Kazakhstan

Why Kazakhstan

We don't really know what to expect from Kazakhstan. A name that evokes the infinite steppe, the Siberian cold, maybe a few derricks lost in an oil desert. And then we land in Almaty, we look up, and there: the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan crush the horizon less than thirty kilometers from the city center. It's the first shock of the country, and it's not the last.

Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world, but the sixtieth largest in terms of population: in other words, space here is an inexhaustible resource. Red sandstone canyons that rival Arizona, turquoise lakes lost at an altitude of 2,000 meters with submerged trees that pierce the surface like ghosts, white yurts planted in a steppe as far as the eye can see. And, four hours away, a capital built from scratch on an icy plain, with glass towers, a monumental dome and a pyramid designed by Norman Foster.

Kazakhstan does not try to seduce mass tourists. It does not have to. Its singularity is complete: between Orient and Russia, between millennial nomadism and oil modernity, between wild nature and futuristic architecture, it offers an experience that belongs only to it.

When to go to Kazakhstan

The ideal season is from May to September. This is the only time when the mountain roads are open, the lakes are accessible and the steppe turns green after the spring rains. May and June are particularly beautiful: temperatures are mild (18 to 26 °C in Almaty), wildflowers invade the high-altitude meadows and tourists are still rare. July and August are warmer and busier, but still very pleasant in the mountains.

The month of March deserves a special mention for Nourouz, the Kazakh New Year (21-22 March): an exuberant popular festival, with shared meals, horse games and concerts in the parks. It is one of the best times to approach the local culture, provided that you accept temperatures that are still cool (-5 to 5 °C).

Winter (November to February) is reserved for ski enthusiasts or experienced travellers: in Astana, temperatures regularly drop to -25 °C, or even -35 °C on some nights. Almaty, protected by the mountains, is milder and has a quality ski resort (Chymboulak) 25 minutes from the centre.

How much does it cost

Kazakhstan is an accessible destination, much cheaper than Western Europe, but with an access cost (flights with stopovers) to be anticipated. Count €35 to €75 per day for a self-guided trip, including accommodation, meals and local transport. A meal in a local restaurant costs between €4 and €8, a coffee in town around €1.50. International hotels in Almaty and Astana cost €80-150 per night.

Natural sites (Charyn, Kaindy) almost always require renting a 4x4 with a driver or joining an organized tour from Almaty (€40 to €80 per person for a day). This is the main variable expense of a stay in Kazakhstan, and it is worth every penny.

An organized tour of 8 to 10 days from Paris starts at around €950 per person, excluding flights. Flights with stopovers (Istanbul, Dubai) range from €350 to €750 depending on the season and the company. The Kazakh tenge (KZT) is traded at around 537 KZT for €1 (September 2026).

Where to go in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is not visited like you visit a normal-sized country. You have to choose: either the Southeast (Almaty, Charyn, Kaindy, most of the tourist potential), or the North (Astana and the steppe), or the Northeast Altai (expedition of several days). Rare are the travelers who do everything in one go.

Almaty, the city that looks at the mountains

The former capital is the country's largest city and its undisputed tourist heart. Almatians are proud of their mountains: the peaks of the Tian Shan form a wall of snow as a permanent backdrop to the city, whatever the season. The Zeleny Bazar market is a condensed version of Kazakhstan: spices, mountain honey, sheep's cheese, smoked meats and kumis (fermented mare's milk). The Shymbulak cable car climbs up to 3,200 meters in 20 minutes from the city.

Astana, the capital of the future

Built ex nihilo on a steppe plain from the 1990s, Astana is a unique architectural experience in the world: the Bayterek Tower (97 metres, golden sphere at the top), the Khan Shatyr (a gigantic air-conditioned tent housing a tropical park), the Pyramid of Peace designed by Norman Foster. To love or not to like, but not to see is impossible. In summer, the city comes alive on Nurzhol Boulevard; in winter, it closes in under polar temperatures.

Le canyon de Charyn

200 km east of Almaty, accessible for a day trip or overnight on site, the Charyn Canyon is one of the great surprises of the country. The section known as the "Valley of the Castles" concentrates the most spectacular sandstone formations: columns, arches, ochre and burgundy towers that change color according to the light. The bottom of the canyon, with its river and its small forest of relict ash trees, contrasts with the dryness of the plateau. Few people, a lot of silence.

Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Gorge

Lake Kaindy is perhaps the most surreal image of Kazakhstan: a transparent turquoise water from which emerge the skeletal trunks of a fir forest submerged in an earthquake in 1911. The site is classified as a border area, but the Kazakh authorities have explicitly opened it to tourists without any particular approach. Access by 4x4 from the village of Saty (2 hours from Almaty) is part of the adventure: mountain tracks, rivers to ford, yurts along the road.

Shymkent and the South Silk

The third largest city in the country, Shymkent is more southern in its flavors and atmosphere: lively covered bazaars, culinary specialties close to neighboring Uzbekistan (lagman, samsa), and the remains of a medieval citadel on the caravan route. It's a logical stop for those who continue to Uzbekistan.

Our itineraries in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan in pictures

Practical advice

Formalities

French nationals do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 30 days. Since August 24, 2026, an electronic entry authorization (ETA) has been gradually implemented: to be obtained on the portal qazeta.kz at least 72 hours before departure. Six months of passport validity is recommended as a precaution.

The hotel is required to declare your arrival to the immigration police within 3 working days: check that it is done correctly (keep the proof). If you change accommodation often, remember to check that each establishment does so.

Some border and military areas are subject to authorization: the major tourist sites (Charyn, Kaindy, Chymboulak) are explicitly accessible without formality, but check your precise itinerary before leaving the main roads.

Getting around

Between Almaty and Astana, the plane (2 hours, €50 to €100) is much more convenient than the train (12 to 15 hours, but comfortable). Air Astana and SCAT Airlines serve the main cities. For natural sites, the 4x4 with driver is a must: the roads to Charyn, Kaindy and the Altai are often runways. Rent from Almaty, compare prices in local agencies (one day Charyn + driver: €40 to €60 for several people).

In the city, taxis are cheap and the Yandex.Taxi and inDriver apps work well in Almaty and Astana.

Culture and uses

Kazakhstan is a Muslim-majority country but very secular in its urban uses: alcohol is available everywhere, the dress code is free in the city. In rural areas and mosques, adopt a more sober outfit.

Kazakh hospitality is legendary: if you are invited to a yurt to share kumis (fermented mare's milk) or kuyrdak (fried offal), at least agree to taste. Take off your shoes before entering a home or yurt. Tipping is not a cultural requirement, but is appreciated in restaurants (5-10%).

Frequently asked questions