The Tien Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan are great to explore because of their stunning beauty and diverse landscapes. This mountain range offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, rock climbing, and mountaineering. The Tien Shan …
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Backpacking Kazakhstan in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Kazakhstan with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Kazakhstan
Welcome to Kazakhstan, a vast and diverse backpacker's playground at the crossroads of Asia and Europe. Pros? Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Eurasian steppe, explore modern cities, and enjoy affordable travel options. Kazakhstan offers a unique blend of cultural richness and natural wonders. However, its sheer size can pose logistical challenges, and English may not be widely spoken. For the adventurous backpacker seeking the road less traveled, Kazakhstan's expansive landscapes and cultural tapestry promise a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, making it an unconventional yet rewarding destination in the heart of Central Asia.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Kazakhstan
Mountains
💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Kazakhstan
- Visit Almaty: Explore the vibrant city of Almaty, known for its beautiful parks, modern architecture, and lively nightlife. Don’t miss the stunning views from the Kok-Tobe Hill and the delicious local cuisine.
- Discover Charyn Canyon: Marvel at the breathtaking natural beauty of Charyn Canyon, often referred to as the ”Grand Canyon’s little brother.” The unique rock formations and vibrant colors make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Experience the Silk Road in Turkestan: Step back in time and explore the ancient city of Turkestan, an important stop along the historic Silk Road. Visit the stunning mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the Caspian Sea coast: Relax on the beautiful beaches of the Caspian Sea coast, such as Aktau and Mangystau. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports in this picturesque region.
- Visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome: Embark on a unique space adventure and visit the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. Witness a rocket launch and learn about the history of space exploration.
But Kazakhstan offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Kazakhstan
The best time to visit Kazakhstan for backpacking is during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers the most pleasant weather with warm temperatures and longer daylight hours, allowing you to explore the country comfortably. However, it is important to note that Kazakhstan is a vast country with diverse landscapes, so the weather may vary depending on the region you plan to visit. It is advisable to check the specific weather conditions and pack accordingly.
Risk level: low (17%)Safety advice for Kazakhstan
- Terrorism is a threat in Kazakhstan. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds gather. Take official warnings seriously.
- The security situation is now stable but may deteriorate rapidly. In January 2022, violent protests occurred in Almaty and other regions of Kazakhstan, leading to injuries and deaths. Continue to be vigilant and avoid large gatherings and protests. See our advice on what to do when there's a demonstration or civil unrest nearby, monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Overland border crossing by road or train to neighbouring countries may not be possible or safe, and access to fuel may be limited. There have been tensions around the border with the Kyrgyz Republic. Avoid large gatherings and protests. Keep up to date on new security risks in the border regions.
- Theft, pickpocketing, bag-snatching, assaults, drink spiking and carjacking occur. The risk of crime increases at night. Avoid walking alone at night. Monitor the media for new safety risks. Never leave your drink or food unattended.
- Expats have been the victims of violent attacks and muggings. Criminals have targeted expat communities in Atyrau and Aktau in western Kazakhstan.
- Thieves posing as police officers or 'meet-and-greet' drivers at airports have robbed travellers. Pre-arrange your transport if you can. If approached by a police officer, driver or official, ask to see their ID.
- Severe flooding has affected Western and Northern Kazakhstan. A State of Emergency has been declared in Atyrau region. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
KazakhstanMy tips to get you on the way!Does Kazakhstan sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Kazakhstan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Kazakhstan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Kazakhstan. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Kazakhstan may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Kazakhstan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Kazakhstan, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024