Classic Kazakhstan: Almaty, Charyn, Kolsai, Astana
Duration : 10 days
Route : Almaty (3 nights) → Charyn 4×4 (1 night, canyon) → Kolsai 4×4 (2 nights, alpine lakes) → return Almaty → Astana flight (3 nights) → return Almaty flight (1 night)
Custom travel to Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia's most extraordinary countries — world's 9th largest country (2.7 million km², 5 times France) for only 19 million inhabitants — one of the world's lowest densities. Independent since 1991 (former Soviet Union), rich in natural resources (oil, gas, uranium — world's 1st producer), heir to Turkish nomadic traditions. 70% Sunni Muslim (moderate), 26% Orthodox Christian (Russian heritage). Almaty ('the apple', former capital, 2 million inhabitants, most dynamic city at foot of Tian Shan mountains) — Big Almaty Lake (turquoise alpine lake at 2,500 m, 20 km away), Medeu Olympic ice rink, Chimbulak ski resort. Astana (renamed Nur-Sultan 2019-2022, then back to Astana, capital since 1997 by decision of President Nazarbayev — futuristic capital built ex nihilo in the steppe, extraterrestrial architecture by Foster, Manfredi Nicoletti). Kolsai Lakes ('Kazakh Alps', 3 alpine lakes surrounded by green mountains, 3 h from Almaty). Charyn Canyon (Asia's 'Grand Canyon', 154 km long, 300 m deep, spectacular rock formations, accessible from Almaty). Turkestan (UNESCO, Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasaui, 14th century, major Central Asian Islamic sanctuary, on the Silk Road). Nomadic cuisine (national beshbarmak, kymyz fermented mare's milk, shashlyk). 10-12 days to explore this country-continent.
Highlights
- Almaty: Tian Shan and Big Almaty Lake
- Astana: futuristic capital
- Kolsai Lakes (Kazakh Alps)
- Charyn Canyon (Asia's Grand Canyon)
- Turkestan: Yasaui Mausoleum (UNESCO)
- Steppes and Kazakh nomadic yurts
Sample itineraries
Silk Road: Kazakhstan + Uzbekistan
Duration : 16 days
Route : Almaty (3) → Charyn (1) → Kolsai (2) → Tashkent Uzbekistan flight (1) → Samarkand train (3) → Bukhara train (3) → Khiva flight (2) → return flight
Almaty and Tian Shan: nature and trekking
Duration : 8 days
Route : Almaty (2 nights) → 4-day Tian Shan trek (Kolsai-Kaindy yurts) → return Almaty (2 nights)
When to go
May-September is the best period (continental summer, 20-30 °C, accessible lakes). Avoid November-March (extreme winters, -25 to -40 °C, some areas inaccessible). April and October are pivot months (cool).
- Summer (June – August) — All sites, accessible lakes, nomadic festivals
- Inter-season (May and September) — Tian Shan in colors, ideal hikes
- Extreme winter (November – March) — Skiing at Chimbulak, snowy Astana (striking architecture)
- Autumn (October) — Golden Tian Shan, last season for lakes
Practical information
Generally safe. Vigilance for pickpockets in Almaty and Astana. No visa for French citizens < 30 days (since 2017). Cards accepted in Almaty and Astana, cash (tenge) elsewhere. Avoid tap water (bottled water). Russian very useful (limited English outside upscale hotels). Covering attire in mosques. 10% tipping in upscale restaurants. Extreme winters — bring suitable clothing (-30 °C in January-February).
Frequently asked questions
When?
May-September. Avoid November-March (-25 to -40 °C). May and October to avoid crowds.
How long?
10 days for Almaty + Charyn + Kolsai + Astana. Possible to combine with Uzbekistan (16 days).
Budget?
€2,800-€3,800 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €4,500-€6,500. Flights: €600-€1,000.
Visa?
No for French citizens < 30 days (since 2017).
Family?
Yes, from age 10. Total safety. Tian Shan trek suitable for adventurous teens.
How to get around?
Air Astana domestic flights (Almaty-Astana 2 h). Private 4×4 for Charyn/Kolsai excursions. Talgo train for Turkestan.
English spoken?
Very limited. Russian very useful (lingua franca). Learn a few Kazakh or Russian words.
Safety: stable Kazakhstan?
Generally stable since 1991 independence. Brief January 2022 protests. Usual vigilance.
Combine?
Yes: Kazakhstan + Uzbekistan (Tashkent by 14-h train or 1-h flight), Kazakhstan + Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan + Mongolia.
Tips?
10% in upscale restaurants. Appreciated in hotels and with guides.