Kazakhstan Travel Guide

Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world and the biggest landlocked nation on the planet, stretching across a vast landscape that's nearly the size of Western Europe. While it's still something of a hidden gem for many travellers, the destination offers a fascinating mix of cultures, shaped by its diverse population and rich history. It shares borders with Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and its wide-open spaces and welcoming, if somewhat reserved, people reflect its unique position at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan became an independent country in December 1991, the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence. Since then, it's been carving out its own identity, blending old traditions with modern development. The country's landscapes are incredibly varied, from sweeping, treeless steppes to dramatic mountain ranges such as the Tian Shan, and on to colourful canyons, alpine lakes and lush meadows around the Almaty region.

Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas and minerals, which have fuelled rapid economic growth. And while challenges such as rural poverty and unemployment still exist in some areas, the country is steadily developing, with growing infrastructure and a rising presence on the world stage.

Astana, the capital (formerly known as Nur-Sultan), is a sleek, modern city filled with futuristic architecture, government buildings, and international business hubs. Further south, Almaty is Kazakhstan's largest city and cultural heart; leafy, lively, and set against a stunning mountain backdrop. It's known for its grand theatres, vibrant street markets, cosy cafés and creative energy.

For adventurous travellers, Kazakhstan has plenty to explore. Visitors can ski in the mountains just outside Almaty, visit the legendary Baikonur Cosmodrome, home to the world's first space launch site, spot rare bird species in Korgalzhyn Nature Reserve, or hike through national parks where they might catch sight of wild ibex, bears, or soaring raptors. Whether visitors are after natural beauty, cultural depth or off-the-beaten-track experiences, Kazakhstan has something to offer.