Kazakhstan

Good to know

1. 1Kazakhstan stretches across a huge area of Central Asia and borders Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, and it also touches the Caspian Sea.
2. 2Kazakh and Russian are both widely used, and Russian is often the easier choice for everyday conversation in the cities. The Kazakh language is gradually moving from the Cyrillic alphabet toward a Latin-based one.
3. 3The capital is Astana, which became the capital in 1997 and is known for its modern, futuristic architecture. Almaty, the largest city and former capital, sits at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains.
4. 4Horses have a central place in Kazakh culture, and traditional dishes reflect the nomadic past. Beshbarmak, boiled meat served over flat noodles, is considered the national dish.
5. 5The Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh steppe is the launch site of the first human spaceflight, and it is still used for space missions today.
6. 6The currency is the tenge, and tea and hospitality are important, so guests are often offered tea and food at someone's home.

Tips for a first visit

• Learn a few words of Russian or Kazakh, or keep a translation app ready. English is more common among younger people in big cities than elsewhere.
• Distances are large, so pick one or two regions rather than trying to see the whole country in a single trip.
• Try beshbarmak, manty (steamed dumplings), baursak (fried dough) and fermented drinks such as kumis, which is made from mare's milk and has a strong, sour taste.
• Carry some cash for smaller towns and markets, although cards are widely used in the main cities.
• When invited into a home, take off your shoes at the door and accept the tea or food you are offered. Bringing a small gift for the hosts is appreciated.
• Dress warmly for the cold months and carry layers in the mountains, where the weather can change quickly.

When to go

Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times for most travellers, with mild days and good conditions for the cities and the countryside. Summer is hot, especially in the south and across the steppe, but it is a good time for the mountains. Winters are long and very cold, though they suit skiing near Almaty.

Getting around

Because the country is so large, many people fly between the main cities such as Astana, Almaty and Shymkent. Long-distance trains are a comfortable, slower alternative and often run overnight. Buses and shared taxis connect smaller towns, and in the cities taxis booked through apps are common and easy to use.