Full Description
This thoroughly updated fourth edition of Bradt's Kazakhstan remains the only guidebook dedicated solely to the world's ninth largest country - a thrillingly fresh destination that even well-seasoned travellers will find unfamiliar and exotic. Geographically, this Central Asian state is impressively varied: choose from snow-covered peaks with excellent skiing opportunities, hiking trails through valleys, secluded lakes in the Tian Shan Mountains, endless semi-desert steppes and the Caspian Sea's blue waters. Culturally, Kazakhstan is similarly diverse, enabling visitors to enjoy authentic local hospitality from 130 ethnic groups.
Kazakhstan is a modern country with a profound appreciation of its nomadic roots; petroglyph sites with ancient rock art plus the remains of Silk Road settlements testify to its varied history. Politically and socially, Kazakhstan now oscillates between east and west - a vibrancy reflected in its architecture, lifestyle and national ambitions. The small Caspian city of Aktau served as the cultural capital of the Turkic world during 2025, while the country's capital (Astana) is a statement of western-inspired modernity. Leafy Almaty, meanwhile, with its fountains and parks, remains by far the most charming (and somewhat nostalgic) city.
Where you venture depends, in part, on when you visit - and every season offers something special. Late summer is best for mountain hiking, particularly in the Altai Mountains, sleeping on the shores of the Kolsai Lakes, or exploring the Caspian Sea coast. Winter is idyllic for skiing and skitouring. Spring and autumn are optimum for southern cities of Shymkent and Turkestan (where the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yassaui is unmissable). And Baikonur Cosmodrome, of course, is best visited during a spaceport launch.
Safe and politically neutral, Kazakhstan is also more accessible than ever: tourist visas are no longer required, and there are numerous direct flights from Europe. Tourist infrastructure has also significantly improved, with faster trains, more comfortable buses and efficient internal flights making it easy to get around. The new edition of Bradt's Kazakhstan covers all recent developments, including more practical information to make independent travel easier. Bradt's guidebook provides the perfect companion for all travellers, from nature lovers to cultural explorers, teenage backpackers to family groups.
Contents
Introduction
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 Background Information
Geography and climate , Natural history and
conservation , History , Government
and politics , Economy , People ,
Language , Religion and beliefs ,
Education , Culture
Chapter 2 Practical Information
When to visit , Highlights , Suggested
itineraries , Tour operators , Red tape
, Embassies , Getting there and away ,
Health , Safety , Women travellers ,
LGBTQIA+travellers , Travelling with a disability ,
Travelling with children , What to take , Money and
budgeting , Getting around , Accommodation ,
Eating and drinking , Public holidays and festivals ,
Shopping , Arts and entertainment , Opening
times , Media and communications , Cultural
etiquette , Travelling positively
PART TWO THE GUIDE
Chapter 3 Astana and Akmola Region
Astana , Around Astana , Korgalzhyn State
Nature Reserve , Kokshetau , Borovoye ,
Kokshetau National Park
Chapter 4 Almaty
History , Getting there and away , Getting
around , Tourist information, tour operators and
tour guides , Where to stay , Where to eat
and drink , Entertainment and nightlife ,
Shopping , Other practicalities , What to see and
do , Ile Alatau National Park
Chapter 5 The Southeast
West of Almaty , East of Almaty , The southeast
, Konaev and Lake Kapchagai , Altyn Emel
National Park , Zharkent , Taldykorgan , The
Dzhungarsky Alatau Mountains
Chapter 6 Central Kazakhstan
Karaganda , Temirtau , KARLAG ,
Karkaraly , Zhezkazgan , Lake Balkhash ,
Ulytau
Chapter 7 The East
Semey , Chingistau , Kurchatov ,
Oskemen , The Altai Mountains
Chapter 8 The North
Pavlodar , Around Pavlodar , Ekibastuz ,
Bayanaul , Petropavl , Kokshetau National
Park , Kostanai , Along the Tobol
Chapter 9 The Northwest
Aktobe , Oral , Around Oral
Chapter 10 The West
Atyrau , Aktau , Fort Shevchenko , East of
Fort Shevchenko , Southeast of Aktau
Chapter 11 The South
Aralsk , Baikonur , Korkyt Ata Monument ,
Kyzylorda , Turkestan , Shymkent , Aksu
Zhabagly Nature Reserve , Zhabagly , Turar
Ryskulov , East towards Bishkek and Almaty
Appendix Language
Appendix Glossary
Appendix Further Information
Index
Index of Advertisers
