The Ultimate Kazakhstan Travel Guide | 7-Day Itinerary & Budget
TravelTalk24 Team
Travel Experts
Kazakhstan is a country so vast and rich in geographical features—particularly its beautiful Altai and Tien Shan mountain ranges—yet it remains an off-the-beaten-path gem. Steeped in culture, delicious food, and a nomadic way of life, it offers a truly raw and uncrowded travel experience.
Based on the Solo travel vlog by 'LukeGee Travels', we've compiled a comprehensive guide to traveling in Southern Kazakhstan, starting in its largest city, Almaty, and exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the surrounding countryside.
Kazakhstan Travel Guide 🇰🇿 - How to Plan your Trip
Essential Tips & Transportation
- Cash is King: Outside of major cities, you will need cash (Tenge). Roughly $1 USD = 475 KZT. Never exchange money at the airport; look for exchanges in the city.
- Getting Around: Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. The highways are excellent, though rural roads can be bumpy. Car rentals typically cost $20 to $30 per day (check out Vladex Rent a Car).
- Accommodations: In smaller towns near national parks, booking sites like Expedia won't be very useful. It is customary to find a local Bed & Breakfast upon arrival ($10 - $30 per night).
- Language: Download Russian translation offline on your phone, as it is widely spoken.
7-Day Southern Kazakhstan Itinerary
| Day | Activities & Sightseeing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-2: Almaty | Explore the First President's Park, visit the Green Bazaar for food, and take the Kok Tobe Gondola ($10) for sunset city views. | Traffic in Almaty can be awful, so plan extra travel time. |
| Day 3: Mountains of Almaty | Visit Big Almaty Lake (prepare to hike or hitchhike the last 5 miles due to road closures) and take the gondola to the Shymbulak Ski Resort. | Take bus #6 or #12 from the city to reach the Medeu ice rink base. |
| Day 4: Altyn Emel National Park | Drive 3.5 hours to see the unique Aktau Mountains and Singing Dunes. Pay the $3 park fee in the village of Basshi (Kalinino). | The largest national park in the country. |
| Day 5: Charyn Canyon | Explore the 'Grand Canyon of Central Asia'. Hike the Rim Trail and the Valley of the Castles to the river at the bottom. | A shuttle is available at the bottom for hot summer days. |
| Days 6-7: Kolsai & Kaindy Lakes | Stay in Saty village. Hire a Soviet van to see the 'Sunken Forest' of Lake Kaindy, then hike the emerald Kolsai Lakes in the Tien Shan mountains. | The third Kolsai Lake touches the border of Kyrgyzstan. |
Kazakh Cuisine: What to Eat
Kazakh food is a rich, savory fusion of Central Asian, Russian, and Middle Eastern influences. When visiting Almaty's Green Bazaar or local restaurants, be sure to try:
- Beshbarmak: The national dish consisting of boiled horse meat and beef served over flat noodles.
- Manty: Kazakh-style steamed dumplings, usually filled with ground beef or lamb.
- Laghman: Thin, hand-pulled noodles served in a savory, slightly spicy broth.
- Kumis: For the adventurous—fermented mare's milk. It has a distinct, sour taste!
Budget Breakdown (8 Days)
Kazakhstan is incredibly affordable. Here is the estimated budget breakdown for an 8-day solo road trip (excluding international flights):
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Car Rental (8 Days) | $330 |
| Gas / Fuel | $90 |
| Food & Restaurants | $130 |
| Accommodations (Local B&Bs) | $100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $650 |
“The small amount of tourists you'll find throughout the country will let you truly experience every place you visit and connect with nature.”
— LukeGee Travels
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