Language(s): Kazakh, Russian
Currency: Tenge
Visa: U.S.A citizens can stay for 30 days visa free in Kazakhstan. U.S.A citizens are allowed to visit Kazakhstan for 90 days in a 180 day period, but not for more than 30 days at a time. If you would like to stay for longer than 30 days, it is perfectly permissible to cross a boarder, turn around, and walk right back into Kazakhstan. A weekend getaway to Bishkek from Almaty is a convenient way to reset the visa clock. Find a guide on how to make that bus trip here.
Overview:
Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country. It is the birthplace of apples and has one of the best flags in the world, yet most people know very little about this culturally rich, diverse meeting place of the east and west.
It is impossible to give a holistic overview of such a rich country in a few paragraphs, but I will note that unless you have traveled extensively through Central Asia before, Kazakhstan should be on your to-visit list for its unique blend of nature, culture, and history.
Almaty is Kazakhstan’s largest city. It is the wealthiest city in Central Asia and probably the best city to visit in the region. It was once the capital, but today, Kazakhstan’s second-city Almaty holds that title. In the south-west of the country sits Shymkent, the country’s third largest city.
In between its cities, Kazakhstan is known for its vast steppes. These flat grasslands are home to the country’s still thriving nomadic population that gets by mostly by herding animals like horses and sheep.
Kazakhstan offers visitors vast mountain ranges, open space, and more. It is home to the largest ski resort in Central Asia and a culture that feels distinctly central Asian with heavy Russian influence.
Kazakh is the countries traditional language, but it is easy to get by with Russian. The country’s currency is Tenge. Kazakhstan shares boarders with Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China. Of those countries, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Uzbekistan are the easiest to visit over land, as the northern part Kazakhstan is not very inhabited.
What to eat and drink in Kazakhstan:
Shasklik – meat on skewers
Kurt – small, very salty preserved cheese balls
Kumis – a fermented horse milk drink
Tandyr nan – round, intricately designed bread
Samsa – layered, flakey bread with various savory fillings
Plov – Central Asian rice (pilaf) dish
Kazakh Chocolate – Delicious chocolate available in supermarket identifiable by packaging featuring Kazakh flag
Manti – Central Asian dumplings
Lagman – Central Asian hearty noodle dish
Wide Open Road 