steps, and embassy contacts.
As of September 2, 2025, the following countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days:
🇦🇺 Australia
🇨🇦 Canada
🇨🇳 China
🇪🇺 European Union countries
🇸🇦 Gulf Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.)
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇹🇷 Turkey
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
🇺🇸 United States
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇮🇳India: visa-free for up to 14 days.
Where to check visa requirements for your country?
To confirm the latest information and see if your nationality qualifies:
🔹 Visit the official Kazakhstan government visa page:
https://egov.kz/cms/en/articles/visa_regime_for_foreigners
🔹 Or search by your country name at the Kazakhstan National Portal:
https://www.gov.kz/?lang=en
🔹 For e-visa applications and full visa instructions, check the official Visa and Migration Portal:
https://www.vmp.gov.kz/en/
These websites provide up-to-date information on visa-free countries, online application steps, and embassy contacts.
5. What is Almaty and Kazakhstan famous for?
Kazakhstan is known for its diverse and stunning nature — from wide open steppes to towering mountains, deep canyons, alpine lakes, deserts, and even singing sand dunes. It's the largest landlocked country in the world and still feels like a hidden gem to many travelers.
Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, is famous for its tree-lined streets, mountain views, and Soviet-modern mix of architecture. It’s also a perfect base to explore top nature spots like Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Altyn Emel National Park.
Kazakhstan is also celebrated for its multi-ethnic culture, nomadic heritage, and warm hospitality — a place where many religions and traditions live peacefully side by side.
Almaty, the cultural capital of Kazakhstan, is famous for its tree-lined streets, mountain views, and Soviet-modern mix of architecture. It’s also a perfect base to explore top nature spots like Charyn Canyon, Big Almaty Lake, Kaindy Lake, and Altyn Emel National Park.
Kazakhstan is also celebrated for its multi-ethnic culture, nomadic heritage, and warm hospitality — a place where many religions and traditions live peacefully side by side.
6. Is Almaty, Kazakhstan safe for tourists?
Yes, Almaty and Kazakhstan are generally safe, especially in central areas and locations popular among tourists. Use common travel sense and avoid poorly lit streets late at night.
The most common tourist scam to watch for is overcharging by taxi drivers, especially those waiting at airports or tourist hotspots. It’s best to use official taxi apps like Yandex Go or meet your driver in designated pickup zones. For emergency info and travel safety tips, check: safetravel.kz
Kazakh people are famously warm and hospitable — it’s part of our nomadic roots. In the past, opening your home to strangers was often a matter of survival, and that spirit is still alive today.
Many travellers are surprised by how safe they feel here — it’s common to leave your phone on a café table without worry. Yet, it may not be so safe for a girl to walk in a short skirt at night alone with headphones. But show me a place on the world map where it is safe.
The most common tourist scam to watch for is overcharging by taxi drivers, especially those waiting at airports or tourist hotspots. It’s best to use official taxi apps like Yandex Go or meet your driver in designated pickup zones. For emergency info and travel safety tips, check: safetravel.kz
Kazakh people are famously warm and hospitable — it’s part of our nomadic roots. In the past, opening your home to strangers was often a matter of survival, and that spirit is still alive today.
Many travellers are surprised by how safe they feel here — it’s common to leave your phone on a café table without worry. Yet, it may not be so safe for a girl to walk in a short skirt at night alone with headphones. But show me a place on the world map where it is safe.
7. What language people speak in Kazakhstan?
Kazakh is the state language and is more commonly spoken in the most of the country, including villages, and especially in the southern and western regions of the country.
Russian is widely used in Almaty, Astana, and the northern parts of Kazakhstan.
The younger generation is increasingly fluent in Kazakh and English, especially in larger cities and among educated youth. In tourist-friendly areas, it’s usually easy to find English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies — but not always.
To make your trip smoother, we recommend downloading an offline translator (like Google Translate) for both Kazakh and Russian, especially if you plan to travel outside major cities.
Russian is widely used in Almaty, Astana, and the northern parts of Kazakhstan.
The younger generation is increasingly fluent in Kazakh and English, especially in larger cities and among educated youth. In tourist-friendly areas, it’s usually easy to find English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies — but not always.
To make your trip smoother, we recommend downloading an offline translator (like Google Translate) for both Kazakh and Russian, especially if you plan to travel outside major cities.
8. What currency is used in Kazakhstan? Do I need cash?
The official currency of Kazakhstan is the Kazakhstani Tenge (₸/KZT).
However, when traveling outside the cities, especially to rural areas or small guesthouses, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in Tenge. Many remote locations accept cash only, or local mobile payments that may not work with foreign cards.
- In cities like Almaty and Astana, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local apps like Kaspi QR) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels.
- ATMs are available throughout urban areas and support major international cards like Visa and Mastercard.
However, when traveling outside the cities, especially to rural areas or small guesthouses, it’s a good idea to carry some cash in Tenge. Many remote locations accept cash only, or local mobile payments that may not work with foreign cards.
9. What is the best area to stay in Almaty for first-time visitors?
The best area to stay in Almaty depends on your travel style and interests:
For nature lovers and hikers:
👉 For a full guide with map, neighborhood pros and cons, and specific stay recommendations, check our article: Best Places to Stay in Almaty
For nature lovers and hikers:
- Look for accommodation near the southern parts of the city, such as Samal, Kok-Tobe, or along Dostyk Avenue. These areas offer quick access to Almaty’s beautiful mountains, cable car rides, and popular hiking trails.
- The Old City Center (“Golden Square”) is ideal. You’ll be close to museums, local markets, pedestrian zones, and vibrant cafes.
👉 For a full guide with map, neighborhood pros and cons, and specific stay recommendations, check our article: Best Places to Stay in Almaty
10. Where to book a stay in Almaty?
- For hotels and guesthouses in central Almaty, you can use platforms like Booking.com or Agoda. They list a wide range of accommodations — from budget hostels to luxury hotels.
- If you prefer a home-like experience or want to stay in a local apartment, Airbnb is a great option, offering stylish apartments and cozy studios across the city.
- For travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path places — like glamping in the mountains or eco-stays near lakes — visit our own collection at SabaySai.com. It’s a family-curated gallery of unique hideaways, guesthouses, and nature stays within 1–2 hours of Almaty. All places are personally visited and selected by our team.
Whether you're a city explorer or a nature lover, you’ll find a perfect place to stay.
11. How is transportation in Almaty for tourists?
Almaty is easy to get around. While public transport (metro, buses, trolleybuses) works fine, it’s not very tourist-friendly due to limited English signage and local payment systems. Most travelers prefer taxi apps like Yandex Go or Uber — they’re cheap, safe, and easy to use.
If you want to explore nature outside the city, renting a car or booking a private guide is a great option. Road conditions can vary, so plan accordingly. You’ll also find many group tours to popular destinations near Almaty.
For handpicked tours and trusted guides, check our collection
If you want to explore nature outside the city, renting a car or booking a private guide is a great option. Road conditions can vary, so plan accordingly. You’ll also find many group tours to popular destinations near Almaty.
For handpicked tours and trusted guides, check our collection
12. Is Almaty good for hiking?
Yes! Almaty is surrounded by mountains and offers dozens of hiking trails for all levels — from easy 3–4 hour walks to multi-day treks reaching altitudes of over 4,000 meters.
We strongly recommend hiking with a local guide. Never go alone, and always share your planned route and return time with a trusted contact or your embassy. Mobile signal is often unavailable in the mountains. Even short trails can be dangerous if you're not properly prepared, wearing the wrong shoes, or unaware of local wildlife and plants.
We strongly recommend hiking with a local guide. Never go alone, and always share your planned route and return time with a trusted contact or your embassy. Mobile signal is often unavailable in the mountains. Even short trails can be dangerous if you're not properly prepared, wearing the wrong shoes, or unaware of local wildlife and plants.
