×

Kazakhstan🇰🇿 | festivalsKymyz Festivalfermented mare’s milk, tasting tents, steppe rituals | things to do and best time to go

Explore Kokpar National ChampionshipExplore Altai Nomad Festival

Backpacking in Kymyz
👍 Recommendedfestival ranked #9
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated June 2, 2026

Ten years ago Kymyz Festival felt like a scrappy village party: yurts thrown up on the steppe, horse games kicking dust into your boots, locals passing around fermented mare’s milk until everyone sang off-key. Today it’s more organized, more curated, and a bit more Instagram-aware, but it still leans rural and rooted in nomad culture. The festival usually runs a day or a weekend in summer near the foothill towns outside Almaty in southeastern Kazakhstan, with folk music, dombra jams, and occasional pop acts layered over horse shows and food stalls. You’ll see families, local students, and a thin stripe of foreign backpackers. It’s low on polish, high on atmosphere, and worth it if you want culture and countryside more than a big-stage party.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Kazakhstan Travel Guide.


Get your Kazakhstan guide
118 ranked highlights, routes & tips, works offline (445 pages)
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL
💡 Help me find the best route

✨ Why go?
Ranked #9 festival in KazakhstanReasons people choose to celebrate the here

Backpackers flock to the Kymyz Festival in Kazakhstan for a jolt of social energy and a taste of temporary community. This isn’t just another event; it’s a vibrant celebration of Kazakh culture centered around fermented mare’s milk, or kymyz. Imagine the buzz of laughter, the rhythm of traditional music, and the thrill of trying something new.

Planning your route around this festival means diving deep into cultural immersion. You’ll connect with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories over cups of kymyz. Plus, it’s a steal compared to similar festivals worldwide, allowing you to stretch your budget for more adventures.

Incorporating the Kymyz Festival into your travel plans transforms your journey into a rich tapestry of experiences, making every moment count. Don’t miss this chance to fuel your wanderlust!
Want to include Kymyz Festival in your Kazakhstan route?
Create a personalized Kazakhstan itinerary that includes Kymyz Festival and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while celebrating the Kymyz

  • Kymyz tasting and mare’s-milk rituals — The whole point of the festival. Expect guided tastings, traditional pouring ceremonies and local explanations of why kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) matters to nomadic life. It’s a sensory, slightly sour experience and a real way to connect with Kazakh hospitality.
  • Horse culture and equestrian shows — Live horse races, intense team games (think goat-dragging kokpar and mounted wrestling/skills), and demonstrations of horsemanship. Nothing beats the energy of riders and crowds on a wide steppe — it’s visceral, loud and utterly local.
  • Traditional music, aitys and storytelling — Dombra and kobyz players, epic recitations and aitys (improvised poetic duels) give the festival its soundtrack. Performances are up close and raw—more like being invited into
… read more 👉
  • Kymyz tasting and mare’s-milk rituals — The whole point of the festival. Expect guided tastings, traditional pouring ceremonies and local explanations of why kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) matters to nomadic life. It’s a sensory, slightly sour experience and a real way to connect with Kazakh hospitality.
  • Horse culture and equestrian shows — Live horse races, intense team games (think goat-dragging kokpar and mounted wrestling/skills), and demonstrations of horsemanship. Nothing beats the energy of riders and crowds on a wide steppe — it’s visceral, loud and utterly local.
  • Traditional music, aitys and storytelling — Dombra and kobyz players, epic recitations and aitys (improvised poetic duels) give the festival its soundtrack. Performances are up close and raw—more like being invited into a living culture than watching a polished stage show.
  • Yurt life, felt art and hands-on workshops — Walk into decorated yurts, watch shyrdak felt-making, see yurt pitching demos and join short workshops where you can try weaving or embroidery. It’s the best place to learn how everyday nomadic crafts are actually made and why they look the way they do.
  • Communal food and regional flavors — Beyond kymyz you’ll taste big family-style dishes: beshbarmak, kazy, baursaki and other hearty Central Asian fare. Meals are social affairs in yurts or under tents — food, tea, stories and strangers who feel like friends by the second bowl.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
Stop researching. Start exploring.
Discover all 118 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.

Get instant access

🌤️ When to go?When is the celebration of Kymyz Festival?


  • Topic: Weather – Aim for late spring to early summer (May to June). Temperatures hover between 15-25°C (59-77°F), avoiding the harsh cold of early spring and the scorching heat of mid-summer.

  • Topic: Temperature – Days are comfortably warm, perfect for outdoor festivities without overheating. Nights can dip to around 10°C (50°F), so pack a light jacket.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Long daylight stretches, often 14-16 hours, give you plenty of time to soak in the festival and explore the surrounding steppe without rushing.

  • Topic: Crowds – The festival draws locals and tourists alike, but visiting just before peak summer means fewer crowds, letting you engage more authentically without the tourist crush.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – This timing aligns with traditional horse games and kymyz
… read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather – Aim for late spring to early summer (May to June). Temperatures hover between 15-25°C (59-77°F), avoiding the harsh cold of early spring and the scorching heat of mid-summer.

  • Topic: Temperature – Days are comfortably warm, perfect for outdoor festivities without overheating. Nights can dip to around 10°C (50°F), so pack a light jacket.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Long daylight stretches, often 14-16 hours, give you plenty of time to soak in the festival and explore the surrounding steppe without rushing.

  • Topic: Crowds – The festival draws locals and tourists alike, but visiting just before peak summer means fewer crowds, letting you engage more authentically without the tourist crush.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – This timing aligns with traditional horse games and kymyz tastings at their liveliest, capturing the festival’s raw energy and cultural pulse.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Early summer sees moderate prices on accommodation and transport. Avoid July and August when costs spike due to peak tourist season.


Pro-tip: Lock in your trip for late May or early June to dodge extreme weather, inflated prices, and crowds—maximizing your stamina and wallet for the moments that count.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: not recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: not recommended for travelingMARMarch: not recommended for travelingAPRApril: not recommended for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: not recommended for travelingJULJuly: not recommended for travelingAUGAugust: not recommended for travelingSEPSeptember: not recommended for travelingOCTOctober: not recommended for travelingNOVNovember: not recommended for travelingDECDecember: not recommended for traveling

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutKazakhstan Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Kazakhstan
The digital guide (445 pages) contains:
✅ 118 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.


By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

When you’re gearing up for the Kymyz Festival in Kazakhstan, your choice of where to stay can make or break your experience. Head to the bustling heart of Almaty. This city pulses with energy, and its hostels and guesthouses are magnets for backpackers. You’ll find a mix of locals and fellow travelers, perfect for swapping stories and tips.

Another solid option is the village of Karkara, close to the festival site. It’s a quieter spot, but the community vibe is strong. You’ll connect with locals and fellow adventurers, all while soaking in the stunning scenery.

Stay away from isolated spots. … read more 👉
When you’re gearing up for the Kymyz Festival in Kazakhstan, your choice of where to stay can make or break your experience. Head to the bustling heart of Almaty. This city pulses with energy, and its hostels and guesthouses are magnets for backpackers. You’ll find a mix of locals and fellow travelers, perfect for swapping stories and tips.

Another solid option is the village of Karkara, close to the festival site. It’s a quieter spot, but the community vibe is strong. You’ll connect with locals and fellow adventurers, all while soaking in the stunning scenery.

Stay away from isolated spots. Safety and social interaction are key. Choose areas where you can easily access transport and local eateries. This way, you’ll save your energy and budget for the festival itself, diving into the culture and camaraderie that makes this event truly special.
Best hostels in Kazakhstan


Best quality hotels in Kazakhstan

👛 Costs (as of 19 December 2024)What things cost and how to budget

The Kymyz Festival in Kazakhstan is a vibrant celebration of culture, but navigating the costs can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know to keep your budget intact while maximizing your experience.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around €10 to €20 ($11 to $22) for entry. Prices can vary based on the day and any special events. Grab your tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
  • Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels at €10 to €15 ($11 to $17) per night to mid-range hotels costing €30 to €60 ($33 to $67). Booking in advance is key, especially during the festival when demand spikes.
  • Local Transport: Public transport is affordable. Buses and shared taxis typically cost between €1 to €3 ($1.10 to $3.30) for short trips. If you’re venturing further, budget around €10 to €20 ($11
… read more 👉
The Kymyz Festival in Kazakhstan is a vibrant celebration of culture, but navigating the costs can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know to keep your budget intact while maximizing your experience.
  • Festival Tickets: Expect to pay around €10 to €20 ($11 to $22) for entry. Prices can vary based on the day and any special events. Grab your tickets early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
  • Accommodation: Options range from budget hostels at €10 to €15 ($11 to $17) per night to mid-range hotels costing €30 to €60 ($33 to $67). Booking in advance is key, especially during the festival when demand spikes.
  • Local Transport: Public transport is affordable. Buses and shared taxis typically cost between €1 to €3 ($1.10 to $3.30) for short trips. If you’re venturing further, budget around €10 to €20 ($11 to $22) for longer rides.
  • Food & Drinks: Street food is your best friend here. Meals can cost as little as €3 to €7 ($3.30 to $7.70). If you opt for sit-down restaurants, expect to pay €10 to €20 ($11 to $22) per meal. Don’t forget to try the local kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) — it’s part of the experience!
  • Miscellaneous Expenses: Set aside around €5 to €15 ($5.50 to $17) for souvenirs, snacks, or unexpected costs. Festivals can throw surprises your way, so having a little extra cash is wise.

Keep these costs in mind, and you’ll be well-prepared to dive into the festival without breaking the bank. Enjoy the journey!
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

At the **Kymyz Festival** in Kazakhstan, food and drink are as much a part of the experience as the vibrant celebrations. Dive into **kymyz**, the fermented mare’s milk that’s a local staple. It’s tangy, refreshing, and a must-try for the authentic taste of Kazakh culture.

Stalls burst with **traditional dishes** like **beshbarmak**, a hearty mix of boiled meat and pasta, served with a side of rich broth. Don’t miss out on **samsa**, flaky pastries stuffed with spiced meat or pumpkin, perfect for snacking while you mingle.

Expect a lively atmosphere where sharing is key. If you see a line, jump in; it’s part of the fun. Cash is king here, so keep some tenge handy. Serving sizes can be generous, so pace yourself—there’s plenty to savor. Embrace the communal spirit, and you’ll find that … read more 👉
At the **Kymyz Festival** in Kazakhstan, food and drink are as much a part of the experience as the vibrant celebrations. Dive into **kymyz**, the fermented mare’s milk that’s a local staple. It’s tangy, refreshing, and a must-try for the authentic taste of Kazakh culture.

Stalls burst with **traditional dishes** like **beshbarmak**, a hearty mix of boiled meat and pasta, served with a side of rich broth. Don’t miss out on **samsa**, flaky pastries stuffed with spiced meat or pumpkin, perfect for snacking while you mingle.

Expect a lively atmosphere where sharing is key. If you see a line, jump in; it’s part of the fun. Cash is king here, so keep some tenge handy. Serving sizes can be generous, so pace yourself—there’s plenty to savor. Embrace the communal spirit, and you’ll find that every bite is a celebration of culture and camaraderie.

Other Kazakhstani festivals near Kymyz

Explore more nearby:

  • Nauryz—spring equinox, communal feasts, street performances
  • Nomad Games—archery contests, wrestling matches, ethnic costumes
  • Spirit of Tengri—ethno-music, outdoor stage, world ensembles

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Kazakhstan including Kymyz and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all festivals

Or checkout all Kazakhstan has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Kazakhstan
Country photo of Kazakhstan
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackIs it worth it?

The Kymyz Festival pulses with energy. You’ll taste fermented mare’s milk, and trust me, it’s an acquired kick that’s worth the leap. Expect lively competitions and warm locals eager to share stories. Just a heads-up: the altitude can zap your energy. Stay hydrated and pace yourself. Embrace the chaos; it’s where the real magic happens. This is Kazakhstan at its most authentic.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Kazakhstan. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story
Get full Kazakhstan guide •
Instant download • 118 highlights • Full Offline guide