Information about the country Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan - this Central Asian country attracts tourists with its rich history, unique culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The capital of Kazakhstan is the city of Astana, which was renamed to Nur-Sultan in 2019 and will return to its former name in 2022. Attractions such as the Baiterek Monument, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, and the Khazret Sultan Mosque can be seen here.

Citizens of many countries require a visa to enter Kazakhstan. In recent years, visa regulations for tourists from a number of countries have been simplified. For current and detailed information on visa regulations, requirements, and necessary documents, visit the page Visas for Kazakhstan. There you will find all the information you need to plan your trip to this fascinating country.

The geography of Kazakhstan is diverse: from deserts to snow-capped mountain peaks. In the south of the country lies the majestic Tien Shan Mountains and in the west the mysterious Caspian Sea. The boundless steppes that occupy the largest part of the country give Kazakhstan's landscapes a unique character.

The population of Kazakhstan is multinational, which is also reflected in the rich culture and traditions of the country. The official language is Kazakh, but Russian is also widely spoken. The religion of the majority of the population is Islam, but Kazakhstan is a secular state where all faiths are respected.

The country's economy is based on rich natural resources, including oil and gas. In recent years, the tourism sector has been actively developing and offers travelers a variety of opportunities.

Kazakhstan has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the country is from May to September, when the weather is most favorable.

Attractions in Kazakhstan include the Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Charyn Canyon, the Kaindy Lake, the Altyn-Emel National Park, and the ski resort Shymbulak. Tourists can visit ancient cities on the Silk Road like Turkestan or enjoy modern life in Almaty, the country's largest city.

The currency of Kazakhstan is the Tenge. The flag of the country is a blue cloth with a golden sun and a rising eagle. The coat of arms shows a Shanyrak - a circle crowning a yurt, a symbol of home and unity.

The President is the head of state, and the government exercises executive power. Kazakhstan is striving to develop democracy and strengthen its position on the international stage.

Kazakh cuisine is famous for its meat dishes, including beshbarmak and kazy. Tourists can try the national drinks Koumiss and Shubat.

A journey through Kazakhstan will give you unforgettable impressions and vivid photos. Every day you spend in this amazing country offers you the opportunity to see something new and exciting. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or modern culture, Kazakhstan offers many places and activities that will make your vacation unforgettable.

Kazakhstan is famous for its continental climate with pronounced seasonality. Each season has its own characteristics and attractions for travelers.

Winter in Kazakhstan, which lasts from December to February, is characterized by cold weather and heavy snowfall, especially in the northern regions. Temperatures can drop to -20 °C and below. This is an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts. Ski resorts like Shymbulak near Almaty offer excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.

Spring, which extends over the months of March, April, and May, brings warming and awakening of nature. At this time of year, the steppes of Kazakhstan are covered with a carpet of tulips and poppies, providing a spectacular sight. The weather becomes milder, making spring a great time for sightseeing and hiking.

Summer, which lasts from June to August, is the most popular season for tourism in Kazakhstan. Temperatures can reach up to +30 °C and more during this time. It's the ideal time to visit national parks like Altyn-Emel or the Charyn Gorge. In summer, numerous festivals and cultural events also take place.

Autumn in Kazakhstan, which lasts from September to November, is characterized by mild and pleasant weather. The average daytime temperature during this time ranges between +10°C and +15°C in the southern regions and between +5°C and +10°C in the north. It's a great time to enjoy the beauty of nature, especially in the mountain regions where the leaves turn into bright autumn colors. Autumn is also a good time to visit cities and cultural attractions.

The best time to travel to Kazakhstan is from May to September. During this time, the weather is most favorable for a variety of activities: from city tours to mountain hikes and steppe expeditions. However, each season in Kazakhstan is beautiful in its own way and can offer the traveler a unique experience.

Understanding and respecting the cultural peculiarities of Kazakhstan will not only enrich your journey, but also help you build warm relationships with the locals, opening the door to genuine hospitality and unique experiences.

Hospitality is one of the most important values of the Kazakh people. It is customary to warmly welcome guests and pamper them with the best dishes. Refusing can be seen as disrespectful, so it is recommended to at least try a little of what is offered. The traditional dish Beshbarmak is often served on large, shared plates and eaten with hands, which is part of the cultural experience.

Respect for elders is another important feature of Kazakh culture. When entering a room or sitting at a table, the elders are let in first. It is also common to give priority to older people in public transport.

Kazakhstan is famous for its many family traditions. The Shanyrak, the top part of the yurt symbolizing home and family unity, is a central part of the culture. The tradition of passing down the Shanyrak from father to younger son emphasizes the importance of generational continuity.

Special rituals are associated with the most important moments of life. Besikke salu - placing the child in the cradle, symbolizes the inclusion of a new member into the family. Tusau kesu - cutting the bonds, symbolizes a child's first steps. Kyz uzatu - the bride's farewell is an important part of wedding traditions, including blessing the parents and handing over the dowry.

Kazakhstan values art and creativity. Aytys, a competition of Akyns (improvisational poets), is a unique form of oral folk art where participants compete in poetry and wit. Traditional instruments like the Dombra and throat singing are essential parts of the country's cultural heritage.

Sporting traditions are also deeply rooted. Kokpar (or kokpar), a traditional equestrian game resembling rugby, showcases the skill of the riders and the strength of the horses.

The country fosters an atmosphere of religious tolerance. Although Islam is the predominant religion, all faiths are respected. When visiting mosques or other religious sites, it is advisable to dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.

The communication language in Kazakhstan is diverse. Kazakh is the official language, but Russian is also widely spoken, especially in cities. Those who master a few sentences in Kazakh are highly appreciated by the locals.

Kazakhstan is rich in national holidays. Nauryz, celebrated in March, is one of the most important and symbolizes the beginning of the new year and the awakening of nature. Participating in the festive events allows you to better understand local traditions and rituals.

Respect for nature is an important part of Kazakh culture. The country is rich in national parks and nature reserves, and adherence to environmental standards is highly valued.

The level of medical care in Kazakhstan is increasing thanks to state health programs. Special attention is paid to the introduction of digital technologies that help increase the availability of medical services even in remote regions of the country.

One of the features of Kazakh medicine is the combination of public and private medical centers. State hospitals provide basic medical care for all citizens, while private clinics often offer specialized services and have modern equipment.

The National Scientific Medical Center in Astana is the flagship of Kazakh healthcare. It performs the most complex operations, including organ transplants, and conducts advanced scientific research. The center is equipped with state-of-the-art devices and attracts highly qualified doctors from across the country and abroad.

The Oncology Center in Almaty is known for its cancer treatment services. Innovative methods of diagnosis and therapy are applied here, significantly enhancing the efficiency of combating oncological diseases.

The Children's Emergency Medical Care Centre in Almaty specializes in emergency care for children. The center's doctors receive regular training in leading international clinics, ensuring a high level of care for young patients.

Medical tourism is actively developing in the country. Modern clinics in Nur-Sultan and Almaty attract patients from neighboring countries and offer high-quality treatments at competitive prices.

Despite significant progress, the Kazakh healthcare system faces some challenges. The unequal distribution of medical resources between urban and rural areas remains a pressing issue. To address this problem, the government is implementing programs to bring young doctors to remote regions and develop telemedicine.

The Kazakh healthcare system shows a positive development trend. Continuous improvement of medical technologies, ongoing training of doctors, and infrastructure enhancements contribute to increasing the quality and accessibility of medical services for the country's population.

The Kazakh national cuisine is known for its variety of meat dishes, tasty drinks, and unique recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The national dishes of Kazakhstan reflect the nomadic lifestyle of the ancestors, whose basis was animal husbandry. Therefore, meat products play an important role in national recipes. Lamb, beef, and especially horse meat are the main ingredients for many traditional dishes. In addition, the dishes are often cooked over an open fire or simmered in large cauldrons, giving each dish a unique flavor.

One of the most popular and well-known dishes is Beshbarmak, a symbol of Kazakh cuisine. Its name translates to "five fingers," referring to the way it is served and eaten: traditionally with hands. Beshbarmak consists of boiled meat (usually horse or mutton), cut into pieces and served with noodles cooked in meat broth. This dish is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the true taste of Kazakhstan.

Kuirdak is another important dish in Kazakh cuisine. It is a roast made from offal such as heart, liver, and lungs, with potatoes and onions. It is cooked over high heat and is a fragrant, flavorful dish that symbolizes Kazakh traditions. Kuirdak is usually served at the beginning of a feast to show respect to the guests from the hosts.

Another equally popular dish is Palau (or Pilau). Unlike the Uzbek version, Kazakh Palau is prepared with large pieces of meat, usually lamb or beef, and contains carrots, onions, rice, and a variety of spices. Palau symbolizes abundance in Kazakhstan and is an integral part of the festive table, especially at important events and celebrations.

Baursaks are small fried, donut-like pieces of dough, often served as an appetizer or dessert. Baursaks symbolize hospitality and are usually prepared for a special occasion, whether it's a family celebration or a gathering of guests. They are served with honey or jam, or simply eaten with tea.

Drinks also play an important role in Kazakhstan culinary tradition. One of the most famous national drinks is Koumiss, a fermented drink made from mare's milk that aids digestion and strengthens the immune system.

Another traditional drink is Saumal, fresh mare's milk rich in vitamins and trace elements. Ayran is another fermented milk drink often served with meat dishes to aid digestion. Tea holds a special significance in Kazakhstan and is an integral part of hospitality. Black tea with milk is the most popular version, giving the drink a smooth and flavorful taste. Tea accompanies every meal and plays an important role in communication.

Sweets and desserts in Kazakh cuisine. One of the most popular desserts is Tschak-Tschak, which are fried honey dough pieces mixed with nuts and honey. Tschak-Tschak is an essential part of the festive table and symbolizes joy and abundance.

Kazakh cuisine is more than just food. It is part of the culture and reflects the way of life, history, and traditions of the people. National dishes like Beshbarmak, Kuirdak, Palau, Baursaks, Shurpa, as well as traditional drinks like Koumiss, Ayran, and tea offer a unique flavor palette that every visitor to Kazakhstan should try.

Features of tourism in Kazakhstan. The development of tourism in Kazakhstan is gaining momentum rapidly due to the country's unique nature and cultural heritage. The country offers tourists various types of tourism - from ecological treks and hiking routes to gastronomic tours and cultural excursions. For family tourists, national parks and cultural centers such as the Burabai Park or the ethno-cultural complex "Khan Shatyr" are particularly suitable, where you can learn more about Kazakh culture and traditions.

Types of tourism in Kazakhstan for families. Ecological routes to the Altai Mountains, visits to Lake Balkhash and excursions to the cultural centers of tourism in Kazakhstan are ideal for family trips. For children, activities such as horseback riding or camel trips, visits to petting zoos and craft classes are particularly interesting. Look out for agritourism offers, where children can observe farm work and participate in fruit and vegetable harvesting.

Recommendations for solo travelers. Solo travelers can take multi-day hikes in the mountain regions of the Tian Shan and explore historical cities like Turkestan, Shymkent or Almaty. The development of tourism in Kazakhstan allows solo travelers to feel safe thanks to the growing tourist infrastructure and the many tour guides and information centers. One of the main advantages of solo travelers are individual tours and the opportunity to interact with locals, leading to a deeper understanding of Kazakh culture.

Tourist centers in Kazakhstan. Among the main tourist centers in Kazakhstan are Almaty, Astana and the region around Lake Issyk-Kul. Almaty is a good starting point as it houses many museums, parks and markets that introduce tourists to the rich culture of the region. Astana offers modern architecture and numerous cultural events. Also worth a visit is West Kazakhstan, known for its canyons and unique caves that attract adventurers from all over the world.

From breathtaking natural landscapes to modern cultural complexes - Kazakhstan is a country with incredible tourist opportunities.

When traveling through this Central Asian country, you can not only take home souvenirs, but also a piece of Kazakh culture.

National Jewelry: Kazakh jewelry is known for its beauty and uniqueness. Traditional jewelry like bracelets, rings, earrings, and chest jewelry are often made of silver and adorned with gemstones or semi-precious stones. Items with national ornaments that have deep symbolic meaning are especially valuable.

Felt Products: Felt plays an important role in Kazakh culture. Many items are made from it, which make excellent souvenirs: Tekemets - felt carpets with traditional patterns, warm and comfortable felt slippers, toys and souvenir animal figures, bags and phone cases.

Kazakh Chapan: The chapan is a traditional Kazakh robe worn by both men and women. It can be made from various materials, from simple cotton to luxurious silk, and is often adorned with national patterns. A chapan can not only be a souvenir, but also a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

National Drinks: Kumys - fermented mare's milk with healing properties, Shubat - a drink made from camel milk. Both drinks can be brought in dried form, which facilitates their transportation. Bottles of these drinks are also popular as souvenirs.

Kazakh Musical Instruments: Dombra - a two-stringed plucked instrument, a symbol of Kazakh music, Kobyz - an ancient string instrument, Sybyzgy - a Kazakh flute. Miniature versions of these instruments are a great gift for music and ethnography enthusiasts.

Kazakh Chocolate: Rakhat chocolate is a hallmark of Kazakh sweets. Particularly popular are the "Kazakhstan" candies in boxes decorated in the national style. It is also worth paying attention to other sweets from local production.

Leather Goods: Kazakhstan is famous for its high-quality leather goods. In specialty stores and markets, you will find: handcrafted bags and briefcases, wallets with national patterns, genuine leather belts, document holders.

Kazakh Chess: unique chess sets, where the pieces represent figures from Kazakh history and folklore in national costumes.

Souvenir Yurts: Miniature reproductions of traditional Kazakh dwellings - yurts - are a popular souvenir. They can vary in size and detail, from simple models to complex designs with fully replicated interiors.

Kazakh Carpets: Handmade carpets with national patterns are an expensive but valuable souvenir. They can be made of wool or silk. Handmade carpets from Shymkent and Turkestan are particularly valuable.

The national sweets of Kazakhstan include Baursaks, Tschak-Tschak, Kurt, and Zhent. These traditional desserts will delight lovers of unusual flavors.

Kazakh headwear like Skullcap, Malakhai, and Saukele are not only beautiful, but also practical. They can be an interesting addition to your wardrobe or a unique souvenir.

Kazakh Dolls in national costumes are not only beautiful, but also informative, as they showcase the traditional clothing of different regions of Kazakhstan.

Ceramic Items, including dishes with national motifs, decorative plates and vases, as well as statuettes depicting scenes from Kazakh life, will be a wonderful memory of the trip.

When choosing souvenirs, pay attention to the quality of the items and preferably buy them in specialty stores or at official markets. Popular shopping destinations in Kazakhstan are the Green Bazaar in Almaty, the Khan-Shatyr Shopping Center in Astana, the Central Market in Shymkent, and Gulder shops throughout the country.